banners

Here are a few banners that I have been

working on for the upcoming holidays.

Enjoy!

First Day of School

Here are some pics that I took when we had Meet the Teacher and Caleb's first day of school.

If you look closely at this pic you will see some stethoscopes.

Notice the one without any rubber or plastic

where it goes in the ears...ouch!
Yeah, not safe. The mother who saw this

brought it to the teacher's attention.

This was the first outfit that I put on Caleb.

Right before it was time to go he came in the

bathroom where I was getting ready and said,

"Look Mom!" as he was banging two

chalkboard brushes together.

There was chalk dust everywhere!

It's hard to tell but his clothes were so full of chalk!
What a big boy! I can't believe that he is almost 3 and a half.
He loves school!

Now on to week two...

Happy Birthday Uncle Ryan and Papa

Back to School

My boy is starting school this month! Crazy!

I enrolled him in the pre-k program...we have to pay for it but

it is less than half the price of the preschools I looked into.

He is so excited! He wants to wear his backpack to bed

and starting school is all he talks about.

Here's a back to school banner I made to celebrate:)

Happy Father's Day

Caleb's photo shoot with Ashley!

Happy Father's Day daddy!!!

Facebook

So today I posted this on facebook...

and within minutes I had people commenting and offering to help me out with this predicament. While I was commenting on the generosity and thoughfulness one of my friends instant messaged me and was totally serious about satisfying this craving I have had. She asked for my address and is sending them to me tomorrow! How seriously great is that? It will be sent by snailmail but who cares...the cookies are on their way! I am totally excited. I have searched high and low for over a month for anything similar. I used to buy similar ones here before but they no longer have any...of course I only want things that I don't have or can't get. I wouldn't eat them if they were in my pantry. My pantry is seriously stacked with goodness but there is not much temptation there for me...because it's there.

Anyway, it totally made my day!

(until my son jumped on my back...I am dying here!)

Happy Mothers Day

This is for Nicole and her mom who has passed away about this time 2 years ago. Happy Mothers day sweetie, I know this is a difficult time of year because of what happened. All mothers want to feel special this time of year, women go through so much to bring a child into the world and it is just the beginning. One of the most important aspects of raising a child is nurturing and cultivating a child's early years and instilling in them love and security. From what you have told me your mom always had you as first priority...ok well Michael was first but she told her husband to be Reg that "her kids come fist", so that he would realize what he was getting into when he married her. You didn't always see eye to eye with you mom at times like daughters and mothers do and it wasn't until the last year or so of her life that your bond became a bit stronger. I believe it was because of your motherhood that helped bring you closer in a way, it was a shame that she is not here to experience her grandchildren at this stage she would have loved to hear about all of the things that Caleb would do and it is sad that Faith will never get to see her in this life. Your mother did teach you a lot about life, from what I gather she taught you to be strong, free spirited and someone who thinks for herself. Most of your friends came to you for advice in their puberty stage because your mom didn't shy away from telling you things about your teenage phase. Your mom let you make you own mistakes and with that freedom you learned from yourself how to choose the moral path. She taught you that you need to fight for yourself, like the time that she forced you into taking on that girl that kept picking on you and how you kicked the crap out of her and she never bugged you again. Maybe that side of the family is where you get your hockey tough mentality. Violence is normally not the best method but not letting others bully or put you down is important in your growth and she instilled that in you. She loved you even though she didn't show it as others would but she was a special mom, you are not unlike in some ways but you have a lot of her great qualities and I am so happy that you are a mother to Caleb, you do so many things for him and make his life so great, your mom taught you a lot of things about how you are a mother to him, the mistakes as well as the accomplishments. I want to tell you how much I love you and I am sorry that you mom is not around to witness you more as a mom and to see the influence that she made on you and on Mike. Mike is doing great as a single dad your mom would be so proud of him, and would adore her grandaughter, she would definitely be attached to her hip if she were alive...we all know she would be a memere's little girl...I hope that this mothers day you will start to see how great of a mother you are..Caleb wants to tell you he loves you sooo much and loves when you do puzzles with him and play with him. Happy Mother's day to everyone, especially my wife and best friend.
Love Gene.

sneak peek

Okay, yesterday went to the World Premier of

X-Men Origins Wolverine

and boy did I get some good pics

of the stars on the catwalk!

I didn't get tickets to the Premier

but this was sooooo worth it.

Sondra is bringing me her's and Coreen's pics

so I can combine them all. I will post asap.

But now for a sneak peek...

Caleb's Photo Shoot

I set up a mini photo shoot with Ashley

http://embraceyourcreativity.blogspot.com/

last week and picked up my disk of pictures tonight.

They turned out pretty good.
Caleb doesn't really like having his picture taken...

probably because I take pics almost everyday:)

Anyway, enjoy the pics and let me know which one you like best.

baby book

Finished the baby book pretty much...just need some ribbon around the album and a few little touches. I absolutely love the paper! You can check out the baby book on the link below

http://photos.thecreativecanuck.com/

our new business

Gene and I have recently purchased a reseller account from godaddy.com (where Gene works). Basically we are able to sell the same things that godaddy sells, for the same prices but we make money at it:)Our website is www.canamdomains.comPlease check it out and pass the word along. If you don't already have your own website/domain, it's really interesting and probably a lot easier and CHEAPER than you think. I actually started my own www.thecreativecanuck.com recently to showcase some of the things that I do. Eventually I will probably add a shopping cart and start selling stuff on my website but for now I just wanted to get aquainted with things. I pay $10/year for mine...which is incredibly reasonable. I set it up myself (it still needs work) It is fun and really can be used for just about anything. Gene is working on putting up his. It's a fantasy sports site. If you own a business, want to start one up, are part of a sports team or want to showcase your talent...this would be a great way to start! Anyway, all domains come with up to 5 pages plus a blog and a photo album. Hosting is free and you get website tonight (which helps you set up your site....templates/design etc. If you already have a website or domain with someone else...I would seriously at least check out how much it would be to transfer your site and have us do the hosting. I am sure you will be saving some $$ Like I said, this is a reseller account with "godaddy". (Although we don't advertise that fact) You have access to the exact same customer service and tech support, Don't worry I will not be the one handling your tech related issues:)
If this doesn't seem like something you are interested in, please keep us in mind and pass our name out to your friends or family that might find this interesting. www.canamdomains.com We appreciate your support. For more information please feel free to contact us at our personal email or gncope@canamdomains.com Have a wonderful weekend!!! Nicole and Gene Cope

A Sad But True Story

Here is the article from CTV news about my uncle. It's been all over the news and radio now that it's been officially proven to be Eric. It's been very tough for my family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090309/dna_reveal_090309/20090309?hub=Toronto

Hold the Line

What does your music library say about you?
RULES:
1. Put your media player of choice Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in parentheses after the song name.
5. Tag at least 10 friends. Also, you're supposed to use the answer to the last question as your title.

What do your friends think of you? I’ve Been in Love Before-Cutting Crew
If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say? Go the Distance-Hercules
How would you describe yourself? Doctor Knickerbocker
What do you like in a guy? You Want to (Make a Memory)-Bon Jovi
How do you feel today? You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine-Michael Buble
What is your life’s purpose? Raise a Little Hell
What is your motto? Keeper of the Stars-Tracy Byrd
What do you think about very often? The Hard Way-Faith Hill
What do you think of your best friend? Something’s Broken-Tim McGraw
What do you think of the person you like? Another One Bites the Dust-Queen
What is your life story? Don’t stop Believin’-Journey
What do you want to be when you grow up? Soul Meets Body-Death Cab for Cutie
What do you think of when you see the person you like/love? Big Bad John-Johnny Cash
What will you dance to at your wedding? I Didn’t Steal your Boyfriend-Ashlee Simpson
What will they play at your funeral? Over My Head-the Fray
What is your hobby/interest? Chances-Air Supply
What is your biggest fear? Careless Whisper-Wham
What is your biggest secret? Renegade-Styx
What do you think of your friends? Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
What will you post this as? Hold the Line-Toto

I tag Amy and anyone else who reads my blog.

c is for cookie

Today Caleb and I made cookies...

cookie lollipops to be precise.

We are going to give them out with

some Valentine's from Caleb.

It's been a long day...I don't want to go

in my kitchen and clean up

the mess from the cookie making.

I am tired and would much rather take a nap.

Unfortunately that is not going to happen though.

life

This past week has been a rough one to say the least. The fact that my birthday happened to be this week sure didn't help matters.
I am so excited that Gene has started his job and he is enjoying it. He has three weeks of training and lots of testing. If he doesn't get at least 85% on the weekly tests, he cannot continue training...no pressure, right?!?
Well after having Gene home for over two months 24/7 we have had to make a lot of adjustments and it's been a very rough week. Caleb is seeing how far he can test us. I know that he is having a difficult time and I am trying really hard to have a more structured schedule that works for all of us and that includes making a conscious effort to give him some undivided attention. It really shouldn't be that difficult but there are days that I just get so overwhelmed and busy that I feel like he's just "bugging" me. This new schedule gives me time to really take a breather...no phone, computer, chores etc. just me and my boy. We are loving it!
If I can get him sleeping properly and to stop swearing, and to listen half the time, I would be a very happy mommy. We're working at it. Today I spent time re-writing our schedule, making a chore chart, and a reward chart for Caleb. I feel really good about it.
So, let's just say that 34 is really not all that it's cracked up to be:)
Hopefully this week is better. I am planning at least one outing to the zoo and I really want to enjoy my boy!!!
Today I have been busy cleaning, making charts....have no idea what we'll be having for dinner but we'll get there.
Here's to another 34 years!!!!!

on hold...

So it's only been about 40ish minutes thus far...I am on hold with the IRS.
Last night after talking to Laura and her telling me how easy and fast Turbo Tax was I decided to file our taxes.
Gene started his new job today...yea!!!! He is working for godaddy.com
We are totally excited about this!!!
Anyway, I was thinking...he doesn't get paid for at least a few weeks so wouldn't it be great to get a tax refund...put us back on our feet???
Yeah, doesn't always work out so easily.
I spent hours doing the tax return last night...paid the $ and e-filed it.
Then this morning I wake up to 2 messages in my inbox saying that there were errors on our tax return and the irs rejected it. I have been trying to get into the Turbo Tax website all day but it was down. It's finally back up and it says I have the wrong agi (adjusted gross income) from 2007. Well I did have the correct agi, I had my 2007 taxes in my hand.
I have already talked to one guy on the phone and he verified that I had the correct agi:)
Then I realized the problem could be...my last names don't match...possibility. My social security card is in my maiden name because that is what my passport has. Then I realized that not only does my last name not match but I didn't have a ssn before, I had an itin#.
Oh DRAMA!
I am now on hold (was talking) to a "lovely" woman. I use lovely rather loosely...she is nasty! She wants to know why I was transferred to her...I guess it's my lucky day!
This is not going to end well...I paid $70.00 last night to file the dang taxes and as of right now, I won't be able to file them. So...not only am I out $70.00 but I don't think we'll be getting our tax return back anytime soon. How totally frustrating! She said I have to wait for the Social Security office to update their records to the IRS.
update-58 minutes on the phone...call now ended.
The Social Security office did update my info. The lady was no help...just argued with me and told me to mail it in!
Well I better make changes and print out my tax return so I can mail it in. I need to get my money back from Turbo Tax now.
AAaaahhhhh!!!

project 365

One of my major goals this year is to take a picture everyday and scrapbook a day in the life of our little family. I am totally excited to do this and wanted to share my first 12 days with you...okay with Amy since she asked so nicely. Amy is also doing this so it's really fun to share in this journey...especially considering we were together for a few of the days:)

So here goes...I started Sunday December 28th...and am missing only one picture that I need to get from Sondra but this is what I have thus far.

December 28th-Caleb rocking out with his guitar

December 29th-Gene brought me a sweet pork salad from Costa Vida...my absolute fave!

December 30th-Jessica's Birthday Dinner at Red Robin with Choules...no pic yet.

December 31st-New Year's Eve with Speedie's and Ferguson's

January 1st-Caleb, Gene and I went to see Bolt.

January 2nd-Phoenix Zoo with Choules, met up with Ellsworth's.

NHL game that night with S's and F's.

January 3rd-Amy surprised me with sprinkles cupcakes.

January 4th-Prayed and fasted for the Jarrett family.

January 5th-wii-itis from tennis and played some serious Mario Party.

January 6th-trip to Costco

January 7th-organized my pantry

January 8th-Social Security office, post office and park with Caleb.

January 9th-ovulation predictor and taking temperature daily...what fun!

That is pretty much my life in a nutshell. Gene is still desperately trying to find a job...it is seriously a full-time job looking for a job. Our lives seem to be crazier than ever!