taking a break

Between house renos and a 7 month old baby, I need to take some time away for myself.  This means I am taking a break from blogging for a little bit to focus my energy elsewhere.  For now, enjoy ~

Short Update

Time for a short update...

• we have determined Joel has a gluten sensitivity, which means I am cooking one meal gluten free
• as I have said before, I feel much better when I eat vegetarian, so since I am already making a special meal, I figured why not make 2?!
• I sanded and painted out front window all by myself since it had been sitting 1/2 finished for much too long
• I managed to finally install the curtains my mother in law made for my laundry room, still need one more panel, but it is looking much better already (thanks mom for the help)
• Our back tile is installed, the front has been started but will now take over a week to finish as our tile guy is out of town
• Our garage is fully finished
• The front of the house has new stucco, the 3 sides should be done early next week, however I keep saying that......
• I attended a beautiful baby shower for my cousin ~ baby "Benard" (not actually his name) was very lucky, and the shower was very classy.  Gave me lots of ideas for the shower I am planning
• I have started, and pretty much finished planning my sister in laws shower for March. I will buy the rest of the items I need when we go to the states next month.  About 1/2 are already purchased.
• Mika has learned how to grab onto things and pull herself up.  She is not steady by any means, but she sure is trying. She is much better and faster at the crawling thing too.
• I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner as I have for the past few years, and like in previous years my inlaws are bringing the turkey (thank you!), everyone else is bringing something too, which makes this a stress free event in many ways.
• Joel and I went out with my parents for my mom's birthday to Beaujena's Restaurant.  If you have never been, seriously GO! It was amazing.  A husband and wife team with a surprise menu that is nothing but class. Tried things I never would have, but very delicious!

Think that is it for now, more to come later! Enjoy ~

new stucco, waiting for it to dry....

new garage, still wet

new back entrance tile, remember this is where the stairs were.....

what my house used to look like

what the garage used to look like

A baby on the way....

no, no, not mine!

My beautiful sister in law and her husband are expecting their first on April 10, 2011 and Joel and I couldn't be more excited to be Aunt and Uncle. Although Sarah isn't feeling great, her excitement shines through, and I know that baby can already feel how much he/she is loved. (for the record my prediction is a girl)

I am already an Aunt to 7 beautiful, and mostly grown up kids.  Samantha was my first niece and was born when I was in grade 3 (she just turned 19), and Brett is my youngest nephew who is now 11.  Since my brother's kids live in Calgary and my sister's kids live in California, I haven't spent much time getting to know them.  Luckily Joel was able to meet 3 of my sister's kids at our wedding where he fell into the role of uncle.  Now facebook keeps us connected.

Our family is buzzing with the excitement of a new baby on the way as we all can't wait to meet baby Boaz!