Heavenor Family

Recent Improvments to the duration of Marli's Spica Cast Journey

2012-02-01T16:29:00.000-08:00

We are 7 weeks into our Spica Cast journey, and what a journey its been! The first few weeks, I'd say the first 4 things were relatively the same in regards to sleep. Obviously nursing was tricky but we figured it out, and going out was difficult since fitting in strollers was almost impossible... but then we figured out the Baby Bjorn worked pretty good and I was able to get groceries with both of them again!

Then she started showing signs for being ready for solids. I jimmy rigged a umbrella stroller with pillows and it worked okay... but was not great. Then with more searching on the Internet Jordan found another website with a parent who has had children with DDH and Spica casts and he recommended this booster seat made by "First Years" and its great! No alterations have been needed, and its so fun to see her sit at the table and sit properly to eat! She thinks its pretty neat too!

Then handy man Jordan made this chair! He found this on another website about Spica Casts. A Mom that had a child go through this and came up with the design. He was able to figure out her design and make it! Woo hoo, now Marli can sit up and play with toys and not be on her back. Its important to not have her on her back all the time since she sleeps on her back and spends most time there, its good to rotate her around and give her tummy time and upright time. This has been awesome for that!

There is basically a lid on to that we take off and the bench / seat is cut so that her cast can sit properly on it. Jordan is going to put some padding on the bench to make it a little more cushion against the cast. We were just waiting to see how the new cast looked in case anything needed to be changed.

The inside

And of course I had to make it pretty!

Our sweet girl. So since starting solids she has grown so much! She literally the last 5 days was bursting out of her cast! She is such a good natured happy baby naturally, but the last 5 days was so uncomfortable and not happy! I kid you not, during the night she would wake up every 1/2 to 45 mins! To say the least, I'm exhausted! She just could not be comfortable enough to sleep well. Poor girl! Her feet were starting to swell, and where we stuff the diaper up was so tight Jordan couldn't even get his hands up there!

Well the day finally came today. Just over half way, she got it changed this morning. Once again, she was such a trouper! We didn't have to stay over night today, her surgery was at 7:30, and we were home by 11am! Pretty good, it helps that she was such a good little girl after the initial sadness of waking up so hungry and tired! While the nurse and I were putting the water proof tape around her diaper hole she just laid there on her back then her stomach just baby talking away. Both experiences in the hospital the nurses are always shocked at our patient and happy and clam she is!

The cast sure caught me off guard. Its HUGE!!! I think they left room for her to grow since she was so big in her last one. We went for pink this time instead of purple. Its quite bright, but very girly! But already I can tell she is more comfortable and feels better. The swelling in her feat is gone, and shes wiggling much better, she does this funny wiggle with her upper body that makes her giggle. Its like her only form of movement, quite funny!

The good thing about getting the cast changed at 7 weeks instead of 6 weeks is that we only have 5 weeks left!!! I just can't believe we are on the downhill, amazing! Its funny, it feels like its gone by fast, but also feels like its definitely been at least 7 weeks! We scheduled the cast removal today and its on... my bday! haha, best birthday present EVER! She will be in a form of brace after this, but that will be nothing compared to the cast!

Things I cant wait for:

- To give her a proper bath again! For her and Avery to have a bath together, they both just adore each other

- To take her swimming for the first time!

- To fit in a normal baby car seat again

- So see her firsts; sitting up, rolling, crawling!!!

- To snuggle her body and not 90% hard cast

- To work on getting her to sleep through the night, she was getting close before the cast...

- To go out more easily for groceries and errands, play dates

And so much more! And mostly for her hip to get all better and not have any issues in the future!

First 3 weeks with Marli's cast... 1/4 way there!

2012-01-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

I do intend to blog about Christmas / New Years, however we did not havethe most magical Christmas I was hoping for. Our Christmas involved helpingAvery hit the bucket and make it to the toilet on time. We did however have anice Christmas, but all the pictures we have from Christmas are on my parentscamera (since our hands were full with other things.)

I would however like to fill you in on Marli’s HipDysplasia. As I explained in my previous post, our Orthopedic Surgeon hadinformed us that most likely the brace would not cure Marli’s hip because ofthe angle that her hip is at. We had decided to try it out in the mean timesince surgery time was not expected to be available until January.

Well a week after she had the brace on Dr. Dulai’s (that isour Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons name) office phoned. They were given someunexpected OR time before Christmas and wanted to get Marli in as soon aspossible. The Closed Reduction surgery that she needed is only effectivebefore 6 months old. At this point shewas 4.5 months old. After 6 months she would have to have an Open Reductionwhich is much more invasive and basically an open hip surgery. The ClosedReduction is only a die injection and then re-set the hip and then cast her. Sometimesthey have to do a small incision where they cut a tendon in her inner thigh toallow for the hip to stay in the socket (Marli did not because thankfully wearing the brace a week prior helped stretch her out and make her more flexible.)

First we had to make sure Marli’s cold had cleared up enoughfor her to be put under. I got in the next morning for our family doctor, andshe cleared Marli with a clean bill of health! I told our doctor that that wasgreat… but like 20% of me was hoping she wasn’t healthy enough, haha! Thereality of my little baby having to go under for surgery (even a minor surgery)was hitting me, and the change in our life of caring for a baby in a Spicacast!

Dr. Dulai’s office got us in firstthing the next morning; the first surgery of the day. We showed up at 6am,Marli was pretty tired and hungry before her surgery. She was not allowed toeat for 4 hours before surgery. But it was sort of nice because I just rockedher to sleep, it was the last time for a little while that I would be able tosnuggle my baby not in a cast or brace!

Then the nurse came and took herfrom us to be put under for her surgery. That definitely made the water worksturn on! But we went to get some breakfast and to find the ward that we would bestaying overnight, but waiting to see her was so hard! We just waiting in thewaiting area outside our ward and finally we saw the porter take her by. We ranafter her, and even though we had been looking at pictures on the internet ofthis cast, it was still such a shock seeing her! First her IV was hooked to thevein in her head, and all the other monitors hooked up to her little body. Andthen of course this big cast that consumes most of her body. She was a littlegroggy but when she came too, she looked up at us and smiled!

Keeping her warm while watching treehouse :)

The whole day and night in thehospital was did amazing! All the nurses just adored her, we would hear themtalk about how cute and sweet she was to eachother in the halls. Each nursewould tell us how she was the happiest baby in a Spica cast they had ever seen!She slept lots and watched some Treehouse TV, haha. I was so nervous thatnursing her wouldn’t work out because of the cast. She is such a great nurser(and Avery was not, so it has been a breath of fresh air) but we worked it out!She basically lays flat on her back on my lap and turns her head. Not too bad.

In the morning right at 7:30 theytook us downstairs for an MRI. Sometimes after the Closed Reduction the hipdoesn’t stay in the socket. That would have really sucked, because then theytake the cast off, we have to come back at 6 months for the Open Reduction andgo through the cast again! Thankfully the MRI came back good and her hip stayedin! Dr.Dulai had told us the night before that the surgery went perfectly andshe expected it to stay in. So then we were able to go home. Not before a visitfrom Santa who gave Marli and Avery a very nice present! Avery had been at myparents and sisters house the whole time, but the nurses had told him Marli hada 3 year old sister. It was very sweet. Everyone at the Stollery was justamazing… (aside from a very unfriendly, unhelpful Occupational Therapist thatwas supposed to give us tips… but did not and when I asked her for tips aboutnursing with the cast she laughed and said no one had ever asked her that… okay…)

We have been home with oursweetie pie for just about 3 weeks now. She has to wear this cast for 12 weekstotal. They changed it half way at 6 weeks because they grow so fast and itgets dirty… which we’ve already experienced. In 3 weeks we have had 2 poopsleak out, I think not too bad, but man it’s a process! You have to make sureyou get it as clean as possible and most importantly dry! Its almostimpossible, but we’ve come up with some processes. Jordan is very good atmaking sure its as clean as possible and dry.

Marli is such a happy, easygoing, resilient kid! She is coping so well! She was a little fussy last weekbecause I believe she was going through a growth spurt. Growing pains alone canbe painful, but can you imagine growing pains in a cast??? Her cast is a littlemore snug this week! Thank goodness for that change half way.

We have lots of foam pieces allover the house to try and make her more comfortable. Jordan is great at cuttingup pieces to suit the needs that she has. It is definitely hard going out, butthis week we’ve been out the same amount as normal and its gone really well! Ieven went grocery shopping with the 2 of them yesterday; Avery in the cart andMarli in the baby bijorn and it went great! They give us a loaner car seat fromthe hospital that apparently is made for the Spica cast. Well its crap… shedoesn’t mind it too much. But it is more like a toddler seat, just rear facing.We use a towel to prop her bum up so that her ankles are not digging into thecar seat. But most babies at 5 months if they fall sleep in the car or if youare doing quick stops into stores you just keep them buckled in there seat andcarry the seat in, or prop it on the stroller. I cannot do this with the cast,I either carry her or put her in the baby bijorn or try and place her in thestroller which is all jimmy rigged with towels and blankets to sit her up highenough. It is interesting that’s for sure…

We have to change her positionoften to prevent sores on her body. She loves the jolly jumper, and the babybijorn. Those are great for keeping her off her back for a while. But we forsure cannot wait to get this thing off! It will be so great!

Blow drying the cast out after poop explosion leak - Avery's always good to make her laugh

Diaper changes… we have a hole towork with. We have become quite good at it if I do say so myself! We put a size2 up the hole (size 3 now) and then a size 5 on the outside in case it leaks.You flip her on her stomach to stuff the back side up. She is getting betterand better at enjoying her tummy time. It is kind of a funny looking thing whenwe change her.

As for baths I can just spongebath her because you cannot get the cast wet! She still enjoys that but it willbe so nice to give her a proper bath after all this!

Getting her diaper changed, she rests on a pillow while we stuff the back side of the diaper up her back

When this cast is off, we willhave another ultra sound to see where the hip is at. Most likely she will be insome form of a brace for a while. It may not be as intense as her pink brace,but maybe a diaper splint or something along those lines. Anything will bebetter than this! I swear my arms are going to be ripped after this (probablynot, but oh well)! Haha.

We have already planned out ourafter cast party to the water park! I took Avery swimming at 4 months once aweek with a couple girlfriends and their babies. I feel sad Marli hasn’t experiencethat yet because she loves water and baths. So that will be our big hoorah whenthis cast comes off!

Until then we make the best ofthis and I know when Marli is older this time will seem like such a smallmoment of her life! But right now… not really! Haha, 9 weeks and counting J

No blog November??

2011-12-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

November I find is a blah month... Except for jordans bday, no holidays or events. I find it's the month where were just stalling before Christmas!

Don't get me wrong, we still got around and had plenty to do. Played in the first snow fall, decorated the house for Christmas, watched Avery's ballet class, Jordan's kids work Christmas party at Galaxy Land, went to Calgary for baby Tyson's baby blessing (our only Heavenor cousin so far) and visited with my Aunties while we were there, had a sick little baby with her 3rd brutal cold of her short 4 month life! Took her into emerge... to find out it was just a bad viral cold.

Well this year November was particularly busy. With my calling right now December can be busy with Christmas plans for the kids and mostly with planning and preparing for next year. Last year I tackled all this during December and all the Christmas craziness, but I had this feeling I needed to get all my primary stuff done for 2012 on November and try and get most of my Christmas prep done early too. It was some what logical since me and a few girlfriends had a trip planned from dec.10-18 . We were going to fairmont with our kids and staying in my girlfriends time share. But I do also think the Lord was preparing me for something else that I didn't know was coming that would need my full attention.

Well (see bottom 2 photos) our little sweet pea Marli has a bit of a adventure ahead of her. Like her momma (me) we have found out she has Hip Dysplasia. Basically it is where the babies hips have not developed properly into the sockets. I had it when I was young and wore a brace from 6-18 months. Both of her hips are out, and the left in particular is quite bad. I guess its out and at a weird angle.

We met with the Orthopedic Pediatric Sergent last week and she feels the brace may not fully correct it because of that angle. So we are giving the brace a go for a month and sending us for another ultra sound. If there is not enough improvement she will have to have a "Closed reduction" where she is put to sleep and they reset her hip and make a small incision in her inner thigh to cut a tendon so that the hip can stay.

Then to keep the hip in place she will need a "Spica cast" which is basically a body cast from her chest down (with a hold where I do diaper changes... yea... fun!) So lets all pray that the brace works! So that is our next adventure. I must say... I'm glad out of my 2 girls that Marli is going through this. She is so happy and chill and easy going! She has adjusted amazingly with the brace! Such a trooper!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

What a fun Halloween filled month we had! Avery was so into Halloween this year! Every store we went in that had Halloween monsters etc. we would have to run from the monsters! She was so dramatic and into it, I loved it! We did lots of crafts and baking and lots of celebrating!

Avery was lucky enough to wear her Rapunzel costume not once, not twice, but thrice! At our Church party, my girlfriends little kiddy party she had (which was adorable) and trick or treating last night which was a blast to watch! Avery had so many funny comments at the houses. Some of my favourites included: "Who killed that cat", "Ah, scary bat, I don't like bats." Many more I wish I could remember.

Avery and Talia met up with my scary cousins, Casey the Vampire and Kristin the witch!

It was really cute, Jace was facsinated with Avery hair! We couldn't get him to look forward forever cause he just stared at Avery!

Avery in her Rapunzel glory with her weapon... the frying pan!

Marli dressed up like a duck for our Primary party, but it was a little short for her and I'm not sure how comfy she was. So she sported a cute Halloween shirt. I hope all of you had a happy and safe Halloween!

Chopper Ride = One of the funnest surprises!

2011-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Jordan's big 3 0 is this year! His real birthday is Nov. 6. I snuck his phone and peeked at his Calendar and there was 2 weekends that really could work before his real birthday that he didn't have class or a assignment due for his CMA program. He was onto me, but I knew he did not like big surprise parties... and meant it!

As many of you know Jordan did Fire Fighting for the Forest Service for many summer before and after his mission. He loved that job so much, and a big part of that was flying in helicopters. So I had the idea of setting up a helicopter ride for him with Avery and myself. I know Jordan and knew that the best part for him would be enjoying the ride with us.

I contacted Jordan's old boss at the Forest Service in Edmonton (he did dispatching for them for a couple summers after we were married) and he connected me with Canadian Helicopters (who were fabulous to work with by the way!)

So thanksgiving weekend Avery and I picked up Jordan from work Friday night. He knew something was up, but didn't know what. My Mom was watching Marli and when Jordan got in the car he asked where Marli was. Avery said "Happy Birthday! Were going on a helicopter ride!!" Jordan looked so surprised and was really excited!

I was a little nervous that Avery would get worried and scared and not want to go... and then what do we do?!? So all week I watched You Tube videos with her of helicopter rides. I would show her how it was going to be loud and that she would have to wear head phones. On a side note, Avery knew about the helicopter ride for months while I was planning this and didn't say a word! Pretty good for a 3 year old!

Well all my worries were washed away, this girl apparently has no fear and must be an extremist! She showed no signs of fear, and was nothing but excited! It made me and Jordan laugh the whole ride to see the joy on her face!

Since Jordan has flown so much in helicopters, he insisted I sit in the front which was really cool! So him and Avery cozied up in the back.

About to take off!

Love this pic of Avery, pure joy!

We flew over downtown and thought it would be neat to drive over my parents house. They loved having these ariel shots too!

Avery thought it was so cool to talk into the headphones, she loved hearing herself. She is quite the chatter box lately, so Jordan was joking that it was nice to turn her off! In the front our head sets just automatically worked when we spoke. In the back Jordan had to press a button so he decided when Avery could be heard, haha!

She got so giddy at times, and she has quite the imagination! At one point in the head set she said "Mom watch out, there is a alligator!!!" The pilot thought that was pretty funny!

We drove over our house, its a little harder to point out that my parents! haha, tad smaller! The big field and building is the school right beside us. Basically we are facing the main road (106 Ave) and the second house in east of the school.

I'm so glad we went in the fall cause it was just beautiful! Shot of downtown Edmonton as we came back to the downtown airport.

Jordan's new building, new Epcor building.

Coming into land at the downtown airport.

Just landed!

In the hanger after the flight.

So much fun! One HUGE regret is not taking a video! Both Jordan and I had our I-phones and Avery loves watching videos on our phones that we take. DUH! Totally forgot, don't you hate those moments, its like you want to rewind time because its not like we are going to do a helicopter ride again anytime soon!

Afterwards we went to Jordan's favourite restaurant Thanh Thanh's. I told him just my parents were there, but he noticed a few peoples cars in the parking lot! We had our immediate family there as well who could make it! We had a really nice dinner and then came back to our house for cake. Pictures to follow of that...

Happy Birthday Avery girl!

2011-10-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how late this post is! The problem was all the pictures were on my parents camera, so believe it or not I just got them!

So this was Avery's 3rd birthday party... Dore theme as requested! I hate to admit this, but it was very thrown together... and my 39 week pregnant body was quite exhausted so not as elaborate as I would like! But my sweet little 3 year old did not seem to notice or care! We had a lot of fun.

I was trying to cram this party in before Marli arrived! And man... I did it just in time. Unfortunately the weekend that we were able to do it was the Friday of August long weekend so a lot of our party guests were out of town. But we had a nice time, and as you know Marli came a week early (2.5 days after this birthday party) so I really did sneak this in party in just in time!

Here are some pics from the happy party!

Enjoying the swing, I just love my parents house! Its like a one stop Birthday place, an extreme activity center!

Avery and her cousin Casey, she just adores her!

Avery loves Dora... and loves Rapunzel from Tangled almost just as much! So this present from her cousins Kristen and Casey was just about the most wonderful thing! She just loved her Rapunzel dress!

I think this was our last picture as a family of three, with our sweet little three year old!

Me and Rachel literally ready to pop! The next day Rachel went into labor and had her son about 36 hours after this photo, and I went into labor just over 48 hours after this photo and have Marli 2.5 days after this photo!

Tree House!!!

2011-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

This tree house was yet again another labor of love from Jordan! And sheer creativity and INSANE construction skills! When Jordan had this idea to build a tree house in the back yard I had NO IDEA it would be to this magnitude! The really crazy part is that he thought of this all by himself, lots of people who have seen it have asked if it was a package he bought... nope! Designed and constructed by builder man Jordan ;)

Jordan has said it was a project where he bit of more than he could chew. It took countless hours, and most of those hours were right after we had Marli. So he was helping me, working, and trying to finish the tree house!

Here are some pictures of the tree house project! Avery was Jordan's little helper, she spent lots of time out there with him while I was inside with Marli. He got her some little tools and she just loved being out there with Dad.

The Finished Product!

The amazing thing is the deals that he got on everything. The slides were off kijiji, Tube slide for $200 and the one underneath for $50. Most of the wood he got for free at this place pat Nisku. It was raw natural cedar and maple, so he even planed them down to show the nice wood grain and then stained it all! Pretty incredible!

Some new things

2011-09-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Sure... I'd love a new living room set! BUT, its not in the budget right now! Plus, we would like to use this in the future family room once we have the basement (and are not renting it anymore) so where would we put this furniture when we have a new set??? The couch we got when we got married, so almost 7 years strong! Green is still my favourite color... but this couch has its fair share of stains; despite multiple washings.

Jordan has a great idea... new slip covers from IKEA! And perfect timing, they just came out with a few new colors and fabrics for this couch!

So new brown slip cover... throw in a few toss cushions o the mix... ta da!!! Living room make over!

This was a fun little project! Before I left work on mat leave we were cleaning out the back room. This fun little gem was about to be tossed. It used to hold a perfume line we carried, it had a different back and a couple shelves to hold the perfume testers. DUH... didn't take a before, sorry! You think I would have learned back now!

Well I took the shelves out, wallpapered the back to match our wallpaper wall. We found this antique egg beater at a garage sale in our area. Jordan mounted it for me, and there ya go! Some art for the kitchen! haha. I just love it, simple too!

And this tea pot, 50% off at Tin Box (one of my favourite accessories stores.) Since I have dark on most of my walls, I love accessorizing in white. And how cute is a tea pot that is an elephant! So yes... for all the tea I drink... hehe!

Oh and one more little change, our Marli girl! Smiles and cooing and ooing, and just melting my heart everyday! Avery loves that shes interacting now, today while Marli was in her swing and Avery was swinging her, Avery would just die in giggles when Marli would smile or make funny faces!

We've learned Marli has some reflux issues, as well as some eczema that flares up. We have her on some reflux medicine from my doctor and I cut out diary (not the easiest thing I've learned) and got this great cream recommended by a friend who's daughter has bad eczema. Wow! She is like a different baby this week, her eczema cleared up a ton! She is so much happier, feeding good again, and just adorable!

Welcome Miss. Marli Anne

2011-08-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

I made 2 because I was having too much fun with a couple digital scrapbooking sets I downloaded. And Kamry made it hard giving us so many great shots, it was hard to choose! Thanks again for the pics Kamry!

Our Family of 4... first 10 day report!

2011-08-10T12:59:00.001-07:00

My sister Kamry (who has taken up photography as a hobby and is so talented at it) took some shots of our family and baby Marli a couple days ago. She did such a great job! Thanks again Kamry! Here are some of my favourite shots she took!

My sexy husband! I could talk the world of this guy right now! He has been so wonderful as a father of 2, and husband! Since he finished his CMA entrance exam course, he has been intensely working on this insanely engineered custom build tree house for the kids in the back yard! Pics to come!

Our Big girl! Good job Kamry actually getting a picture of Avery's natural smile, she often for pictures does this cheesy phony smile and squints her eyes!

Love this one, makes me heart melt!

I love the face Marli is making in this picture! She sometimes does this goofy cross eyed face that makes me laugh, this is pretty close to it!

Long toes! Just like her sister and Dad!

Avery and her Daddy, hmmm... wonder where Avery got her eyes???

Me and my Marli girl :)

I just love this little face! Her and Avery definitely look like sisters when I compare Avery's baby pictures. But there are some differences too. Avery's eyes bugged out more than Marli's, I think there nose is the same except Marli's is more Pizzey and like mine where it sticks up a bit. There mouths and chins are different, Marli has her Daddy's chin.

First 10 days at home with 2:

- Marli very sweet baby, has some fussy time in the nights where she cries bloody murder! But once she gets over that, her nights have not been too bad. Great eater, I took her to be weighed today and she was 7lbs 10oz. At birthday she was 7lbs 12oz, so they were quite happy with how she was doing.

- Avery is so gently and sweet to her sister. Marli was laying on a blanket in the living room and started fussin, and Avery went and started singing Primary songs to her and saying "Its okay Marli!" And then she got her books to show her! She has shown some jealousy towards me and Jordan about not being the only little girl anymore. There are lots of "look at me Mom" or "look at me Dad" going on! But I think that's to be expected and part of adjusting.

- #1 adjustment for me. Not the lack of sleep, not the recovery on my body (which has been remarkably good), but I had 3 solid years with just 1 kid. And the last year and a half it was just us and we would go out and do little outings every morning, especially when its nice out! Library, park, spray parks, west ed, swimming... etc! I loved that! Its hard for me to realize I need to stay in and slow down a little bit this first while, while Marli is adjusting to this world! We have been so go go go, I need to slow down and realize that until Marli is just a little older (even a couple months) this won't be happening everyday.

- I feel so blessed to have these 2 beautiful daughters of God in my hands! I just adore them both so much! We waited a little longer for Marli to come along because of the 2 miscarriages! For her to finally join out family is such a blessing! I can't wait to watch her learn and grow and for Avery to have a little sisters to play with!

So why no post through July???

2011-08-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Go to dinner and Seinfeld with the family for Paiges Bday!

We dig holes with Dad for a very fun backyard project! Pics to come!

We went to the Jurassic Park Dinosaur Park with our friend Dmitri, so much fun!

Take the bus downtown to watch the Capital X parade... little bit of a disappointment, but Avery loved her first parade!

And since it ran right in front of Jordan's work he was able to join us, Avery was happy about that!

We got Avery's hair cut by Paige at her school!

And so much more! I wish I didn't forget my camera so much! We went to countless spray parks and parks, enjoyed Fort Edmonton one day, leg grounds, lots of playing in our little pool!

Oh and getting ready for little Marli to arrive! She did come a week early and the "to do" list that I had to get done before baby was just about complete. Just a couple things left that really weren't that important but crazy me thought they were! Its funny how you learn that those little things don't matter so much! Its been a good summer despite not the best weather!

Ready or not... here she comes!

2011-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Welcoming Marli Anne Heavenor! She caught us a little off guard... also it is funny how with the first baby every little small contraction or feeling you think is going into labor. With the second as the labor progressed it was like I was still in denial! And all that kept going through my head was how I wanted just one more day to finish my laundry, get some groceries, make up the babies bed because just that day Jordan had just barley raised the crib up!

This little monkey just could not wait. I was 39 weeks. That night at my parents for Sunday dinner I had a contraction that I thought "wow, that was a bit more than a braxton hicks!" I had been getting braxton hicks with this pregnancy pretty much since 28 weeks. So I did have the worry that I wouldn't know the difference when the real contractions would come... well... I knew!

I should say I know some of you probably don't want to hear the whole delivery story, but for those family and close friends that do want to hear this story here it is!

At about 1am Monday morning I woke up with my first more painful contraction. I was able to go back to sleep and then woke up with another at 2am and then another at 4am. At 4 I started having contractions every 20 minutes. That is when reality started to set in that maybe this kid was coming today! Even still I kept thinking it was false labor and that everything would pass and we would still go on with our holiday Monday plans, haha! I would get my laundry done, make up the babies bed, go to the leg with my sisters and Mom! And Jordan would get his day to work on the tree house (Jordans current project, its quite the tree house! Pics to come!)

At 5:30 they were starting to get quite painful, still about 20 mins apart. The night before I had said to Jordan that I bet there was a i-phone app for monitoring contractions! He thought that was a great idea and had found an awesome one that timed them and even put it in a graph! So thankfully he got that the night before!

Jordan got up at 5:30 to go to the wash room, and I decided I should probably tell him I'd been having pretty regular contractions. He was just as surprised as me, and we pull out the i-phone and started timing things. At 5:30 they started coming every 10 min, and getting quite painful. I had one at 6 that killed me! Jordan goes "okay, I guess I should get a bag together hey?!" We phoned my mom at 6:30 and told her what was going on. They started coming every 5 mins then, and we both still did not believe how quickly my body was going into labor. I think we just really didn't want to get to the hospital and get sent home!

My mom got to our house at 7 and right when she walked in I had a really bad contraction where I had to run to the sink to throw up! They were about 2 mins apart now... but sill we were questioning if we should go in! Thankfully my Mom said if it was hurting that much and that frequently we should go! As we were leaving we still said to my Mom we were sorry if we get sent home and we see her soon!

So we get to the hospital and because of the holiday Monday the admitting place is closed, so they just put us right into a delivery room to check me. We got to the hospital about 7:30, and was hooked up to the heart monitoring to monitor babies heart and my contractions for about 20 mins. After that she check if I was dilated and I was 5cm! I said to our nurse, "so I guess were not going home!?" Nope! She asked if I had any delivery plans, I said "epidural please!" She went and admitted us and told the doctor to get my epidural going.

In between being admitted at just after 8, and the anesthesiologist coming in at 8:45ish the contractions were getting so painful! I was totally feeling that feeling that I could not do this anymore and it was too painful! I had one very painful contraction and working through that my water broke! The nurse came in a confirmed that it did indeed! At 9 once the epidural started working (thank goodness) the nurse checked me and yup, I was fully dilated!

She said we would sit me up and soon we would start pushing. I was still able to feel when to push even with the epidural which was nice. We started pushing at 9:55, and I had still not seen the doctor yet. But we did have 2 very capable nurses and really until things progressed we didn't know how long we would be pushing for. After about 20 minutes of pushing, the head was there and not going back. The nurse asked me to stop pushing, and frantically paged Dr. Mar and the other nurse and tried to get the end of the bed off. They came running in the room and could not believe I was at the point I was. I barley had to push the rest of the way, and 10 mins later Marli was born!

Marli Anne Heavenor

7 lbs 12oz

Aug. 1

10:37am

It was so exciting when my Mom brought Avery by to meet her little sister. She was so sweet holding her sister and being so gentle! I just loved watching out girls together! Me and Jordan keep saying how funny it is to say "kids" and "girls"!

Love this pictures above, Avery just looks so happy to be a big sister!

Our family of 4! Of course you can't even see Marli's face and Avery wouldn't look at the camera, but thats okay!

Little peanut in her bed, she looks so tiny!

Funny story about the matching nighties. Avery got this nighty and it came with a matching nighty for her doll. The first night home with Marli Avery ran in the room before she went to bed and wanted us to put the nighty of Marli! I thought it was so cute she thought of that! It was way to small for Marli, but we made it work to get a picture of the 2 of them!

Happy to be home with our girls! Im not going to determine what kind of baby Marli is by the first couple days! I know babies sleep alot in the first couple days, but so far she is a very easy going baby that is very easy to settle and keep content. We just adore her and feel so blessed and grateful to have her in our family!

Color overload: Avery's Big girl room!

2011-06-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Sensory / girly overload!!!

Here it is, I hope the build up doesn't disappoint. haha! I did not mean to build this room up, but it has been a rather stretched our project for Jordan and I. We painted the walls Easter weekend, so that gives you a little idea! We always like to finish a project to the very last detail and not leave things half done (one of our pet peeves for renovations... jobs half done) so this room is officially complete! I put the frames on the walls tonight, and the sheers went up last night! As many of you know with my decorating style I LOVE color! I don't think I could ever decorate my own house without color on my walls. Yes, maybe for clients I have done lighter tones, but I love color... can you tell with this room!?!?!

Obviously the inspiration was her bedding, which we got back in March at this quilt store in West Ed... and then we went from there. Jordan the kijiji man found this adorable bed in mint condition on kijiji ($200, regular $800) and then found the dresser and end table off kijiji for $75 for both. Those were not in such pretty condition, but I liked the shape.

With websites and some help from a couple blogging friends (thanks Sherri & Jenny) I matched the cream to the bed and distressed it! Man, was that fun and addictive! I was quite happy with how it turned out.

Next came the flowers. My good friend Tammy who I worked with at Wen-Di, shes an amazing artist! She came over and helped me get started on copying the flowers off the bedding. Can you tell which flowers Tammy did and I did... hehe... hers are for sure the best in the room, but I was happy with how mine turned out! She did 4 out of the 16 or 17 in the room (I'll point out which are hers.) It was quite addicting and as you can see with the chair (that was white and I painted yellow) and the stool by the bed, you can get quite carried away! I would paint them every night for about a week after Avery went to bed and Jordan would come in and laugh and tell me to not paint flowers everywhere!

The knob on the end table and handles on the dresser were from Home Depot. They were white, which I thought would be plenty cute! But it was driving Jordan crazy, he thought there needed to be more contrast between the white and cream. So I bought a can of hot pink spray paint and painted them... not the best spray paint job (hence no close up) but its cute and works! I had my heart set on some pretty ones from Anthropology, but I just couldn't justify it! I think these cost $20 altogether!

* These 4 beauties (picture above) are Tammy's flowers, hehe! They are the first that you see when you walk in the room... thank goodness!

Avery before bed, she LOVES her big girl bed! Every night when were getting ready for bed she says "go to sleep in my big girl bed???" And she has been great about not getting out and playing, sometimes she is singing songs in bed for a while, but she did that in her crib too.

So, one thing I'm so bad at is getting too excited and forgetting to take before and afters. I caught myself right in time before I put the primer on the dresser and drawers. Above is the picture of the drawers for the dresser. Jordan had already taken the handles off and filled the holes and sanded it, but you get the idea.

Before end table.

After end table.

Before stool: Another Kijiji find, I think this was $10 that Jordan found!

So I painted the top yellow to match the walls thinking that would be good enough, and I'm painting flowers on the walls one night and kept looking at it thinking it just wasn't cutting it. Before I know it I'm painting one step to match the bed skirt stripes and the top to match one of the flowers... way funner!

More storage in our little house is always a good thing!

And that's it folks! Most of the accessories and frames are Home Sense buys. It was way too much fun doing this fun girly room! And I love how Avery spends so much of her time in there now too!

Photo shoot!!!

2011-06-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Oh my little Avery girl! She is just a ball of fun lately. She came out of the womb with a stubborn / independent personality... therefore getting pictures of her has always been a challenge. She would either not want to look or not want to smile, etc.

Well now that she is a bit more grown up, she has finally realized taking picture can be quite fun! The other day we were playing in the back yard for a couple hours, had some lunch outside and then got the sprinkler out! She was quite dirty when we came in (gardening and running through the sprinkler go hand and hand I guess.) So she had an afternoon bath!

After I asked if I could blow dry her hair and curl it and take some pictures... and surprisingly she agreed! It was lots of fun, another fun thing about having a little girl! She of course has to see the picture the second after I take it! Here's my little girl hammin it up :)

I guess some of these give little peeks of her big girl room... if Jordan wasn't studying for his CMA entrance exam like every night (it's June. 14, almost home free) then I'd have my handy man at my disposal! But hes promised me by the end of the week all the little handy man stuff that I can't do will be done in her room!

The Buns a cookin... 30 weeks!

2011-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

So happy to be writing this post! I'm 30 weeks today, and so happy to feel this little one bootin around all the time! I don't know if this is because its my second (full term baby) or because Heavenly Father is cattering to my parnioa, because I feel this baby wiggling around so much more than Avery! Not that I didn't feel Avery, but this one is a kicker!!!

And this one still likes to nestle in my ribs like Avery and park its hyney there... but thats okay! I'll take it!

Definetly have not taken as many pregnant pictures this time around either, I always forget or think about it when Jordan's not around (I need to teach Avery to take pictures that are... able to distinguish) but I rembered today! Here Iam, so people have said I look smaller and good... I still feel huge! When I hear that I do get parnoid because last time people told me how good I looked and smaller than Avery, its because my baby wasn't growing anymore... But thankfully this baby moves so much I can just watch my belly move, and then I feel reassured again :)

10 weeks left, and 4 weeks left of work!!! I've been blessed with a good job and great boss that I will miss, but at this point anything is a lot of work. I'm not very good at slowing down either, I tend to just go go go, but I need to listen to my body more and take it easy.

Avery's big girl room is officially done! Jordan just needs to put up a curtain rod and then pictures to come! And baby room is... done since its just Avery old room! I know... boring unisex, but its still cute! I'll post pics to soon.

Parenting rant... forgive judgemental Breanne please :)

2011-05-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm at the park tonight with Avery and there are 2 other Mom's there with there kids... talking on their cell phones the whole time?!!? And it wasn't like a quick phone call, they were both on their phones when I got there, and until they left, which was about 20 mins after we arrived!

It almost seemed like they go take there kids to the park... to talk on their phones! Wanna know there really strange part, they were together... like a play date??? Really strange...

The one mother's daughter actually got hurt, and the mom was soothing enough to go over and give her daughter a hug... but end her phone conversation... no!

Now here is the funny part (or maybe sad is a better word.) Since I was playing with my daughter and having fun, the little daughter from the one mother (she was probably just a little older than Avery) started to ask me to go ride the slide with her or push her on the swing or just... play with her! Did the mother clue into this... no! I kept telling her politely that she should ask her Mommy! haha, I don't know if that's rude... but its not my kid! And I DO come to the park to play with my child... isn't that idea???

I should say one day I ran into a friend of mine at the park with her kids, and she was talking to her brother on the phone. But he was way across the world and they had been trying to touch base for a while and that was the time he got a hold of her. So maybe I'm judging these mothers and there is a good reason they were on the phone... but you can kind of sense that hey? And it did just seem like chit chat.

Is this what our world is coming too?? Sad. Alright enough of my rant, here is the reason I go to the park :)

Easter... yea.. I said Easter!

2011-05-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Where have I been??? Well probably spending any of my spare time into Avery’s big girl room, yes I will admit... maybe more than I should... but it’s worth it right!? I have had the thought cross my mind while putting my time into her room “Oh the things we do for our kids” but then I think how much fun I’m having pulling out my artistic side that I have not for a while and remember that this room is probably half for me... hehe!

Well I’ve been meaning to post these fun pictures from Easter, we had a really nice Easter weekend filled with many lots of dinners and 3 Easter egg hunts for Avery! I think if we’d let her she would still want us to hide Easter eggs for her and to find them! Every egg was such a joy to find!

We started off Good Friday with a little Easter party at my Moms that she did. It was really fun, decorated eggs, had a very exciting Easter egg hunt for the girls (Avery, Talia and my little cousins Kristin and Casey.)

Second Easter egg hunt at Auntie Kelli’s house (Jordan’s sister) and Uncle Chris’s. Jordan’s parents came into town and we had a really nice dinner and visit with everyone!

And then of course Easter morning! Oh the joys of the Easter bunny! I must say this Easter I did feel Avery was old enough to learn about the true meaning of Easter, so three or so FHE's before we learned about Jesus, and I am so impressed how much sunk in! She still brings up how Jesus died on the cross. That is one thing this past year I've learned from my calling and Avery, it is never to early to teach your children the Church.

Avery in her Easter dress sporting her hat the Easter bunny brought her, she loves it! She so Jordan's little girl, I knew she'd love this baseball hat cause she loves wearing Jordan's even when its too big for her.

Funny story, Avery never likes when I try and get her to wear her hair down, she always needs it up. Well now that her favourite movie is Tangled, it is now her favorite thing to wear her hair down! She always says how her hair is so long and prey like Rapunzel! Thank you Disney :)

Lazy Saturday morning and Cousin's sleepover!

2011-04-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

One thing about working part time is that I cherish my days off with Avery. I work usually every other Saturday, and there is something extra special when we get a Saturday together! Even though Jordan has school on Saturdays and Avery isn't in school so technically it is just another day, but there is something more carefree and easy going about Saturdays! So this past week had that easy going feel even more because of Conference, how wonderful is it to have Conference in your home hey!?!? So this is how our weekend was spent.

Watching Toy Story on the mini DVD player in Avery's fort / tent

Putting curlers in Avery's hair just... because! Admiring Avery's temporarily curler hair, she has very straight hair that does not stay curler for long!

Made cinnamon buns for Dad to celebrate being done his exam!

Oh and of course dancing, this is one of Avery's signature moves...

And then... Avery's first sleepover, and of course it should be with her cousin Talia! My sister Kamry just had her second baby who is by the way the cutest little boy to ever been born! Talia and Jace are quite close in age, and they are both great kids... but hello! That's busy with 2 under 18 months!

So after dinner at my parents Sunday Talia came for a sleepover! She did really good, I have loved watching over the last couple months as Avery and Talia play together. Avery is really good with Talia, she is a petite little girl! Shes very gentle and her and Talia get in these little laughing fits that are hilarious, and often over nothing! Talia has started saying Avery's name recently, and she will run after Avery saying her name, its so cute!

So this is the girls on the way home, they totally not on purpose have the same coat!

Just about going to bed in there jammies!

Walk after naps, both of them loved the puddles!

Cookie after our big walk, both had soaked pants so drying there little legs off. Talia choose to sit on the tile floor and eat her cookie. Seemed like a great place so Avery joined her.

Since Jordan and I are both the oldest there have not been any cousins for Avery yet, so it is fun to see our family growing and the cousins starting to play. I have so many fond memories of playing with my cousins growing up, it was a really fun day!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-03-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well... this is only a couple weeks late! I keep forgetting to get the pictures my Mom took at my Family Birthday dinner off her camera, oh well! These are so pictures of the surprise party Jordan and Avery threw for me when I got home from work! They had lots of balloons everywhere and one of my favourites, DQ Ice cream cake! Avery loves singing Happy Birthday, so it was a lot of fun to have her sing to me with Jordan! LOVE her face here, so mischievous... and she looks even crazier cause her hair is a mess! Oh my, I love this girl so much! I really don't think many 2 year olds are as funny and she is! Here is to year 26, I know it will be a good one!

Some small changes and one nice big one!

2011-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

So it was my birthday this past weekend. I will do a little birthday post soon, some of the pictures are on my parents camera. It was a great weekend, basically celebrated all weekend! Jordan did a great job making it a special weekend. On Friday we went for dinner at West Ed to Earls and then a movie. In between we went and picked out my first present from Jordan, new nobs for my buffet! I've been eyeing these for a while, but since there $10 a pop I couldn't justify it! So for my birthday I got them! Jordan put them on for my birthday. I didn't take a before, but they were just brown square knobs. Not horrible... but not this pretty!

Aren't they pretty :)

My new hook :) And a few months ago I found that adorable cook book stand at Home Sense. Since my walls are dark I love accessorizing in white, look this! I holds my favourite cook book all the time!

I had some crummier hooks here that always feel off. Jordan got me these beauties from Anthropology for Christmas. So pretty hey! And they are solid, so no more hook falling off when I grab the towel off!

So this is our door off the kitchen to the back hall. I did not take a before since it was a very spontaneous project. I just decided one day I hated our front and back brown doors since they are seen from our main areas. So I decided to paint them green! I got this mirror at Home Sense and the other Anthropology hook for my oven mitts!

This was the only before I could find of the front entrance with the doors open. So you can see how horrible was for storage! We had these 2 rods sticking out from the wall. I was able to put it up with, but it made Jordan so annoyed! Whenever you would take coats out from the back the front ones would fall down! Very annoying! And there is really only one row for shoes and not much storage above the coats. Jordan thought of every solution and felt that hooks would be the best way to go. I was skeptical, but he showed me how great it could work!

Ugh! The before, hate looking at these pictures, but sort of love it cause it looks so amazing now! (Side note: look at little Avery in this picture! I cannot believe how big she is now, I'm so ready for the baby thing again!)

The beautiful handle that Jordan found online and ordered from the states. Love it!

New doors! Aren't they pretty! The most practical and really the only way we could do doors on this closet. They are very solid doors and glide very smoothly!

We will eventually do new doors, especially on this door. We will probably do something for sound proof and solid. But for now I painted this ugly brown door green (as you can tell, probably make favourite color) and replaced the ugly old sheer and rod, and made this temporary drape with a new rod. Not ideal, but works for now.

Inside before doors on with coats and boots in.

Closet before coats, boots and doors are on. I cannot brag enough about Jordan's craftsmen skills! He customizeds this whole closest, I was skeptic about the hooks because I wanted room for all our coats and for it not too look messy. But he spaced out the hooks perfectly and was able to get lots in! All the wood work was totally from scratch!

Fun outting with one of my besties :)

2011-03-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Tara was in town with Boston visiting her family. We took the opportunity to take the kiddo's to West Ed and take advantage of free rides at Galaxy Land! Avery and I (and Avery also goes with my girlfriend Rachel who watches her when I work) go often, but this was little Boston's first time on the rides!

I haven't seen Boston for a few months now, and he has grown up so much! He so adorable, and such a curious little guy. He would get a little nervous at times, but he loves taking in all the sounds and sites! Thanks for hanging out with us Tara and Boston :)

My fuzzy wuzzy Valentines :)

2011-02-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day can be so much fun, since v-day was on a Monday this year we spent the day as a family (which is the way it should be hey?!)

Me and Avery had some fun during the day drawing on some hearts and decorating the house, and having a Valentines themed lunch.

The hearts that we made, very extravagant... I know!

Avery thought the whole thing was just so much fun! She loved sprinkling the hearts on the table that we punched out and helping me set the table. We are all big fans of the meal breakfast... so that was our Valentines dinner!

I'm reading this book right now, its a very very light non-serous book called "Cherry cheesecake murder." It is about a girl in a small town that owns a cookies shop and there is a movie crew that invaded this town to shoot a movie. She cooks them food, and its really just a simple fun read! Anyways, she gives recipes throughout the book! She had this recipe for "Fruit Pocket French Toast" that made my mouth water just reading!

So that is what I made, delicious! So fatty, and they take a little bit of time.... but so good, and filling!

Avery opening up some little Valentines goodies :) Jordan and I were sitting there too, but of course I forgot to take pictures of my actual Valentine... love you hunny!

And this weekend Jordan and I were able to go out to dinner and a movie and celebrate together :)

Happy Valentines Day!

A week in Paradise!

2011-02-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

This trip was... amazing! The week can be summarized by saying we just enjoyed out resort, ate good food and relaxed! We had great weather, even my white body came back with a TAN... not a burn! I feel very fortunate that my parents treated me and Paige to this week, I missed Jordan like crazy but with his work and school schedule it was just not possible for him to get away at this time. Plus with my parents on this trip, it would have been hard to find someone to watch Avery all week.

My parents were able to take 2 of us, Kamry and Jason just got back from Mexico, Taren had a couple big gymnastics meets coming up that she couldn't get coaching subs for, so that left me and Paige! We had a lot of fun together, and with all my parents work friends that were there too! They were all so much fun!

View from me and Paige's balcony, My Dad said we had the money view and if I wasn't pregnant (ours was on floor 1, and theirs was on floor 3) they would have made us switch, haha, another perk of being pregnant!
Our room!

They had hammocks all over

Swim up Bar, we actually never went to that bar cause it was the cold pool, we preferred the warmer pool... :)

Our beach, the sand was like flour and crystal blue water!

The Spa! It was so relaxing and smelt so good whenever you would walk by!

First night at dinner

Chess time, taught Paige chess, yea... were pro!

Paige and Me and Mary from Texas, her husband manages the Fort Mac office.

Me, Tam and Mary (Tam's husband manages the Eastern offices) going to Playa Del Karmen for some shopping!

My pedicure that I treated myself to at the Spa, sooo relaxing!

My cute parents, they had this singer one night sing all romantic songs. She was amazing!!! It was like Celine Dion singing live, she hit every note and sang such great songs. Made me want to dance with Jordan... instead me and Paige watched others dance, haha! The Entertainment was always pretty good every night.

Me and Paige outside the Mexican restaurant one night

At the Mexican restaurant, me and Paige with Carole and Fran and Tam and Kevin

Me and Paige at the French restaurant the last night

Aloha! Our last night in Mexico... *tear* but also so excited to get home to my 2 favourite people!

Highlights of the week:

- Amazing room and service, 24 hr room service

- great food and drinks: 8 restaurants at night and awesome buffet and lunch for breakfast

- Good night time entertainment

- awesome resort for couples: made me miss Jordan... I know... poor me!!!

- Beautiful beach and ocean

- pools after pools, you could always find a good spot by the pool or ocean

- awesome weather, we really lucked out. The day we left it clouded over and started raining... talk about good timing!

- Getting home to my 2 sweeties, Jordan was so amazing taking care of Avery all week. He couldn't get work off except one day, so my Grandma and good friend Rachel stepped in I missed those 2 so much. They picked me up at the airport, it was awesome! Avery ran up to me and hugged me forever, and then she looked at me smiling and put her hands on my cheeks! It was hilarious! Good to be home!

Hope for the best... and not dwell on the past!

2011-02-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

I had a hard time titling this post, it is such an exciting post and news that I've wanted to share for a long time. But I also feel quite vulnerable exposing this news, considering my past. But I have learned that I can't control everything, and maybe I will experience heart break again... I don't know! But I need to be optimistic and hope for the best! Oh and a warning, LONG POST! Lots of this is for family that I have not told all these details too!

Enough beating around the bush, yes... I'm pregnant! I know my last post was maybe a little hint, I feel a little bit more confident announcing things now. I'm due Aug. 8, I am 14.5 weeks pregnant right now. My 2 prior miscarriages in 2009 were at 6 weeks and 15.5 weeks (but I did not find out until 18 weeks with the later.) So you can understand my reservations with holding back the news. At the same time, I majorly popped last week, so despite my best intentions of hiding things... its not quite possible anymore!

I had a doctors appointment this morning and heard the heart beat, it was healthy and what it should be for this stage in the game. He/she gave me a little scare, he/she was being a little stinker and hiding a little. It was a horrible few minutes, brought back some bad memories. My Dr was looking low because that is usually where the baby sits at this moment, but I guess my little spud has already popped up, so once my doctor went up... we found it! Jordan reminded me later that with Avery I always carried high too. That is one reassurance with this pregnancy, it is so much like my pregnancy with Avery. The other 2 I was not as sick, and especially with the late one I just wasn't growing the way I did with Avery. Last week set my mind at ease when I realized at 14 weeks I was significantly bigger than I was with the late miscarriage.

It has been hard keeping such wonderful news to ourselves. That being said we did share the news with immediate family at Christmas. We found out we were expecting at the end of November, I even flat out lied to my Mom when she was hinting at if I got my period or not. Backing up, after the late miscarriage that happened at the end of 2009 I did have to have a D&C, so we took a little break from trying for the first part of 2010 to let my body heal and emotional to be ready to try again. We started trying around May 2010, so month after month of trying was getting exhausting. I know there are lots of you who have gone through the same thing and for even longer so my heart goes out to you. So when I finally took that test an it was positive, I was ecstatic!!! I did a little happy dance for a long time, Jordan just laughed at me. We were both over the moon excited!

Mostly why I lied to my Mom was because I had this idea for a long time of how to tell our families! A week before Christmas (because we were going to BC for Christmas with Jordan's family for Christmas) we had a little get together at my parents with our whole immediate family.

So I made a shirt for Avery that says "This little sweetie is going to be a big sister!!!" I kept a zip up sweater on Avery while we ate dinner, watching her closely hoping she didn't take the hoodie off, or someone else didn't. Taren and Dave were late for dinner, so I had to wait until they got there. Avery finished dinner and finally everyone was sitting down finishing up in the Dining Room. I took Avery in the kitchen and started taking her hoodie off, and then Taren walks in the kitchen to go play with Avery. I looked at Taren and was like "Can you just go back in the Dining Room for a second!?" haha, she looked at me strange and said "ooookay!" So then I told Avery to walk in the room and show Nana her shirt. She walked in and first Jason saw the shirt and read it and then looked up at me surprised. And then Taren saw it and started screaming excitedly, and then my Mom turned around and read the shirt and she jumped up and hugged me and started crying, and then I started crying! And then I look across the table and my Dad figures out whats going on and hes crying (such a softy!) It was amazing, so exciting sharing that news with my family! Paige then saw the shirt and came and jumped up and down with me and Avery. I think Avery thought it was pretty neat that everyone loved her shirt so much! haha, it was a great reaction from everyone!

We told Jordan's family at Christmas, they were so excited too... not as great reaction because it took everyone a while to read the shirt since it got a little ruined in the dryer! Oops! haha.

So many positives about this baby. I always wanted my kids close in age, probably cause that's the way me and my sisters are. Of course I learned that I cant control everything, Avery and this baby will be exactly 3 years apart! If this baby is a girl, great for re-using clothes being that we have tons and they would be the same seasons! I will be so happy with a boy or girl. I love that Avery is such a big girl! I will have 6 months free of diapers before this baby... yay! She completely understands that there is a baby in my tummy, she loved hearing the heart beat at the doctors this morning. She keeps telling us she wants a boy baby, haha! I would ask if a girl baby would be okay... nope! But she has come around to understand a girl baby would be fine too! She is such big help, so great with babies too! Whenever she hears a baby cry at church and looks at me all concerned and says "baby sad Mom!" I love that I've had a rest from the baby thing, and I will be ready to take on the sleepless nights, diaper changes and feedings again! I love that I've had the chance to go back to work, gain some more experience, and get maternity leave again!

Anyways, we are so excited and just hoping for the best! I don't know if I will really believe it until I'm actually in labor! But as you see below it is a hard thing to hide now, I'm HUGE! haha, but I'm grateful for being huge and throwing up, and feeling tired from diclitin!!! Those are all blessings to me!

My little potty girl

2011-01-25T14:59:00.001-08:00

Hi ya'll! I couldn't let a whole month slide by without posting something!

I have some big things to post soon, but time is not right yet... leaving you in suspense! Well don't think too deep, Jordan has just pulled out his handy man skills yet again and made over our front hall closet!!! He always blows my expectations out of the water all the time. I had some requests for our front hall, and then... BAM! He pulls out a custom craftsmanship closet with cubbies and shoes racks and hooks for our jackets, amazed! The doors just went up, we just received the handles in the mail (they were hard to find, but Jordan found some online that are perfect!) So once those go on, pictures to come. And then finally a full out before and afters of the house!

We may get to new doors this year, but definitely most of the big projects are done. Our ugly bathroom will remain... our ugly bathroom! I may give it a little thrifty makeover (new accessories etc.) But that’s it! So may as well post the before and afters!

But I have a little bragging to do about another important person in my life... my little Avery! So I think he has been ready to potty train for a couple months now. She sees her little buddy Zach go to the bathroom lots, so I think that as helped. But I have not been ready! haha, does that make sense? We had Christmas right around the corner and I did not want a newly potty trained kid in the car for a 9 hour drive! Definitely diapers are better for that!

But one of my news resolutions was to dive into potty training! I was all geared up for accidents and a big project... but it wasn't! Avery has been such a star! Of course treats of been a motivator, but there are no more treats and she’s still a champ! She’s so cute to see how proud she is of herself and how happy she gets when I get excited!

#2 has been a bit of a different story, not with having accidents; she only wants to go in the potty. But with being stubborn and holding it! But I think she’s coming around and seeing that its not such a bad thing get it out and "push" a little! haha, the first time she went #2 I felt like a birthing coach encouraging her to push!

She now only wears pull ups for night time, and she is starting to wake up in the morning with them mostly dry! Nap times she even wears panties! And Mom’s out there, how cute are the little panties out there!

Things are good, busy but good. I may get a little spontaneous vacation right away. A deal I could not pass up, details and pictures to follow :)

So funny, sometimes she asks for books when shes on the potty! This kid cracks me up!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Since I'm enjoying my week off with my family and having too much fun to blog I thought I would say a short message! We had a wonderful Christmas and I loved how much Avery enjoyed and understood everything!

Have a wonderful New Year and all the best in 2011!

Our House at Christmas

2010-12-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas I did not get to enjoy Christmas in our new home. Thankfully we escaped to my parents lots which is always beautifully decorated, but last Christmas was not the greatest in our home. We were doing major renovations because Jordan has a chunk of time off, we had our kitchen in our living room all December! It was such a mess, there was no room for a tree or anything really! I had also just gone through my second (and late) miscarriage of the year, so it was not a very cherry time :(

But this Christmas has already been wonderful. Aside from being crazy busy with Primary and work, our home feel so cozy! I can just feel the warmth of Christmas when I come home, and the three of us have been watching lots of Christmas shows and just spending time together in our home!

Our tree. I had never bought Christmas decorations since we got married in December and our center pieces were Christmas balls. So I just used those. But last year on boxing day I went to Greenland garden center and re-did my tree! Such great sales, and I've been excited all year to finally decorate my tree and put it all together!

My plate wall for the holiday season. I added a couple Christmas plates! And added my "Merry Christmas" blocks with pine cones. Man I love these edges - thank you honey for you amazing craftsmanship!

Christmas center piece. Buckets from Michael's, like $1.50 each. Mine pine cones from Dollarama, and I got the plate from Pier 1 last boxing day, the plate is really cute, I was trying to think of a way to show it more, but oh well. I still think this works.

My dear friend Tara made this for me last Christmas. It found a home at our front entrance on the ledge, Avery loves looking at the characters. I also used it for Family Home Evening this past Monday for Avery to learn the real Christmas story. Thanks Tara!

Up close look at the advent calendar. We had one similar to this growing up as kids and I loved it! My mom was making one to send Blake on his mission so I joined her an made one for our family. We got the trace for the stockings on Martha Stewart's website. They were very easy, and then I found this cute ribbon at Michael's. The numbers are stickers I found at Michael's too, they obviously weren't sticky enough to just stick on the felt, so I glue gunned them on. The first thing Avery does in the morning is runs to the stocking to get her treat!

The tree with some presents under it. I have no had time to get much Christmas shopping done yet, but me and Avery did have a fun shopping date with Auntie Taren this week and got a good jump start on Christmas shopping.

pumpkins, nerds and a poodle...

2010-11-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

That is what describes our Halloween! It was a lot of fun, I wouldn't say that I'm an over board in love with Halloween kind of person... but I also don't hate it either. I think it can be quite a fun holiday when approached in a light hearted fun manner!

Avery sure loved it, she loves dresses up and talked about pumpkins all month long! We carved a pumpkin for Family Home Evening on Monday night, she thought it was awesome! She watched Jordan and I every step of the way!

She loves pulling the pumpkins "hat" off!I think she was quite surprised when she saw the inside.

We encouraged her to pull the insides out - she did not like that! We got a big "yuck" when she tried that.

Watching me draw the face on.

We turned all the lights out and lit the pumpkin up, she loved that!

So next we had a adult Halloween party at friends house. It was a lot of fun! Everyone had such fun costumes! Jordan and I brought back the nerds! We did this costume when we were engaged for the YSA Halloween dance. Seriously, one of the funnest costume to do! Here is us being awkward weird nerds!

Me - Nerd, Cindy - Football/work out chick, Trina - 80's chick , and Ashley - 80's chick. Some what all related, and none of us knew what we were going as! I have no idea where Ashley got the acid wash jumper, so great! And Trina raided her sisters closet who still has all her old clothes!

Aaron - Dwight, Jordan - nerd, so basically 2 nerds together!

Mike and Trina - 80's couple, on man, Mike looked so creepy with sweats and mustache! And Trina reminded me of my Mom 20 years ago, all the details down to a tee!

Jeff and Jaima - Colonel Mustard and Mrs. Peacock (there whole family was along with this theme the next day at the Primary Halloween party, it was very cute!)

Terry and Nicole - Nacho Libre and the Nun (still have not seen this movie, apparently I need to rent it.)

Vern and Julie - Rocker Slash (particular one, I'm too young to know I guess...) and Julie as the I-Phone!

And the hosts! April as Angela and Aaron as Dwight!

AND THEN, Primary Carnival and Trunk or Treat. This was a busy month for me, I had our Primary presentation the weekend before and then was in charge of our tri-ward Halloween party. The other wards were a huge help, but there was like 180 kids there! Kind of craaazzzzzy,but everyone had fun!

Here is my little poodle, such great weather that this is all she needed all night, kept her plenty warm!

Avery and her best bud Zach and Horse! Doing some crafts, I love when there faces light up when they see each other!

One of the Carnival games, Fish Pond!

Me and my poodle. To say the least.... "sigh" October is over! What a month. Our house is coming along, Jordan has been doing baseboards in between studying. I'm already getting soooo excited for Christmas! After last year and this house was turned upside down with my kitchen in my living room and then vise versa. I'm just so excited to decorate this year (and last year on boxing day I bought all new decorations for my tree, verrrrry excited!) Anyways, I'll refrain from decorating for a few weeks, but I don't now if I can hold out till Dec. 1!

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

Family Pictures 2010

2010-10-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

We finally got our family pictures done on Thanksgiving weekend. My sister Kamry took them, she has been getting into photography this past year as a hobby, and doing a great job! She had the impossible task of getting a good picture of Avery, mostly getting her to look a the camera. But during this little photo session Avery cooperated and sort of hammed it up for the camera... what a relief! Anyways, Kamry did a great job and I'm grateful for her and the time she took to edit these! Thanks KAMRY!!!

Fun at the Farm!

2010-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

On Thanksgiving Monday we went out to "Prairie Farms" which is out north of Edmonton by Bon Accord (http://www.prairiegardens.org/.) My friend from work told me about it, and it was definitely worth the drive! And the drive is only about a 1/2 hour out of Edmonton and it is a beautiful drive.

Anyways, it runs through October and what a fun thing for families to do. There is so many different things for everyone! We had a blast and decided we will do this every year.

They had this great folk band playing, they were so good! That was probably Avery's favourite thing, when they stopped in between songs she would clap and say "more!"Avery and her goofy smile :)
Painting pumpkins, another huge hit!

Picking out her pumpkin to paint, found one!

Holding a bunny in the petting zoo, so many cute bunnies!

Avery and this goat were best friends, he loved eating the leaves she fed him, and Avery did not want to go!

Pumpkins! There were pumpkins everywhere!Jordan and Avery outside the entrance

Oh the hay ride over to the little pumpkin / Halloween town they have set up.

Small simple pleasure

2010-10-08T20:22:00.001-07:00

Hi All!

My Aunt Tonya gave me a sweet reminder that I need to update my blog because she likes to look at it! I thought that was nice, made me feel good :) So thanks Tonya! And my blog is always looming in the back of my head, but I must say it definitely has taken a back seat! I know everyone in this fast paced world is busy... but I gotta say, our little family has a full plate lately!

In July I was called as Primary president in our ward, what a shocker... and what a wonderful blessing. I love this calling, love the children and my presidency and all our wonderful primary workers! Its truly the best place to be! But yes, added to my already somewhat full plate. I'm working 3 days a week, which is manageable. And I do love my job, its nice to do something I love and am good at and work with such a great team :)

The other thing that has been added to our schedule is Jordan has decided to pursue his CMA. He is doing his course every Saturday from August - March (this complicated my work schedule slightly) and it is a lot of work. Which means he is studying every night pretty much. Anyways, I'll stop being a complainer... I can tell you one blessing that comes from being busy. You make the most of your time, I've never been such a productive busy bee! And when me and Avery have Mommy and Avery time we have a great time! Soooo nooooo offense blogging friends, but that is why my blog has been neglected. When I actually have spare time it is usually spent with Jordan or Avery or catching up on Primary work! But I still love you all and after October Primary will have slowed down (we have our presentation on the 24th and Halloween party on the 30th!)

So I thought I would share some things that bring me happiness, mostly some home things... some little finishing touches I have been doing lately. Jordan is in the midst of baseboards right now, and after they are complete I will definitely do a before and after post. Its quite incredible what we've done with this old house is a year!

My entry table and accessories, Hydrangea tree and lamp ("Lamp Berger", best thing for home fragrance) compliments of "Posh At Home!" You guys gotta stop by the store, it is truly wonderful! We have new things in all the time, sooo different from what you usually see in Edmonton :)

My birdies, when Jordan finished this ledge on the wallpaper wall I knew I wanted a little family of birdies... I finally found them at "Tin Box." Down the road from our store. I've decided I'll add to our birdie family as it grows - I've told Avery its a Daddy, Avery and Mommy bird! So now everyday she looks at the birds and says "Daddy, Avery and Mommy!

Front Entrance, finished it off with a mirror, and my fall blocks which says "Give thanks"

Oh and of course our family! Talia is walking! This was at our house Sunday, we hosted my Mom's birthday dinner, great time!

Me and my grandma - she is who I got my strawberry blond roots from - I may be embracing them more soon... shhhh, we'll see :s

Jordan and my Great Grandma Bernice - looking good for 86!

Nana and Talia - I love her sneaky face here!

And my favourite little sweet pleasure right now - AVERY! I could go on and on about the amazing wonderful little girl she is growing up to be! She is so funny, quite the comedian, she has an incredible memory (almost knows 3 different songs), and learning more and more everyday, she knows all her colors and can count from 1-11! I'll save more bragging for another post!

Mommy I'm a big girl now!

2010-08-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

That is a song title from Hairspray - and lately I feel like that is what Avery is telling me! haha, I still call her my baby and sometimes treat her that way, but she definitely is no longer a baby!

Avery turned 2 on the weekends, I can barley believe it!

She is growing and learning so fast! She has become quite the good talker, basically says everything and pronounces it words quite well! She also knows almost 1-10, a few of the Alphabet, and all her colors! She loves to draw, play pretend, be outside, play in the water, pretending to sing, dance, parks, books, climbing, play "night night", fruit, french fries, milk, nursery and her buddies there, animals and making there sounds, helping dad with reno projects and yard work, helping mom clean and she has quite the sense of humor.

She does not like posing for pictures, being made to do anything until she chooses to do that thing (she is very stubborn and independent), still not a big cuddlier (but has realized hugs and kisses aren't so bad, and being woken up from a good nap (sometimes 1:00 church forces us to do that.)

Her favourite TV characters / shows are Dora and Curious George. I could go on and on about this girl! I just love the little person she is becoming!

I've been looking at lots of pictures of her over the past 2 years and missing those ages, but still loving the ones shes in. Here are some pictures of her over the past 2 years!

Newborn - cannot believe she was once this little!

6 months! She chunked out real good!
18 months, Avery is a bit of a Tom Girl - basically a girl version of Jordan!

2 years old! Like I said before, she is the hardest kid to get a good picture of! Right when the camera comes out, she basically runs or turns away! So this was a couple weeks ago at the zoo - best one I could find recently!

I love her and feel so blessed to be here Mommy! Happy B-day Avery!

Wallpaper wall... COMPLETE!

2010-08-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Quick Before - note right wall, this lovely wallpaper went through the living room and dining room.

Thanks to my hard working / handy husband out wall is done!!! Our house is starting to feel like ours! We still have baseboards and a closet door at the front entrance to do THIS YEAR... and then a break for the rest of the year! Still plenty more to do over the years!

Anyways, I was so impressed with Jordan's handy work. I finally found the wallpaper I wanted and got a deal from our supplier. And Jordan found these real 8" wide pine boards off kijiji. This girl was renovating her house and ripping them off her wall, obviously didn't know what they were worth. So we got all the pine boards for $60 ALL TOGETHER!

It was a lot of work for Jordan to get them on the wall. Wall needed to be prepped, boards were cut, boards were nailed on wall, the sanded to cover up big knots and nail holes, and then Jordan routered all the finishing peices from scratch from those pines boards! I was so impressed, he bought a couple peices for the front entrance.

Then was the painting, more wood filling and sanding and more painting. Oh yes, wallpaper was done before all this. Phew!!! I was just support staff...and this project was exhausting. But we both are so happy its done and could just stare at the walls all day long! Anyways, IT'S DONE!!! Enjoy the pics!

Front Entrance

Front Entrance - without light on (new light too!)

Big wall between living room and dining room!

Beloved plate wall - I've been collecting these plates from everywhere over the last few months. The smaller green one, my wonderful friend Tara knew I was working on this project and saw it at Crate and Barrel in Calgary and brought it home to me :) Thanks Tar!

I will put up a bunch of Before and Afters once baseboards and closet door are done!

Giggles in the Sun :)

2010-07-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

First - a couple back yard projects. This area was weeding over and just needed help. So Jordan cleaned it up, cut out the shape and put the border down, put the landscaping paper down, I planted a couple perennials, and then Jordan layed the cedar mulch. Yesterday we placed the rocks and lanterns, pretty nice hey!

Jordan found this patio set on Kijiji.We got it for $40. It was very worn and like a brick red color stain, but the stain was pretty much all worn off. So I wanted to do a different color - I want our back yard to be fun but have some resemblance to the mountains. So I picked this greyey / blue color and stained it. The set came with chair pads, but they were in a ugly hunter green. So I got some outdoor fabric from Fabricland (really cute outdoor fabric right now.) And with some help of my mom made cushions for over top! Cute hey! So with stain and fabric the entire set came to about $100. Were just looking for a umbrella right now, probably tan color.

Oh and that is the pretty fence Jordan put up (we had none on that side it was just open.) And he also painted the back fence (it was a brick color.)

Well FINALLY in Edmonton we've had some nice summer! And it couldn't have come at a better time! Jordan and I have about 10 days off together. We went camping this past weekend in Lake Louise which was great (I'll put pics up soon.)

But mostly we've just been enjoying our yard! We didn't get to do this last summer with moving and our frustrations with getting possession of this house. One of the reasons we wanted this house so much was because of the big back yard and huge potential! It was a little neglected over the past few years because it was a older couple that owned the house. But Jordan (and me sometimes) has been working our butts off! And its looking so great! Our yard is finally all fenced in (no more worrying about Avery running on the busy street) and its coming together!

There is still lots to do, but we put the pool up last week and that is pretty much all Avery wants to do!

Avery enjoying some lunch outside after playing in the yard all morning!

Avery playing with Uncle Mike, that day Jordan and Mike finished that back corner behind them. It was all dirt and weeding over, so they ripped it out and we planted some perennials and put some cedar mulch down.
I invited some friends over and little buddies for Avery to hang out with. It was a beautiful morning and so much fun! These 2 are adorable and about the same age (10 months.)
Bennett took a little spill - he was not impressed, but also didn't get that upset.
Bennett - what can I say about this boy! He is just so cute! Just a little story about Bennett and Avery. So I don't know if you see it, but to me and Bennett's Mom Kay, Avery and Bennett look alike! And we've had other people tell us that, haha! They are not related at all, but we do have a little connection. Kay's sister Megan is my sister-in-law because she married Jordan's brother Cole! So there is no blood relation between me and Kay, so its just a weird thing that Bennett and Avery resemble each other! But I love this kid, he has the best personality and of course I think hes adorable - I feel like my son will look like him! haha!

Bennett (Easthope), Avery, Dylan (Smith), and Zachary (Wolff) Avery's little boyfriend! They were all so cute!

TIMMMBEEERR!!!!

2010-07-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well among the millions of projects we have going on around our house, this is the newest. My wallpaper was WAS next, but our neighbor who hates these trees in our front yard even more than we do changed those plans!
So we've had these 2 HUGE spruce trees that are dangerously close to our house in our front yard. They are also so dirty and take over our whole front yard! So, our neighbor arranged (payed for) a bin to be delivered, and he helped Jordan take these trees down! Jordan has lots of expirence with falling trees because when he worked as a forest fire fighter for a few summers in BC, he was the chain saw guy who fell trees.

So they came down sucessfully! Jordan stressed so much about it, he got like 3 hours of sleep the night before! It was very close to our house, so I don't blame him. But I knew he would do a great job!

So they are down! Now our front yard is pretty bare and ugly... haha, but I'd rather have that than those trees. Just another thing to add to the list, the front landscaping. But that is okay, now we can move on to other things... like my wallpaper wall!

Cole helping out

HUGE hey! So glad those are done. Its all cleaned up now, landscaping in the front yard may have to wait until next year though, lots more to do!

Grads!

2010-06-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

This year in our family we had 2 highschool grads! My youngest sister Paige, and Jordan's youngest brother Michael. It was really neat to see them all grown up and looking so awesome! Paige's of course was here in Edmonton, and then last weekend we travelled to Vanderhoof for Michael's ceremonies. Both we really nice events. Here are some highlights.

Paige after getting her diploma!

Me and Kamry with Paige (taren was out of town.)

Mom and Dad with Paige

Paige and her handsome date Cody, they looked sooo good together!

At the banquet that night - doesn't Paige look beautiful!?

Me and my Mom after the banquet.

Michael's grad after the ceremony, it was like 10:30... Avery was sooo tired! Hence... her face!

Mikes grad class

After the Grand march where the grads are introduced with there date.

The family cheering Mike on :)

Michael and his date, isn't he a stud!

I AM ALIVE!

2010-05-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi blogging friends,

I've been a horrible blogger, and I'm not necessarily promising I will get better. It seems with work and summer events starting, there is not a lot of free time! And that free time is spent with my favourite people... being Jordan and Avery :)

Work is great... but busy! I'm still part time, but I find myself taking work home lately and preparing presentations and working on clients files during Av's nap time and after she goes to bed. That then leaves my "nap time duties" to be done some other times... not sure when that is?! I also like to spend as much time with Avery when I am home from work! But I know this is many working mothers dilemma, this is just me ranting and still adjusting. But I sure am productive when I'm busier!

Anyways, reno projects are still on the go. Until our fence is done, in house things are on hold. More pictures to come! We've had lots of fun family gatherings lately, which I will post pics of once I get them (I hate forgetting my camera, thankfully my sisters and Mom didn't forget.) And I had a baby shower for my dear sweet friend Tara and her son Boston on the weekend which was lots of fun, hes so darn cute! Well here's some updates of my cutie pie lately!

Before church, she loves wearing her dresses.

This is Avey's tome boy side, she loves puttig her daddys hats on!

Oh and please Mothers out there who have had kids addicted to there soothers... this is a bad picture of Avery, but it shows her crazy addiction to soothers! I have a goal that by the time shes 2 I will be rid of that thing! But its going to be no easy task, any tips you mommas have are much appreciated!

Fun on the Farm!

2010-05-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

This week we had such a great little play date with some of my girlfriends and there kids. Lisa invited us over to her parents house who have a acreage outside of Sherwood Park. Her dad was a Rancher his whole life and just retired and they bought a smaller place closer to the city. Even though it was a little chilly out, we all had such a great time! Thank you to Lisa and Mr. Conrad for there hospitality!

Dmitri (Lisa's son) and Zach (Rachel's son) on the horse, they were both very brave! You won't see any of Avery on the horse, although she really enjoyed looking and touching them, she was too nervous to sit on them.

I love this little guy, Cori's son Dylan! His face was precious, it was like "should I cry or laugh right now? I'm not too sure?!?!" Pretty brave for a 13 month old!

Such boys these 2, they LOVED the tractor!

Me and Avery going for a quad ride with Lisa and Dmitri

We had a awesome pot luck lunch after, lots of good food, here is the kids enjoying from fruit after lots of playing outside.

Sleepy heads on the way back home, we caught ride out with Zach and Rachel. These 2 just love each other! When I'm at work Rachel watches Avery, so they are best buddies! So it was fun for me to see them together playing!

Night out with my Sistas!!!

2010-04-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

I just love my sisters, and its nice when you get older and you become more like friends than... sisters. Well we've been meaning to have a night out, just us girls and we finally did. And we've got to do it more often!

We went to this awesome new place in Edmonton that Taren suggested called "The Melting Pot." Oh my goodness, DELICIOUS!!! As you can tell by the title its a fondue place, we got a cheese fondue to split and chocolate. It was great! And we had tons of great laughs!

Oh and yes, there are only 4 of us Pizzey girls. The 5th chica is Lindsay (Blake's - my brothers gf) and we were so happy to invite her along cause she is such a sweet heart and absolute delight and she tolerates how crazy we are!

All of us (left to right) Kamry, me, Paige, Lindsay and Taren.

Paige, Lindsay and Taren enjoying the amazing chocolate fondue! The give you fruit, cheesecake, cake, and powdered marshmallows to dip, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Me and Kams :)

Easter Fun!

2010-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm... fold laundry... or blog... BLOG! I always use nap time productively... hehe!

Well I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend! We sure did, best I can remember in a long time! And how great was it to have conference on Easter weekend!? I just loved that! Since I've gone back to work part time we really haven't had a spare full day together (Me, Avery and Jordan) since I started! I work every Saturday, so Jordan and Avery have fun together on Saturdays, and yes we get Sundays together... but lets face it... sometimes with kids and church Sundays are too much of a break! SO, I still worked Saturday, but Jordan got Friday AND Monday off!!! So I worked Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday we had Friday, Sunday and Monday together!!! Soooo nice!

Friday we cleaned out garage out (that felt good) and went to my parents house to have dinner and roast marshmallows with my Sister and her husband and there cute 6 month old daughter. My parents were out of town until Saturday so they were house sitting and watching the dog.

Sunday we had a little egg hunt with Avery in the morning and a yummy breakfast and relaxed and watched conference. And that night we went back to my parents and and had dinner, went for a walk, enjoyed a hot tub, and watched a movie and slept over!!! So nice and relaxing.

Monday we went to Kids Quartz in Sherwood Park and got a work out climbing everywhere with Avery, she had a blast though! And had some lunch and then went back to my parents to set up the scavenger hunt and help my mom get ready for Easter dinner. Then all the family came over to my parents and we had a lovely dinner and scavenger hunt for the little girls! Then watched the NCAA final, so yes... wonderful weekend! Here's a bunch of pics, enjoy!

Avery checking out her Easter basket

Trying to get her to grasp the idea of looking for eggs, she got it... she just wanted to eat each one when she found it!

Showing off her loot, more to find though!

The Easter bunny... isn't he handsome! haha, he was a lot happier here, I'm not sure why he looks so grouchy!?

Avery in her Easter outfit with her bunny

Watching conference, she loves when the choir sings

At my Parents doing the Easter egg scavenger hunt

Taren, Jordan, A, and my Nana after the scavenger hunt

Our family, Avery is very hard to get to co-operate for pictures... grrrr

Taren, pretty little Talia, and Kamry

My little cousin Casey, Paige and Cody

Beef Stew Recipe

2010-03-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Don't you love a good beef stew!? I didn't even like beef growing up, but since my tastes of matured... haha, I just love it! Jordan went on a YM's camp last summer and the last day this wonderful lady in our Grace Dyer brought them beef stew (they actually were up on top of Mount Robinson as the camp was a hike and Jordan arranged for the helicopter that brings tourists up everyday to bring a package up and it had beef stew, buns, and chocolate from Grace) and he was telling me how it was the best thing hes ever tasted! From then I've been craving a good beef stew!

So I bought this slow cooker little magazine at a Safeway check out. I love doing slow cooker meals when I work, cause I have time in the morning to put it together and then we have a tasty healthy dinner when we get home. So this has been one of my favourites. I've tweaked a few things and when I made it last week it was fine tuned and perfect! So here is the recipe with a few tweaks I did. Enjoy! Its so easy to make too!

Beef Stew:

-1/3 C flour
- 1 t salt
- 1 t paprika
- 1/4 t pepper
- 2 1/2 lb lean boneless beef stew
meat
- 2 T EVOO
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bag (1 lb) baby carrots or cut up 5-6 carrots into the size of baby carrots
- 2 C baby potatoes
- 1 can beef broth (184ml)
- 1/2 C Welshes grape juice
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 T minced garlic
- 1 t ginger
- 8-10 mushrooms chopped (if you like mushrooms, leave it out if you don't)

- Spray Slow Cooker
- heat up oil on pan.
- Combine flour, salt, paprika, and pepper in Ziploc. Shake beef in Ziploc and fry in oil on pan. Brown beef on all sides for 5-7 mins and transfer to bottom of slow cooker. Top with potatoes, carrots and onions.
- Mix broth, juice, tomatoes paste, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour solution into cooker
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours
- Add mushrooms and cook 1-2 more hours
- if not adding mushrooms cook on low for 6-8 hours

ENJOY!

Easter Card for Elder Pizzey

2010-03-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

It has been so fun to have my baby brother on his missions. I love reading his emails and letters and reading how already he has grown so much! He is serving in Salt Lake City South mission. He got out of the MTC last week so hes in his first area. He covers 2 stakes! And the 2 stakes are within blocks of each other!!! That just blows my mind! He says it needs some cleaning up, so him and his companion are working hard to do that! He's very pumped to work hard and has a excellent trainer and they just click! I just love it!

I also love writing letters (aren't letters so much funner than emails) and sending cute things. Blake always loved my cards and would tell me at birthdays / Christmas he would get excited for them. So while he's on his mission I've decided every little holiday deserves a card! So here is our Easter card, with a photo picture instead. Its in girl colors... but it is Easter... what can you do!

1/4 Century club!

2010-03-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

(Yes, this is me as a baby... and no my dad is not 16 here)

I sort of feel like I've been 25 for at least the last 3 years, so this wasn't as big of milestone and others would feel. The reason for that is because with my work I work with a lot of clients who are trusting me and spending quite a bit of money. They are usually 90% of the time older than me, and many times ask my age or judge me at first cause I look young (or really am young.) So since I started in the industry almost 4 years ago I've been telling clients I'm 25! haha, its just a little white lie... but mostly a business strategy. So this day is a long time coming!

But it was a great birthday (Jordan spoiled me) and nice to reflect on all the things I've learned over my 25 years on this earth. Trust me I still have lots to learn, but I like to say that I'm honestly 25 now, and I feel it... and it feels good!

So here are the 5 main things I've learned (that I can think of off the top of my head) in my 25 years on this earth ;)

- Not everything goes according to plan. I'm a planner, and especially over 2009 I learned that my plans don't always unfold. So I've learned to be more accommodating and roll with the punches. "When given lemons... make lemonade!"

- Family is the best, I have lots of wonderful close friends that I love so much! But nothing beats family, and I'm so grateful to have mine close by!

- I thought I couldn't love Jordan more than the day I married him... wrong! Every day I love him more and more! I love as we grow older and make experiences together, we only get stronger!

- The love that I have for my daughter is the best feeling in the world! And its taught me to see a glimpse of what my Heavenly Father feels for me! I love watching her learn and grow and she cracks me up on a daily basis. I just love being a Mom

- I love to create, whether its at work or at home. To make something beautiful just makes me smile, and to helps clients make there homes beautiful gives me such joy as well! I also love dealing with clients and people. I love to read people and see the different approach I should take to deal with them.

Reno Update #2

2010-03-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Well here are the updated Reno pictures. I keep putting off getting these on my blog because I wish I had more to show to give more of the "wow" factor. But the fact is until I find a wallpaper that I like and wont cost me a arm and a leg, and once we get some more time and money... we are sort of at a stand still. SO... I might as well show the progress over the last month.

What has changed since the last pics: Paint, back splash in kitchen, window covering in kitchen and living room, and FINALLY I got pictures up. I just saw no point in doing that until we painted. Excuse the lack of closet door in the front entrance, I have so many ideas to make my front hall cute, but we are having trouble finding a closet door for the odd shape that these old closets are (its very annoying since Avery's favourite thing is to wear our shoes lately) so hopefully we find one soon.

Drapes from Pier 1, first place I looked and they were perfect. They had all my colors in it, it was really quite strange how perfect they were since they suited my style too! And hopefully one day I'll get rid of the IKEA furniture and have some much nicer... but that is down the road!

Didn't Jordan do a good job on the back splash?!?! He keeps looking at all his imperfections (which I don't see) but I've been so impressed at the wonderful job he's done!

Left on the list:

- WALLPAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Baseboards

- New Doors

- New light fixtures

- Crown molding to finish off above cupboard

- front entry closet and door

- figure something out with front entry paneling

AND.... I'm sure I'm missing something. Everyone with old houses knows it never ends!

Update on my little A

2010-02-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Not that anyone really needs an update on my munchkin, but I haven't blogged about her lately and just looked on my camera and saw a couple comical pictures. So here are some recent randoms.

This is Avery Valentines morning getting a little package from Mom and Dad. She was quite excited and loved it all, she is kissing her pink poodle here.

Playing ball and quite excited about that!
She always has snack after nap, I cannot remember what she was doing here, something silly... maybe singing?!

I just love this picture, it cracks me up for some reason.

Her favourite past time, putting on our boots or shoes. Sometimes its cute, and other times its annoying!

Her favourite to put on, her pink boots. Hiding from me cause she knows I'm going to take them away (not cause I'm mean, cause they were dirty and I just cleaned the house!)

Avery seems to be adjusting quite well to me working part time. My girlfriend watching her Thursday and Friday says she plays great with her son and eats good! So I'm happy about that, makes leaving her easier! She is till adjusting to napping at there house, hopefully that works itself out.

And Saturday she has so much fun with Jordan! They went and bought a sled last week and walked around the field with it and she was happy as can be. I came home Saturday and she was wearing her winter boots and tutu! So of course she was in heaven, those are her favourite things to wear! I wish I got a picture but by the time I grabbed the camera she was done with that! And so far work is great! Busy and back doing what I love :)

Patience in Decorating

2010-02-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

So I had this thought since many times during the day I have decorating thoughts pop in my head, that maybe I'd share them on my blog! So who knows how often I will do this, but I'll try and give you some tips I've learned or picked up along my own decorating travels or while helping others.

So tip for today: have patience when looking for that certain Piece! Sometimes when accessorizing or adding those finishing touches to our homes we get impatient an even though we know that certain piece we are looking for we just want to finish and get it now! So we might see something that is similar or sort of along those lines... and just get it cause then we've finished off our house! But... that piece is out there, I promise you. Whenever I do decorative consults and we come up with a piece that will work in a specific spot I tell them, not just wait. Do lots of looking around and just wait! Its hard I know, it may take a week (depending how diligently you get out to look) and it may take 6 months, but you'll find it! Its sooo much better having patience and waiting, than getting some half a$$ (excuse my french, but there's the dollar signs so it doesn't count, haha) piece that just doesn't cut it and then... 2 months later you find that perfect piece. Especially if your on a budget, your husband will say "well you already got that vase 2 months ago, you can't just replace it with that, we can't afford that!" Big example of that is I wanted something on top of Avery's shelf in her room, I just waited and then went to my aunts cabin one weekend at pigeon lake, and this adorable stuffed giraffe (that is too cute to play with, so its an accessory) was there in this cute store in pigeon lake! I would show you a picture but Avery's napping right now.

What reminded me of this little advice was I was out with my wonderful Nana (who probably inspired me to go into the field I'm in) and she helped me finish some floral arrangements in my house. She is very good at floral arrangements, and I've had this vase and slowly added arrangements to it (every time Jordan comes home he says "there's more stuff in that vase every time I come home") haha but just needed a bit more and couldn't figure it out. So we found some perfect fillers that I never would have thought of, and it looks so cute! Also I wanted a unique frame for a cute picture of Avery to go on a shelf in our room, and after lots of looking and waiting I found just what I was looking for at Winners last week.

Also while I was out with my Nana and Mom this week, my mom had one of those moments too. Shes been looking for something to go beside her fire place, they moved in last summer! And low and behold.... she found it this week! And its perfect!
So be patient because its worth it!

So I've convinced Jordan to conquer the back splash his weekend, so even though we've painted and hung pictures and all that since I last posted reno pics, I'm waiting till the back splash is done so there will be more to show. I guess these pics show the pait color, I went dark and love it! I was sort of freaking out when we started, but since its dried I just love it!

And I'm going back to work next week, I start Feb 18! I will work Thursday, Friday and Saturday at is super great store down town called "Posh Interiors." Its close to home and they are soooo willing to work with me being part time and being a mom and giving me a set schedule. And I'll be back working with clients doing what I love, so wish me luck!

Happy Valentines Day, enjoy time with your sweetie this weekend! I'm looking forward to it :)

Doppelganger

2010-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

You facebook friends have probably seen all the doppelganger stuff going on this week, I just think its so fun! I love seeing other friends celebrity pictures and who people have told them they look like. Some I've thought myself and some I think "oh, you totally do look like that person!" I've always had sort of a obsession I guess you would say with this concept... and without thinking about it. Like I watch a movie and say to Jordan "doesn't she / he look like so and so." Usually he agrees and sometimes he think I'm nuts. But it my eyes I'm always right!

So for the fun of "doppelganger" week, I thought I'd post the 3 people I've been told I look like. They are in order from the one I've been most told I look like to least. And again, I'm not saying I think I look exactly like these women (I wish) but that this is what people have told me! Let me know you celebrity look alike, its just too fun!

1. I've been told her quite a few times, probably when I was skinnier and have my natural hair color (red.) My friends in highschool Lauren and Lindsay Sellar would tell me this on a regular basis.

2. Amy Adams I've been told a couple times, but mostly by Jordan. If we ever see a movie with her in it he will say that a few times thru the movie.

3. Isla Fisher, I've only been told I look like her once by my cousin. I see it a little, but she has brown eyes which I definitely don't, even though sometimes I wish I did! I love brown eyes, so much that in grade 9 I had brown contacts

And... there is a 4th. I don't like to think I look like her, but I had to post it since my Dad tells me I do ALLLL the time! He thinks its a good thing, but shes an actress that either looks really cute... or really ugly! My Dad always tells me I look like Drew Barrymore! No one else has told me, but since my dad has told me that so many times I'll put a pic of her up.

Phase 1 - Reno pics

2010-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

I have hesitated putting these pics up because even though we have accomplished so much on these Reno's so far... there is so much more to do! And I felt like there would be more "wow" factor if I waited till all the finishing pieces were done. Well I'm not sure when all of that will be accomplished, basically when we have the time and money... for sure in the next 6 months. And we've (mostly Jordan ) has been working so hard and all the BIG things are done, so I decided to share some pics.
So keep in mind over the next 6 months paint, light fixtures, back splash in kitchen, window coverings in living room and kitchen, WALL PAPER (can't wait for that), baseboards, and new doors. PHEW! Nothing right?! Probably accomplish that in one day... yea... no! So that is why I'm sharing now. Enjoy!

Bathroom before

Bathroom after, didn't do much. Just painted with leftover paint from the basement suite and new mirrors. We'll gut it in a couple years.
Living Room before - hate this wallpaper SO MUCH!

Living Room Before and Front Entrance

Living Room after - just new arrangement and carpet

Living Room / Front Entrance after

Living Room After (Kona sun tanning)

Dinning Room before

Kitchen / Dinning Room after

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Kitchen before, soooo retro!

Kitchen after

Yay! Looking good, and sooo much more functional!

Reading and decision to make...

2010-01-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

I was a huge reader when I was young, all the babysitter club books, Nancy Drew, some of the scary Goose bump stories, haha! And then in my older years I let it slip a little and would only read on vacations or when a series I just had to read came out (aka. Twilight.) Anyways, last summer after our move I started reading more, and basically haven't stopped since. So I think I've become a reader again! Basically if I stop reading a book, I need to have another! I sort of feel naked if I'm not reading a book! Jordan now says "hows your boyfriend doing" when I'm reading my book, haha! I laugh and tell him reading is a good thing to do in your spare time and he should try it instead of bothering me.

SO, I was reading sort of lighter novels... if they were movies they would be chick flicks. All wonderful books some of the authors being; Nicholas Sparks or Sophie Kinsella or Emily Giffin (I've read all of hers but one, very cute author with cute stories) and some others. But I was borrowing some from my mom and decided to read some books with a bit more substance, haha! (Oh I'm also to cheap to buy books, unless I go to the second hand book stores. So I have fallen in love with our library and go on a weekly basis or borrow from my mom. And there are lots of fun things that Avery loves at the library and we do a library class every Wednesday morning.)

So I'm just about finished reading "Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. It is such a great book, and quite funny too, but in a way that you are laughing because you cannot believe how crazy and twisted these parents perspective on life and how they take care of (or rather don't take care of) there children. They are basically a home less family going from town to town, and the children end up fending for themselves because there parents are such a disaster. Its quite amazing.

It is humbling and also makes me want to be the best mom I can be, because these amazing kids had such low life's for parents. Also wants me to teach my child(ren) how wonderful they have it and to not take anything for granted! And do you know whats so amazing, its a true story! The author Jeannette Walls is the second oldest of the Wall's children. Its quite a good read if your looking for one you should pick it up.

One another note, with everything that has happened in regards to my personal life and the miscarriage it has made me re-look at my life and what I need right now. I have decided to go back to work part time. I just updated my resume on the weekend and already had an interview and a few calls. Also my old employer Wen-Di that I was layed off from as well as all the other consultants (that happened while I was on mat leave when the economy was not doing so well in the home building area and Jayman layed all of Wen-Di off.) made me a offer to come back too. So there are some decisions to make, but I'm glad there are lots of opportunities. I also have wonderful friends in my ward that will take care of Avery while I'm at work, and Jordan around for evenings and Saturdays. Between swapping with other moms and my wonderful friend Rachel that offered to watch her on a more regular basis as I need, I feel so good about the care Avery will have as I'm away.

I feel good about my decision, and I know I could not leave Avery full time, but part time seems to be what I need right now. It will help us financially and when we do get pregnant again it will help to get maternity leave again. I also miss working with clients and using my skill and education as a decorator and socially it will be nice, and for me I feel I'm a better mom cause then I come home so excited to see Avery and spend time with her (not that I'm not now, its just strengthened when I'm away from her.)

That's whats new with me. I would have some recent pics and reno pics except... I left the camera at my moms Sunday! I hate when I do that! We are having the carpet in the living room installed this afternoon! That is the last big thing! And I can't wait, except I'm sure Avery will miss having our living room totally open with the under pad laying down. Its bright blue and very soft, so she just runs around or crawls through the tube with her hair standing straight up from static! I will post that once I get my camera back! More reno pics to come, its looking FABULOUS!

If you can survive a Reno... you can survive anything!

2010-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

People have told us this statement, specifically in regards to if your marriage can survive a reno you can survive anything, haha! There are a lot of people in our ward who have renovated there house, so they are speaking from experience. Well, I've already after just a week of living in it realized this too be true! But I'm impressed with how well we are doing!

I'm sort of in a routine now of making meals on my stove top and bringing dishes downstairs to wash dishes and having our little play - TV area that me and Avery hang out in squished in our living room since the appliances take up the other half of the living room. I tell you, it will make me really appreciate a normal functioning kitchen when this is done! Hopefully by the end of this week the cabinets and appliances will be hooked up, back splash tile is in but I doubt we will have that done by the end of the week. Jordan is back at work, so now he just has evenings and Saturdays to work on things. It was sure nice when he was off and even though he was working on the house he was always around, Avery loved watching Jordan work, shes Ms. Bob the builder!

Anyways, here are some pics from the week happenings at the Heavenor home. (Special thanks for the wonderful help we've had so far. Our Stake President Pres. Card came over to check the sub floor for the tile and make sure it was okay, and he ended up lending us all his tools for tile and helping the next day from 9-2!!! Blake has been over as much as he can as well as my Dad. So thank you all!)

My living room - appliances all in there and kitchen table. I've been make food on my stove top, thank goodness its the flat top. (We will be getting new carpet in here once the kitchen is done.)

Avery enjoying lunch in our crazy house. We put tile in the front entrance behind very there - whoever thought carpet was a good idea in front entrances should be locked up!

Removing the cupboards and bringing downstairs for the suite - I will not miss those pink metal cupboards. You should see the things they found that fell behind the cupboards over the years... I won't even gross you out, lets just say food from 15-20 years ago...

Jordan putting down the sub floor for tile.

Avery loved when the sub floor was done, we put some music on and her dancing shoes and she was in heaven!

She also loved watching Jordan work

Blake helping Jordan lay tile.

Avery and Jordan cleaning up the spacers and floor for grout the next day

Grouting... messy job and lots of work!

Avery enjoying the beautiful tile floors! We were very happy with how it turned out!

I'll keep you posted, there will be lots of progress over the next month, and then finishing pieces over the next 6 months. And if you know anyone wanting to live close to downtown in a 2 bedroom basement suite (clean and well layed out, lot of space... but a bit dated) then let me know! It will be ready Feb. 1.

A New Start...

2010-01-05T20:49:00.001-08:00

Well, I have not blogged for a LONG time! I was being a good blogger, and then had some speed bumps in my life that made blogging and facebooking etc. not too enjoyable. That was not the only reason, life was so busy over the holidays and for us, it was not with Christmas / New Years things, but with ripping our house apart! The end result is EXCITING!!! But right now... not so much! My house is a disaster, and keeping our lives some what normal is a constant battle, but I'm surprised at how well my organized clean OCD self is coping with this! haha.

Anyways, I know many of your close friends and family are already aware of recent events that have occurred. I have already wrote about this in my personal journal, so I feel that blogging about this will bring some closure to the topic.

So backing up a little, not too many people know about this but in July I went off the pill and even though it was early, we became pregnant right away, like insanely fast! It sort of blew or minds, but we were excited! Avery and that baby would have been 18 months apart, so close but doable, and we were due March. 12 (my birthday, sort of funny.) Well I started bleeding at 6 weeks and we miscarried. It was hard, but that baby didn't quite feel real yet so it was easier to deal with. I hadn't got nausea's yet or thrown up (and with Avery that hit right away at 6 weeks) and we hadn't told anyone, not even my parents. So we waited a month or so and started trying again. That baby happened right away too, we were due May. 10 and this one felt a lot more real!

I started throwing up at 6 weeks, went on diclictin (which is how I survive pregnancies.) Weeks went by and everything seemed quite normal, my stomach started to grow (I show early), 12 weeks came and it became common knowledge. I had my doctors appointment at 13 weeks and the babies heart was healthy and good. Also I found out 2 of my best friends (Tara Fullmer and Chantal Chiu) were due May. 15, which was sooo fun!

So I went for my 18 week check up and my Dr was going to hear the heart beat like usual and... couldn't find it! It was such a horrible feeling, but in a weird sense I had a feeling! The week before I felt like my stomach growth had slowed down, I usually grow pretty good and measure bigger than I am. And all week I kept feeling like I just needed to hear the babies heart beat to feel reassured, of course I didn't say this to anyone cause no one wants to have those feelings. My Dr was so wonderful and didn't want to scare me cause sometimes it can be okay, but of course wanted to find out what was up and called around and got me into a ultra sound at 1:00. We dropped Avery off at my parents and Jordan's boss was so understanding and told him to take the whole day if he needed (his wife had had a late miscarriage earlier that year, so he know how hard it is.)

(It was a Friday and also me and Jordan's 5 year anniversary, so we were planning on going away to Kanaskis that weekend so my parent were already watching Avery that weekend.) So we went to the ultra sound. The tech was quick and efficient and told me she was just to find if there is a heart beat or not and also confirm what she see's with my doctor first. So she did her thing and excused herself from the room to call my Dr. Waiting for her to come back in seemed like an eternity, I kept saying to Jordan that I didn't have a good feeling and I was right. She came back in and told me there is no heart beat and the baby was measuring 15 weeks, so my feeling were right and it had happened a few weeks before.

It was horrible, I was just crying uncontrollable! Jordan is just the worlds best husband and knows exactly how to support and be there for me. We drove over to my doctors to discuss what our options are to remove the fetus. She was so wonderful and obviously knows how to deal with people going through this. She told us there is no harm in taking the weekend to think about it and it wont do any harm waiting a few days.

So we got to go away still, and that was exactly the medicine I needed. I couldn't be around anyone cause whenever I talked about it I would just cry, the only person I wanted to be with was Jordan and strangers who don't know whats going on. So we went away and had a fantastic weekend! After getting many tears out we tried to concentrate on the positive and not what could have been. We stayed at this beautiful hotel in Kanaskis and enjoyed our hotel and ate good food, swan, got massages, went into Banff shopping, had hot chocolate and sat in the lodge lobby by the fireplace, it was perfect!

I decided D&C would be the best option, I had no desire to see the baby or go through contractions when the result is not a healthy lovely baby. It was worth it with Avery, but not worth it for this. We came home and my family was of course wonderful and supportive. It was good therapy to get away because I didn't cry that much. And oh my goodness, I was soooo excited to see Avery! That was the longest time I had been away from her, and after losing the baby I was soooo grateful to have such a beautiful, funny, sweet girl waiting for me at home. She ran up and gave me a huge hug, and she was so clingy to me for the rest of the night, which I must say I enjoyed!

So we had the baby removed by a D&C. It wasn't the smoothest road to that point. We went to the Grey Nuns Monday supposed to have a D&C by Dr. Brown (who is who my Dr referred me too) and waited from noon on. We were bumped by a couple emergency surgeries and then he went off at 6, and told us Dr. Lee would take over for him and take care of us. Well... she didn't really. She came in a told us the fetus was too big to remove and that she would start me on the drugs to get my contractions going and it usually takes about 12 hours... no biggy hey?!?!?! Well that's how she was acting, I just started crying and then she realized that maybe I didn't want to do it that way... and it came out that she just wasn't comfortable doing that and had never done a D&C past 12 weeks, and another (nicer) doctor came in and explained that she wasn't comfortable with that but Dr. Brown obviously is because he wouldn't have scheduled it if he didn't. So we schedule it for the next day cause Dr. Brown had a cancellation.

So we went back again on Tuesday and Dr. Brown was very confident performing the procedure and it went very smoothly and we were home by 4:30. I was very happy to have that done with.
It was a very easy recovery, obviously physically it as easy. It still is hard emotionally, but I'm trying to be positive and once I'm ready hopefully we can successfully have another child.
I think it was easier to get over because we had so much amazing support! I want to thank anyone who showed me and my little family love and support over this time. My sisters brought me delicious freezer meals and Taren brought me a whole crap load of Diet Pepsi (my fav which I don't drink when I'm pregnant) and some other goodies. My wonderful friends Lisa and Rachel brought us dinner, Lisa amazing Pizza and Rachel delicious lasagna. My RS president brought my home made bread and a hug :) and other people in my ward just called or the Aulenbachs sent us one of those fruit flower arrangements. My VT Cindy Smith lent us her husband to help Jordan rip our cupboards out and starting laying the sub floor for tile, and so many kind phone calls and emails. And our wonderful friends Chantal and Jeremy brought us dinner one night and Jeremy helped Jordan paint the basement suite and came the next day and helped him finish!
It honestly made me feel like we didn't deserve so much service, like yes an awful thing happened but there are other people in the world that go through far more! I kept saying that to Jordan and he had to remind me that I'm bad sometimes at excepting service, none the less I appreciated it sooo much! It really did help me through a tough time. I love you all, and thank you!

So I've said to Jordan a few times, I'm not old and feel silly saying this, but my life has been pretty good, but this is the first time that I've said "I'm happy to get this year over with and onto the next, did not enjoy 2009." Yes parts of it were good and it wasn't all bad, BUT, to give you an idea:

- We bought a house we love, only to find out hours before possession the garage encroaches on the lot beside, so we rent this house cause we are homeless and wait 4 months for the city to approve all the paper work they need too. So we finally get to start reno's and our basement suite 4 months late thanks to the idiots we bought our house from and not getting proper paper work together before they put it up for sale.
-1st miscarriage
- My cousin Brock passes away un-expectably
- My great grandma dies, that was less sad because she was old and I don't know her that well, but sad to see my Grandma sad who I'm close with and know very well.
- Second miscarriage

I don't mean for this list to be a complainer, just explaining why I'm happy this year is done. And on to a new one. I want to get this reno good and done and my house back to normal and lose some weight (that frustrated me, have a pregnant looking belly and nothing to show for that.) Thankfully after the surgery my belly did go down pretty quick... but I tend to let go with my eating when I'm pregnant (totally shouldn't do that) so I'd like to work that weight off. And keep taking care of my sweet little girl. I truly am blessed to have such a wonderful husband and the sweetest, funniest little girl in the world! I just love the age shes at and the joy she brings me, its amazing how much love I have for her! This would have been a lot harder to go through with out her!

I promise I'll blog some more about Christmas and New Years and reno's which are going well and was a great time! My next blog will be much more happier and less sad! haha, Christmas was a good thing to cheer me up and get my mind of things. Thank you for reading and letting me vent.

This is the little face that made this a little easier to get through, I just love her! Oh, and I think she'll be a handy girl, haha, shes gets that from her dad. During these reno's she loves watching Jordan work! Oh yea, thats my kitchen ripped up in the background, lovely hey!

Snow ball fight!

2009-12-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Heres one of those cute Elf videos. It was a snowball fight of 2 on 3, so I had our family having a snowball fight against Nana and Grandpa Pizzey... lots of fun! Especially when Jordan gets canned or Grandpa nails Avery in the face!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/LmQPvKnl5ozvqsrQ

Catching Up...

2009-12-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

I honestly don't know why I haven't been a good blogger lately... we've been busy but I probably had time to blog. Maybe I haven't been too inspired with anything to to important to blog about, but I do think its a little lame that I only did 2 posts in November! Well December will definitely be much more eventful... maybe too eventful!

Well our house is officially and legally 100% ours! It has been such a long long wait for that day. It was official last week, there was 2 permits to get and an encroachment agreement from the city. Both were done and the permit was approved, it just took so long for all those things to be done! So basically we are beginning reno's now and hope to have our suite (in the basement) done before January, which pushes reno's upstairs needing to be done also (since we are using our old cabinets upstairs for the basement downstairs, and some of the old carpet from up here for down there, etc.) So Jordan finishes work on Dec. 18 for 3 weeks, so he along with some help from my brother will be working very hard! I helped much more with other reno's in our pasts houses we've done, but I feel kind of useless this time. And I do like to help, but being 4 months pregnant and a 1 year to watch there isn't too much I can do (except pick everything out, which I've had done for a while since I've had since August to think about it and live in this house and think how ugly it is and needs to change!)

So this Christmas is going to be odd, I'm going to do some decorating, but it breaks my heart to say I don't think we will be putting a tree up! Unless the carpet gets done right away (we are waiting to here back from our carpet guy) then putting a tree up just means one more thing to move when the carpet is installed. At least my Mom's house is just beautiful and Christmasy, and me and Avery will be spending lots of time over there while our kitchen is gutted and our house in un-livable. It will be a bit of a strange Christmas, but I'm glad we are staying here and not traveling, that would have just added to the craziness.

Right now what I'm looking forward too is next weekend! Me and Jordan are going to Banff, just the 2 of us to celebrate our 5 year anniversary! Its actually on the 18th but that weekend didn't work out, but it will be so nice to have some time together away from our crazy house and relax a little!

Thankfully most of my Christmas shopping is done (except Jordan, hes so hard to buy for) to that stress is out of the way, and my Christmas cards are done and out. So now that they have been mailed to close family and friends here is the Heavenor family 09 Christmas Card!!!

And some recent pictures of what we've been up too... or I guess just Avery! haha, kind of funny when kids come I forget to take pictures of us and just her.

Avery's first pony tail! Her hair is sort of at the mullet stage, but I guess we have to get through that to grow her hair out!

Curlers before Church, it always shocks me she doesn't take them out.

New favourite game of Avery's is playing in blankets!

Getting ready to go run erans with Mom and brave the cold!

Sorry if this post is scattered, that's how I feel my brain is right now with getting ready for Christmas and this renovation. Its alot to just schedule everything so our lives are totally disrupted, which they will be anyways! Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited to have a handy hard working husband that is eager to get it done, as well as make my house much nicer and not so ugly (I'm getting soooo sick of this wallpaper wall!) But I'm excited for when its all over!

Halloween!

2009-11-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

It was Avery's second Halloween! The last she was 2.5 months for so didn't quite get much out of it, but this one she loved dressing up for! I thought she would want to rip that lady bug costume off, but... nope! She loved it, and still wants to wear it.

When I first put it on her she kept squatting and feeling her big bum and smiling! And since Halloween her costume has been on her chair in her room and she goes in there and brings it out to me! haha, so I'm glad she enjoyed it, it was a comfy warm outfit!

So we had our yearly Halloween party at the church Wednesday, and then my parents and Kamry and Jason and little Talia came over Halloween. We had some home made clam chowder and home made bread (my first home made bread and it was good!) We took pictures of the girls (Talia was a cute little Santa) and then went to a couple houses with Avery. She didn't quite get trick or treating yet, but she didn't hate it! She enjoyed going door to door and seeing all the funny looking people. It was a nice night.

Since in our new house we didn't know how many trick or treaters we would get. We had a total of 6! Pathetic! I don't think many kids come on our street since we are on a busier street (waaaay to much leftover candy), oh well! Now I know for next year!

"Hey, this is kind of fun!"

The big lady bug bum, it was the cutest watching her walk from the back, everyone at the church party got a kick out of her waddle.

Avery and her little cousin Talia, but over a month old! Next year they will have more fun together!

Brock's funeral program

2009-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I should have posted this with my last post, but I forgot! Here is the program I did for Brock's funeral. Mari didn't want to use the boring one the funeral home did, so I did a more creative one for her I suppose!? It was great too do, man hes a good looking kid!

Front

Back - The printing place had to change the fonts for some reason, so it didn't look exactley like this if you went to the funeral, this one is better!

Side Note - Don't you love nap time, *sigh* I just get so much more done!

The Circle of Life

2009-10-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Long post!

This has been a very emotional week, but also many blessings have come; such as my family spending so much time together supporting one another and getting even closer. I'm blessed to have a very close extended family that lives mostly in Sherwood Park and Edmonton, and its nice when we come together when tragedies happen.

I feel now that today brought some closure and I can do some blogging about the weeks events. My cousin Brock who I love so dearly as do many more took his life last Saturday, Oct. 17. He has struggled with severe drug addiction and attempted at rehabilitation a few times and had not beat it. He spoke with many family members that morning and was going to come to my parents to help lay sod with the rest of the boys. My dad, his Mom and my aunt had all said he seemed like his normal cheerful self that morning. We believe it was a quick decision as no note was left and he just felt there was no way out.

If anyone knows Brock, they loved him. He was a very charismatic guy and had such a huge heart! My aunt Mari and Brock's brothers Chase and Breton are doing incredible well, they are so strong and amaze me! We spent most of last Saturday at Mari's just being together to strengthening one another and remembering the wonderful guy Brock was. There has been an overwhelming amount of love displayed to our family, and at the 1000 people that filled Bonnie Doon Stake Center today it was evident how loved Brock was.

I in particular remember when I was grade 7 and Brock was in grade 9. He told me if I had any troubles with anyone picking on me to let him know. I later had a loser grade 8er bugging me o the bus, and I told him my cousin was Brock Walker and he immediately stopped bugging me. (Brock was known as a tough guy.) Brock later asked if I'd had any troubles and he was not impressed when I told him about this. Later Brock and his friend Brock this kid down to my class room right before lunch and made him get down on hid knees and say sorry to me in front of my whole class... I was never bugged again. That was Brock, huge heart and would do anything for his family, but tough, haha.

Her is Brocks obituary:
On Saturday, October 17th, our beloved son, brother, nephew, and friend to so many set aside the burdens he carried in this life to cross through to the loving arms of those who had preceded him.
Brock was born February 23, 1983 in Edmonton Alberta. He is survived by his mother, Mari Pizzey, brothers Breton and Chase Walker; his father and stepmother Jim and Sandra Walker and his brother Rheese Walker. His nana; Doreen Pizzey and Grandfather Hank Walker. His girlfriend Marie as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Brock was a very charismatic and charming man. He had a huge heart, a bigger smile, and a natural love for others. He will be greatly missed by all.

Brock and his brothers Breton and Chase when they were little. They truly were the cutest little boys.

Brock and his brothers in february with there Mom Mari.

The service was so beautiful, my Auntie's Tonya and Tara gave a beautiful eulogy which made you laugh and cry, Brock was such a funny guy. My cousin Kensey and Brocks friend Mitch sang a lovely version of "I Need Thee Every Hour" and my dad gave an amazing talk on the Plan of Salvation and bunch of Brock's friends sang "Our Saviour's Love." The attendance was overwhelming, and it was a great time to remember Brock. I love you Brock, and know you are in a better place with a bright future.

Here are some pictures of the family today, I will explain who everyone is for those of you who don't know my family:

The cousins:

Top Left to Right: Me, Jordan, my sister Paige, my sister Taren and her husband Dave, Breton and Chase Walker (Brock's brothers), Tanner McClung and his wife Krystal (Tanner, my aunt Taras son), my brother Blake and his girlfriend Lindsay, Jesse Lang (his wife in front below)
Bottom Left to Right: My sister Kamry and her husband Jason and there little girl Talia, my cousin Emily, cousin Kensey and Cousin Kristen Lang (the last three all daughters of my aunt Tara.)

The Aunts & Uncles:

Left to Right: My aunt Tonya (my dads sister) holding my aunt Kendas baby Olivia, My Uncle George Lambert married to next my Aunt Tara Lambert (my dads sister), My Nana (my dads Mom) my Aunt Mari (my dads sister), My aunt Kenda (my dads sister) and her husband Liam, and my mom and Dad. Missing my uncle Kevin who had to go home after the service to Red Deer with his wife Pauline and daughter Eppy.

I love all these people so much!

As you see the title of my post, there are some happy things that happened also this week. My only and baby brother Blake got his mission call to Salt Lake City South! He's going to be such a awesome missionary!

Isn't he cute?! He was a little shocked because three boys out of there home ward were just called to Provo, so he thought Utah would have to be out! But hes very excited and heard great things about that mission.

And lastly, I guess I'll make it official on my blog... I'M PREGNANT! Yup, baby #2 on the way. I'm due May. 10, so 11.5 weeks! I wanted to wait till 12 weeks, but it got out some how to people in my ward, don't ask me how!? I haven't narrowed down the leak yet, so I figured I'd rather start telling people myself than hearing from other people.

We are very excited, we actually started trying in June and got pregnant right away, but a couple weeks after we found out we miscarried. I was only 6 weeks and although it was still tough to go through, with great family and being optimistic we got through it. We waited a little bit more after the miscarry, and hadn't quite started trying yet. But some determined little swimmer made its way through and we were surprised to be pregnant again so quick! But very excited and blessed! With the miscarry baby I felt no symptoms, but right away with this baby I started throwing up right a 4 weeks... and I was happy! This baby feels like its here to stay, and its already causing my belly to show! I forgot how early I show! Thank goodness for diclictin or I would feel awful, but as long as I remember to take them I feel pretty much normal. Still have to avoid some smells and food and eat right away in the morning, but feel pretty good! And excited!!!

Well that is my long post, thank you for anyone who showed my family support during this difficult time, it is very much appreciated! Love you!

Fall Family pics - 09

2009-10-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

So Leah Karch (see side "Leah photography) took our little families pics and Avery's 1 year shots a couple weekends ago, and this weekend I'll be getting the CD of all the pics, but here is one great shot that she put on her blog. I'm sure I'll have more to put up since she did such an awesome job!!! Leah - Thank you, you are so very talented!

Anyways, if you are needing an Edmonton photographer in the Edmonton area give her a call, shes fantastic, and she made taking the pictures (even in the cold) so much fun! I just love Avery's little face shes making in this pic, and usually Jordan hates pictures of couples kissing, but he didn't mind this one! I think its cause Leah did it so tastefully!

So this weekend is the big laying SOD weekend at my parents, which for me and Avery means playing inside! haha, and my sister Kamry's baby shower for sweet little Talia! Should be a fun weekend :)

Will she ever walk...???

2009-10-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Avery is a few days away from being 15 months, and still not consistently walking! Everyone tells us that it is a good thing and your only busier when they walk. Yea... at 12 months sure, 13 months yea its okay, 14 months I guess this is alright..., but 15 months.... COME ON!

She definitely takes steps, probably max 10. Shes getting the concept, but its not a consistent thing. To get around she definitely prefers crawling or bum scooting. I'm hoping by at least Halloween she is walking so shes not bum scooting and getting her ferry costume all dirty! But honestly, at this point me and Jordan just look at each other and say "shes just never going to walk!"

Here are some pictures of attempts at walking, and pushing her hypo around. She does laps around the house with that hypo.

Good new latley :)

2009-10-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

With the encroachment issue with our new house and a few other things we've been a little discouraged lately. Don't get me wrong, life is still good and we have so many blessings in our life. But there have just been a few things where we say "man, why can't things just go smoothly!?"

Well things have been definitely turning around lately! First my sister Kamry and her husband Jason had there little baby girl! I was convinced it was a boy - I'm not sure why, our family can't seem to produce boys! I was so exciting to see there sweet little girl, and just moments after she was born! And Avery will have a little buddy just a year and a bit younger! She is Avery's first cousin! They named her Talia Lee Low, and she was 8lbs even and 21 inches long and born at 12:02am on Sept.28. Kamry had a horrible pregnancy, and her birth was not much better! Her water broke at 2:00am on Sept. 26, and she wasn't having very regular contractions, so it was very long! She was eventually hooked up to the drip to get things going, and they increased by very slowly. All day Sunday she has very regular hard contractions! She was exhausted, and then right before pushing around 9 Sunday night her face was facing up which isn't good. Kamry was able to do some good pushy in different positions and Talia flipped last minute! Thank goodness, she would have had a c-section if she didn't turn after all that pushing! My mom was in the delivery room with Jason and Kamry and her birthday (My moms) is on Sept. 28! So when it was getting close to midnight she said hold on! And the doctor said "on Nana's orders" so they held off for a little and Talia came into the world on her Nana's birthday!!! Very exciting! Shes healthy and adorable, very Pizzey. She looks just like Kamry and Kamry thinks she looks like me! I do think she looks more like me than Avery! haha. So that is the first bit of good news!

Me and Talia and Kamry just moments after the birth, Kamry was such a trooper!

The next day Avery and me and Jordan went to see Talia, Avery didn't really know what to think of Talia...

Jordan and his first neice.

And then they city approved our garage encroachment! So they HOUSE IS OURS!!! Finally!!! So now we are just waiting for paper work and closing with the Lawyers which should only take about 15 days! But now we can FINALLY start some reno's! We got new appliances this weekend and moved ours to the basement, they are beautiful! Jordan found a killer deal on barely used stainless steal appliances! They are wonderful, and I finally have a dishwasher! I was getting just about to my max of washing dishes! So we are starting with the kitchen, and will slowly work away at the house as money allows! Very excited, I can't wait till this house starts looking the way we have pictured it!

So yes, things are happening, and Jordan finished his first 2 exams and feels they went pretty good for his CBV. So now he gets a little break and can enjoy some free time (which will probably be filled with reno's, but he enjoys that.)

And fall is so beautiful! I'm looking forward to thanksgiving this weekend and lots of time with family. Its so beautiful out, we had some family pictures done by Leah on the weekend, I'm really excited to see how they turned out, Avery was hilarious and I think Leah got some great shots! We did her one year shots then too, a little late but oh well!

We also enjoyed a relaxing weekend at home watching conference, I just love having conference in the home. Its such a nice feeling, and every time the choir sung Avery stopped what she was doing and danced (which is rocking back and forth.) She sure loves music, I just love this age! Shes such a blast, so hilarious! The things she does and how quickly she learns cracks me up! She is still stubborn and not walking consistently, she was walking much more yesterday, but starts laughing when she does it and falls down. Shes getting there, and just such a joy and blessing to us! And she is consistantley sleeping through the night now! She has been doing it like 75% of the time for a while, but the last 2 weeks she has every night! From 7:30/8ish until 7:30/8ish the next morning! Its wonderful, I don't think I've had this much sleep for a while, sometimes I'm even up before her in the mornings, which never happens, usually shes my alarm clock!

Well have a wonderful thanksgiving, I know we have lots to reflect on and be thankful for.

Some recent pics of Avery, I don't remeber what she was doing here, something funny!

Enjoying her cheerios in the morning, she was giving me a not very ammused face and leave me alone while I enjoy my cheerios.

Avery's Official 1st Birthday Bash!

2009-09-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Jordan my decorating assistant... hes proud of his work.

Well we finally had a chance to have Avery's first birthday. Between moving and family schedules it turned into being over a month late... but she doesn't know the difference! Jordan's Mom had a fitness conference in town so Avery's Grandpa and Nana Heavenor and Uncle Mike were in town from Vanderhoof. We had most of our immediate family and some extended and some close friends. It was a very fun time!

Uncle Cole, Grandpa and Nana Heavenor, Uncle Mike and Blake Hyde

Stefanie Hyde, Jordan, Uncle Jason and Auntie Kamry

Avery playing with her toys with her cousin Casey (Casey is actual my cousin - My Aunt Kerry's little girl but closer in age with Avery, so seems like a cousin.)

My Nana and Grandpa Pizzey

My great Grandma and Grandma

Me, Jordan and Avery

Lighting the candles, we striped Avery down to her diaper, we really didn't need to cause it wasn't that messy.

Avery wondering what everyone is singing?!?!

Avery's friends Casey and Jonah Chiu helping her blow the candles out. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the cake, it wasn't amazing, but it was 2 big balloon on top (orange and purple) of a pink base. Kind of cute and funny with balloon candles.

Enjoying her cake, she wasn't as messy as I'd hoped!

Yum! All done, time for presents!

Opening presents with Casey to help.

Sporting her first gymnastics body suite (present of course from Auntie Taren) and enjoying her chair from Auntie Kamry.

End of Summer fun!

2009-09-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of things we did to keep busy during this Indian summer we've been having in Edmonton. Our house gets quite hot in the heat (we are seriously considering AC next summer) so me and Avery had lots of play dates in the sun and did some fun things with Daddy on the weekends.

After the splash park, Avery and Dmitri Choy came and played with some toys at our house.

After Avery went to sleep Jordan and I had a nice BBQ on our grill in the back yard, it actually worked really good! Looks like we wont need to buy a BBQ for a while still!

Me & Avery at Miquelon Lake

Jordan and Avery building a sand castle At Miquelon.

Avery's head full of curlers for church - surprisingly didn't pull them out?!

At the leg grounds with Kate and Kara. Kate and Kara are 8 months, they are my sister Kamry's nieces, Amelia's little girls. Very cute!

Playing at Kristen and Casey's house - My cousins, but seem more like Avery's cousins cause of there age, they are so cute with Avery.

Avery doing her silly face in the pool with Casey.

This is just Avery playing at home, I just like it cause she looks so old!

So we have a busy week this week, we are having Avery's bday party this weekend, and Jordan's family is coming for that which is nice. So lots to get ready, should be fun! And its supposed to be nice this week again! So maybe in between we will have some fun outside too.

It's a Place to Hang my hat...

2009-08-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well right now its a place to hang my hat, it will become my palace all in due time. So I've finally gotten around to posting pictures of our new house. I have been unpacked for quite a while, thanks to my Nana and my Mom helping me. I was unpacked almost 2 days after the move (still the office and garage have some work to do) but it been just beautiful in Edmonton and since we don't get too many hot beautiful days in Edmonton and summer has almost come to an end I've been trying to get out as much as possible and enjoy the sun with Avery and friends.

Anyways, as I said we have had some complications with the purchase of this home... our home we've been so excited about and have such dreams of renovating and raising our family here. So I feel like I've told this story SO many time to so many people, so hopefully this is one of the last. Maybe since I've written in on my blog when it comes up next time with people I'll just tell them to read my blog, haha.

So here we go! In the pictures you might be able to see this, but on the left side of our house (when your facing the house) we have a strip of grass about 5 feet wide in between our house and our neighbors (who we met today and he's very nice.) So its owned my the city, its called a "utility right away" because there are power lines at the very back of it. Anyways, the day before we too possession we found out that garage that is on the left side of the house, encroaches 1 foot on the utility right away! I don't know why we didn't find out about it until then, they knew about it for about a month, but I think they were hoping the city would have come to approve it and got the permit work done. Because the sellers are the original owners (they house is 50 years old) they never got a permit when they built the garage or checked with the city and since they've never sold the house they never got a "real property report" done which we requested as one of conditions. So because that wasn't met and it was one of our conditions, our lawyers have advised the banks hold of on releasing money and between our lawyers and the sellers lawyers we have come to a agreement to rent and live here until the city comes to look at the encroachment.

So if they city approves the encroachment (which we are really praying they do) then the house is ours and its done! If the city doesn't approve it and wants the garage taken down, we will have to negotiate from there. We are hoping they will take about $15k off the house prices, and we can just deal with the removal of the garage and build a new one in the back. Thank goodness we have a big yard and it wouldn't ruin our yard, but it would be a hassles. Lets just hope it doesn't come to that. We are hoping that the fact that this garage has been here for 30 years and the city has never had a issues with it being in the way of anything, that they will approve it...

Anyways, I had to share that hic cup, just a bump in the road to our family home! So here are some pics of the home. As reno's happen over the years I'll pull these picks up to show the before and afters. But here is our lovely dated home, keep in mind its all original. And until we own the house we can't do anything! Frustrating I know... we would have new carpet by now if this didn't happen (it was to be installed the day before we moved.)

Okay, I'll stop dwelling on the worst and show you the pics, there not much yet...

The backyard that we just love!

Living Room, what you see when you walk in the door

Looking towards the front door in the living room

Dining Room off the living room - who puts carpet in dining rooms?!

Kitchen - yes those are pink metal cabinets, ha!

Bathroom - I actually don't mind the wall tile, I have a plan to work with it.

Avery's room - I can't wait till we can paint!

Our room - I think I'll keep the orange carpet... JUST KIDDING!

Office - Haven't quite tackled this mess yet, on my to do list this week

Av's first B-Day invite

2009-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

So because we were moving during Avery's 1st birthday, we are celebrating it over a month after! haha, thank goodness she doesn't know right now when her birthday is! So this is the invite! I just love it, it makes me smile when I see it.

I cant take credit for the idea, I got it from Elizabeth's (see side under "Sites I Enjoy") daughters invite she did. I did do it a bit differently though, her's was mostly just the top part that I copied! Anyways, it should be a fun time!

So we have moved into our house, I love it and can't wait to do some reno's I took some pictures of the house which will become "before" pics. There have been some headaches of moving in here; some things that the seller should have taken care of that they didn't and we just found out about the day before possession. I'll post about that soon, I just don't have time right now since Avery's crawling all over me. I guess I should go be a mom!

1st Birthdays

2009-08-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

So don't be fooled, the above picture is me... not Avery. Just kidding, we don't look that much alike, when she was born I only saw Jordan in her, but as shes gotten older and I look back at my baby pictures I see much more of me in her!

So we had a little mini birthday bash on Avery's actual birthday on Friday. Since we are moving and my house is all boxed up right now, I got some cupcakes from Flirt Cupcakes on Whyte Ave and we enjoyed some cupcakes with Avery and sang her happy birthday! My Mom came and joined me and Jordan and it was a nice pre-birthday bash. I'll do a proper party in September for Avery once we are settled into our new place.

She was a little timid at first, but then really enjoyed the cupcake! It was fun, I still can't believe shes one!

Well now I best get back to packing and planning this Church thing for a Stake Primary conference this Saturday. Ahhh! Its a busy week, I'll be so happy when its over!

My 1st Baby is 1!!!

2009-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone told me how fast time flies when you watch your children grow... well now I believe them! I honestly feel like we just came home from the hospital with my sweet little Avery. My first baby and first girl, she just melts my heart!

So yes, Avery is 1! This last few weeks she has grown up so fast. Shes quite the funny kid, it's amazing how much they change, grow and developed in one short year! I can already see her little personality developing and some of her characteristics coming out already.

Here is some things about our Avery that I've noticed and just love:

- She loves to discover! And by discovering she points at everything, her little routine when she gets up from a nap or in the morning is she has to touch the light switch and then touch her mirror above her bed and then we can go on with our day. She loves feeling textures and has to touch and point at everything new. Her Grandpa Pizzey takes her on lots of adventures when they are together and they discover lots of interesting textures and sites.

- She is double jointed in her finger, as am I! We discovered this since she points so much. The joint below her nail she can bend and when she points she always as then bent, so she never points her finger straight, its so weird and funny. Its sort of hard to describe, next time you see me ask or I'll have to take a picture of her point and put it up here.

- She was never a cuddly baby, but as she has gotten older she realizes its not such a bad thing to cuddle up to Mom and Dad, and I love that!

- She LOVES animals, especially dogs! I guess that may come since we have a dog, and she loves chasing Kona around and fighting over her toys with her. In fact aside from Momma and Dadda, her first word was "dog." Except she says it "dug." But whenever she see's a dog on TV or on a walk she says "dug."

- She loves to be tickled and play peek-a-boo. They get her laughing so hard so chokes on her spit, she is very easy to make laugh and play with (there are the exception when shes very tired or hungry.) Shes also a bit of a dare devil and loves to be tossed around and LOVES water and swimming and swinging!

- She has a strong determined personality. And she does things are her own pace, she loves to be independent and do things on her own. She would rather feed herself and for the most part do things herself (that she can do herself.) And if she is going for something she shouldn't an I move it, she will keep looking for it until she finds it.

- When she meets people for the first time she plays shy and nervous, but its mostly a game because 2 second later she will be laughing with them.

- She is an outdoorsy girl, definitely gets that from Jordan (not saying I don't love the outdoors, he just really does.) She is totally at peace our there and loves EVERYTHING about being outside. Grass, trees, leaves, bugs, everything!

- She is very strong, and been tall for her age ever since shes been born. BUT, takes her time to get her mobility going. She's still not walking, even though I think she would love too! Just a little nervous to take the plunge.

Well that is my little girl! We love her so much, and can't wait to watch her grow over the years and when our family grows become our big girl!

Creativity is lacking...

2009-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't scrapbooked in too long! With summer vacations and enjoying the sun and moving, there hasn't been much time! I did a shower invite this morning for my Mom (for my aunt's shower for her little girl) which got me missing it so much!

So once we are moved in I'll have to get caught up again, I was doing so well as staying on top of everything and being caught up. But I did realize I haven't posted pages for a while and thought I'd post some I did a little while ago. So from our trip to the zoo and some with the great pics Leah took at Millcreek pool.

Oh the Joys of Parenthood

2009-08-08T19:38:00.001-07:00

There is a blog I quite enjoy... oh you know, one of those people you have never met and probably never will but look at there blog frequently! She is actually a great scrapbooker and featured in Creating Keepsakes quite often, so that is originally how I stumbled across her blog. She posts great pages as well as cute things about her family - and she has an Avery too!

Anyways, Jordan is not quite home from Young Men's camp, should be in about an hour. Me and Avery have missed him very much this week, it made me appreciate the wonderful father and husband Jordan is! So to pass the time since Avery hit the hay I decided to do some blogging. I was checking out Elizabeth's blog (see under "Sites I Enjoy") and her husband will occasionally do a post and I was cracking up laughing! I usually don't laugh out loud all by myself reading things, but it was quite the funny post about parenting.

Anyways, go read it! It sure made me laugh! It was posted yesterday (Aug. 7) and titled "Confessions of a SAHD." He's watching the kids while Liz is at a CKU convention and its sort of a tribute to Mom's as well. Anyways, he explains, and its quite funny. It made me think:

- Maybe I'm doing a pretty good job as a Mom
- And maybe I'm not awful for picking up McDonald's on some busy nights and giving Avery a couple fries to keep her quite while shes fussing on the way home
- and also maybe its okay to run baby Einstein 4 times in a row because it keeps her happy while I'm trying to get the house clean
- And HEY, maybe there are other people that don't have perfect sleepers and average 5-6 hours a night and sleeping in is 7:30 / 8ish?! (I guess I could avoid that by going to sleep earlier, ha!)

Anyways, many funny thoughts went through my head reading is day with his girls as a SAHD. Do read!

And I just enjoyed a little extended vacation while Jordan was gone at YM's camp at my parents. There new house is great! I should put some pics up since I consulted my Mom every step of he way. It very peaceful a there new house and the house is amazing! I just loved it! Definitely didn't want Panorama to end, so why not leave my basement suite and enjoy some more R&R at the folks! As well as some good company!

BUT, back to my little humble abode. This week brings more packing, since our move in on the 19th and then.... drum roll... I FINALLY LIVE ABOVE GROUND! I can't wait for our new house, and I think this blog will consists of lots of renovation projects. It will be over time, but I'll definitely keep updates coming as the reno's happen!

I hope your all enjoying your summer, here are some recents of my little Avery (shes such a blast lately, quite the character and funny kid) and some fun at my folks!

This picture shows a little of the weird bum scootch / crawling that Avery does

Playing drums with Grandpa

"Vacatons - All I Ever wanted, Vacation - Had to Get Away!!!"

2009-08-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

We just got back last week from such a wonderful family vacation with my family! My grandparents always did family vacations with the whole Pizzey side every other year, and my parents have started that tradition. I think it is just wonderful and so gracious of them! We are very grateful to have these vacations with my side and make such wonderful memories over the years to come!

Our first vacation was Jan. 2005, we went to Playa Del Karmen in Mexico - fabulous! Next was July. 2007, went went house boating in the Shu Shwaps - totally blast! And this time we went to Panorama which is right by Invemere in BC. Its a sort of resort little town on the ski hill. Years ago when I was in grade 10 or 11 we went skiing there for Spring Break, and its a great place! This was the first time staying there during summer and it was so much fun! There is tons to do there during the summer.

This was also Avery's first family vacation - it is so much fun watching her discover all the wonderful things in nature. She is such a outdoorsy girl and water baby (outdoorsy from Jordan, and water from me!) Right when we drove into the mountains she was glued to the window and pointing at all he mountains and big trees! Every morning we had breakfast on the balcony and she loved pointing to the tree, mountains and birds.

Our family was always the first up in the morning (Avery is up at 7, therefore we are!) So we would go for a walk everyone morning to the river and along the beautiful paths! There is a big pool that everyone in Panorama can enjoy! We loved that, there is a cold pool and a heated pool and hot tubs! We also enjoyed the beach in Invemere which was great! Did some cliff jumping at this really neat spring - SOOOOO cold, but lots of fun! And played lots of card games and just enjoyed time all together. Jordan also golfed a couple times with my parents and I was the trusty golf driver one round (I find golf such a peaceful sport, and once we can afford it and our kids are a bit older, I'm definitely taking it up. Something Jordan and I can do together, hes quite good.)

Anyways, enjoy some pics! Sorry if there a lot, and thanks to my wonderful friend Tara Fullmer who dumbed down some instructions for me to get big pictures on my blog, your the best Tar :)

Avery enjoying the view from our balcony

Playing in the sand with daddy, Avery's first day at the beach!

I love her face here, she LOVED sitting on the shore playing with the sand and getting splashed.

The pool at Panorama

Avery's first pedicure by Auntie Taren, while Auntie Paige is teaching her to text - Diva in training!

Further down the beach its more rocky, which doesn't feel nice on the feet but Avery loved playing with the rocks! She would build pile after pile of rocks!

AND this is a hand me down very functional water suite - I don't prefer dressing my little girl as a boy, just to clarify!

Avery thought it was pretty neat to sit in this big chair by herself, she was probably also amused by all the people taking pictures of her. She got her fair share of attention. Every morning Nana and Grandpa would make there way over to our place if they hadn't seen her yet cause they were so excited to see her! Its cute, they are such great grandparents!

My wonderful family, it was a great trip!

Catching Up with Good Friends

2009-07-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

Chantal Chiu (Simpson), Brittany Winn (Oviatt) and I were best friends growing up, especially through high school. Me and Brittany have been friends since we were 6, and then Chantal joined our Church in Grade 6 (I'm pretty sure, somewhere around there) and she came into our life and the three of us did lots together!

Anyways, now we are all married and off in our own lives but when we get back together its just like old times! Chantal got married a few months after Jordan I did so about 4.5 years ago. Chantal and Jeremy have a adorable 3 years old son Jonah and live in Sherwood Park so we seem them once and a while. And Brittany was married just about a year ago and living in Nelson BC with her husband TJ and they love it there! So Brittany was visiting family and in town and arranged for us to have lunch together. It was a great time, and Brittany hadn't seen Avery since she was just brand new! So it was great to catch up and laugh like old times! I love these 2!

Below is a picture of us at highschool grad, I was looking for an older picture of just the three of us, but couldn't find one. But we still have changed quite a bit over 6 years!

Snip Snip!

2009-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well Avery was born with tons of dark hair, which surprised me! I guess Jordan was born with hair, but I was a baldy! I was reading a journal my Mom kept when I was little and she said my dad would call me baldy, and I bet I didn't get a hair cut until I was at least 2!

Well Avery lost most of her hair from when she was born, so I thought she was going to be like me. But then it all grew back. I didn't think she would need a hair cut before she was one, and she probably didn't really NEED it! But I was at the hair dressers on Saturday and asked Lucia (my long wonderful trusty hairdresser) if I should bring her in. And she said its good to get that first trim and get it all evened out and then it grows in better! So we had Avery's first hair cut yesterday!

Her hair is so funny, its very thick on top and almost in her eyes now and tons at the back too, so it was nice to have it evened out and now its out of her eyes. Also annoying cause she pulls all the clips out or headbands I put in her hair now! So that made me want to take her to Lucia even more.

My shaggy girl before haircut.

Of course we go on a day where shes a grump already, but she was quite the drama queen! She would not let me take her soother out for a picture! I don't think she liked that she was held by Jordan, that probably bothered her most! haha. We all just laughed at her unnecessary fussing!

Drama Queen!!!

She will grow to love Lucia, because she will make her more beautiful than she already is!

Love at Home

2009-07-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

At church today we had a really good lesson about Love at Home. The teacher had about 6 of us share how we show Love at Home or an experience regarding the topic. I was one of them, and just shared some points of what I think about the topic and how I try and show Love at Home. I was sitting with a friend in my ward Jaima and she suggested I post this on my blog, it hadn't crossed my mind but I thought, hey why not! So thanks for the suggestion Jaima. Here is what I spoke on:

1. Your spouse always comes first. When Jordan and I were engaged, we were speaking with my Nana Pizzey and she said to us to always keep each other first. If we do that then the love and attention needed for our children will follow. But if the relationship between husband and wife suffers, then the family suffers. I had not really thought about it that way, but it makes so much sense. No one should be more important that your spouse, even your children. I have tried to follow my grandparents and my parents in example in that, and have seen that when Jordan comes first, my love for Avery only increases. After my Nana told me this, I thought back to my parents. They certainly followed that advice as well. There was never a question of how much my dad loved us even though he is not an openly affectionate person. But if we ever tried to get my dad on our side when we were in an argument with my mom – forget about it! It usually ended very badly for us, because my Mom came first. And I still see that today. I remember every morning before leaving to work my dad always made sure he came and gave my mom and kiss goodbye and said I love you. Of course when your little that was “gross” but as I grew older you actually look forward to seeing that in the morning. That is now something my husband and I do before he leaves to work, and I look forward in a few years to hearing the “gross” comments by kids to follow, because I know deep down they appreciate seeing love displayed between their parents.

2. Keeping a clean, orderly and inviting home. I believe this is a way to show love, maybe not a way that everyone would think of immediately, but creating a home where the spirit can dwell easily and creating an environment that your husband and children look forward to coming to after a long and sometimes hard day at work and school. I believe that is a way of showing love. My Mom was a great example of this, I looked forward to coming home to a nice organized home and a good supper. I know life is busy now and often with the economy and other things the husband is not the only one working. But one thing I try and do is create a place where the family would want to be at the end of the day. I try and do this by keeping our home tidy and having pictures in the home of Christ and the Temple and other church related material displayed. A place where the spirit can be felt, homework can be done without sorting through the clutter for somewhere to work, dinner can be had with the family, Family Home Evenings can be done, and family memories can be made. No home not matter how costly, is beautiful if it is neat. I believe this shows my family love.

3. And the last thing I’ve learned is the best way to show my family love is by taking care of my own spiritual well being and helping my testimony always grow. I believe the best way parents can teach their children is by example. If our children never see us pray, read our scriptures or live the values of the church, then what incentive do they have to do so? If I’m doing those key things to keep the spirit strong in my life, hopefully my family will do the same. And by teaching by example and demonstrating the importance of the gospel, I believe this is the best love a parent can give. Also by giving positive and loving reinforcement at home for both husbands and children can give them the encouragement and love that they need every day. There is a phrase that is was on my Mom’s apron growing up and it says “If Momma ain’t happy, no one is happy.” I completely agree, the Mother sets the tone for the homes. And when I’m doing my best at prayers, scriptures and living the church standards (which isn’t always, I’m not perfect) I’m most happy which then shows my family love and sets the tone of love in the home.

And stay tuned because we SOLD OUR HOUSE! Yay, and we got a house in the area we wanted, it all happened so fast but we are so happy and feel so blessed that it all worked out so perfectly! I will write about it soon, I just want to have some pictures of the new place first (I just checked MLS and they are already removed.) Taa Taa!

Twins B-Day and Fathers Day fun

2009-06-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well the day for my sweetie pie started with breakfast in bed. I used the tray that came with Avery's high chair! ha! His favourite is blueberry pancakes and REAL bacon. Because of being health conscious we usually only have turkey bacon, so he got a big pile of real bacon. And his favourite candies (don't worry he didn't have them for breakfast.) I think he really enjoyed himself.

Now the funnest part. This day was also my twin sisters birthday! They turned 23, so I saw this AWESOME idea on Bakerella's (see her blog under "Sites I Enjoy" on the left) for these cupcakes treats that look like slider hamburgers! How cute hey! I was literally giddy when I put them together cause they were just too fun!

So I just make some vanilla cupcake batter and made some cupcakes the night before. And then cut them in half. The beef patty is brownies. I just made a 9x9 pan of brownies and used a circle cookie punch to make the shape. My browns were thicker, so I cut them in half.

The icing was the funnest! I was impressed with myself because I made these colors using only primary colors (red, yellow & blue.) I must say in school for our Color Theory class we had to make like 50 color wheels, so I've had some experience making every color you can think of with just primary colors. So I had some fun mixing colors. I suggest putting the icing in the fridge for a while cause it gets thicker and easier to play with for the toppings!

Hamburger slider army!

Birthday cupcakes for Kamry and Taren!

Enjoying the fruits of my labour, and they taste great too!

Thank you Leah!

2009-06-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

When we went to Millcreek pool a couple weekends ago Leah brought her nice new camera. She is starting to get into photography and photo editing and sent me this awesome shots she took and edited of Avery. I just love them! Sort of makes me get the photography bug! Maybe some other day when we aren't buying a new house and moving! haha. Thanks Leah!

You Sweeten Up my Life

2009-06-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a new page I did on one of our Mommy / Daughter / dog picnics! haha. I was just in love with this set when I found it on Sugar Plum and had to get it! I remembered Avery had a red shirt in these pictures and thought "Perfect!" Fun fun!

John & Kate's big announcement tonight.... who's betting its a divorce?!?! I still love the show, but oh my goodness its sad now! Almost depressing! Once again like I've said before, it sure makes me happy for my simple life. This is just my opinion, but I think Kate has changed so much... for the worse. Jordan watched it with my last week and he even said how Kate makes him sick how into herself and flashy she is now! I swear every time she laughs its such a phony laugh, and it seems like her marriage and John is soooo low on the list! Whatever, just my opinion, I'm interested to see tonight!

What a lovely day for a picnic, swimming and good friends!

2009-06-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Summer has finally arrived in Edmonton! To enjoy the hot weather and sunshine Me, Taren (my sister), Julie & Leah went to Mill Creek pool. We were all husband-less that day, so had some nice girl time at the pool. Paige (my other sister) joined us later.

It was Avery's first time at an outdoor pool, she was a little unsure of the cold water and loud kids. But she adjusted quickly and really enjoyed herself. She is definitely a outdoorsy girl!

The weather was beautiful, we had a nice picnic lunch and enjoyed the sun and cooled off in the pool. Here are some pics from the day.

Avery in her cute bathing suite from Nana Heavenor. Nana Pizzey got her one but its getting too small now, and this one is just a little big (shes sort of in between sizes.)

Me & Avery with Auntie Taren - yes my white skin is definitely in need of some sun! Taren made me look even whiter!

Avery enjoying her new floaty, she was getting very excited kicking around in it!

Leah, Taren, Avery, Paige & Julie

Sisters: me, Taren, Avery & Paige

Avery enjoying a strawberry. She made quite a nice little mess, good thing for the pool!

Avery trying Auntie Paige's sweet shades on! Too cute hey ;)