A Thursday Full Of Thanks...

No introduction today. Just getting straight to the praise...

1. I am so thankful for our health. You know the first day after you're sick, how you're all, "I'm never going to take being healthy for granted again!" Well, this time I'm serious.

2. How much Cuinn does around here. This guy. I did not fully appreciate or realize how much he helps me, until he got sick and couldn't help as much anymore. You all deserve a husband like mine. Except, not mine. Because he's mine.

 

3. Aislynn saying one word all day long for the last week. Momma? Momma? Momma! Momma! Momma? Yes, it gets a bit annoying when she says it litterally all. Day. Long. I kinda like being a big deal around here.

4. Every single kick and turn this baby is doing. I really missed those kicks after Aislynn was born, and I am revelling in all the movement.

 

5. Christmas oranges. I don't care what they are "really" called. They are, and always will be, Christmas oranges to me.

6. Candy Canes. For real. Candy Canes are my weakness. None of those crazy different flavors though. (except cherry. I love cherry) Give me a plain, old Candy Cane and I will be your best friend for life.

7. Epicure's Mac and Cheese seasoning. It kicks KD's ass every single time. Don't believe me? Just try it, I promise, you will not want KD ever again.

8. Vinegar. 'nuff said.

9. This Santa picture. Aislynn... I love you.

 

10. That Aislynn slept for TWO HOURS yesterday during nap. I did not enjoy that she then didn't go to sleep until midnight last night, but getting an unexpected 2 hours in the quiet was kinda awesome.

11. Driving with my husband. Seriously. I love just driving with Cuinn. Which is kinda weird, because as a kid I hated the car. But now I really enjoy sitting in the passenger seat while Cuinn is driving us somewhere.

12. That I have 13 pregnant friends right now. Yep. I know 13 people who are pregnant. Wait, actually I only know 12, since I am the 13th. Still. That's a lotta new babies! Plus, I just love our friends.

13. Re-reading the Potter series. I haven't done it since I was pregnant with Aislynn, and since I'm pregnant again, seemed like a good time to do it for the 1000th time. I get new enjoyment each time I read them. Plus, I like "geeking out" since my hubby gets to do it all the time. I get to be a geek too!

 

14. Right now, my wedding rings fit. In the evenings, not so much. During the day though? I get to wear them again. Which is always lovely.

15. Movie night being spread over two nights. I know, that's a weird one, but Cuinn and I started watching Dark Knight Rises last night, Aislynn had a fitful sleep because of her two hour nap, so I had to go to bed and sleep with her. So we watched the first part last night, and now I get another cuddle night with Cuinn on the couch to watch the second half. Yay!

16. Hearing Cuinn read to Aislynn in her bed. So sweet.

17. That Aislynn tells us when it is nap time and bed time. At nap time she just goes to her room and at night she says, "Tub? Tub time? Tub daddy?" Love it.

18. Cuinn's staff party was on Sunday. I'm thankful that J and S watched Aislynn for us. I'm also thankful that their son C is such a big part of Aislynn's life. Those two kids really love each other. Good thing we love his parents!

19. Also, I'm thankful for the staff party. We had such a blast. Cuinn's employees are really awesome, it's a small store, so there aren't a lot of people. There was only 9 of us at the party, but because it's small, everyone knows each other and it's really great.

20. Our friend Bekka. She has been watching Aislynn every Tuesday for the last 7 weeks so Cuinn and I could go on this marriage course. I'm really sad it's over because no weekly date night. BUT, we are soooooo grateful that Bekka watched Aislynn for us. Bekka, we need to set up our dinner date soon!

Jade usually does the Thursday posts, so I'm sending you there. Hopefully she does one this week since I've missed the last couple!

A time to blog...

I have been absent from the blogging world. And I miss it. I feel like I say that every time I blog now, which probably means I need to try to blog more. So here's a little update for you who are nosey  want to know what's up in the Simpson world...

- My laptop is still broken. Sad face. Well, not broken really. We just need a new power cord, but they are more money than I originally thought. So since we're a little tight right now, it's just going to have to wait. We do still have Cuinn's gaming computer (which I am using right now), but it's kind of sucko and old. I can't download Itunes onto it, so I can't get my Christmas music onto my phone. I can't download Skype on it, so I can't talk to my parents. It only has the internet and Cuinn's game on it. And since it's Cuinn's computer, I have to ask if I can use it. Which is annoying because I am feeling like a child again. (I don't really have to ask, but I feel like I should. Plus, this is how Cuinn unwinds from his day, so I don't like using it when he's home and during Aislynn's nap I am needing to rest so...)

- Our home is finally starting to be bug free. Cuinn has been sick for the last month, which is very weird for him. He usually gets sick once a year for a day and then he's fine. But for the last month he's been tired, worn out, coughing, tired. And I've not been very nice. Every time he said, "I'm tired." I would make a snarky comment like, "Yep, it's Christmas time. We're all tired babe." then last week he started getting a fever. Then on Wednesday (daycare day), I dropped Aislynn off and then came home to go lay down again to get a bit more sleep. I crawled into bed, and said, "YUCK!" Cuinn was drenched in sweat, shivering and felt like fire. He still insisted he was fine, but I called the dr and made an appointment for him. Lucky I did, because the dr told him he should be have gone to the hospital because it had gotten so bad. So he got some drugs, came home and has been resting for the last week and I've been feeling guilty for being so uncaring about his for real sickness. BUT, he is feeling lots better! Went to work yesterday even! So now Aislynn just needs to get rid of this cough she's had for a while and we'll all be good! (This section was a lot longer than I thought it would be)

- Can I just say, thank God for universal health care? I am so happy to live in a country that we don't pay out of pocket or pay very little for dr visits or medication. Cuinn's prescription would have cost us $70! Know what we paid? $11. Know how much our dr visit would have cost if we didn't have our OHIP card? $65. (our dr has a little price list thingy at the front desk) We are so thankful to live in this country.  

- I have nothing done for Christmas yet. I'm feeling very grinch like this year and I don't want to talk about it.

- I have entered the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. And it happened all of a sudden. Cuinn and I had to run to Walmart to get Aislynn her Advent calendar (3 days late) and while we were walking around I said, "Can we go home now? My hips hurt from walking." We had walked from the door, to the Christmas section then to the cash register. And I've been uncomfortable every since. Just when I got rid of the pesky morning sickness. 

- My brother is going to England for Christmas this year! I am very excited for him and my parents and the rest of the family. Neither Simon or I has ever spent a Christmas with our extended family since they are all in the UK and we are in Canada, so it's very exciting for all of them to be able to celebrate together. I'm also excited for Simon to get to see our mum and dad and do loads of fun things with them. Although, Simon's trip to England will be VERY different from ours in January. Mostly because Simon and I are VERY different and our ideas of fun are so vastly different. I'm so excited for him all the same. Hopefully he has taken his Cuba pictures of his camera and will be able to take lots of new pictures. 

- With Simon being gone, we have no more family here in Ontario, so it's just us for Christmas this year. For the first time since we've been together. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to it. Plus, with my parents coming home next year, this is the year Cuinn and I can start OUR family traditions which will, hopefully, carry over when my side of the family is back together again. PLUS, Cuinn actually has Christmas eve off this year. This is also a first for our relationship. I'm not even sure what normal people do who don't need to work on Christmas eve. Share your family traditions with me! I might steal them!

- Our new pastor is finally here! We missed church this week because of all the sickness, but we are so looking forward to where our new pastor and his family will be taking our church. It is such an exciting time and we can't wait to see what God has in his plan for us! We've heard him speak twice before during visits, so we are so ready to be filled!

- I'm singing in the worship team in my church now. Obviously my church knows this, and those who go to my church know, but I've kinda been keeping it to myself from friends and family. I can't really explain why right now. But I've been holding it close. Cuinn and I have been getting some major pushes and whacks on the head from the Big Guy lately and we're trying to figure out what that means for us and our family and our life. It's hard. It was so much easier when we were calling the shots, now that we are trying to listen and obey, it's so much more stressful and scary. 

- Aislynn is not happy about the baby anymore so we haven't been pushing it a lot lately. When we ask her if she loves the baby she says, "No." When we ask if she will play with the baby she says, "No." Basically, anything about the baby is met with a No and a firm shake of the head. She won't kiss the baby anymore, when Cuinn is rubbing my belly she gets upset, when the baby kicks her while we're cuddling she says, "No baby. Bad." We're not surprised in the least, and we know it'll be a big change. But we also know that Aislynn has such a kind heart and she is going to be a fantastic big sister. It'll be one step at a time.

There is more, but I'm thinking you don't want to read a novel. So that's it for now. Until tomorrow. I've complained a lot today, so Thankful Thursday is happening this week. 

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Oh, hey, since I can't blog as often as I would like, follow me on Instagram! I post pictures daily, so you can still keep up with what's going on in my life. Plus, who doesn't want a daily dose of cute pictures of Aislynn? I'm Sarah_pants

A song...

We've been trying to change our music in our home and car lately. This is one we sing in our church sometimes, and when it's on the radio I turn it up and Aislynn and I sing it really loudly. With the window's rolled up, of course. No one needs to hear that.

Anyway, enjoy.

You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we fall away from You
and how desperately we need to be redeemed

Lord Jesus
come lead us
we're desperate for Your touch

Oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
come search our hearts and purify our lives
we need Your perfect love we need Your discipline
we're lost unless You guide us with Your light

Lord Jesus
come lead us
we're desperate for Your touch

Oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

we cry out for Your life to revive us cry out
for Your love to define us cry out
for Your mercy to keep us
blameless until You return

oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

You would reign in us

So reign please reign in us
come purify our hearts
we need Your touch
come cleanse us like a flood
and send us out
so the world may know You reign You reign in us

A Thankful Thursday...

I was going to take a pass today on being thankful. I'm feeling sick (as per usual), Aislynn has been testing my patience much more than usual, our apartment is bugging me, and I'm just kinda cranky.

Then I went to bible study this morning.

And obviously these women who go to bible study make it their mission to make it as difficult as possible for me to be grumpy.

Jerks.

But for real. This mornings walk through the word was so wonderful. The conversation that was flowing, you could practically touch the spirit. That's how palpable it was.

So, with that said,

I'm Thankful For...

1. Obama fries! Our local burger joint posted on their facebook page that if you correctly guessed who would win the American election you would get a free small fry! Thanks Obama, so far you have surpassed all my dreams for you being in office for another 4 years.

2. Thursdays. They are my fav day. Ladies bible study in the morning, every other week we have small group, and every fourth week I have worship team. Thursday's rock.

3. Aislynn wearing her daddy's sweaters. I totally can't blame her. There's just something about wearing your mans sweater that is just so comforting.

4. Our friends the W's. They were our first friends we made when moving here and we are continually blessed by that friendship.

5. Crochet nights with J. We haven't done one in so long, and we just did one a week ago, and we're doing it again on Friday. It so relaxing just sitting, not having the tv on and just crocheting and chatting. Sigh, I'm feeling more relaxed just thinking about it.

6. Light Up The Night festival in one of our neighbouring tiny towns. I love, love, love small town festivals. I feel like I'm living in Stars Hollow sometimes and I am so not complaining. Tomorrow night is the start of the Christmas festivals.

7. Seeing things through Aislynn's eyes. I love the snow and all the winter has to offer, but seeing it all through the eyes of a child is that much more magical. Watching her eyes in wonder as the snow fell warmed my heart.

8. Granny Panties. So unsexy. So unflattering. So ugly. BUT, so comfortable on this preggo's expanding butt. And Cuinn always gets a kick out of them.

9. Left overs. I actually really love left over nights. Mostly because I am an amazing cook and who doesn't love to eat my meals twice? (Seriously though, I'm not that great, but I really do love left over nights)

10. McDonalds is having this awesome deal on this week celebrating the 30 years it's been open in our tiny town. Yesterday was 30 cent hamburgers. Today is 30 cent ice creams. Tomorrow is 30 cent french fries. Saturday is 30 cent apple pie. Sunday is 30 cent coffee. I am most excited for Friday. But I'm also loving the cheap dessert treat that our fam is going to enjoy tonight after dinner.

11. Having a husband who knows how to make me relaxed after a rough day or sickness and Aislynn being crazy. Thanks for this wonderful bath you ran me.

12. Watching Aislynn play with her food. I know some parents get really annoyed by that, but I love it. I love watching her discover what it tastes like when you add goldfish to her peanut butter sandwich. Plus, look at the face of concentration! She's awesome.

13. How alike these two are. I get so annoyed when Cuinn eats a before dinner snack, because he usually eats this snack WHILE I'M MAKING DINNER. But Aislynn and him now have this routine of cuddling on the couch while I make dinner and sharing some goldfish. Annoys the crap outta me, but secretly I kinda love it.

14. Getting packages in the mail. Even if it's just "work" stuff. I still get a thrill when FedEx pulls up!

15. Going to worship team practise and then coming home to a very quiet house where both Cuinn and Aislynn are passed out in the little bed.

16. Texting my friend A, all day long about weird things that nobody else would enjoy but us probably.

17. Going to bed at 9:00 pm. Yes, Cuinn and I are 95 years old.

18. Our morning routine. I drop Cuinn of at work, we have a quick prayer in the car, he gives me a kiss and then Aislynn waits patiently for him to open her door for a big smooch and a "love you". It's just a small little routine, but I love it.

19. Veggietales. I used to watch them on sick days when I was younger, and now Aislynn loves them too.

20. Candy Cane Ho Cho. It's baaaaack!!!!




Also, feel free to start following me on Istagram. Sarah_pants. You can see all the hilarious antics I get up to. 

linking up with Jade!

A Tuesday Ten...

I follow Lena's blog and always see the Tuesday Ten lists. I like them and all, but I'm never really struck with the overwhelming urge to join in.

Until today.

 Because today is what ten things would you buy if you won the lottery. Cuinn and I play this game daily. Seriously. We are so sure that we'll be rich one day that we don't what what if we become rich, it's when we become rich.

Sigh.

Anyway, I'm linking up with Lena. Head over and see what other millionaires would buy.

First 10 Things You Would BUY or DO if you won the lottery!

1. I would buy us our dream home. Nothing fancy, just a 3 bedroom down in the heart of our tiny town. I know exactly which home too. I would offer the current owners quite the compensation for moving out. Even if it wasn't for sale. That house will be my home someday. (I am very particular about which house we will buy. Which means we might never be able to buy a home.)

2. I'd pay off all our debts. Which doesn't really amount to that much, considering, but it's still an amount that is more than $0. All our debts would read $0. And it would feel amazing.

3. Set up two college funds for the kids. Not a lot, but some. It would be not a lot because I want my kids to earn it and appreciate it instead of it just being handed to them. Build some character, y'know?

4. Buy each parent (Cuinn's and mine) one thing that they would love. Something totally frivolous and impractical. I'd probably buy my dad a TARDIS. My mum a mini. Really though, whatever they chose.

5.  Yarn. Lots and lots of yarn for all my crochet projects.

6. A personal shopper. Not for clothes. But for groceries. I would still coupon though.

7. I'd open a B&B with my mum.

8. In our home, in the basement, I would make half of it a man cave for Cuinn, and half of it a crafting room for me. I would also hire an exterminator to check for any kind of bug every 6 weeks.

9. I would keep enough money to live off of for as long as Cuinn needed to get more education for his passion. First we would have to figure out what his passion is though.

10. Lastly, I would set up a travel account. So Cuinn and I could go travel together. The kids could come sometimes, but mostly it would just be Cuinn and I. Sorry kids, we like you and all, buuut....

A Thankful Thursday...

I am feeling so full of thankful-ness right now, that I have been impatiently for Thursday to write this post. So here it goes!

I am thankful for...

1. Although we were out of power for a couple hours the other night, I am so thankful that we are all safe from the most recent disaster to hit our little world. I have friends south of the border who are not fairing as well and I have been reminded of how much we have to be thankful for. A couple hours in darkness with my hubby? I can deal.

2. Getting to hear the babies heart beat yesterday. I'm not posting what it was because people are already "telling" Cuinn and I what we're having and I really do want it to be a surprise this time. I'm thankful that it has a strong, steady heartbeat though.

3. Aislynn sporadically hugging my middle and saying, "hi baby!" and then kissing my belly. How does she know?

4. How kind all the people were giving candy out this Hallowe'en. Aislynn was so sweet about saying hello and please and thank you. We didn't meet ANY crabby people. It was such a special night.

5. Our friend Bekka. Yep, I put her whole name on the blog, not just a letter. That is how thankful for her I am. She has been watching Aislynn every Tuesday so Cuinn and I can go to our marriage course, she picked Aislynn up from daycare yesterday so we could get to our midwife appointment, she just loves our kid and us so much. And we love her and think she's pretty special too.

6. Our other friend, Jenn. Again, no initials here lady. She is watching Aislynn tonight so we can get to Bible study. (by the way, when the heck did we get so busy?!?) She also is one of those friends who comes over to check on you when you don't answer the phone. We are so blessed by her and her husband. 

7. Cuinn and I are doing a Marriage Course every Tuesday evening for 7 weeks. We've only done 2, and we have already gotten so much out of it. I'm so glad we were able to go to it this time.

8. We were also invited into a small group Bible study every other Thursday evening. We went to the fellowship night two Thursdays ago and tonight is our first study. We're looking forward to looking into the Word and getting to know a few more families from our church.

9. Aislynn's favorite foods are apples, pears, yogurt and pasta. Aside from the pasta, I'm pretty happy that her favorites are healthy. I recently had a mum complain to me that all their kid wants to eat is chocolate. I'm so thankful that, right now, Aislynn's obsessions are healthy. I don't feel as guilty giving in to the cravings when she's asking for, "Appey mummy!"

10. Free coffee at McDonalds right now. I don't drink the yucky stuff, but I love being able to bring Cuinn a treat to work. I love it even more when I don't have to pay for it. 

11. It's November. That means Christmas music! It also means, only 30 days until I am allowed to decorate for Christmas!!!!

12. Also, this November is a 3 pay check month. Which will be helpful with Christmas around the corner. Plus, there are some bills that are needing to be paid. That "extra" pay this month will be welcome.

13. Right this moment I am thankful for feeling ok. Those moments between the feeling sick are so awesome. I will never take feeling good for granted again. Well, until the next time I'm feeling good that is. 

14. We just found out my cousin and her boyfriend are coming to visit us next year. Yay!!

15. Cuinn found our camera!!! Which means more pictures of the things we do together that aren't just from our iphones which means I can leave my iphone at home more!!

16. Asking Aislynn, "Did you poo?" and getting 1 of 3 responses. "No mumma, I tooted." or "Yep, I poo" and finally, "Nah, I pee!!" It's hilarious.

17. How super smooth the transition from crib to big girl bed was and is. I still can't believe how much she loves it. All we need to say is, "OK Aislynn, into bed!" and she goes and crawls into bed and pulls the covers over her then waits for a cuddle. I am so that proud mum who has to talk about it all the time. But trying to not be that mum who brags about it. It's a tricky balance.

18. Having 17 kids in nursery on Sunday. SEVENTEEN!!!! 

19. Clean underwear. I am always thankful for having just done laundry and having clean underwear. It's the little things.

20. Aislynn getting so much candy from trick or treating, and that she has to share with her mum and dad. And by share I mean she really only gets the suckers. Sorry kid. You're way too little to be eating all that candy, let mummy and daddy help you with that...

Linking up with Jade! Head on over!!

A blog just to blog...

One day I will no longer be pregnant and I will feel better again. Maybe then I'll blog on a regular basis again.

Oh wait, except I'll be chasing after a two year old while nursing a newborn...

Someday, when my kids are in college, I will blog on a regular basis again.

Probably about how much I miss when my kids were littles again.

So for now, I'll enjoy all the moments.

Taking Aislynn out trick or treating.

Cuddles on the couch.

Laying in bed with her while she falls asleep.

When she brings me a book and asks me to read it. 5 hundred times in a row.

Jumping in the puddles.

Carving pumpkins.

Being the only one who can feel baby movement.

Hearing the baby's heartbeat and watching as Cuinn has his first real smile I've seen all day.

Watching Aislynn interact with her friends and seeing how she already has her favorite people. (I'm looking at you C, R, B, J and N family)

Seeing her dance in the middle of circle time instead of sitting like she's "supposed to". (This is a whole 'nuther blog post)

I am loving being a mum, even when:

I want to pull my hair out and scream,

Lock myself in the bathroom and cry,

Am hunched over the toilet feeling so sick,

Drinking as much water as possible because it's supposed to take the headaches away,

I'm curled up in bed feeling so sorry for myself and so sick.

I love it because Cuinn and I have made these people. These amazing little people who have minds and opinions of their own.

No one can ever explain to you how much love your heart can hold, not until you've experienced it. And man, is it an experience worth having.

A few weird fears...

Do you have a weird fear or phobia? Or something that you HAVE to do or your day is rotten? Like putting your left sock on first? I have a few. Like, really weird. So weird I feel silly telling people, but since I'm so into the lists lately, and I'm wanting to blog but I don't really have much to blog about right now, this is easier. Wow, that was a really long sentence. 

Also, I want to make this a linky linky thing but I don't know how. So. If you feel like joining in on the madness, you are more than welcome. Please just tell people to come see my blog too though. Then we can all share the weird fear love!

So, here's a few of my weird things.

I was standing in the kitchen, staring at the apple juice in the fridge, trying to remember if I bought it last grocery trip or the grocery trip before last. Most people would just open it up and smell to see if it's gone bad or not, right? Not me. I am absolutely terrified of rotten food/drink. Seriously. I rarely eat yogurt because I can't tell if it's gone bad or not and so I just assume it is bad and I can't eat it. Cuinn is no help in this matter. Even if food has gone bad, he'll still eat it. So when I ask him, "Are these crackers bad?" he will eat one and after the first chew he says, "it's fine." Yes, this is a real scenario that happened. Crackers. I was so scared that the crackers had gone bad that I wouldn't even eat one to check first. This fear is so bad that if I think something has gone bad I will just leave it in the fridge because I am to terrified to touch it. Cuinn has to clean out the fridge because I'm so scared of yucky food. Even if it's not yucky! In my head I know that an expiration date isn't set in stone and you usually have a few extra days, but if something is about to go bad, I won't touch it. For example. If the expiry date is January 7th, I will not touch it after January 1st. In fear that it might have gone bad early. You know what, I could probably write a whole post on my weird fear of rotten food. Maybe another day.

If I haven't worn a pair of shoes in a long time, I have to check to see if there are spiders in the toes. Yes. Spiders. I even have to make Cuinn reach his hand into the shoe/boot/slipper to see if there are any spiders hidden that I wasn't able to get out when I banged the shoe on the floor. By the way, by long time I mean if I haven't worn them in a week. This is the same with pants. And shirts. And sweaters. Really anything I wear that I have to put a body part in blindly.

Before going to bed, I have to turn my pillow over twice, punch it once, pull the covers up to my ears, sigh and then sink into the mattress. After that, I stick my right leg out from under the covers and go to sleep. Every. Single. Night. Oh, and if the bed is made, I have to mess up the blankets. I dunno.

When I get out of the shower I dry my entire body BEFORE drying my hair. So, I'm trying to towel myself off while my wet soaking hair is dripping all over myself, thus getting more wet. Basically I dry myself, dry my hair, then dry myself again. What a waste of time.

I always put my shirt on first, walk around the house, eat breaky, help Aislynn get dressed, get everything ready to go, then I put my pants on. 

Before I can sit down to eat dinner I pee. Doesn't fail. And if I don't pee, after like, 3 bites I have to go pee. It's been like this forever. Ask my mum. I ALWAYS used to get in trouble for leaving the table during dinner to go pee.

Whenever I need to have a think I start picking at my lips. It drives Cuinn insane. I go through so many tubes of Burt's Bee's chapstick because my lips are ALWAYS chapped because I pick at them and tear the skin off. It's so gross, but I can't stop.

I drive a stick, when you drive a stick you should always put your car into first when you park it. I don't really know why, but my dad told me to, so I do. BUT, every time I get into the car I put the car in neutral, release the handbrake THEN turn the car on and put it right back into first (Or reverse, depending on which way I'm going). Why do I do that? I do that EVERY SINGLE TIME. Without fail. What's up with that? I NEVER check my mirrors though. I will be driving along, then I want to look at Aislynn and realize that my rearview mirror is set for Cuinn so I have to reset it, while I'm driving. I've got weird driving habits.

I won't touch raw meat. Ever. We always buy the BIG packages of meat that need to be portioned down into zip lock baggies and thrown in the freezer. I will go to the grocery store, buy all my meat, put it in the fridge until Cuinn comes home to portion it for me. Then, when I'm cooking, Cuinn has to cut it all up for me. 

I can't drink soda without ice. A&W is the last place on earth that I would ever go to eat because they don't serve ice with their drinks. Which is gross. I need my drinks to be ice cold. I even like ice in my chocolate milk, but I don't do it, because Cuinn makes fun of me for it.

I'm sure I have other weirdo things, but this is all for now. You can all take a look at my list and laugh, but you just remember. You do weirdo things too!

A Thankful Thursday...

I feel like I've been doing a lot of list blogs lately.

I don't have anything to say about that, I just realized it. That's all.

What up Thursday?

This Thankful Thursday I'm doing something a little different. I'm still going to tell you what I'm thankful for, but it's going to be more geared to a specific thing that I'm thankful for. To be more clear, this is a list of 20 reasons why I'm thankful I'm a grown up. 

Because although it sucks a lot, sometimes it's awesome...

1. I get to be in complete control of my bathroom stuff. If I need to pee, I just go to the bathroom. I don't have to ask anyone. Ever. Suck on that 4th period English grade 12. I always had to pee, and my teacher would always say, "This is your last class of the day, can't you wait until school's done?" NO, I CAN NOT. I HAVE A TINY BLADDER, WOMAN!

2. When I'm in a crappy mood, no one tells me to "get control of that attitude young lady. It is not appreciated." If I'm in a bad mood, I'ma embrace it and stomp and slam doors all I want.

3. I can go on my cell phone whenever I want without someone making me give it to them until the end of the day. That would be stealing. Ain't nobody gunna be touching mah stuff!

4. I don't have to ask to borrow the car. Because it's MY CAR.

5. I don't have a bed time. I go to sleep whenever I feel like it.

6. I get to choose what's for dinner. Don't feel like chicken and broccoli? Fine, let's have pizza instead.

7. When  get groceries, I get what I want. If I decide that Fruit Loops is an appropriate cereal choice then I'm gonna get me some Fruit Loops. And nobody's going to stop me! (well...Cuinn might, but he's not the boss of me!)

8. When I tell people that Cuinn is my soul mate and the one, they don't look at me in amusement, they look at me like I'm so lucky to have found him. 

9. I buy my own clothing, which means I don't have to justify it. (Although, I do have better taste in clothing than 16 year old me did)

10. I don't have to hold anyones hand when crossing the street. I do that all by myself.

11. Nobody rats me out to my mum if I screw up. 

12. I don't have homework. But if I do have a project due, I don't have parents saying, "Have you started your project yet? When are you going to finish your project? Why aren't you working on your project?"

13. I don't have a curfew. If I wanna stay out all night, nobody's gonna stop me. (Well...Cuinn might.)

14. If I wanna make out with Cuinn on the couch, nobody will be coming home and making us stop. We can make out on the couch for hours if we wanted too!

15. This pregnancy might be a surprise, but since I'm all growed up and married and responsible (or whatever), I don't have to drop out of school and go away to "visit a relative" for a few months. A surprise when you are 25 is much more acceptable than it would be if I was 10 years younger.

16. If I think it's cookie time. It's cookie time.

17. I get to have a sleepover every single night with my best friend. Yeah, that's pretty awesome.

18. If I feel like turning the heat up, I can. Without having someone tell me, "Just put a sweater on."

19. Speaking of sweaters. No one tells me to put on a coat before I head out the door. 

20. I get to watch whatever I want on tv. Well, as long as Aislynn is in bed. 

So, even if being an adult is kind of a drag, what with paying the bills, not being nearly as skinny as I was when I was 16, and having to be "grown up", sometimes it's really awesome.


Linking up with Jade, as per my Thursday usual!

A Belief System

 

I believe in nap time.

I believe that Love is not just an emotion, but a choice. And hard work.

having said that...

I believe that Love can conquer all.

I believe that you can't survive life without Love.

I believe that I am saved by the power of Jesus Christ and that you could be too.

I believe in the importance of friendships. Young and old.

I believe that being a SAHM would be easier without all the other SAHM's.

but...

I believe I couldn't get through my days as a SAHM without my fantastic support system of other SAHM's.

I believe that some contradictions make complete sense.

I believe in traditional family values. 

I believe in family.

I believe that every single mother craves some time all by herself. No matter how "perfect" she seems.

I believe there is no such thing as the perfect mother.

I believe in spontaneous flowers from your husband.

I believe in working on your marriage so that it will last a lifetime.

I believe I might be a communist....

I believe that a date night with your husband should be at the top of your priotirty list, no matter how busy/broke/tired you may be. You're never too busy/broke/tired to make your relationship a priority.

I believe that fellowship with other Christians is imperative to leading a Christian life.

I believe in taking a stand and never backing down.

I believe in Aislynn, and all that she will accomplish.

I believe in Cuinn, and all that he does for his family.

I believe that cheese dip nights on the couch can fix most things.

I believe in the reset button.

I believe in family dinners. Every night. (thanks mum and dad)

I believe in girls night out (or in)

I believe men need time away too.

I believe in the importance of family traditions.

I believe that having a best friend means having someone you can call at 2 in the morning because you're scared. Or happy. Or bored.

I believe that your phone needs to stay in your purse when you are with someone else. 

I believe in kindness and manners.

I believe that you can still feel homesick for people.

I believe in following your dreams, and bringing people along for the ride.

I believe in listening and answering when you are called. Even if it takes me a while...

I believe in walking away when you've had enough.

I believe in reading.

I believe in dancing to the rhythm of your own drum.

I believe in making people laugh.

I believe in being the center of attention. Yeah, I said it, as if you people think I don't know I'm an attention hog.

I believe in building people up.

I believe in random acts of kindness.

I believe in Rhubarb White Hot Chocolate and peppermint salt water taffy. And not sharing...

Mum? I'm running out... Please send more!!!

I believe in sharing a meal with friends.

I believe in helping one another out.

I believe that a good hair cut makes you feel like a million bucks. And that's a great thing.

I believe Erin rocks. Thanks for the link up!

A Win Or Two...

You know how sometimes a small thing happens and you feel like a superstar? Yeah, I love that too. I don'y get to feel that awesome often, but when I do... It's the best feeling in the world. Here are a few things I consider a win...

When I am driving through our tiny town, and I drive over the train tracks, then seconds later I hear the DING DING DING, signalling the train coming. You know what that means? I don't have to be stuck in our tiny towns 45 minute traffic. I get so excited I punch the air and yell, OH YEAH!!!

Sometimes, Aislynn wakes us up at 5:30 am. But sometimes, when she feels like loving us a lot, she sleeps in until 9. Do you know what it feels like to get to sleep in until 9? OH YEAH!!!

(I am assuming that every singly reader of this blog is woken up by children at un-godly hours. Please don't tell me otherwise. I am feeling good today.)

This one sounds kinda sad, but it has a silver lining and actually makes me happy. I love when you realize that a friend is just not the friend you thought before they can hurt your feelings. I would much rather know who are my homies before I get hurt. So I feel like that's a win too. OH YEAH!!!

Last night I had a very bad dream. I was married to someone else who I wasn't in love with at all, so I was cheating on that husband with Cuinn. Cuinn didn't ever want to get married, but he would tell me all the time that he loved me. I decided to leave my husband so that I could be with Cuinn. So I told my husband that I didn't want to be with him anymore and I went over to Cuinn's apartment to tell him the good news. I got there, but it turned out he was also married to someone else but had never told me. Worst dream of life. Know what's awesome though? I woke up, looked over, and Cuinn was snoring and drooling in my bed. Turns out it was just a dream and I had actually married the best guy in the world. OH YEAH!!!!

Free cookies. Need I say more? OH YEAH!!!!

Buying your 19 month old daughter a big girl bed, and for three nights straight she sleeps all by herself! OH YEAH!!!!

Driving through our very frustrating tiny town (seriously, the traffic in this tiny town does not make sense to me. Get your S*** together, tiny town.), knowing that it usually takes 20 minutes to get across town because I always get every red light. BUT, on this day, I got all greens. And no trains. And people were actually driving the speed limit and not 10 under. I got home from dropping Cuinn off in 8 minutes. OH YEAH!!!!

Cuinn and I have a special love for wings. When we first started dating our friends all used to go out for wings every Wednesday. We have special feelings towards wings. Unfortunately, the only good place to get them here is a really crappy pub. Terrible service. Over priced. Not really that great. I have been saying to Cuinn since we moved here, I wish Wild Wings was here. Guess what is being built right now, down town, within walking distance to us? You guessed it, Wild Wings. C'mon, say it with me, OH YEAH!!!!!!

Sometimes Aislynn whines. Most times I have no idea what she's whining about. Every once in a while though, I figure it out right away and I am able to give her exactly what she needs. First try! OH YEAH!!!!!

Being pregnant is... well... I don't know how to finish that statement. But I always find the first little while rough. Especially when I have a bit of a bump but I really just look fat, not pregnant. That makes me sad. Know what makes me happy though? When I put a shirt on and pants on and I don't have to change because the first thing I pulled on actually looks good! OH YEAH!!!!

Leftovers. That means I made a really good meal, but Cuinn and I used portion control and I am able to enjoy the meal all over again! OH YEAH!!!!

When every single toy is put away. Every. Single. Toy. OH YEAH!!!!

Surviving a Saturday by myself. All of my friends are spending the day with their hubby's while mine is working. I feel a little proud at the end of the day. OH YEAH!!!!

When my socks match. OH YEAH!!!!

When I finish a blog and people actually comment on it. OH YEAH!!!!

So, what do you consider a small, or big, win?

A Thankful Thursday...

It's been a while, but I kinda feel like a great place to make a comeback is to be thankful for all I've been blessed with. I'm not sure if Jade will be doing a link up, but I'm sending you all over there anyway, because her blog rocks. So there ya go.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for...

1. The surprise God has given us. A new little life is forming in my womb, and I am so excited to meet this new little person.

2. That the naseau is easing up a bit. I'm still not back to 100%, but I'm feeling better. I don't think I'll be back to 100% at all this time 'round, but it's all worth it in the end.

3. Our friends J and S who had my brother, Cuinn, Aislynn and I over for Thanksgiving dinner. I got to eat a fantastic turkey dinner, without having to cook it! Just had to make a couple of pies. Totally worth it.

4. Fall is here!!!! Oh yay.

5. Our new pastor is on his way soon! Cuinn and I got to hear him speak for the first time on Sunday. He's back in England again, but he and his family will be here next month. Our church hasn't had a leader for the whole time we've been there, and although we feel like we've found a church home, it felt even more so getting to hear our new pastor. We are thrilled with where our new leader will take us. 

6. IKEA shopping trips with the husband and my friend. We got Aislynn a big girl bed and when we got home Cuinn put it together right away. Which brings me to...

7. ...Aislynn sleeping in her big girl bed THE WHOLE NIGHT BY HERSELF!!! We'll see how the rest of the nights go, but last night (her first night) I cuddled her in her big girl bed, and she fell asleep within 20 minutes. Cuinn heard a thunk at about midnight and went to put a pouting Aislynn back into her bed and she fell right back to sleep. My baby is growing up!

8. J and J who are letting us store our crib at their place until we need it again. Which won't be for a while and hopefully we'll be in a bigger place.

9. Getting back to singing. That's all I'm saying for now. Because I'm very nervous. And I don't want to talk about it. But I am very thankful for the opportunity. 

10. Cuinn and I having 8 date nights coming up in the next few weeks. We're going to a marriage course that is offered at our church once a year. It's an 8 week course, and we keep being told it's like a date night for 8 weeks. Looking forward to that.

11. Aislynn has been communicating with us a lot more. Lots more words, sentences, it's been an adventure. She's still pretty quiet around other kids and adults, but R, our daycare provider, mentioned that she was becoming more chatty at daycare. So that's a step in the right direction.

12. The bakery here in our tiny town. I wanted some cookies, so Cuinn took me to the bakery, but they had closed early. I was so disappointed, so I commented on her Facebook page. Not in a snarky way, just asking what her hours were. She emailed me right away and told me she had sold out of everything so she closed up early, THEN she told me that since I missed out, she would give me half a dozen cookies on the house! So tomorrow, I get some free cookies! I am always impressed by excellent customer service.

13. Walks with some lovely friends. This is happening twice a week, sometimes more, and I'm loving the fresh air, the exercise, the company, the changing leaves. It's all wonderful.

14. Taco's for dinner. Yum.

15. Getting a Costco membership. You have no idea how excited I am for this. Probably more than the normal person.

16. Clean clothes. Always appreciated.

17. When Cuinn does the dishes. I love a clean kitchen. Which I usually just mess up again anyway, but it's nice to have it clean for a little while anyway.

18. Warm, relaxing baths. Usually this is not something I am thankful for. I don't enjoy just laying in a tub, but while pregnant, tubby time is my favorite time. Plus, Cuinn always draws the bath for me, so it's an extra special treat.

19. My friend C just got home from vacation our east, her family is very special to ours. One of the reasons is because she is so thoughtful. Her daughter brought Aislynn home a necklace from her vacation and she brought ME home some peppermint salt water taffy. Oh. My. Word. Pretty sure I'll finish the bag in my tub tonight...

20. The fact that Aislynn and I can cuddle and watch a movie now. She's at the age where she likes to pick a movie and then cuddle on the couch with me and watch it. So sweet.

So, that's my weekly list. Head over to Jade's and see if she's doing a list too.

A (not so) Silent Sunday...

I'm back, my friends. And this week I am going to blog all about what's been going on with this lady and her family over the last monthish. I've missed you all. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! We are a blessed people, be thankful!

An Opinion Or Two...

Erin always hosts awesome linky linky's. Seriously, I always join up, not because I want to meet new people and be a part of it, but because her prompts are awesome and hilarious. Just the way a linky linky should be.

So this time it's a matter of opinion.

See what I did there?

So here's a few of my opinions.

Also, Erin, I found out that although we are both awesome and would be the coolest friends ever in real life, our opinions on some thing are so different. You'll see...

1. Baths are for kids and old people. Unless you're preggo. Then they are a necessity.

2. Politics should never be discussed. Ever. Because once someone finds out your political stance, the way they see you is altered. No matter what. Just like me because I'm awesome, not because of who I vote for!

3. The only reason people get pregnant again is because their pregnancies were really easy. Then they have a yucky pregnancy, and they stop. True story.

4. Being a stay at home mum is hard. Being a pregnant stay at home mum is nearly impossible.

5. When you are pregnant, you should not talk about it all the time. Except on your blog. Ya gotta get it out somewhere!

6. You should always ask someone if they want a hug. Because some people don't like hugs, and it makes them really awkward. So stop the awkwardness, and just ask!

7. Every couple should have an electronics freeze once a week. Cuinn. You should read this one.

8. Facebook is really stupid. Unless your family lives in England. 

9. Just because my kid has a runny nose, doesn't mean she's sick, which means I'm allowed to be out and about. Don't make me feel like a bad parent because my kids nose is constantly running. 

10. Secondary education should be free. There. I said it. Bam.

11. Clothing should be optional. But it should also be not weird that people are naked all the time. Seriously. I hate clothes.

12. Everything should be free. There should not be money. OR, everyone should have the exact same amount of money, so that there are no classes. BUT, people wouldn't be lazy or take advantage of it. 

13. Reality TV should be taken off the air. Seriously.

14. The weather should always alternate between thunderstorms and a brisk fall day. That's all.

15. Scarves are awesome. And should be worn with every outfit.

16. Labour should be easier. Seriously. I'm already dreading it. DREADING it.

17. Teleportation needs to be invented already.

18. If you drive an ice cream truck, with the music on, at EIGHT O'CLOCK AT NIGHT, you must be shoot. 

19. Everyone should download the jetpack app. That game is so addicting, but awesome. 

20. Humans shouldn't have to bathe. We should just be naturally fresh. Showering is such a chore.

21. Cleaning fairies should exist.

22. My husband is the best kisser ever. And all your husbands should be jealous of his mad skill.

23. People should just do the right thing. You know those rules you learned in kindergarten? Just follow those as an adult. C'mon, why can't we all just live harmoniously?

24. Fashion bloggers are weird. I don't get it?

25. Pregnancy should last, at most, 9 days. Not 9 months. Or in my case...10.

26. Food should just appear in your fridge and cupboards. Grocery shopping blows.

27. Nap time should be mandatory. Every afternoon.

28. Everything should be closed on Sunday's. Everybody needs a break once a week, and I think everything should just shut down once a week. 

29. If you are with someone, your phone should stay in your pocket/purse and should only come out if you need to make an emergency call. A real emergency. Don't be rude, be with the person you're with.

30. Lists should never end on an uneven number. It makes me unnaturally twitchy. 

A couple more pictures, and a reason why I've been AWOL....

Oh hey, here are a couple pictures that I "forgot" to post the other day.

Kind of explains my not posting for weeks.