tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34711102200138312912024-03-05T19:44:49.571-08:00Our Quirky FamilyWelcome to our blog page. Enjoy the updates from our "quirky" family.Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-49036703631553737372012-07-23T12:25:00.000-07:002012-07-23T12:25:55.900-07:00Time to get back to familyTo all of you it likely seems like a long time since I have been blogging, but I had been running 2 other blogs this year and both seemed to take priority. <a href="http://quirkyteacher.edublogs.org/">My class blog</a> this year was excellent, I really have to say they did such a good job. My students wrote many posts, long posts, interesting and heartfelt posts, it really was very well done. It was especially nice because they often commented on each others' posts, so it was a great community building activity. On top of that I ran a blog when I took my final <a href="http://quirkyreader.edublogs.org/">Reading Course, Reading Part 3</a> to earn my Reading Specialist. It was the Journey of my final semester and counted as 25 % of my final grade, which I got 95% in the end, so yeah for me! <br />
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Anyhow, now that school is over for the year, my course is over AND I do not have a homeroom next year, I now only have 1 blog again. (Okay, that is a bit of a lie, as Jasmine and her friends just started a <a href="http://thecharitygroup.blogspot.ca/">Charity Group Blog</a>, but hopefully I won't have to do much on that one)<br />
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So, what should I talk about first. Hard to say... I could talk about my races. I did do a triathlon post on my university blog, as I did that with someone from the class, so I think I will see if I can transfer it over. I also did a 5 km run, 8 km run in a kilt and just did the Capital City Chase. Maybe another day.<br />
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Right now I feel perplexed, because as a teacher I should love having my summer off, but the last 2 days have been full of house cleaning and picking up after my kids, so I am feeling a bit ... UGH, right now. I do find Jasmine complains a lot and Devin gets frustrated/upset easily, maybe when you don't spend all day every day with them, you don't notice as much, but let me tell you, I am sure noticing now. It's actually why I am on the computer right now, I just needed a break from them and cleaning the never ending basement mess. <br />
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So far we have had a good summer. We did our big family holiday to Jasper and Edmonton right away and had a great time with my family. We've done a couple camping trips with another scheduled for this weekend. We've been to some movies, the splash pad, done lots of swimming, visited some friends... so it really isn't bad, but I always seem to wish for more. Why can't I wish for a complaint free summer? I have to say, she gets it from her mother as I here I complain, even as I am saying... what a great summer - go figure!<br />
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So, here is to hopefully getting on here more often. I hope you are all having a good summer and will take time to comment and share how you are doing as well. <br />
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Laura</div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-85690241788167148732012-02-26T15:01:00.000-08:002012-02-26T15:01:48.884-08:00Crossfit 12.1Hello all,<br />
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I really had NO, I mean absolutely no intention of posting this video. Hell, I was barely telling anyone I entered this competition, but it seems in order to be eligible I have to have my video on a site. So, instead of broadcasting it to the whole world on youtube, I thought this might be just a wee bit safer.<br />
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This is my first workout for crossfit, I do not expect you to watch it, I am not even sure I want you to watch it, but do whatever you like. The challenge was: <br />
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<strong>Workout 1</strong><br />
Complete as many reps as possible in 7 minutes of:<br />
<strong>Burpees</strong><br />
This workout begins from the standing position. The Athlete will move from flat on the ground to touching an object with both hands that is 6 inches above their max reach. Score is total reps completed. <br />
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So, here is my video and I did a total of 56 reps in my second trial. 53 reps in my first trial. <br />
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Jay also tried, just for fun and he scored 93 reps and then Jasmine tried, but only for 2 minutes instead of 7 and she did 28 - crazy! Devin is napping, but you can be sure we will get him to try when he wakes up, too! <br />
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I am dreading next weeks, I will be eliminated at some point, because they will ask me to lift too much weight or do chin ups or some combination of that will be impossible for me, but I figured I might as well do what I can. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9o1vnWPWpZR5fYKd81SdJ-KV6bBqvjIpMzfVbay5edX3_G5Ol0jPfi0evZ854PkED3GbwhrmEpHvjg5eVCw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-40021786010123638312011-10-22T06:48:00.000-07:002011-10-22T06:48:09.945-07:00Upping My GameHi all, it's been a long time since I had a post, but I'm pretty busy. I've been inspired to become a better me. Last year when we got a new principal, I became inspired to become a better teacher. She makes me want to be better, try harder, do more. Last year I started at a nutritionist, she inspires me to eat healthier, to eat clean, to eat natural, to feel better. This year I started with a physical trainer, he inspires me to work hard, to accept nothing less than the best, to push myself farther than I think I can go. This year Devin was tested for reading difficulties and it inspired me to become a better mom, to step up my game, pay more attention to the details and just be more present. Trying to be better in every aspect is very challenging, I can't help but drop a few balls here and there.<br />
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This year one big ball I dropped was in the little things, they seem little, but really they are pretty big. Like my dad turned 60 this year and I sent him 3/4 of his present 4 months late and I still haven't finished the main part yet. Sigh! My mom had her birthday and I didn't even send her a card. My nephew turned 4 and I was a month late with his gift, too. I haven't made time to spend with my friends, get out for walks and talks, even make phone calls. And I haven't written any letters or sent any pictures to grand-parents in a long time. These are things I used to do and feel really good about, now it seems my priorities have changed and I am very focused on myself. <br />
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I can't help but feel selfish, but in the same breath.... it's time I looked after myself. I do feel good, I feel stronger, less tired, healthier, more confident... but when you are trying to be better, it never seems to stop. Is there a point where you realize things are good enough? I don't think so, I think that as long as you live things can improve and we can reach for more, but seriously you can't always be concentrated on that, because then you are never happy with the way things are right now. I think balance is required. The desire to push yourself to be better and move forward, while being happy with yourself in the now.<br />
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So, to all of you that I have let down by not sending a gift, or not making a call, I haven't forgotten you, I 've just been busy and although my actions have not shown how much I care about you, please know that I do, very much!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-31755824799589966852011-07-06T19:02:00.000-07:002011-07-06T19:02:48.523-07:00Training & FriendshipsI originally sat down to write a post about my trainer, yes another one... well he is tall, dark and handsome! Then I read a post from someone else and now my mind is on a totally different topic, so I will give a quick update on the training and then change topics...<br />
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Training is going well and I am very pleased with my progress. I'm not sure I would have said that this afternoon when he was running me into the ground, but it is going well. I haven't lost a tonne of weight, but I am definitely slimming down. We do measurements next week, but I can see my waist trimming down, my arms toning up and even my abs getting tighter. I can lift more and get through the workouts easier, well I say easier, but he keeps changing it up and making it harder. Today's focus was running and we went outside for a run together. He was walking me through a 2.5 km run and pushed me hard. It took me 17 minutes and 18 seconds and the last little bit, I didn't even think I would finish. We were running intervals, so sometimes the pace was faster and then we cooled down with what would be more of a normal pace - very tough. Anyhow at the end of May, I ran 2 km in just under 18 minutes, so I shaved some time off of that and added an extra 1/2 km. It felt good in the end, even though I sit here typing with a headache from I'm sure lack of oxygen to the brain this afternoon. After the run, we did leg press, squats, abs, leg extensions, squat press and bicycle crunches. I don't think I said a word and Wesley's comment was something like, "I know I worked you hard when you stop talking". Too true!<br />
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<strong>My workout schedule for the next few days:</strong><br />
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Thursday: Aquafit bootcamp class<br />
Friday: 45 minute run at home<br />
Saturday - Hike through Gatineau Hills with family<br />
Sunday - Bike 15 km on the Parkway<br />
Monday - Session with Wesley<br />
Tuesday - Abs and Glutes Class with Mariko his partner<br />
Wednesday - Cardio kickboxing class with Wesley<br />
Thursday - Session with Wesley to plan holiday plan of attack!<br />
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I think I may just be ready to sit in a car for two days straight next weekend on our way east to the Maritimes.<br />
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Anyhow, the post I was inspired to write about is about friends and happiness. I wrote <a href="http://quirkyfamily.blogspot.com/2009/03/100-laughs-in-day-10-minutes-of.html">a post on laughing, friendships and anxiety a loooong time ago</a>, and am sort of back on the same train of thought. The post I read today was from <a href="http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/07/05/who-you-spend-time-with-is-who-you-become/">Joy</a> and was all about being happy and making your friendships count. Wesley and I talked about this the other day in a breather between stations. I was talking about how hard it is to fit exercise into life when you aren't used to it. How if you were already fit and active when you had children, that you probably can incorporate children into the life you already have, but when you haven't started with that, it makes it difficult to find the time and fit exercise into everything else you are doing with your kids. I also talked about how most of our friends do not lead an overall active or healthy lifestyle. Imagine a life with friends who hike, bike, canoe, kayak, run and just live an active lifestyle 24-7. People who want to be outside playing games and having fun - it would be infectious to a degree, right? <br />
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In Joy's article, she talks about listing your friends into categories and how they fit. I started doing this, not the same way she did, but I listed qualities like: Active, Positive, Motivating, Healthy Eater, Helpful, Fun, Happy, Crafty, Good Mom and then I started listing my friends, not into categories, but just typing who my friends were. I separated my friends list into two groups, those I am closer friends with and those that I am more acquaintances with. I would say from my list, I need to start spending more time with my acquaintances. Many of them have the qualities I am looking for and I haven't taken the time to get to know them better. I can say, I really don't have any toxic friends though. Joy's advice is not to have too many friends, as then the quality of friendships goes down, so I'm not really sure how to make more friends and keep the ones I've got intact, but I plan to make it happen somehow.<br />
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I know this post is totally random and a bit all over the place, but it is what was on my mind. To sum up, I'm already busy and I'm going to become more busy trying to make better friends with some good people who will make me happier and healthier. I think I will have to use <a href="http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/07/05/who-you-spend-time-with-is-who-you-become/">Oh, She Glows post idea from today: 9 Ways to be productive in your day</a>.<br />
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3 week Maritime holiday in just over a week. Time to get excited and start packing - woo, hoo!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-49995651799386628822011-06-02T19:11:00.000-07:002011-06-02T19:11:57.266-07:00What am I doing?There is a new man in my life and his name is <a href="http://www.sculptconditioning.com//wesleywood">Wesley Wood</a>. Oh, I'm not at all in love with him, actually on the first date I think I told him I hated him, twice! Wesley is my new personal trainer... it all makes sense now doesn't it! I felt very guilty when I said I hated him, it was more the squats and burpees I hated, but since then I have decided I should just grin and bare it, as I am paying him big bucks to do this to me.<br />
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I've been going for only 2 weeks, although it seems longer. The first session was a fitness test and measurements session and then we got into the good stuff. After the first "real" session, which was an arms workout, I had insanely stiff quads the next day. I know, quads aren't even in your arms, but stairs were my nemesis that day. (As part of the circuit he had me doing squats with dumbbells and hammer curls on the bosu ball). So, two days later, it happened.... he made me cry. Well, who wouldn't have honestly. My legs were in such pain from my "arm" workout that when he made me do lunges, leg curls, leg press, squats and then finally burpees, well my legs just couldn't take it and out the tears came. Wesley didn't hug me or make me feel better, he simply said... "3 more". He's not mean or nasty, no Jillian Michaels swearing in your face, thank God, but he makes you push it the best you can and that's why I'm there.<br />
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Right now he is working on building my cardio endurance of which I have zero, so it's a quick learning curve. This week he wants me to run 5 km without stopping and tell him how fast I can do it. I mean, seriously, I took a running room course on how to run 5 km and it took me 10 weeks. Now on week 2, I'm just expected to do it and of course, he doesn't believe in 10 and 1's (run for 10 and walk for 1) that doesn't exist in his world! He said maybe 10 and 10's (run for 10 minutes and walk for 10 seconds) - he's so funny!<br />
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So, I'm thinking of my... yes, handsome new man right now, because once again I can hardly walk and actually I can't even straighten my arms my biceps are hurtin' so bad! I'm a glutten for punishment as I bought 24 sessions, oh, dear! Next week he has me trying out a group class and then on Tuesday I am meeting him at Terry Fox Hill. Anyone who knows this place, just laughed out loud, because they all know I am in for pain that day. This is the toboggan hill in winter and it is nasty - I am just going to HATE Tuesday! Sigh- let me just say all this effort better pay off!<br />
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The goal... to be less tired and have more energy. Same goal as before, but when the healthier nutrition didn't totally fix my problem, I realized I had to take the next step. I'm hoping that with this many sessions and all his homework in between, I will become strong enough that I will be able to exercise easier and who knows, *whisper* maybe I will even like it? <br />
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Today when I was shaving my legs, I felt a ridge on my leg... I think it was a muscle? - SWEET!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-61537853792595077402011-05-21T17:34:00.000-07:002011-05-21T17:34:53.978-07:00Happy 60th Birthday DAD!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What is it that makes dads so special? Every dad is different, and well... some just aren't so special, but my dad is a truly special guy. Part of why he is so special is that he is admired in his community, respected, revered by some as a "healer of his people". This always left his girls with a great sense of admiration for their dad. As we became parents, we saw what truly made this man great and that is his heart... it's pretty huge! He wants what is best for everyone and will do what he can to help them get it, whether it is a patient in need of advice, a friend in need of handy guy, a daughter in need of a listening ear or a grand-child in need of a hands on activity, Dr. Shadbolt, Murray, Dad, Grampa is there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">At our house, Dad always has a project, usually bigger and grander than what we need done, but whether it's a deck, a leaking toilet or air in the tires, you can be sure it will get done when he is here to visit. We've actually contemplated flying him out here once a year just to help us get work done around the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The grandkids love Grampa because he likes to do stuff, particularly build things like kites, model airplanes and paper mache trees. He'll read you a book, watch your favorite cartoon, teach you to ride a bike, eat your freshly baked cookies and even play Superhero squad on the Wii when Devin is cheating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As a father-in-law, he is the go to guy. It doesn't matter what question you've got, you can ask dad: medical advice for sore knees, handyman stuff like how to fix the hole in the basement ceiling or just guy stuff like .... um, never mind, I won't go there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Dad, sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate your big 6-0 - we did seriously think about it. It was unfortunately a lot of traveling for such a short time. We are happy to know we get to spend New Years with you this year - we haven't spent New Years together since, hmmm.... well I'd say since before we had kids, so a really looong time. We'll be sure to plan something special!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here are a few pictures that I could find to remind you of some special times with the family. I do have a package to send you, but am not quite done it yet and I didn't really realize when I started it how much of a restricted diet you were on, so I am wondering whether I should just do you a favor and eat the Big Turk out of there? Let me know if I can help you out with that ;) I can't eat it either, maybe the kids will have to do it for you - they'll probably hate that, ha, ha! Have a GREAT weekend celebrating with friends and family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz_BfxHt4Ea7Q4czq2x317ag-dzD06qGvoVeSoDPwfiLovy4WKSQCqf2T6FWXfnIhlzegAVUO2bJYMCRzXDJeiiWWF9HNXPBxHGV8qb4lWjhxLqmBviKKw24EgIPdFAZQ2GdOa__WXxm5/s1600/DSC02520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz_BfxHt4Ea7Q4czq2x317ag-dzD06qGvoVeSoDPwfiLovy4WKSQCqf2T6FWXfnIhlzegAVUO2bJYMCRzXDJeiiWWF9HNXPBxHGV8qb4lWjhxLqmBviKKw24EgIPdFAZQ2GdOa__WXxm5/s320/DSC02520.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for his turn to bowl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNquuCnW3hhc0JnMbYHoSNrLLr1HcHd-wTO0KzN3hkrWzMTutj8_ZkYlRGqpIUW-znag14bQSRb1o1zA4oH8lIX9KJHtxfLhl_mcI4tyaBc_EgQTgtOXkzok6i3pQkeJJIBl7fvTuq5BbX/s1600/DSC02537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNquuCnW3hhc0JnMbYHoSNrLLr1HcHd-wTO0KzN3hkrWzMTutj8_ZkYlRGqpIUW-znag14bQSRb1o1zA4oH8lIX9KJHtxfLhl_mcI4tyaBc_EgQTgtOXkzok6i3pQkeJJIBl7fvTuq5BbX/s320/DSC02537.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to get a strike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZttpHMfyPpAPmasJ1KzJTeiMKtgEWCYNljk8TFiDexsERN3P6iFTdro1mO5CZY0p2Qb6nMHNSA_1dJmT-iFK2OOuBwGC93KEGni2Fzt7z-z25nPBAk6axDz_hMlXdWdb6UPJ_RtQ4YEQ/s1600/DSC02634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZttpHMfyPpAPmasJ1KzJTeiMKtgEWCYNljk8TFiDexsERN3P6iFTdro1mO5CZY0p2Qb6nMHNSA_1dJmT-iFK2OOuBwGC93KEGni2Fzt7z-z25nPBAk6axDz_hMlXdWdb6UPJ_RtQ4YEQ/s320/DSC02634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a paper mache tree for Jasmine's birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cdrc2ijnr-SW_-1tP9FD4g-hIQckGOfT1fY5dGLoJJX-F9zKFYliSPQRNlRNi6ArTZCv3_vBVc941xSpAI72uwdppFMKF4dpNaxnGwMHL8WuREeorKZruhzgOeimdsC1zsrGy7YTWaUa/s1600/DSC01274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cdrc2ijnr-SW_-1tP9FD4g-hIQckGOfT1fY5dGLoJJX-F9zKFYliSPQRNlRNi6ArTZCv3_vBVc941xSpAI72uwdppFMKF4dpNaxnGwMHL8WuREeorKZruhzgOeimdsC1zsrGy7YTWaUa/s320/DSC01274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing Jasmine on the air mattress at Cypress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking Allison out for kayak ride in Parksville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7E6tgE_Vlb1L9qWIyRi-AaMiwo9XXCjd9i0uF9Mp2R4ThXQ6BNTozhSg_gMOqOghrFdz87TlztfZwdrifpH-aopxzQZoDrbWN24IVV6Whcz-Cy0n9nLhEN7w04HLtyr21giPKs7Nerf0/s1600/DSC00482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7E6tgE_Vlb1L9qWIyRi-AaMiwo9XXCjd9i0uF9Mp2R4ThXQ6BNTozhSg_gMOqOghrFdz87TlztfZwdrifpH-aopxzQZoDrbWN24IVV6Whcz-Cy0n9nLhEN7w04HLtyr21giPKs7Nerf0/s320/DSC00482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with his boys. Scooter riding in Tofino, BC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMTDAJ6VAhUXzMdLahm5TOv-T_M6bKgWTGXEf9UYGlrDGw2O18cXtQZpoof-vfhQhJhhzYi0A7MdfjEizm2ypW1mvJVal9-IXcOa6bD1jmeMMp7FrOQmzjKoQjZlLf_avXfSaTcVy-Ckx/s1600/gramma+and+grampa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMTDAJ6VAhUXzMdLahm5TOv-T_M6bKgWTGXEf9UYGlrDGw2O18cXtQZpoof-vfhQhJhhzYi0A7MdfjEizm2ypW1mvJVal9-IXcOa6bD1jmeMMp7FrOQmzjKoQjZlLf_avXfSaTcVy-Ckx/s320/gramma+and+grampa.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The love of his life - mom!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLIUMutKAL4Amof8nNprcrKDaF_9fnDX4SQyvBl6zb1tDdmZ7n8RnlQWTt0JOI3sINn_4bfULXtEqLnRcX7lPRuT2qKI1HnRuqSNroa7qhxJcfxw79k760RwKXTxpuwTJSMNHUjB68lbQ/s1600/olivia+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLIUMutKAL4Amof8nNprcrKDaF_9fnDX4SQyvBl6zb1tDdmZ7n8RnlQWTt0JOI3sINn_4bfULXtEqLnRcX7lPRuT2qKI1HnRuqSNroa7qhxJcfxw79k760RwKXTxpuwTJSMNHUjB68lbQ/s320/olivia+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which grandchild is this? Who knows, I'm pretty sure I've got one similar to this with every grandbaby you ever had!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-39596713666947170942011-03-23T17:26:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:26:20.731-07:00Adventures of Mexico!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For spring break this year we decided to go south. This is the first time in about 10 years that we have done this, so the second time ever!!! We did take the kids with us and we met up with Jay's parents, Sherry and Dave. We stayed in <a href="http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drepa/daily-activities.html">Puerto Aventuras at the Dreams Resort</a>. We were very happy with, well pretty much everything. The service was by far the best part. Everyone took very good care of you and was happy to be there. Below is the view from our balcony. The ocean view was definitely worth the extra money, as we could sit on the deck and enjoy the waves while the kids were napping or sleeping. The weather was great, warm with a nice breeze. Without the breeze it was quite hot actually - I think 29 every day. Most days we were up early, but in no hurry to get going. We'd head for the buffet between 8-9 and then out to the beach or pool for a swim until lunch. After lunch, the kids and I often napped or watched the Cartoon network in the room with all the cool cartoons we don't get at home. Then after some down time we would head back out or go for supper. The group picture was taken in the gazebo just off the front of the beach at the resort. There were some rocks that acted as a bit of a wave break for nicer swimming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoyxKNFU9_OyMzRooifsJEck4sN301JzJh5IDQQlG-MKF8o3JHn3EhOUVXrJr8eZliPmNiA3ZZVRsxbCCp2eFV7QpmQfP_5v5o6bEwbyOKrok1GUObWyUsiSrsbSnBQ8cecn0bxzEuKve/s1600/DSC02782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoyxKNFU9_OyMzRooifsJEck4sN301JzJh5IDQQlG-MKF8o3JHn3EhOUVXrJr8eZliPmNiA3ZZVRsxbCCp2eFV7QpmQfP_5v5o6bEwbyOKrok1GUObWyUsiSrsbSnBQ8cecn0bxzEuKve/s320/DSC02782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGYSZ59KAf96xalnWxTLOHzphfLXoLx4ht1V0A1pTKbYB8ODdv7MKbg4V8wnF90Orh6ZkU7bdgddVGwE_Jc2hpcHsD0_J2iAzG6qrfDhd1CZ23lNOtXMB2ViQ5DzlM0xgZBF5XiCBRPnr/s1600/DSC03032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGYSZ59KAf96xalnWxTLOHzphfLXoLx4ht1V0A1pTKbYB8ODdv7MKbg4V8wnF90Orh6ZkU7bdgddVGwE_Jc2hpcHsD0_J2iAzG6qrfDhd1CZ23lNOtXMB2ViQ5DzlM0xgZBF5XiCBRPnr/s320/DSC03032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0tipjtLG1RfsA5aE4ZbZgaxXM9LLQQcm1gxg5BXS07Ruc6SwS5AdWRtiOWWkiil3zSe7EZdeNRNpC_iDDqPdNn6ZFkD6kUVcVSgA9LkNj9flqTuv1hSA0LeZM6ccP0OTT1_TLToGxE0t/s1600/DSC02978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0tipjtLG1RfsA5aE4ZbZgaxXM9LLQQcm1gxg5BXS07Ruc6SwS5AdWRtiOWWkiil3zSe7EZdeNRNpC_iDDqPdNn6ZFkD6kUVcVSgA9LkNj9flqTuv1hSA0LeZM6ccP0OTT1_TLToGxE0t/s320/DSC02978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOTeKn9F5vFpDSD899VXxTUlCeXtmeohOfd9z-XREIlaiOsLBD0X4o9wsO8pH8H3W14SRZKFL9ZbHl5l4p6YpTCJkCac4_lJC4eRj0Hwt6ZsAB5EbsNpyNJRnH2Mmwpg8-MyBQuMbRQNm/s1600/DSC02991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOTeKn9F5vFpDSD899VXxTUlCeXtmeohOfd9z-XREIlaiOsLBD0X4o9wsO8pH8H3W14SRZKFL9ZbHl5l4p6YpTCJkCac4_lJC4eRj0Hwt6ZsAB5EbsNpyNJRnH2Mmwpg8-MyBQuMbRQNm/s320/DSC02991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The above picture is what we called the tide pool. It was a blocked off area that was very calm for snorkeling. Sherry and Dave brought their snorkel gear, so we tried it out, meanwhile the kids used the resorts life jackets and snorkel gear. Unfortunately Devin's life jacket was too big and riding up to his head, so he didn't really give it a fair shot, but Jasmine said, "it was pretty cool and I couldn't count how many fish were in there." At the beach they had a water trampoline that the kids bounced on one day and they also had a inflatable rock climbing wall that you can see in the below picture. Jasmine did climb to the top of it and slid down twice, but Devin didn't like it too much. It did seem rather high, so I don't blame him. Here he is below playing in the sand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn4IuZLQh-GnBdx0IMTsr1BjZ-LfQ1XYXNb-7mx013GGMmZHWBItiU66J2XvcRdanlE3zgO8bxxIRLbmLuBMvUjiXDVwCgHHg4ch8_VraZAxtnU6OCxue5pj0axCJkfv2uZahtwq0EXO0/s1600/DSC02974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn4IuZLQh-GnBdx0IMTsr1BjZ-LfQ1XYXNb-7mx013GGMmZHWBItiU66J2XvcRdanlE3zgO8bxxIRLbmLuBMvUjiXDVwCgHHg4ch8_VraZAxtnU6OCxue5pj0axCJkfv2uZahtwq0EXO0/s320/DSC02974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AFe2O3hGdSILH3DgEvBpfMwqnhY0d8vNHfscvKruOEX7W8jdH89aZ3KwSLSeD4QVWpPNMAl25lnWfzeM5LkUmaU1y1SzIPg47mcXo2i5IF7QwVXMU4GvXtwpWgiOoTwTL6f12FHC4DbY/s1600/DSC03028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AFe2O3hGdSILH3DgEvBpfMwqnhY0d8vNHfscvKruOEX7W8jdH89aZ3KwSLSeD4QVWpPNMAl25lnWfzeM5LkUmaU1y1SzIPg47mcXo2i5IF7QwVXMU4GvXtwpWgiOoTwTL6f12FHC4DbY/s320/DSC03028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The resort had a schedule of daily activities. Jay played beach volleyball one day and found out the hard way that the court only had 6 inches of sand and then a concrete floor underneath, but he still had fun. Jasmine and Devin were brave enough to try the Euro trampoline, which was basically like a sling shot that fired them into the sky. I couldn't believe how high they went and both were very good sports. They weren't quite sure how to react, they knew they should be smiling and laughing, but it was pretty scary. They offered many other things like water aerobics, which I had good intentions of doing, but it was always right around lunch time, so it didn't happen. Although, we didn't get to take an official Spanish class, we did learn a bit of Spanish including:<br />
<br />
Hola = Hello, Good Morning = Buenos Dias, Good Evening = Buenas Noches, Goodbye = Adios, Please = Por Favor, Thank you Very Much = Muchas Gracias, You're Welcome = De Nada, Yes = Se<br />
1. uno, 2. dos, 3. tres, 4. cuatro, 5. cinco, 6. seis, 7. siete, 8. ocho, 9. nueve, 10. diez AND Jay's parents already seemed to know the word for beer = cerveza.<br />
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The buffet at the resort was pretty good. Well, if you only had to eat there once it was amazing, but after a week or so you were happy to have some restaurant options. The buffet did have a kids section, but it pretty much had hot dogs every day, although we did see chicken fingers and cheesy noodles as well. The 3 pounds I gained I am sure are attributed to breakfasts which are my favorite... eggs, toast, french toast, bacon, sausage... yum! They made killer guacamole and pico de gallo, which I missed so much already that I made them both for supper tonight to go with our fajitas. They had a great assortment of pastries and fresh breads and buns, so that was also a downfall. Plus you only saw melons and pineapple for fruit, and the odd overripe banana, and hardly any veggies, especially when you had been warned not to eat the lettuce (some resorts use tap water to wash their lettuce, we tended to eat it at the restaurants when served it, but not in the buffet - strange, I know!) We did try out most of their restaurants. Below the kids pose with the maitre de of the Italian restaurant and Jasmine is wearing the dress we bartered for the evening before. We had a really nice meal and Poppa taught Devin to arm wrestle, or was it the other way around? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8871hq0Zs8tcxviygxCZV7z4owQUbGsbPJaEANFkDm2hUvMhVJSAVPkCNjgLHte1wn2mL-TkrstWswb0Lep6-Zw1belp7D24KXJa_nAHQIsUSQFZSJJBQ-lAdp5fVUMtVvrapJJSQ5k9t/s1600/DSC02861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8871hq0Zs8tcxviygxCZV7z4owQUbGsbPJaEANFkDm2hUvMhVJSAVPkCNjgLHte1wn2mL-TkrstWswb0Lep6-Zw1belp7D24KXJa_nAHQIsUSQFZSJJBQ-lAdp5fVUMtVvrapJJSQ5k9t/s320/DSC02861.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe3hWm4qjTzAijYnV737A5LmnnmcnUfGHhCoIxHHWwZYko1-2-Uf7xWZmdcXgilaTxodtWYlYDBsfFmXw7Q-kagf1fCcGU6j9D8usTaHGoY5ITEIJGf9iIIMcd9IKydn3_PM4OvI0UGYh/s1600/DSC02862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe3hWm4qjTzAijYnV737A5LmnnmcnUfGHhCoIxHHWwZYko1-2-Uf7xWZmdcXgilaTxodtWYlYDBsfFmXw7Q-kagf1fCcGU6j9D8usTaHGoY5ITEIJGf9iIIMcd9IKydn3_PM4OvI0UGYh/s320/DSC02862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sherry and Dave had a bad experience at the Sushi restaurant the year before, so when they went for supper with friends Drew and Loretta, we braved it since we like sushi so much. The menu looked pretty normal, so we figured we'd give it a try. Jasmine had veggie rolls, Devin California rolls and Jay and I experimented with spicy tuna, smoked salmon and dragon rolls - nothing raw and no eel! It was St. Parick's day, so we all wore our Rider gear. It doesn't matter where you go, someone knows about the Riders. On the last night Sherry and Dave were with us, we took advantage of the opportunity and Jay and I ate out at the seafood restaurant - I braved the shrimp tacos and they were very good! It was so nice having Gramma and Poppa there with us. We had adjoining rooms, so we had an extra place to hang out when kids were sleeping or the ladies were cleaning. Devin had a couple of great swims with Poppa and he also took Jasmine out in the ocean wave jumping. Sherry and Dave had been to this same resort last year, so they knew how it worked and it really was a great place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The service was fantastic and we were never short on drinks. The kids tried all kinds of virgin drinks, like the strawberry ones shown below. Always served in a fancy glass which they loved. Their favorites were the chocolate ones, including a mudslide. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp5QaetTPgm0yAbwyfghhClODYEErgtsG6eVaCqZx-n5gq8qq5zkeBOCYGsAIK8dGq9ekkz8Di5lccwOZ1fqEmZr5Ib-_si_DiHqaHEMFEaeVOOceVWY0dV1YDZPghWpvNdFhHDwfQx1p/s1600/DSC02995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp5QaetTPgm0yAbwyfghhClODYEErgtsG6eVaCqZx-n5gq8qq5zkeBOCYGsAIK8dGq9ekkz8Di5lccwOZ1fqEmZr5Ib-_si_DiHqaHEMFEaeVOOceVWY0dV1YDZPghWpvNdFhHDwfQx1p/s320/DSC02995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVHcHKuewfkzZUiL_-6r_a9RKjesk_czObzdGpbQ_TXwEdM0wKao2SaxJA0HC2bimDJMLMBy0-qCqlHrG_z9pHYTzhyphenhyphenq_3_3yk-GdDk7YKWLLmVqiXcoDenOyEnAtCVlNZ_thg85U0JIz/s1600/DSC02970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVHcHKuewfkzZUiL_-6r_a9RKjesk_czObzdGpbQ_TXwEdM0wKao2SaxJA0HC2bimDJMLMBy0-qCqlHrG_z9pHYTzhyphenhyphenq_3_3yk-GdDk7YKWLLmVqiXcoDenOyEnAtCVlNZ_thg85U0JIz/s320/DSC02970.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We hadn't considered the different wildlife that we might see when in Mexico, but we saw a couple of different pelicans up close and it was pretty crazy how they just swooped down and took a beakful of water and minnows. I guess we have seen pelicans before, but not like this. There was an unusual rodent roaming the resort as well, but I never did find out what it was or get a picture. I laughed when someone tried to tell me it was a gopher. We saw tonnes of iguanas, they are just as common as squirrels are in Ottawa. The picture below shows how close they would let you get to them, but they were everywhere. The bottom picture is from Xcaret, they had all sorts of animals there, including parrots flamingos and this tapir. He was quite interesting to look at and stayed in the water for a lot of the day when it was hot. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMkD5XQvrZyCcJxDdINE5JmcKQGXVTMCAmfQDXJo8mtRvvnc9ZAAKQ3o4Z3NiOnmpbJmZj0h3Tu6FJZd2GwxY8ZH-lPull3gWl_mDMBeaFgEv4qyZp3_hnyAffRt5245S4Lt7-lF5QKkC/s1600/DSC02788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMkD5XQvrZyCcJxDdINE5JmcKQGXVTMCAmfQDXJo8mtRvvnc9ZAAKQ3o4Z3NiOnmpbJmZj0h3Tu6FJZd2GwxY8ZH-lPull3gWl_mDMBeaFgEv4qyZp3_hnyAffRt5245S4Lt7-lF5QKkC/s320/DSC02788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Wednesday we went to <a href="http://www.xcaret.com/">Xcaret</a>. This is where we saw most of the wildlife and adventured through caves and old mines. Jasmine quite liked the mine. Here you answered questions and then would follow the direction of your answer, I think we hit about 3 dead ends and had to try again. The second picture below is from the mine adventure. Scattered throughout Xcaret were caves, small chunks of ruins and they had an old arena where they played traditional games. In the evening show they demonstrated a few of the games they used to play, but they didn't behead the losers like they did in real life. In one of the games they played hockey with a ball of fire in their bare feet. It was pretty crazy to watch. They also had a <a href="http://www.xcaret.com/papantla-flying-men">Flying men show</a> and it was "spectacular" as Sherry called it. I really don't have a picture that does it justice, but these men and not young men either, I'm talking in there 60's and 70's, climbed up this huge pole and sat at the top of it - no harnesses. Then after the center man played the flute and drums, the other 4 men dropped off the edges with only their legs twisted around a rope. They slowly spiralled to the ground. This ritual is to help provide a fruitful crop and good soil. It was pretty wild because it was just so high and dangerous. We ate lunch at a Mexican buffet and saw a mariachi band perform. After lunch we swam/snorkeled through the underground river. That was pretty fun, but Jasmine got very cold under there, so I took the kids out about 3/4 of the way through and the other 3 finished off - too bad that all of the fish were apparently at the very end - darn! The last picture from this set is from the night show and you can see that it was a pretty big deal. They were blowing incense out of torches, music was playing, hundreds of dancers and performers showed off all the rituals and history of Mexico through the years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIptIjBTp9a-Opcz0JplVyI_2jGmcnmsJngvJmnfWF0gro8C3RiGeCiUNvPaKzi6sqRJHahq3RAJ5vCD2rw1KEKZHsoGvnmKp0QTJPzFFCncg5l6Q-4jgjhOAErdgTIT-rFxh9AQV8fY9Z/s1600/DSC02880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIptIjBTp9a-Opcz0JplVyI_2jGmcnmsJngvJmnfWF0gro8C3RiGeCiUNvPaKzi6sqRJHahq3RAJ5vCD2rw1KEKZHsoGvnmKp0QTJPzFFCncg5l6Q-4jgjhOAErdgTIT-rFxh9AQV8fY9Z/s320/DSC02880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pOPYFKn5BUhLxw447cLYGaLzRJ3M3pMQG8lJ4tJvXCVKDQSSFw-wgOJWOB5frQmeoRfSEOBAEXJk8e2rPIBSAbYekXtZ6uf_7f-r2Xsql0z1EDENjr0a8RIvQnsnahRCMXhbvI1uN-28/s1600/DSC02950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pOPYFKn5BUhLxw447cLYGaLzRJ3M3pMQG8lJ4tJvXCVKDQSSFw-wgOJWOB5frQmeoRfSEOBAEXJk8e2rPIBSAbYekXtZ6uf_7f-r2Xsql0z1EDENjr0a8RIvQnsnahRCMXhbvI1uN-28/s320/DSC02950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> On the last day we had to do everything we meant to, but hadn't done yet like get Jasmine's hair braided and get henna tattoos. Devin was so pooped that he fell asleep at the lunch table and then slept for over another hour at the beach. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxtvBM5Hw-Hs9QPpp-H3dDLQSl6Ee0UPf43fZViEtDShs-KLHF0IWH27sOxLOSMzkYPNq5LEOhYJxhixfmllGc1OMjRoZBghWPhj-lD064aJdZge5F5ksOs2zb5M1pUMRVh-RqFzS3jWY/s1600/DSC03053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxtvBM5Hw-Hs9QPpp-H3dDLQSl6Ee0UPf43fZViEtDShs-KLHF0IWH27sOxLOSMzkYPNq5LEOhYJxhixfmllGc1OMjRoZBghWPhj-lD064aJdZge5F5ksOs2zb5M1pUMRVh-RqFzS3jWY/s320/DSC03053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoc9-WxO-gxdwBcnJ9RQiEtBLQT5bkZ8fyzirIKyE2IMMPn-JtimWXeyPH8khJdV-6lWVkNsJ6uCWmCE50CgN0MJh6CrOutIP8XnNmAIkdxWJo8aFu_XIHxALLPK8VgNzAphrNB0DWL1j/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoc9-WxO-gxdwBcnJ9RQiEtBLQT5bkZ8fyzirIKyE2IMMPn-JtimWXeyPH8khJdV-6lWVkNsJ6uCWmCE50CgN0MJh6CrOutIP8XnNmAIkdxWJo8aFu_XIHxALLPK8VgNzAphrNB0DWL1j/s320/DSC03059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycsyYDffrR-LG9I2k684bZLOcD-3zJGadlHv4kEojTPa1cX93_ussPnQc3-MgZD6j-OGJFrKcAPJ9k_ppimCXfuokwzLgk_UFfGxHW6wIe5EytbfFA-U04JizNFNbL8qYpC_kLUiatmAU/s1600/DSC03067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycsyYDffrR-LG9I2k684bZLOcD-3zJGadlHv4kEojTPa1cX93_ussPnQc3-MgZD6j-OGJFrKcAPJ9k_ppimCXfuokwzLgk_UFfGxHW6wIe5EytbfFA-U04JizNFNbL8qYpC_kLUiatmAU/s320/DSC03067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Well, that was pretty much the trip... oh, yeah except the highlight of the trip... swimming with the dolphins. It was just soooo cool! I had to buy the pictures they took, so I have a whole boat load if you want to see more. Definitely try this if you get a chance, so fun! Devin wasn't tall enough to do the full adventure, so him and danced, sang, splashed, pet and kissed the dolphins, while Jasmine and Jay got to actually ride on one and get pushed on the boogie board - it looked pretty awesome! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PFQBfNo9tP1NuZcs9AnYpFfEuf3WmeGb-0hOOLld1_eGuwn39AZIApUC7NN7OUd0ziBCK8_m8th3o08xPyr-mQw2VjrdMg9KoHS05sP8yMeeRufJeNrZR75UjcbXUKfqUHmfBGjt9WWR/s1600/BPE_9318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PFQBfNo9tP1NuZcs9AnYpFfEuf3WmeGb-0hOOLld1_eGuwn39AZIApUC7NN7OUd0ziBCK8_m8th3o08xPyr-mQw2VjrdMg9KoHS05sP8yMeeRufJeNrZR75UjcbXUKfqUHmfBGjt9WWR/s320/BPE_9318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So, even though I did get nervous on the way there and ended up quite sick for the plane ride and felt puny for the first day and Jasmine did get a cough after freezing her butt off swimming with the dolphins and in the underground tunnel, it really was a relaxing and fun holiday! We would do it again, but not right away. Likely in a few years when the kids are older and we can try some new adventures with them, like Chichen-Itza or Catamaran. </div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-22084615487653805352011-03-23T11:47:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:47:49.270-07:00An on it goes with nutrition informationSo, if you have been reading you know I have been seeing a nutritionist, I should really give her a shout out for those of you who liked what she had to say... hi <a href="http://www.rachelhewitt.com/">Rachel Hewitt</a>. She is going on maternity leave right away, so consider her for a clean start this fall maybe. Anyhow.... I've been doing lots of reading and have started following a number of other blogs about eating well. Check out my blogroll on the side of the blog to see other blogs including these two: <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/">Oh, She Glows</a> and <a href="http://www.sweetpotatochronicles.com/wordpress/">Sweet Potato Chronicles</a>. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago I set some more specific goals and this week I made a tracking chart to help hold me accountable and hung it in my bedroom beside my future board. The future board has all the things I want to do and accomplish in my life on it. After being on holidays, I got to cross of snorkeling - yeah!<br />
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I know I have made lots of great changes, but it still doesn't feel like enough, mostly because I know I am not being consistent enough to see any real results. I've been maintaining my weight and over time have lost a tiny bit, but not what I need to. So, after some more contemplating, I've decided the next step is to see a "life coach" of sorts. Someone who can help me deal with other issues at the same time. I mostly know what I have to do, I've done exercise programs and now have the nutritional information I need, but yet I don't have the willpower or determination to do it all the time - how come? I hope she will help me find out. I've also got lots of anxiety issues that prevent me from doing other things I might like... like the zipline. It wasn't that I wouldn't have given it a shot, but once you did one, you had to do the whole circuit, which was 18 ziplines - I was way too scared to commit to that. I'm not so worried about things like ziplining though compared to everyday types of things. I get worked up very easily about all types of situations that I do not feel in control of, so I hope I can conquer a few other issues as I continue through this process of living life to the fullest!<br />
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Thanks for all the support through this process. Keep sending me healthy recipes to try!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-9224609881807148892011-02-25T16:57:00.000-08:002011-02-25T20:22:09.015-08:00ParentsI've recently realized in my profession, how helpful it is to be a parent. I mean, all the students that I teach have parents on the other end reading my newsletters and helping them with their assignments. Being a parent, I am starting to see how much school effects our home life. When Jasmine has projects for school, it can take weeks of planning to get them to the level that we find satisfactory. This last week, we left an assignment until the last minute and realized how much work/stress it can be. Being a parent helps me to be a better teacher and of course being a teacher helps me to be a better parent, so win-win!<br />
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There are so many responsibilities and jobs to do as a parent. Recently I was reading an article about a women who was sharing her tansformation story, here is a quote that really resonated with me, "I had become a human <em>doing</em>, instead of a human <em>being</em>". It is easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind and forget the bigger picture. I often see friends on Facebook listing all the things they have to do in the day (I'm guilty of it, too!) like we need some sort of validation for all our "busy"ness.<br />
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Last week my parents were here. I find as we get older, we almost forget that our parents were in fact parents and went through ALL the things that we have gone through with us. Sick babies, teething issues, potty training, growing pains, school, sports, homework... We reminisced about my childhood and different events that took place. One thing that always strikes me is all the things I can't remember, or maybe never really knew, like my dad was on the school council for 5 years. I honestly think this is a huge part of why I scrapbook (in years, I will still have a memory of all that I have done). Anyone in my family will tell you that I have a horrible memory. For example, I don't ever remember my parents reading to me. I'm sure they did, I just have no recollection of them doing that. I know there have been times where I have judged my parents on what they did, how they did it or what they didn't do and resented them at times for it. I think this is pretty normal for a kid, teenager, university student to do. We blame our parents for all the things wrong with us and promise we won't do those things to our children. But as hard as I try, I know I am teaching my kids bad habits that I promised I would not do. I know I have neglected them in some way or another. In years, I am sure that they will resent me in some form or another as well, but for now I am quite happy to report that I don't typically earn the "I hate you" or "You are the worst mommy in the world" phrase.<br />
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When you have your own kids and become a parent, you learn just how hard it really is to be a good parent. It is tough to find a balance that makes you happy with every part of your life. <br />
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When my parents were here visiting, we did so many fun, family things and I realized that being good parents takes many forms. My mom was so helpful while she was here on<em> her</em> holiday: she put dishes away, folded laundry, made lunches and just helped take care of all the daily work load and really gave me a little bit of my own holiday. Dad spent lots of time doing projects with the kids: a paper mache Pixie Hollow tree with Jasmine and a wooden rocket with Devin. They were both great sports and joined us for bowling, snowshoeing and hiking in -20 weather at the sugar shack - pretty awesome! Whether you call them mom and dad, or gramma and grampa - it's all the same! They are taking care of me and my kids, having fun with us all and it was simply an awesome week!<br />
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Even though I am no longer at home, my parents are still an inspiration to me, they still help me and teach me and it is just a truly awesome notion to think I will still be parenting even when my kids are "all growed up". I feel badly that I ever had <em>any</em> bad feeling towards them, but with ... age comes wisdom and a better understanding of all those events that happen when you are becoming an adult. One great thing about parents is that they love you unconditionally and forgive you when you make dumbass mistakes like I did.<br />
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So, here's to being a parent... a good parent! It's a hell of a lot of work and often unappreciated, but I know for me I love my parents and am so glad that I have them both in my life. I also know that I love Jasmine and Devin more than anything imagineable and it is pretty cool to realize that is how my parents feel about me, too!<br />
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Here are some photos from the great week with my parents. Thanks for ALL that you do mom and dad!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4_HVsPmC-R99YHkQ7HrHhvgyfWxZ6WbrvLpv1ia8LHDugNSLzw10xQvGDRpvZ2HnGA2ojEkhq0kwofThk10PkKyf1NPDtBo6s8nW3Z3KmIgrseNS8XAYQaUqgCo2lmHjGBd9X-ni83jn/s1600/DSC02502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4_HVsPmC-R99YHkQ7HrHhvgyfWxZ6WbrvLpv1ia8LHDugNSLzw10xQvGDRpvZ2HnGA2ojEkhq0kwofThk10PkKyf1NPDtBo6s8nW3Z3KmIgrseNS8XAYQaUqgCo2lmHjGBd9X-ni83jn/s320/DSC02502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmQjTelJ0THcAtqoDNfInBgBPTJJnHwHu0y71GEGBK42SUHT-Vv4e0YPtpwc1yVB-q7gSvWCcJh4Tyuq1n52YpVFuJ1x6jH7FEw_jDCP3pdrX_2D7pdvP3VR9YOGXbIAH30TiFpSnJEUY/s1600/DSC02562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmQjTelJ0THcAtqoDNfInBgBPTJJnHwHu0y71GEGBK42SUHT-Vv4e0YPtpwc1yVB-q7gSvWCcJh4Tyuq1n52YpVFuJ1x6jH7FEw_jDCP3pdrX_2D7pdvP3VR9YOGXbIAH30TiFpSnJEUY/s320/DSC02562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFYyM82_YJC5u4kW8kgo-SPZ4Nn9_U-T2tzSaWiSkfrqYX0ai0MVPN3OfqbTie4-UeKZZhAsCAQMcdy5gKciUjy2ntfgmllSf6-dY5lxKF0m1Z0zbRANsfLj56JWXPuMLwxfC0Kszbmt/s1600/DSC02564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFYyM82_YJC5u4kW8kgo-SPZ4Nn9_U-T2tzSaWiSkfrqYX0ai0MVPN3OfqbTie4-UeKZZhAsCAQMcdy5gKciUjy2ntfgmllSf6-dY5lxKF0m1Z0zbRANsfLj56JWXPuMLwxfC0Kszbmt/s320/DSC02564.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonx-YUwYNYkdP1-bvO4n1PmXAzY9CmYGqO8nQX_IYuX0L7csf1LfXYgj9mM-hLhAxr7It-FL2aIFTmYhYmOoeUxPBZsru4JqRiqBLp0IcKGhGTeMwQAJLU3T0LJWGPftOt6mX6FgMd_IR/s1600/DSC02633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonx-YUwYNYkdP1-bvO4n1PmXAzY9CmYGqO8nQX_IYuX0L7csf1LfXYgj9mM-hLhAxr7It-FL2aIFTmYhYmOoeUxPBZsru4JqRiqBLp0IcKGhGTeMwQAJLU3T0LJWGPftOt6mX6FgMd_IR/s320/DSC02633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvVl2MHYj02CwREJ6UGKGwNZbq-vpUUoSpuOnsTtGlguaYZlVtVniz1NUsM3cpx73p8OtlUX-1xBRecFYEYU1u8owuBGii7nul6aoI19l1tNViYDZJlSoJg6LWwFr-u7btFEKuudGl56m/s1600/DSC02640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvVl2MHYj02CwREJ6UGKGwNZbq-vpUUoSpuOnsTtGlguaYZlVtVniz1NUsM3cpx73p8OtlUX-1xBRecFYEYU1u8owuBGii7nul6aoI19l1tNViYDZJlSoJg6LWwFr-u7btFEKuudGl56m/s320/DSC02640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKwEaDpEEnnKCeK3NMTxOG3Sys8YAz75edsk8WokZG0Re159R2UYD93Z9_BBd_o7r2A_3yJ8hZsg341Kkk1yNifDzD3ESvjYYgjJSz46zY9pDdmbipV5GoMl1TuS_QVHB1fu6j1G2626m/s1600/DSC02614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKwEaDpEEnnKCeK3NMTxOG3Sys8YAz75edsk8WokZG0Re159R2UYD93Z9_BBd_o7r2A_3yJ8hZsg341Kkk1yNifDzD3ESvjYYgjJSz46zY9pDdmbipV5GoMl1TuS_QVHB1fu6j1G2626m/s320/DSC02614.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTM15tY3TMepwnSYZEUH7sj83Nkwn1dAo43frWtAF6g2uipM_w_R1ipmtWX-pxgm7t0NTEVOiRQ98eddWeSKt180ysGrVdvEZ7yh6Ezz4D7ivxEjPc5A-80sv-hlQkjR0Pwg7Yaap0Wc-/s1600/DSC02529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTM15tY3TMepwnSYZEUH7sj83Nkwn1dAo43frWtAF6g2uipM_w_R1ipmtWX-pxgm7t0NTEVOiRQ98eddWeSKt180ysGrVdvEZ7yh6Ezz4D7ivxEjPc5A-80sv-hlQkjR0Pwg7Yaap0Wc-/s320/DSC02529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AmKkpMB7h2nYsY4s0qfboXc1xR6AVLWhFDwnsS-mZYjLffu1M4pxWu_zicjRoAaVboV4mpJ8Q3jUNiPwtKTI4jzIcsUomK2A564zUreb3RRiafTVAtDJOYPKDhV3JKwWdxqdbkjJmRWf/s1600/DSC02603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AmKkpMB7h2nYsY4s0qfboXc1xR6AVLWhFDwnsS-mZYjLffu1M4pxWu_zicjRoAaVboV4mpJ8Q3jUNiPwtKTI4jzIcsUomK2A564zUreb3RRiafTVAtDJOYPKDhV3JKwWdxqdbkjJmRWf/s320/DSC02603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<strong>Here is what bothers me:</strong><br />
<br />
-We've pretty much given up pop, but when I am out shopping and get thirsty, or I am out at the movies that pretty much has me always choosing Iced Tea. How many of you think Iced Tea is a better choice than pop? Yeah, I see all the hands flying up so fast... not! So I still have not solved this problem. At home now our treat drink is chocolate milk (made with skim milk), to me this is still not that bad, but not according to the articles I read. <br />
<br />
-We have reduced our butter and margarine intake, and I haven't had mayonnaise in the house for months. I bought a bunch of butter for Christmas baking and convinced myself not to use it, but now have 8 sticks of butter in the house and they haven't been touched. We are using coconut oil in almost every instance where we would use butter, like on toast or of course the old replacement... EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). The problem, how much coconut oil is too much? I love the stuff and use it even on my popcorn!<br />
<br />
-Nuts, they are good for you! But not in the amount I eat, I love nuts. No, I am not eating the salted ones or the carmalized ones (well maybe in a salad), but still they are high in fat and I eat them too often. I finally switched from Kraft Peanut Butter to the natural stuff, but I still eat it fairly often, especially with apple slices or in a smoothie or my new favorite... on toast with apple butter. I do like roasted almonds, but my nutrionist says I should be eating raw, natural nuts and that I should soak them overnight. Apparently they absorb water and not only make them easier to digest, but the water content fills you up even more. *I haven't tried this yet.<br />
<br />
-Sleep. I just do not get enough sleep. I don't know why I can't convince myself to go to bed at night, when in the morning I can't convince myself to get out of bed - weird! When I am tired, I have NO willpower. This week I am tired, so I'm not feeling very good about my commitment to the program. I'm still eating lots of healthy things, but just too much, too often and not concentrating on drinking enough water or eating veggies. I never feel 100% about my effort, which is just a lousy feeling.<br />
<br />
<strong>I am still reading and coming up with new ideas. What is coming up next:</strong><br />
<br />
-soaking beans and not using canned beans as often because they are high in sodium<br />
-focusing on the combination of foods, a carb with a protein (oatmeal and eggs at breakfast - could it be true?)<br />
-focusing on me time... scheduling in time for baths, shopping, girl visits, etc. <br />
-reading more books and websites, up next... Your Best Body Now, The China Study, The Whole Foods Diet Cookbook and The Omnivore's Dilemma.<br />
-a focus on exercise, too. This is key, I never seem to be able to do both at once. If I am exercising, my food is out of wack, likely because I am even more tired and making bad decisions. Just for once, I would like to have an awesome week, where I do both things good for one whole week! <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>So, all complaining aside, we are making lots of changes and lots of changes have stuck:</strong><br />
<br />
-threw white sugar out, use agave nectar, honey, apple butter, applesauce, coconut sugar as replacements. Still some brown sugar on occasion for baking.<br />
<br />
-eating oatmeal a few times a week and not the packaged kind, real oats, quick oats which from my understanding are still nutritional like steel cut oats, but just cut smaller for faster cooking time.<br />
<br />
-using more beans and not only in chili, trying to add them to things like soup, spaghetti sauce, other casserole dishes. <br />
-eating more kefir and plain yogurt, still can't eat them plain, but using them for smoothies or adding dollops to soups.<br />
<br />
-eating more homemade soups, carrot soup, tomato soup, veggie soups, all made from real veggies and pureed and using animal bones to make broth for some first - supposed to be very good as you get all the nutrients from the bone.<br />
<br />
-eating kammut sourdough bread<br />
<br />
-eating spelt, multigrain or spinach pastas when possible.<br />
<br />
-using coconut oil, instead of margarine or butter, and still using olive oil as well.<br />
<br />
-switched over to sea salt<br />
<br />
-trying not to eat processed meat, if we do we are buying the natural stuff from Farmboy with no preservatives. <br />
-minimizing fast food and limiting to subway or something similar.<br />
-switched to natural PB or almond butter - a big deal for me!<br />
-making a meal plan each week and trying to stick with it <br />
<br />
So, there you have it folks, the true confessions of a food-o-holic! I am trying, but it is hard to be consistent! I figure as long as I keep at it and keep moving forward over time, things will work themselves out. <br />
<br />
I love feedback, so send me tips and ideas that work for you or great whole food recipes.Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-26623843407701875072011-01-01T16:41:00.000-08:002011-01-01T16:41:10.000-08:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">A great start to a New Year! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">(Some history, Pam and I talked about renting a cottage over the Christmas holiday. We got to talking and decided to simply save money and just PRETEND we were at a cottage and actually just have a sleepover at each other's houses, so we hosted The Dixons for the first 24 hour sleepover party!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">When the Dixons arrived, we joked about how long their drive had been to the cottage (they only live a block away) and how much stuff they had to bring for only 1 night! We had planned to start our cottage experience by skating on a nearby outdoor pond, but the +7 weather made it a little slushie and so we opted for a nice hike through some local woods. Pam was smart enough to bring bird food and the kids had enough patience to wait with the food on their hands and get some little chickadees to come a visit. If you look closely in the next few pictures you can see some of them. Jasmine was well liked and had about 6 little landings right on her hand, while Devin only had 2 (but he wasn't near as still as she was, Jasmine didn't even smile or look at the birds as they landed, she was too scared they would fly away). You will also see a deer in the background of one of the photos, there were 3 near the front of the woods. Next time we will bring carrots, too!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_6hs0zVgw6eQFC7hGW018_-wAXI8FwnUHC-QhnhZxYzISfKOEHE6qyEGZpPKRd6IpWrx84O8CN__EqilJT2FvIp0XIOQxuo04u03tTSBY2gAA0AGL-1X0yoOtC9shsxMHdifNFT1-qNb/s1600/DSC02373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_6hs0zVgw6eQFC7hGW018_-wAXI8FwnUHC-QhnhZxYzISfKOEHE6qyEGZpPKRd6IpWrx84O8CN__EqilJT2FvIp0XIOQxuo04u03tTSBY2gAA0AGL-1X0yoOtC9shsxMHdifNFT1-qNb/s320/DSC02373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoHc3nMXZLu9klMR0Z3DTfsEyFbi0MbtZkbKSBF1nu3eShWe9Y1fkXZurF4T8e02OfdZ_tdb8lcQkktfQSoy7PVgV0d9iVg8OTwq51dvoAwl7OtSLY4xbbO-f0CwUxk7g4uw970ABz7av/s1600/DSC02357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoHc3nMXZLu9klMR0Z3DTfsEyFbi0MbtZkbKSBF1nu3eShWe9Y1fkXZurF4T8e02OfdZ_tdb8lcQkktfQSoy7PVgV0d9iVg8OTwq51dvoAwl7OtSLY4xbbO-f0CwUxk7g4uw970ABz7av/s320/DSC02357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej-DwBl5pp4fbCP1IB8VHSp4Wjen8vGSN_vQSAMd2wLhELt-WrD9F65jrDzxCmcHe-M3qY8PCTipu_ovoGMGT9749dCrHV5VkBGH02Xf3cFh3_oOxJ9ErzU5TlbddUibLZiKS4xVU_Vwv/s1600/DSC02361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej-DwBl5pp4fbCP1IB8VHSp4Wjen8vGSN_vQSAMd2wLhELt-WrD9F65jrDzxCmcHe-M3qY8PCTipu_ovoGMGT9749dCrHV5VkBGH02Xf3cFh3_oOxJ9ErzU5TlbddUibLZiKS4xVU_Vwv/s320/DSC02361.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxI3XwQFMNR3V84jvdwB6p59LuW9MkkuGi2JcrR-xSyChRNJ5mhqICMzlG_EiUoVklTjLNw7YHHqWr-wzmhvL37gW2flA0lEu7sUldVDo0OdladAhTByuy6YsZK4XUqvg27mm-Ad7bHh6/s1600/DSC02365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxI3XwQFMNR3V84jvdwB6p59LuW9MkkuGi2JcrR-xSyChRNJ5mhqICMzlG_EiUoVklTjLNw7YHHqWr-wzmhvL37gW2flA0lEu7sUldVDo0OdladAhTByuy6YsZK4XUqvg27mm-Ad7bHh6/s320/DSC02365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk4W8EyYq6e6xrGhcLGhUfoGPdJD2XPH8v34-pdk2KO96Qb0UnrG-IM_1KHguuynBIax-cSbunN0ouCMSGT8cNQUYJ3lVKEwVLt7b_YWYRzmDZFyoHLq8W8ZWkF5ivxqIugk5cchwg_jP/s1600/DSC02368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk4W8EyYq6e6xrGhcLGhUfoGPdJD2XPH8v34-pdk2KO96Qb0UnrG-IM_1KHguuynBIax-cSbunN0ouCMSGT8cNQUYJ3lVKEwVLt7b_YWYRzmDZFyoHLq8W8ZWkF5ivxqIugk5cchwg_jP/s320/DSC02368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgic91l_CsKWPQRQI7OTNuoXjXfDqj5bf5mhFAXkpb0vQaK6MxXDe4TzL0bG-s94hFSxgdJf1uIwfmEo6emvV5XiPC4DLSaa3XTzjql0-H_6D8ElTaNXZsb5bLa-a4lLEvnhCwoMBS4BOLX/s1600/DSC02351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgic91l_CsKWPQRQI7OTNuoXjXfDqj5bf5mhFAXkpb0vQaK6MxXDe4TzL0bG-s94hFSxgdJf1uIwfmEo6emvV5XiPC4DLSaa3XTzjql0-H_6D8ElTaNXZsb5bLa-a4lLEvnhCwoMBS4BOLX/s320/DSC02351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For supper we "went back to the cottage" to make <em>crazy </em>sandwiches. Everyone had a different favorite, but the kids liked Nutella with Smarties. I liked the one I had with smoked ham, Octoberfest mustard, avocado, red onion, bacon, hard-boiled egg and ripple chips - yum! Kevin and Pam were up for the challenge and by the end of the night Kevin ate a chocolate turtle wrapped in bacon - sweet and salty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzIvdJnYHCBnaALlQ6oAb_vPfLpkW8Tvy3X81VAm2U4OVRZ-G5CBlaGarjar2hQw3euQJgGEbyQoucgmoRAl4H4PW7kuP5ztULkDDjLorCYv8CsXr36-DVGhN9NkSsWbhyTgce_z0QUU7/s1600/DSC02376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzIvdJnYHCBnaALlQ6oAb_vPfLpkW8Tvy3X81VAm2U4OVRZ-G5CBlaGarjar2hQw3euQJgGEbyQoucgmoRAl4H4PW7kuP5ztULkDDjLorCYv8CsXr36-DVGhN9NkSsWbhyTgce_z0QUU7/s320/DSC02376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After supper, we had the kids New Years Bash. Jay tried to light all the sparklers at once, but as two of them caught fire, he couldn't get them separated from the pack and ended up dropping one on the carpet - yep, a little burn mark - oh well, more excuses to eventually get new flooring! We had glow bands and horns to blow, the kids danced around and sang songs, while the grown ups recuperated from the fun supper! We went around the room and all shared our goals for the New Year. (Jasmine's is to read short novels before bed, Devin's is to practice his lower case alphabet, mine is to eat more fish and oatmeal and Jay's is to jump higher). Well, that is some of them anyhow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hv7QhNRXZezDcSEuqpHpDK1y8H7w6jAaMMRpGwbfj0AmVqu5uG27Y_p_cZhyAgQFqR1B7RqFY_BauSGqQ4S3dtjU75QfeguTg3yRqE-Vp34rNyWKpbkVqVlCCzAzBqnsnDZT090cuxG2/s1600/DSC02392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hv7QhNRXZezDcSEuqpHpDK1y8H7w6jAaMMRpGwbfj0AmVqu5uG27Y_p_cZhyAgQFqR1B7RqFY_BauSGqQ4S3dtjU75QfeguTg3yRqE-Vp34rNyWKpbkVqVlCCzAzBqnsnDZT090cuxG2/s320/DSC02392.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NtnLs8nCoq5qIdACVf5sK8rkNlIa9M8hRYrCRYO_LRDrixM3TXbYgSKO0NvtFyrN1xJ0kU14wGAZnVzX8U_n92Lr9h71wW35ILo6ovNOJJbIAVbzxWjBzegE2cTTPl3d2JD7fBA0AG4X/s1600/DSC02398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NtnLs8nCoq5qIdACVf5sK8rkNlIa9M8hRYrCRYO_LRDrixM3TXbYgSKO0NvtFyrN1xJ0kU14wGAZnVzX8U_n92Lr9h71wW35ILo6ovNOJJbIAVbzxWjBzegE2cTTPl3d2JD7fBA0AG4X/s320/DSC02398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After the kids had gone to bed, the grown ups played Wii. We started with a murder mystery game, which we did well at (at least on the first two levels, we will see how much harder it gets), then we played a lie detector game, which was pretty funny - Jay had to say who had the loudest gas at our house - guess who it was? After that we Rock Banded our brains out and Pam and I tried harmonies on the new Rock Band 3, which was a little trickier, but very fun! We watched the Barenaked Ladies at Niagra Falls on TV and rang in the New Year, then watch the Air Farce New Year show and finally to bed after 1:00 - egad! Pam and Kevin didn't even have to go home, just headed to their bedroom in the basement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The New Year brought another day of fun, a low key morning building Lego Star Wars Ships and King Cobras with Uncle Kevin. We had a pancake breakfast using my new insect pancake pan (makes cute little bug patterns in the pancakes). Then the men played board games and the ladies scrapbooked, while the kids played in the ...rain?, yes rain and watched movies, played dress up and on and on. The Dixons headed for home about 4:30 and had a loooong trip back on windy roads from "The cottage".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-nO2z_3qFRopzB8LxKQlAcuSKUaVsx_A0aHm2u6tiMAp5ACoAld_p_4zgHXzwHMZFSzX4p1gAbyevzRgfnuy5ZX0q7RACrIyhadLaONplGEXu6QyYKZnf_P2SdJtzCkVqiaQFQRwE3AE/s1600/DSC02406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-nO2z_3qFRopzB8LxKQlAcuSKUaVsx_A0aHm2u6tiMAp5ACoAld_p_4zgHXzwHMZFSzX4p1gAbyevzRgfnuy5ZX0q7RACrIyhadLaONplGEXu6QyYKZnf_P2SdJtzCkVqiaQFQRwE3AE/s320/DSC02406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Bz0-_e-WFhv6BrBO1RUmz_rgoh8VQ8m_52MwVTcbmqYpnQYK7njfeGtecI8Gs9vszGtHL3cfpOSzLKctDUDdqmd-ATDuwASztxZWbzjrveCF6GYUN9DwNlqZ_PDO0u8LSo85oM5vBlm/s1600/DSC02404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Bz0-_e-WFhv6BrBO1RUmz_rgoh8VQ8m_52MwVTcbmqYpnQYK7njfeGtecI8Gs9vszGtHL3cfpOSzLKctDUDdqmd-ATDuwASztxZWbzjrveCF6GYUN9DwNlqZ_PDO0u8LSo85oM5vBlm/s320/DSC02404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A super fun way to spend time with great friends and start the New Year off right! Hope you all had a fun New Years as well! Looking forward to talking to you all soon!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-10176924440892705492010-11-22T16:58:00.000-08:002010-11-22T16:58:06.094-08:00Nutritionist updateI am slowing down my appointments to once a month and trying to balance all my new information with some normal home cooked meals. Each time I make something I try and change it a little bit using something new I have learned. Yesterday we had pancakes. Same old recipe from my dad, but whole wheat flour, substitute agave nectar for white sugar (threw my white sugar out) and added 1/2 cup pureed beets, plus a handful of dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa, so a healthier choice). Deanna had told me about adding the beets a long time ago, but I hadn't considered it because my kids actually eat veggies really well. It wasn't until I started trying to add even more vegetables into our diet that this came to fruition. Tonight I made a spin on cabbage role casserole, substituting quinoa for rice, adding black beans and 1/2 a pureed avocado. Only thing I would change is draining the liquid from the canned tomatoes as the quinoa does not absorb as much liquid as rice. Anyhow, my main focus is to be sure we are eating more vegetables, so always making sure we have a veggie in addition to the casserole that in this case already had cabbage, avocado, black beans, etc. <br />
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We've been trying to always have a healthy treat option on hand, currently pumpkin muffins or breakfast cookies, something that is made with natural ingredients, but feels like a treat when you need dessert or a fun snack. <br />
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We've also been experimenting with <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2009/08/07/seven-yummy-ways-to-eat-kefir/">Kefir</a> and have tried it in potato salad, smoothies and used the kefir cheese as a replacement for mayo in sandwiches. We are getting used to it and it is supposed to be a great probiotic, better than plain yogurt! <br />
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Anyhow, that is the brief update! Chat more soon!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-69061585554745446592010-10-26T18:50:00.000-07:002010-10-26T18:50:39.373-07:00Nutritionist updateThings are progressing along nicely. Last week my homework was to lift 4 pounds of butter at the grocery store, because that is how much fat I lost. So, I went to the store and lifted a pound up to my bicep and put 2 on my stomach and pretended that is where they came from. After awhile they do get heavy, so no wonder I do feel tired so often- a lot of work carrying around all this extra weight. I've always known that, but I guess never wanted to really admit that was the reason.<br />
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In the last year and a half or so that means I am down 20 pounds, so a nice number to reach and I am heading in a positive direction. Today I bought 2 new books to help me out, <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Eat-Clean-Diet-Family-Kids-Strategies/dp/1552100502">Clean Eating for Families and Kids</a> and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=deceptively%20delicious&s_campaign=goo-Books%20By%20Title-B&s_kwcid=TC%7C5777%7Cdeceptively%20delicious%7C%7CS%7Cb%7C5245181582&gclid=CKq4vbrx8aQCFcFrKgodpFfOzw&cookieCheck=1">Deliciously Deceptive</a>. We will see if they help me or confuse me? Right now I am in the middle of watching a documentary called <a href="http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/food-inc/">Food Inc. </a>and it is... I guess what you would expect. Most of us have ideas of how our food is prepared, but you don't necessarily like to see it in action. They really show you the steps and I have to say I was pretty sad when all the little baby chicks were being swept down a metal slide and shoved around like potatoes :( It talks a lot about salmonella and E. Coli, things I have heard of enough times, but don't really know that much about, so it is interesting to learn more. This week we talked more about perservatives in the deli meats, she really doesn't like that we eat deli meat (I just find them so convenient) So, for now we are going to try and go mostly without, tomorrow we are making a roast and will have leftovers for sandwiches or salads all week. <br />
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We have tried a few nice recipes, here are a few:<br />
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<strong><u>Grain Free Crumble</u></strong><br />
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<strong>6 cups choppe fruit of your choice (we used apple)</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 cup honey</strong><br />
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<strong>Preheat oven to 350 and mix together in glass baking dish</strong><br />
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<strong>2/3 cups nut or seed flour (we used almond flour, but she also listed coconut flour, pumpkin seed flour, or sunflower seed flour - whatever you could find I guess - I got mine at Bulk Barn)</strong><br />
<strong>1/3 cup sunflower seeds</strong><br />
<strong>1/3 cup pecans</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 cup slivered almonds</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 cup honey</strong><br />
<strong>3/4 tsp cinnamon</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 tsp all spice</strong><br />
<strong>1/4 <a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html">coconut oil</a> (this is my absolute new favorite item, even spread it on toast - it is semi-soft like shortening, but tastes yummy, can be used in baking, cooking, etc. - I got mine at Bulk Barn, but any natural food pantry type store would have it)</strong><br />
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<strong>Mix topping until slightly crumbly and spread over fruit</strong><br />
<strong>Bake for 40 minutes - very good, Devin ate 3 helpings!</strong><br />
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<strong><u>Mexixan Bean Casserole</u></strong><br />
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<strong>1 tsp olive oil</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 cup water</strong><br />
<strong>1 onion chopped</strong><br />
<strong>2 cloves garlic minced</strong><br />
<strong>1 1/2 cups mushrooms</strong><br />
<strong>1 red pepper chopped</strong><br />
<strong>3/4 cup brown rice</strong><br />
<strong>1 can kidney beans</strong><br />
<strong>1 can tomatoes</strong><br />
<strong>1 tbsp chilli powder</strong><br />
<strong>2 tsp cumin</strong><br />
<strong>1/4 tsp cayenne pepper</strong><br />
<strong>grated low fat mozza cheese (my nutritionist would say organic, but I haven't got that far yet)</strong><br />
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<strong>In skillet heat oil and water. Add onion, garlic, mushroom and peppers, simmer until tender about 10 minutes.</strong><br />
<strong>Add rice, beans, canned tomatoes, spices and cover and simmer for 25 mintues or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. </strong><br />
<strong>Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted. </strong><br />
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<strong>We ate this with homemade guacamole (avocado, lime juice, garlic and a bit of salt and cilantro if you like it) and I'd like to say organic whole grain tortilla's, but it was multigrain tostitoes, oops! Plus a big side serving of sugar snap peas to add the extra veggies in there and help fill us up!</strong>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-72645166387166984842010-10-17T16:27:00.000-07:002010-10-17T16:27:48.720-07:00Another blog - yep!<a href="http://quirkyteacher.edublogs.org/">Our Quirky Class</a>, is you guessed it my class blog! There are 31 grade 6 students learning to blog along side me and we've just got it up and running. Part of the whole process is to meet new people from far away and become closer with the people we are surrounded by daily. Jasmine already made a post and quite a few kids replied to her question of, "what is grade 6 like?" Tyson and Allie may like to check it out and we would love to have them comment on there. Hope to see some of you on there!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-9620178364292879262010-10-14T19:17:00.000-07:002010-10-14T19:17:24.283-07:00A month has gone bySo, today was my one month visit to see the nutritionist. I go once a week to visit her and get advice. Tomorrow I am going to the natural food pantry where she happens to work once a week to learn more about all they have to offer and what is good or not so good. I've been trying a few new products and 2 that I would recommend are <a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html">coconut oil,</a> which she says she uses as a replacement for butter, even to spread on toast or in baking. I've tried both and am very pleased with the texture and flavor. Apparently it is a good fat, like avocado and has many health benefits, still obviously used in moderation, but a nice option to have. Coconut oil is semi-hard, like a margarine consistency, but white with more flavor. I bought it at Bulk Barn, not sure where else to find it yet. The other item is <a href="http://www.greathealth.org/hemphearts.pdf">hemp seeds or hemp hearts</a>. I have tried a few new things like chia seeds and of course ground flax, but I like the hemp best. It has a nice texture and flavor and doesn't get soggy in your cereal or yogurt like the others. <br />
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Today we discussed the <a href="http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/332/the-new-dirty-dozen-12-foods-to-eat-organic-and-avoid-pesticide-residue.html">dirty dozen</a> in produce, they are the 12 most likely fruits and veggies to have strong amounts of pesticide on them and so they are recommended to buy in organic. I have never bought organic and still have to do research on this, but thought it was nice to have a target list to maybe start with. Anything with a peel does not absorb as many pesticides, so not as necessary to buy organic oranges for example - made sense!<br />
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We also talked about deli meats and to stay away from nitrites, I need to look this up, too, but she said Farmboy has some options for natural meat, but of course you pay for it and it doesn't last as long because it has no perservatives in it. What I've read so far though, there is a reason for the nitrites and that is to keep the meat from spoiling and things like botulism, so I'm still thinking this one through.<br />
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I signed up for another month, so more posts to come!<br />
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And I am down 5 pounds - so yeah!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-30537779891696312682010-10-07T11:11:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:11:56.026-07:00Jay's 1st post!Jay wrote the below to me in an email from California, he hadn't intended me to share it with everyone, but it made me laugh out loud. I figured I might as well make someone else's day by making them laugh, too. Here it is:<br />
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So I'm not a blogger, but I thought, here's the kind of thing people put on their blogs. Plus, I cant' just let it all out to you in person, so hopefully this just gives you something to read.<br />
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I'm having an issue with this office and its bathrooms. And coffee room. As you know, I drink a lot of water. I don't have a water bottle here- what I have is a paper coffee cup that holds about 1.5 cups of water if I fill it to the brim. Besides the smaller size, the coffee station where I can fill up the cup feels like it's half a football field away. If it wouldn't look so strange, I could probably get my daily quotient of jogging in running back and forth to fill up my cup. But that's not the only thing.<br />
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See the bathrooms are slightly farther away than the coffee station. And with all the water I drink, I make frequent use of them. In some ways it may seem to be convenient- I could go to bathroom and hit the coffee station at the same time, right? Well, I really have no intention of taking my open top cup into the can with me, either before or after I fill it with water. Especially since, ideally, my washroom experience should be a 2 handed affair. The alternative is to leave my cup lying somewhere close by, but do I really trust my water to be lying around in the open for just anyone to grab? I don't know these people. And I could grab a new water cup every time I fill up, but let's try to be at least a little bit environmentally friendly.<br />
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Now the bathrooms have their own charm, and by charm I mean that at some point the seven dwarves must have worked for AMCC. There are 2 urinals in the bathroom and one of them is at knee level. Perhaps there was an equal rights movement for pygmy immigrants in California. I'm thinking management is doing everything they can to encourage their workers to move in to their cubicles full time with their families.<br />
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Peeing downhill isn't an inconvenience, but let's face it, accuracy suffers with distance. Not to mention that compared to a toilet, the urinal doesn't quite contain splash back in the same way since it's not as deep. Half the time I hit the bathroom, I'm relegated to hobbit status as the full size urinal is in use. What's immediate apparent is the floor puddle from previous users who are under the same inconvenience as I am. Which doesn't help as you try to stand as much out of the way as possible to keep from needing rubber boots to go to the bathroom. Take my word for it, awkward foot positioning does not aid your targeting in any way shape or form. By the end of the day, the puddle is striving to achieve pond status and I'm doing my best Jackie Chan impression by hanging from the walls when I go to the washroom.<br />
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The end result is that about every hour, I spend 5 minutes getting my exercise by going down to get a drink, return to my desk, go to the bathroom, and then returning back as fast as I can before anyone can figure out where the wet tracks out of the bathroom are coming from or notice the water marks streaked half way up my jeans.<br />
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Don't even get me started on the actual toilets ...Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-78098685697250206512010-09-30T18:57:00.000-07:002010-09-30T18:57:31.136-07:00Week #2 with the nutritionistI had a pretty good week in some regards. My goal had been to eat 2 green veggies a day and to eat more veggies in one sitting. Often the diet was telling me to eat 2 cups of veggies and I was only eating a handful of raw carrots. I figured this had something to do with why I was so hungry all the time. Between the shrinking of my stomach from last week and the extra veggies this week, I was feeling better or at least not hungry. Mid-week I started fighting off a cold, but interestingly enough it went away without me really even getting too sick at all... maybe it was all the green veggies?<br />
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So, what did I learn this week? I'm allowed to email her questions, so here are some interesting tidbits I learned and hopefully will retain.<br />
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1) Eating eggs is a good thing and they have been given a bad rap. However you need to eat them with a soft yolk. Hard yolks have more cholesterol and less nutrients. Don't ask me the science behind it, but that is what I learned.<br />
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2) Cook using liquids. For example, again with eggs, I said what is the difference between fried and poached eggs if they both have a soft yolk, she said the cooking method does something to it, adds something that is bad for you. She said cook chicken in water with herbs or a tomato sauce for example. BBqing was also not her favorite method of cooking for this reason and she said do not eat blackened foods as they are known to be carcinogenic. <br />
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3) If I am going to eat something with little nutritional value, like Rice Krispies I should eat a fat with it, like Flax to help sustain me through until snack time. She said the same with snacks like rice cakes,etc.<br />
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4) Don't drink cold water. Cold water closes your blood vessels and makes it harder to absorb all the nutrients you are trying to feed it (or something like that). She says weight loss books say the opposite because you burn more calories warming the water up in your body, but your body needs the nutrients, so to drink it warm.<br />
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My goals for this week are to drink warm lemon water every morning to kickstart my digestive system. To track how much water I drink and aim for 8 glasses a day. To take my calcium/magnesium before bed as it can be calming? To continue eating my veggies and to add my exercise because I have been slack the last 2 weeks!<br />
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There you have it! I did sneak back under 200 pounds this week, a number I hadn't seen since before summer holidays, so that felt good! Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-47637852064013069422010-09-24T11:29:00.000-07:002010-09-24T11:29:54.823-07:00Nutritionist updateSo, week 1 is over and I've had my first 1 on 1 session with my nutritionist. We didn't take any measurements, not even a weight. She isn't so worried about that number, but wants to teach me to read labels and consider what I am putting in my body. Yesterday's discussion included tidbits such as:<br />
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Always choose the whole grain option over whole wheat - read the label carefully! <br />
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Eating no yogurt would be her preference over eating a higher sugar yogurt or an artificially sweetened yogurt. I tried the plain yogurt, but seriously that was just not good! I've been trying to decrease to lower fat versions, but she said it really is more the sugar I should be concentrating on. I wondered if it was better to eat a yogurt every day to get your calcium and probiotics, even if it had sugar in it, but in her opinion, dairy was not the end all be all and she wasn't worried about me having it daily like my physician had suggested. I do take a supplement of calcium (now calcium citrate and I have to say I like the taste of this liquid calcium, especially right after the fish oil I am now taking). Her suggestion was if it said dairy on the menu, I could substitute that for a protein. I'm not giving up yogurt by any means, but I maybe won't eat 2 a day (sometimes that happens).<br />
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She likes the 90:10 rule, be good 90 % of the time and the other 10% you could have fun - celebrate a birthday or eat a fun snack. I thought this was a good rule and in the course of your week, if you eat 21 meals and 14 or so snacks, that is a couple times a week where you could have a treat and not feel guilty about it. It is good to know you can treat yourself and not feel guilty about it. <br />
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A good first session. I also learned from her body composition analysis that my water levels are low, so more water and more veggies and fruits that naturally contain water. <br />
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She also suggested, twice now, warm lemon water in the morning to kick start your system working. I haven't made that a priority yet, but should try it this weekend. I also need to focus on more veggies. I know I don't eat a full cup when it asks for them, unless they are cooked. A full cup of raw veggies is a lot, unless you are eating a salad, so I need to focus on that.<br />
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Anyhow, so far so good! I did lose 1.5 pounds when I weighed myself at home, but was quite hungry this week. That's why I have to focus on my veggie amounts to help fill me up more. Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-85448839798412304282010-09-18T18:06:00.000-07:002010-09-18T18:06:18.995-07:00Hi, ho, hi, ho... off to the nutrionist I go!On Thursday I met with a nutritionist. My goal is to feel less tired and have more energy. The closest plan she has that matches this is a weight loss plan of course. I've said it before and I will say it again, I am done with dieting... I'm just trying to live a healthier life everyday and be happy. Since I started this mentality last June, as in a year and a bit ago, I've lost 13 pounds and kept it off (I won't mention the other 5 I had lost but gained over the summer, sigh)<br />
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Anyhow, I meet the nutritionist and I am slightly nervous and partially excited. I fill out oodles of paperwork, I think over 15 pages, plus a 7 day food log prior to our meeting. When we meet we discuss my paperwork and she takes my measurements and then basically sends me on my way saying she will send me the website and password later that night. Harumpf!<br />
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The night goes by and still no email, I think it was later the next afternoon when I finally had access and my initial response was disappointment. I mean, really it is like the online Curves program I had done 2 years ago, they give you a set menu and if you don't like it you can scroll down and replace it with something else. It is pretty much like any other diet, Dr. Phil, Ultimate Body Challenge... been there done that... chicken breast and veggies here I come. I'm not thrilled!<br />
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I keep looking through the website and more and more of my questions get answered as I read on and things become more clear. For example, in the first 2 weeks,I am not allowed beef, pork, potatoes, nuts, hard cheese, alcohol, and I can't remember why, but something like they are heavy and slow down the digestion. These food are slowly re-integrated starting week 3. So at least I know the menu changes as we go through the process. She also has a list of recipes on the site, including muesli and muffins, so apparently I will be able to switch from whole wheat breads after 2 weeks, too.<br />
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She had told me the key would be our weekly meetings and I think she is right, this is where she will have to help me tweak the menu to better suite my family and my needs. She didn't do that this week, which is why I freaked out a bit on initial reaction. <br />
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Based on her recommendations, items I shopped for today included: calcium citrate (instead of carbonate, better absorbed by the body and I bought a liquid from that also has Magnesium in), fish oil (I bought lemon flavored, we will see how that goes down, I may have to stir it in with yogurt or something?), wheat germ, wheat bran, spelt flakes, chia seed, ground flax seed... many of these are for the muesli recipe that looked pretty good and that I can eat for breakfast:<br />
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2 cups organic rolled oats<br />
1 cup spelt or barley flakes<br />
1/2 wheat bran<br />
1/3 cup skim milk powder<br />
1/3 natural almonds (chopped)<br />
1/4 wheat germ<br />
1/3 cup ground flax seeds<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
2 tsp nutmeg<br />
1 tsp vanilla (pure)<br />
1/3 cup raisins<br />
1/2 cup diced dried fruit (pineapple, apricots, cranberries)<br />
3/4 apple juice concentrate<br />
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in shallow baking dish, combine first 9 ingredients. Mix 1/2 cup apple juice concentrate with vanilla. Pour over mixture and stir to coat. Bake at 275 for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and add remaining ingredients. Bake for another 15 minutes. Let cool, store for up to a month. 1 serving = 1/2 cup.<br />
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So, I'm signed up for a month. The first two weeks will be like a real diet, quiet restricting, but I think there are reasons for that, so I am willing to do it. Over time, foods will be reintegrated and we will keep adapting the menu, so I should lose some weight, but ideally am introducing news foods and habits that will stick around for the long haul and in the long run make me feel better... I hope. <br />
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I have my weekly meetings on Thursdays and will keep you posted as to how successful or frustrating things are going. Thanks for your support!Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-56636685209403768222010-08-06T09:07:00.000-07:002010-08-06T09:07:05.568-07:00Blog HopI really have NO idea how this works or if I have done this correctly, but based on the instructions, I believe if you click the link below, you will be taken to a list of bloggers who are all participating in the Kids in the Capital Blog Hop. A cool idea, if I can get it to work! <br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=37139" type="text/javascript" ></script>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-41278667371126628512010-07-22T19:41:00.000-07:002010-07-22T19:41:26.494-07:00A visit to the Asian Superstore<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWOtpdlGyLmOmVICOq5jQ8vis_gphDwq97T_mdV23vQyxzd8zOYwakmk2sdnc84nh3gltQpNJYHzXAJOvdz38hTqELQvsT0_wIB1UwXrmaDvG_I3Ee05r7NE2v-3j2EJ4g1I_yIG_5Pjt/s1600/DSC00676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWOtpdlGyLmOmVICOq5jQ8vis_gphDwq97T_mdV23vQyxzd8zOYwakmk2sdnc84nh3gltQpNJYHzXAJOvdz38hTqELQvsT0_wIB1UwXrmaDvG_I3Ee05r7NE2v-3j2EJ4g1I_yIG_5Pjt/s400/DSC00676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I had been wanting to visit the T & T Supermarket ever since I had heard it opened. I had read a few other blog articles from moms in the area who thought it was a cool adventure to take their kids on. I had to go to that end of town to pick up the cheque for my Taurus stationwagon that was written off, so it seemed like an opportune time. According to their website: <em>T & T Supermarket's goal is to enrich the lifestyle of Asian families in Canada by offering them choice food and household items in a comfortable shopping environment. We also hope to introduce the colourful Asian food culture to the Canadian multicultural society. </em> I figured that since they are hoping to introduce families who are unfamiliar with their products that they would not mind me pointing out all sorts of interesting things to my kids and taking pictures to show you, too! Upon entering the supermarket the belwo picture is what we saw. Not so different from your ordinary grocery store, except that most of the packages are written on in Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese...), sometimes with NO English translation. It must be very frustrating for them to shop here when they arrive, as we don't have Asian translations on any of our products. The kids and I roamed around the aisles, each kid with a little red basket on wheels. (You had to pay a loonie to get a real cart and of course, I had no change).</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEgv1341AEZnLQp3CsIIgB-i8gcArjOA7Lf8p2fDh-bkUMNIdyCobTcF1_nrlfkX3liLibxNjTR7MjwjwoAxtwEQRB50sv_pRTRlHtjQdg-aaiKMgglCiPRmCK8B0Y7htSA1Jfu9-Itn-/s1600/DSC00665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEgv1341AEZnLQp3CsIIgB-i8gcArjOA7Lf8p2fDh-bkUMNIdyCobTcF1_nrlfkX3liLibxNjTR7MjwjwoAxtwEQRB50sv_pRTRlHtjQdg-aaiKMgglCiPRmCK8B0Y7htSA1Jfu9-Itn-/s400/DSC00665.JPG" width="300" /></a>Next, you will see many pictures of foods that we found interesting. We talked about what kind of words to use to describe things we saw or tasted, because saying it was weird, gross or yechy, wasn't very polite. We tried to say, "that is different" or "I've never seen anything like that before, cool!", etc. They had many different types of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_feet">chicken feet</a>: marinated and ready to cook, raw, frozen and they had duck feet as well. I just can't get over in the picture below that they have little toenails - that does make me shutter a bit. We also saw for the first time, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZhQLoYIbJ4">Gooey ducks</a>. Deanna, is this what is underneath those green circular things at the beach? Jasmine seemed to think she had seen these, at least the very tops of them. They were quite the site to see. They also had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silkie">Silkie chickens</a> that had blue flesh. Then there were pigs feet, again something you saw in a few spots, marinated, raw or frozen. Then there was the cow tongue and we couldn't get over just how big it was - huge, really! Unfortunately, I could not bring myself to buy any of these items. After looking some of them up online (check out the link to the gooey ducks, very interesting video), I might be tempted to try a chicken foot at an Asian restaurant, just to try it, but I couldn't see preparing them at home quite yet. </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepxp2v0VHAYEyr3NLywNk1VhZXv7rVqxD_k83IfhWoi3rxpBQXCyB2BXWOxhVnYQosftGvhtalcGE0NPvjvGZBlszjEgP-5UIwitORBQaBgAiwQ4i-hesxVSJEbK9aN_Q0QVc6hKuA7Kq/s1600/DSC00667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepxp2v0VHAYEyr3NLywNk1VhZXv7rVqxD_k83IfhWoi3rxpBQXCyB2BXWOxhVnYQosftGvhtalcGE0NPvjvGZBlszjEgP-5UIwitORBQaBgAiwQ4i-hesxVSJEbK9aN_Q0QVc6hKuA7Kq/s400/DSC00667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70JZHPfVd3k2VbOdmLZ4AW3tyyhI2Hak82-OC-3HAWBV1JByLM0E5NjX4ewRO4QwfN2I_fe-BinVqOEKdcby_HIC6nlZjg9_Fsff4SCF32Dy7UGbsLRH2XonW4JiAjoocDneGE3q-Ptf9/s1600/DSC00672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70JZHPfVd3k2VbOdmLZ4AW3tyyhI2Hak82-OC-3HAWBV1JByLM0E5NjX4ewRO4QwfN2I_fe-BinVqOEKdcby_HIC6nlZjg9_Fsff4SCF32Dy7UGbsLRH2XonW4JiAjoocDneGE3q-Ptf9/s400/DSC00672.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpPQMUW6XDUO0uws-fgrSkU5qszp8Ggt12FQiUg3rsZ0wQYgKPZx9wdCzCGxGwsAPOEJcIluh3vd898EV0p6wy4oTiR2l5wSswmmbCwknwSxYKF9xyzOE12sGllAHmj6fIg6R9zd6262q/s1600/DSC00668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpPQMUW6XDUO0uws-fgrSkU5qszp8Ggt12FQiUg3rsZ0wQYgKPZx9wdCzCGxGwsAPOEJcIluh3vd898EV0p6wy4oTiR2l5wSswmmbCwknwSxYKF9xyzOE12sGllAHmj6fIg6R9zd6262q/s400/DSC00668.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNdv6TFDWSytc94EC25zwdnQDUxA3d2kv37NEAS3Rr-wsYzS5Rgoz0JbPV3ypN-fBZOIn5LBcTqx4xM7LKTPzugqrAlMZnPYFtXzSADkQI2FWBIOJDGs24OZpWmfWtsjsy9e5F0rCpnU8/s1600/DSC00670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNdv6TFDWSytc94EC25zwdnQDUxA3d2kv37NEAS3Rr-wsYzS5Rgoz0JbPV3ypN-fBZOIn5LBcTqx4xM7LKTPzugqrAlMZnPYFtXzSADkQI2FWBIOJDGs24OZpWmfWtsjsy9e5F0rCpnU8/s320/DSC00670.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5V0KQqKx5GscpYgzCBdHEDN1j5EjGVeRTjKcB4Kv_zY8htXdxcV4N22uptPDO1ZloE0h07RDUDeDuehihXHjld1kRBwAGj8L_pprENDfsLepmvNfpUMbDwjaBbHf_Y6M_UIupN8AQba1/s1600/DSC00669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5V0KQqKx5GscpYgzCBdHEDN1j5EjGVeRTjKcB4Kv_zY8htXdxcV4N22uptPDO1ZloE0h07RDUDeDuehihXHjld1kRBwAGj8L_pprENDfsLepmvNfpUMbDwjaBbHf_Y6M_UIupN8AQba1/s320/DSC00669.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Although we didn't buy any of the above items, we did manage to spend $78.00 on: pork and lamb for a hot pot (we'll use them in fondue, they are sliced really thin and rolled up), vegetable dumplings, steamed pork dumplings, chocolate steamed buns, passion fruit, mango roll with bean curd, mung bean bread with custard, Jasmine honey tea (like iced tea), mini-sponge cake, Asian popsicles, mini jellies and more. Tonight we taste tested all the drinks and dessert items. Jasmine loved the sponge cake, Pam and I loved the Mung bean bread (I thought Devin picked the coconut bread, but this was still good). Most of the desserts were cool to try, but necessarily to eat again... if you know what I mean.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Below you will see us on our way out of the store, we stopped for some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMW3uqvOROk&NR=1">bubble juice</a>. If you haven't heard of this before, it is a Taiwanese drink that is becoming more popular in America. The bubbles are actually tapioca balls and taste sort of like gummy candies. I think all of these drinks have a bit of a tea base, so they sort of had an after taste we did not love, but the cherry slush one was very good and the mint chocolate one was not too bad, we did not really drink the pudding one though. It was a fun way to end the shopping trip and ensure we were hydrated and full before the 30 minute drive back home. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all this was a fun way to spend the afternoon. The kids said they would like to go again and I would go a few times a year to buy items for a sushi meal or a night when you wanted to experiment with something new. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmmY-fZXM190R5FbnuPyyzfRSa9PYO6F9AHTp9a9J9WW5GwSZMf7wyh36jzp1d4OeydgiP9mikCu8eCmS00RuKfQ-gqtFlgKaOrfquBe1ufo6jql3o4iz65RwQYJa6F1i0PZMwwBqas81/s1600/DSC00674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmmY-fZXM190R5FbnuPyyzfRSa9PYO6F9AHTp9a9J9WW5GwSZMf7wyh36jzp1d4OeydgiP9mikCu8eCmS00RuKfQ-gqtFlgKaOrfquBe1ufo6jql3o4iz65RwQYJa6F1i0PZMwwBqas81/s400/DSC00674.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the Tapioca ball in the straw. You drink and chew at the same time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qelFKD0zgFiPqIvdNrfIL_IUCHBk4n5P4dIO2Okk-aP5J8IZfbsva7umzKinEOTHHkVtUCRqL0RgiZkElK3kA-3-54_MQTpmn3oybYYq6NOS-wSnU3qQSp4XRdKiBIHUFqgsUVn-C9Xr/s1600/DSC00677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qelFKD0zgFiPqIvdNrfIL_IUCHBk4n5P4dIO2Okk-aP5J8IZfbsva7umzKinEOTHHkVtUCRqL0RgiZkElK3kA-3-54_MQTpmn3oybYYq6NOS-wSnU3qQSp4XRdKiBIHUFqgsUVn-C9Xr/s400/DSC00677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-57948779740312617972010-07-18T16:19:00.000-07:002010-07-18T16:19:57.787-07:00Vancouver Island, B.C.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First stop, Nanaimo B.C. After waiting 2 1/2 hours for our flight in Vancouver, it was a pretty crazy notion to find out that our flight to Nanaimo was only 8 minutes long. You honestly wait longer on the ground to get on and off the plane than you are in the air. We arrived in Nanaimo to beautiful weather at about 6:30 B.C. time, which is 9:30 p.m. Ottawa time. By the time we hailed a cab, checked in to the hotel, it was waaaay past bedtime for the kids. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.buccaneerinn.com/">Buccanner Inn</a> and upon check-in the innkeeper gave the kids a freezie, so we decided that it was fate and we were supposed to check out the surroundings while they finished them off. The below picture is from our little walk across the street from the inn. We also followed a flock of waddling, pooping geese into the water. The kids were off to bed and we were delighted to have a separate living area to watch TV as they fell asleep. The next morning we were lucky to be picked up by my Brother-in-Law, Trevor and chauffeured to Qualicum Beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuFIlXQQCOPeZAhBCUuWu2EO4v36JN_P0uaQ8cFAPUGJPFvc-LHtpgmZL4etgqEzRKMpJcU_YH7cjvqGN6xyk_vUEaMVrXdBkg6gvKbBXMgTiIa00TSr92A3V8gcJX3bQKY1BhXHl5SQ3/s1600/DSC00209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuFIlXQQCOPeZAhBCUuWu2EO4v36JN_P0uaQ8cFAPUGJPFvc-LHtpgmZL4etgqEzRKMpJcU_YH7cjvqGN6xyk_vUEaMVrXdBkg6gvKbBXMgTiIa00TSr92A3V8gcJX3bQKY1BhXHl5SQ3/s400/DSC00209.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipqrG4oY0OPh6jkRHCD35Y0uWatIT8yi6I78N1cMvRyHCTtNN8TqPRpFgx2vyAmrSAgFVkrhZhdPyOs1E7fj8ia52CbBLApwgqleVOE9HRm-5v_2JzUTpaQW3ubcohSidABQofflhbOCX/s1600/DSC00240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipqrG4oY0OPh6jkRHCD35Y0uWatIT8yi6I78N1cMvRyHCTtNN8TqPRpFgx2vyAmrSAgFVkrhZhdPyOs1E7fj8ia52CbBLApwgqleVOE9HRm-5v_2JzUTpaQW3ubcohSidABQofflhbOCX/s320/DSC00240.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The above waterfall and "fairy garden" is part of the beautiful yard at the B & B we stayed at in Qualicum Beach, <a href="http://www.teacozybbqualicumbeach.com/about.html">The Tea Cozy</a>. Hans and Tannis were our hosts and just happen to be the next door neighbours and good friends of my grandparents. Hans is a Swiss trained chef, so needless to say we ate very well in the mornings, but Tannis always made sure we had home-baked treats and fruit to come home to in the afternoon as well. They were very kind to let all the cousins take over the yard to hunt for fairies or play bocce ball. We rented both of their rooms and were very happy with that arrangement, as the kids could go to bed and we could watch a movie in the next room or read until we were ready for bed, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGU4U2eAwZ45j051N1SOUHuIhO-2tIGWqdvfZYNaFi4gSNb0ZY07D4PWty8kCaR7Ve7vgS-75Qe6osKRMn26MGYmhuLyf99f_jO3su6jXfQXwR1qVdmcrw5u9SfaJntqKVY0r-EkeFZbU/s1600/DSC00346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGU4U2eAwZ45j051N1SOUHuIhO-2tIGWqdvfZYNaFi4gSNb0ZY07D4PWty8kCaR7Ve7vgS-75Qe6osKRMn26MGYmhuLyf99f_jO3su6jXfQXwR1qVdmcrw5u9SfaJntqKVY0r-EkeFZbU/s400/DSC00346.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzqJbo3l1fkPTAaKNHl-efDhfvPq3LhH9UhAThxr-htBja-IQGI09fk2bHdg36Pppa_XCKg_Z78H2NN7Di638hHdQPQoiFjJW8YWSJLOeCi-AmHFBvaY3vm77wCPRWjEOU9qSMjHj7LoW/s1600/DSC00348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzqJbo3l1fkPTAaKNHl-efDhfvPq3LhH9UhAThxr-htBja-IQGI09fk2bHdg36Pppa_XCKg_Z78H2NN7Di638hHdQPQoiFjJW8YWSJLOeCi-AmHFBvaY3vm77wCPRWjEOU9qSMjHj7LoW/s400/DSC00348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the big anniversary party was over, we had a day to have some beach fun. My Uncle Dan has a couple of "yaks" as he calls them and brought them down to Parksville so we could each take a spin. I was a little too nervous to want to go far in the ocean water, but it was fun to get in and out and have the experience. Jasmine took a turn again this year, but Devin opted not to and he had fun scouring the beaches for crabs with the Japanese exchange student Akane. Parksville has a great playstructure and water park. I tried to use the panoramic view to show you, but it doesn't do it justice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaXT5SlqyXC25BDbsV3spgc54L_jAqvZOHgMX0_TLM98vGJk2O29X6CSjBQkPTWh0VK6W7bMwrGvzucbzR55XPHf1BiKGeZcx4fggdEKK8uQRTJWxuU0LoN9cJr25mZjosUt3lRnJds__/s1600/DSC00370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaXT5SlqyXC25BDbsV3spgc54L_jAqvZOHgMX0_TLM98vGJk2O29X6CSjBQkPTWh0VK6W7bMwrGvzucbzR55XPHf1BiKGeZcx4fggdEKK8uQRTJWxuU0LoN9cJr25mZjosUt3lRnJds__/s400/DSC00370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sEWUAxeElwlxeN-LJiZvtinhMzH7SOiWqUV7kUJ_UiBTaRtgPejVnostvXxDEtmlHioLPxxPB36es0imbcaBFVpvK-u6e8E-eiKvqVdfcf896FYPPDx5x3obpUau2UxHPXHP7tnDJpvq/s1600/DSC00381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sEWUAxeElwlxeN-LJiZvtinhMzH7SOiWqUV7kUJ_UiBTaRtgPejVnostvXxDEtmlHioLPxxPB36es0imbcaBFVpvK-u6e8E-eiKvqVdfcf896FYPPDx5x3obpUau2UxHPXHP7tnDJpvq/s400/DSC00381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The above picture is the marina in Ucluelet. We stopped here for lunch our way to Tofino and ate lunch on a parked ship called the Canadian Princess. The road to Tofino was windy and Devin did throw up, unfortunate for Les and Trevor, as Jay and I were driving up with mom and dad. Good thing we were caravaning, so they walkie talkied us and we pulled over to get Devin some new clothes. He was fine and barely even noticed - what a kid! Below is our first beach visit to the farside of the island at MacKenzie Beach. We walked there from our B & B condo that we were ALL staying at. It was a cool experience, crazy windy, freezing water, but soft sand and cool rock outcroppings off to the side to climb and explore. You can see the panoramic photo below where we were trying to explore (our family had taken our shoes off further down the beach, so it was tough for us, but quite a cool view)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqAlCfqh45Xxp6DUQ6d8y-loRvjayDh8xqP63Q4C7yM55StQtluzE5p7dCJLddH7i2XTOsyKQUV1jMPh_k1CTRkK8Eau-qEZckX_cjHC7qpHqPzAh5_xtUaodV_gk65wF-9UNHNJ1uyYG/s1600/DSC00390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqAlCfqh45Xxp6DUQ6d8y-loRvjayDh8xqP63Q4C7yM55StQtluzE5p7dCJLddH7i2XTOsyKQUV1jMPh_k1CTRkK8Eau-qEZckX_cjHC7qpHqPzAh5_xtUaodV_gk65wF-9UNHNJ1uyYG/s320/DSC00390.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJeN_GTzAPRWw2eKGixJgOcDehyphenhyphenpDhUE2WNC1qETz-3jp-BVLZrnUiG6p6IrP8rr-NYXJJfkbVa7JPzIo48cHqiNPk49RVdAnCooyVvgFu46Xodev8CTQidluxDsQAdYnMaBb5TQoYBVO/s1600/DSC00398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJeN_GTzAPRWw2eKGixJgOcDehyphenhyphenpDhUE2WNC1qETz-3jp-BVLZrnUiG6p6IrP8rr-NYXJJfkbVa7JPzIo48cHqiNPk49RVdAnCooyVvgFu46Xodev8CTQidluxDsQAdYnMaBb5TQoYBVO/s400/DSC00398.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ2mLCIS4ezw8ViIRz8QY3zIxj-jn3KC6Blbqg_zuaGkH1AGOfvLIc_i-KUAsF0xxlsoqoISzE6pRGfpzFb6YVeVCOyMmTnyRdMhMANZCXwlzce8wG2wqymuIlt_3ddfFj4nXOoryNnl4/s1600/DSC00426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ2mLCIS4ezw8ViIRz8QY3zIxj-jn3KC6Blbqg_zuaGkH1AGOfvLIc_i-KUAsF0xxlsoqoISzE6pRGfpzFb6YVeVCOyMmTnyRdMhMANZCXwlzce8wG2wqymuIlt_3ddfFj4nXOoryNnl4/s320/DSC00426.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSrsa3yxHosTd0sUdhaoS0prZbHe_s3B67sBY2mQ5h5vgzg6UVeZg2S-kZXrxW097RLGQhpqsl1K7VYWEHNyr1MpFshZ0LN0c90Q0D7qRRB21hR3Y7x6vrcg_Y9Vk2KxP4QD6VWNex78d/s1600/DSC00443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSrsa3yxHosTd0sUdhaoS0prZbHe_s3B67sBY2mQ5h5vgzg6UVeZg2S-kZXrxW097RLGQhpqsl1K7VYWEHNyr1MpFshZ0LN0c90Q0D7qRRB21hR3Y7x6vrcg_Y9Vk2KxP4QD6VWNex78d/s320/DSC00443.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmGkO74cvdhEubLeK3tcGl5czwB6zqeOVRREEJhxDgqFhzWvw0xxXc7O9fxhp-uRj4E_wx6KYLrptZZW7CHfUy0XFxjlIvbEQhBFTQDWMD203Q0JYw-efWH7_Ckwtfoz2KC6Y24z5n8w/s1600/DSC00457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmGkO74cvdhEubLeK3tcGl5czwB6zqeOVRREEJhxDgqFhzWvw0xxXc7O9fxhp-uRj4E_wx6KYLrptZZW7CHfUy0XFxjlIvbEQhBFTQDWMD203Q0JYw-efWH7_Ckwtfoz2KC6Y24z5n8w/s320/DSC00457.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the above pictures you can see snow on the mountains in the background. We weren't at a major beach here, actually we were at the botanical gardens and one of the paths had led us to this beaut of a spot. The next two are at Long Beach. I can only tell because of all the logs washed up in the background. Long beach, was well long - wouldn't really matter how many people were there, I don't think it would ever be too crowded. Below are some pictures from Chesterman Beach, which was our favorite. Going during low tide, you could walk right out to Frank's island and explore. We found loads of mussels and barnacles stuck to rocks and with a close eye you could see starfish, too. We did peel a few off the rocks for kids (and Jay) to touch and have fun with. Our kids loved jumping waves and I took some great video clips of that in action, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvW04Dl2eEB4JcUv16FRktP_lXj218nppHftINiZcuGcAVhWB2n0LqSySA7kYCuXyVmmwTO-Ad32rOWxnVe96xWWa3b3hcSwI6Gvul-A42Ksc8Z1opCNP6FSuigRv16IFhnxLAevWkCtH/s1600/DSC00526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvW04Dl2eEB4JcUv16FRktP_lXj218nppHftINiZcuGcAVhWB2n0LqSySA7kYCuXyVmmwTO-Ad32rOWxnVe96xWWa3b3hcSwI6Gvul-A42Ksc8Z1opCNP6FSuigRv16IFhnxLAevWkCtH/s400/DSC00526.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sa-UEDL9z0rZ33qPhdK2YI5JLWvWJoI_4TgPmy7faqnf-_tHmzjFgknDJ_uoYhiaK7BYIAMy7Sg9EGDF4tjQVrJDcMrV-v20Cg_Ep5kcUm9x79-aj2Dv0ntq7RqUvRWCoPellaeAcn0E/s1600/DSC00515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sa-UEDL9z0rZ33qPhdK2YI5JLWvWJoI_4TgPmy7faqnf-_tHmzjFgknDJ_uoYhiaK7BYIAMy7Sg9EGDF4tjQVrJDcMrV-v20Cg_Ep5kcUm9x79-aj2Dv0ntq7RqUvRWCoPellaeAcn0E/s400/DSC00515.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7CG4Sig-pCKqP4TLgFH0_3sYwOnGdy8WLxPdiNARQECnn3s90khR-3VLPsGd1lPBq3rMhZ_Xkk6SKqqZlZLzpsu9NHA3IQAnVqUVH5ZNpQ027rJUwFX_d1OTP1SpezWsZezDrgMFCYIY/s1600/DSC00541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7CG4Sig-pCKqP4TLgFH0_3sYwOnGdy8WLxPdiNARQECnn3s90khR-3VLPsGd1lPBq3rMhZ_Xkk6SKqqZlZLzpsu9NHA3IQAnVqUVH5ZNpQ027rJUwFX_d1OTP1SpezWsZezDrgMFCYIY/s320/DSC00541.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We ended our trip with a crabfest, which I also have some cool video of, and a campfire, including sparklers and colored flames. Your choice was crab or hot dog? Hmmm? Not tough for most people, but I love a cheap hot dog. My brother-in-law, Jamie and my dad dealt with the crabs the most, but they did give me the chance to put one to death :( Why is that fun? Who knows, but it kind of is! I'm trying to remember if the kids tried any, but for some reason I think they did. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-zdXqZqePfUkXVybDzS0_ZBLVHXCxDNy9DNVfAblj7Ajonu7Xe5TyDhnawFjRLSu-DpWmS_8flQso2BG5xdHD5Fk_6SPt8bWwLx8qdXo9IToYKBSwXpIdPn02S35xSeZ7xdS51KlpT5V/s1600/DSC00552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-zdXqZqePfUkXVybDzS0_ZBLVHXCxDNy9DNVfAblj7Ajonu7Xe5TyDhnawFjRLSu-DpWmS_8flQso2BG5xdHD5Fk_6SPt8bWwLx8qdXo9IToYKBSwXpIdPn02S35xSeZ7xdS51KlpT5V/s400/DSC00552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After all of that, and many things I haven't even had a chance to mention, like homemade ice cream treats and the guys on their scooters, it was time to head back to Qualicum. We spent one more day with all the Gramma's and Grampa's, mostly treasure hunting for geo-cache's, which unfortunately we could not really find. But everyone was such a good trooper, including great-gramma and grampa. The only real problem is, it was soooo hot! Especially for there, as no one had air conditioning to cool down in afterwards. Great-gramma hiked all through these woods (and the picture below was the clear path, most were full of roots and stumps). </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFfze0-QvatuHQa2KjjakgzKEI6Z4g9fe946PwWgWfx-QYHXyTx2XOLp2yfP95yGjeFsm_chAWSM9ORduzYWBfiXFVXNTXeuhwjBYNNxXwYlk7jhNx_gURARCU9ZGOPoYHUsPolDmE9n4/s1600/DSC00586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFfze0-QvatuHQa2KjjakgzKEI6Z4g9fe946PwWgWfx-QYHXyTx2XOLp2yfP95yGjeFsm_chAWSM9ORduzYWBfiXFVXNTXeuhwjBYNNxXwYlk7jhNx_gURARCU9ZGOPoYHUsPolDmE9n4/s400/DSC00586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">On our very last day, we headed to Parksville once again and had a final play with cousins Sam and Hayden. We collected baby crabs and Auntie Nanny made this crab hotel for them. We treated ourselves to Dairy Queen and then went for our best swim yet, low tide at Parksville. It had been so hot that day, the sand was warm and the water was like a bath. You could walk out a block and not even be up to your waist. The sand was soft, the water was calm and the kids had a blast. My dad drove us back to the Buccaneer Inn and the next morning we were off on our flight home. What a trip to remember!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrusR55Ha-m1k3YPjf58Mf1O8e15e7Fm0nuUeMfVguvTx9zQyDKwbCkd2R2bHwydUhpxEkySsjz-bjqkS6dEflh7BVXeuQJwe4KnRLrvH5UgQk-bajm8HYRgr9Hl4feEuG0vhL9dv5jXG/s1600/DSC00593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrusR55Ha-m1k3YPjf58Mf1O8e15e7Fm0nuUeMfVguvTx9zQyDKwbCkd2R2bHwydUhpxEkySsjz-bjqkS6dEflh7BVXeuQJwe4KnRLrvH5UgQk-bajm8HYRgr9Hl4feEuG0vhL9dv5jXG/s400/DSC00593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-32950593584094828772010-07-17T19:36:00.000-07:002010-07-17T19:38:37.253-07:00My wish for the cousins!Growing up we had few visits with our cousins. Really all of my cousins lived far away from us, so there wasn't much to be done about that. I do however have very fond memories of my cousins, especially Cara and Jen, as that is who we saw most often. I hated reading, yet my cousins loved to read and my Uncle Glen managed a book store, so he had many, many books laying about the house. My cousins read for fun, do you believe it... sure not something I did as a kid. But at their house, I read Archie comic after Archie comic. I also remember playing operation on each other when we were supposed to be falling asleep. Jen would pretend to cut my arm open, fix a bone and re-stitch me up. Or sometimes we would write words on each others backs and see if we could figure out the message... funny what you remember. I also remember that my cousin Jen could take the sleep out of her eye in one long strip - weird! Why do I remember these things? I'm sure we did many more exciting things together, like motor boat or katamran at their cottage for example, why don't those memories stand out more? <br />
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I hope that my kids will have fond memories of their cousins. We don't see each other very often either and we are very far away from each other. We do what we can to keep the specialness to their relationship by sending videos, making phone calls and passing on hand me downs (seems silly, but little kids love getting stuff from their older cousins, Devin will wear it if it came from Tyson). We try to put family first when we can and this summer is no exception with a trip out to BC to celebrate great-gramma and grampa's 60th anniversary. It was great to see them on their special day, but it was really special because we got to spend that day with all the cousins and aunties and uncles and great-gramma and grampa got to see how all their great-grandkids interact and it was really cool! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Below we have Devin and Samantha buried in the sand at Tofino. These two are only a month apart in birthday, but just because of the nature of girls and boys, typically you will find Sam playing with Jasmine and Devin with her younger brother, Hayden. I love this picture because of the great smiles, they were loving this moment!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0_KpzV3x_ghZy0sTJJi1vVJFLY4Hlbu5pO9sssSsYCfwVp7uwcyTIsUv054ejIw1TyvdWVmhTuXvFCi57O_jaMJpT-B0Xl6stqanbgJ_naR6sCZN2eMVoDXcM-bhLDcsbxV-n9cx_t2B/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0_KpzV3x_ghZy0sTJJi1vVJFLY4Hlbu5pO9sssSsYCfwVp7uwcyTIsUv054ejIw1TyvdWVmhTuXvFCi57O_jaMJpT-B0Xl6stqanbgJ_naR6sCZN2eMVoDXcM-bhLDcsbxV-n9cx_t2B/s400/DSC00459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below we have a couple group snaps with all the Shadbolt cousins, I say that, but unfortunately for grampa none of their last names are actually Shadbolt :( </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcHSp-XOuGQuyHBUcvvK-TH1baBcVPWVDVycVlLJK_2v5-Xw0esrKEJwvpt5VVtZXryptRJWNUX-mjxlVQnXxmHrLOk7hztUDHWXGHi-WWv_IWcMGhFnnU-B0GGPMdtu9WJ5aeDucI7q-/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcHSp-XOuGQuyHBUcvvK-TH1baBcVPWVDVycVlLJK_2v5-Xw0esrKEJwvpt5VVtZXryptRJWNUX-mjxlVQnXxmHrLOk7hztUDHWXGHi-WWv_IWcMGhFnnU-B0GGPMdtu9WJ5aeDucI7q-/s400/DSC00490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYDpubw30IEsINsQROcZOW_NOLS30DedTqiugk-8YeR-v2Tq9e0VXybx9CCGJpbGHfV5t3lLpet-Cwna_LQ9iJa97A_mV9V0bZ5gJBgFK-x8Fn54f8L4ZByJ_BBvWcB3UDNX-dWBDuhuw/s1600/DSC00230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYDpubw30IEsINsQROcZOW_NOLS30DedTqiugk-8YeR-v2Tq9e0VXybx9CCGJpbGHfV5t3lLpet-Cwna_LQ9iJa97A_mV9V0bZ5gJBgFK-x8Fn54f8L4ZByJ_BBvWcB3UDNX-dWBDuhuw/s400/DSC00230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below we have the boy cousins and the girl cousins. The boys are especially funny and well rounded, but I think they all have a sweet, sensitive side to them... they really are Shadbolt's! Then you have the girls... very powerful and driven, they know what they want and they know how to get it, not necessarily a good thing at their age.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPc1DVejQOWZB-axwAzFI0vjRLovDH8OMWDI5CA8ETedw6d-C62S7-lZ6LQT35L0Ys9HDdPiMKyIty-LoCf-3nNXPoZorZDWIVo39JNRhX1WReDQ9olBFeXZCVHwlz0yFuEEgKWMBg2J5/s1600/DSC00235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPc1DVejQOWZB-axwAzFI0vjRLovDH8OMWDI5CA8ETedw6d-C62S7-lZ6LQT35L0Ys9HDdPiMKyIty-LoCf-3nNXPoZorZDWIVo39JNRhX1WReDQ9olBFeXZCVHwlz0yFuEEgKWMBg2J5/s400/DSC00235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwMQsIbF9OaJVqwH2HULcLdZKTo3Jv6e1nNRJsqXjzatkgQcXsSgGYlqkWCKiib8LlrbjDCC4-nuDZRyNQRnUCvlRnR4BWayXJnPbpsEn2oD8kwk0LWFWlmHQ5BT5uUr2VHH9dfKvQlQb/s1600/DSC00238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwMQsIbF9OaJVqwH2HULcLdZKTo3Jv6e1nNRJsqXjzatkgQcXsSgGYlqkWCKiib8LlrbjDCC4-nuDZRyNQRnUCvlRnR4BWayXJnPbpsEn2oD8kwk0LWFWlmHQ5BT5uUr2VHH9dfKvQlQb/s400/DSC00238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crazy cousins posing at the beach. Jasmine thinks Tyson is smelling his armpit here, ha, ha! Devin is doing a karate chop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVYQTmN0gHKmDx16TgMhVad8imjPDgQvskMljpaZNgvttJWSLkjWHARzEuhEmrYQQt2haTto_GEPzhfT41HR3p4O1xORF0PwKP4qe_FKKWOfGrhF_YyvlwisLsz2Wr4sF36twdihUTJPw/s1600/DSC00328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVYQTmN0gHKmDx16TgMhVad8imjPDgQvskMljpaZNgvttJWSLkjWHARzEuhEmrYQQt2haTto_GEPzhfT41HR3p4O1xORF0PwKP4qe_FKKWOfGrhF_YyvlwisLsz2Wr4sF36twdihUTJPw/s400/DSC00328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuO9Lp0S-PhQcLXZHQE9Q-bLEqO6vvMcgb8BPoApmN2Ye-YkvTitg12KA7_XqQRcW2BSHjSIIhL1_1gXtWID4e8GxEHeqHNVC_8MdTo_BH5JKqb-dqfeSKcAmH6EnszamzId5-hkhyphenhyphenhbg/s1600/DSC00379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuO9Lp0S-PhQcLXZHQE9Q-bLEqO6vvMcgb8BPoApmN2Ye-YkvTitg12KA7_XqQRcW2BSHjSIIhL1_1gXtWID4e8GxEHeqHNVC_8MdTo_BH5JKqb-dqfeSKcAmH6EnszamzId5-hkhyphenhyphenhbg/s400/DSC00379.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSFyAH-ED2p52leYa6PIBPMtAY6mBi7mG6dODpAiiLdqZEqz4_VbbzCki5iosqygNJ9XFRFIHcCtSCSSIBXYBKWGC8Imo_HvBCXa1EAKNcQTKAIJU0GLLBNHB8oudBPejxh7itgz9eUf4/s1600/DSC00389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSFyAH-ED2p52leYa6PIBPMtAY6mBi7mG6dODpAiiLdqZEqz4_VbbzCki5iosqygNJ9XFRFIHcCtSCSSIBXYBKWGC8Imo_HvBCXa1EAKNcQTKAIJU0GLLBNHB8oudBPejxh7itgz9eUf4/s400/DSC00389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hayden is the most huggable, kissable, kooky kid you ever did meet and he is incredibly lovable. Here the boys hugs and almost choke each other to death, seriously, we had to break it up, too funny!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtPC2b10nq2PryV_RrAAvwHmcNMc-BjlCp8kh-oiuzgIvEp9MZc4oZ15c8tVO5RqC5Go8cWsA-RhGhP7aIvj7s5Ere1DCyW6o9igqxXz0EvQZtWqcOQy7uJcerTUCTgi8jad37_u9_wt-/s1600/DSC00293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtPC2b10nq2PryV_RrAAvwHmcNMc-BjlCp8kh-oiuzgIvEp9MZc4oZ15c8tVO5RqC5Go8cWsA-RhGhP7aIvj7s5Ere1DCyW6o9igqxXz0EvQZtWqcOQy7uJcerTUCTgi8jad37_u9_wt-/s400/DSC00293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jasmine especially loves her cousin Allison. I'm glad long distance plans have changed, or we would owe a fortune to the phone company in a few years. Jasmine is just starting to figure out that she can phone her cousins and talk (for what seems like hours). Allison is a great role model for Jasmine and helps her write notes to the fairies, gives her drawing lessons and more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJgQwEqweEPjV0zs8xgIFVQIByTRya9pKaQw7zTd6M7WrAJzFaortt9egsI1pmeF0ynG_ElyK0-ymW-zi6rv7I1mmHB-Beumkw4bmPXXZhtNfM9z-x4YYF1-BnwONkyfUypV_zO4aKeO7/s1600/DSC00213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJgQwEqweEPjV0zs8xgIFVQIByTRya9pKaQw7zTd6M7WrAJzFaortt9egsI1pmeF0ynG_ElyK0-ymW-zi6rv7I1mmHB-Beumkw4bmPXXZhtNfM9z-x4YYF1-BnwONkyfUypV_zO4aKeO7/s400/DSC00213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkbkv4w5_-xYSvdnERZZ_3LBMbmi3Gdqrk63wjFwxOUEs6DCRUIBpaPcTXGA77cIwvu70Q6BHeF108KNIIKWo16hGah8iQs8qu1inWj_ZboVO0m-dSC3A9HbHse9D5kKVhKijFCk3qtVF/s1600/DSC00409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkbkv4w5_-xYSvdnERZZ_3LBMbmi3Gdqrk63wjFwxOUEs6DCRUIBpaPcTXGA77cIwvu70Q6BHeF108KNIIKWo16hGah8iQs8qu1inWj_ZboVO0m-dSC3A9HbHse9D5kKVhKijFCk3qtVF/s400/DSC00409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My sisters and I were each blessed with 1 boy and 1 girl, pretty strange odds, considering we came from a family of 3 girls. It's wonderful to get together, whether it is with only one set of cousins having special quality time or whether we are all together having a chaotic adventure - the cousins are a blast! I only hope that years from now the cousins will remain close. My cousins and I have drifted apart and besides the odd email Christmas letter (or now blog from my cousin Jen), we don't keep in touch as much as I would like.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One little cousin isn't mentioned above and that is Olivier, from Jay's side of the family. We are blessed to have him so close by and living in Ottawa. As Olivier gets older, he asks more and more to come and play with his older cousins and he seems to have a real fondness for Devin. He is a talkative little guy with a great spirit and ravishing appetite. Oli and the kids get along so well, that it is easy to have him over to just hang out and he fits right into our day. Oli will soon have a baby brother, Alexandre Justin and we can't wait to add another cousin into our family! Olivier lives so close, that we often don't think to go on a crazy adventures with him. Hopefully we will start making playdates to do fun and adventurous things and he will get old enough to come for sleepovers - can't wait for that. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpUxa-hMaf7T2pRH3aAuDpL89AuHU3jcoioNRmKaOHOU_S9IwlP216d_RSyxhGy0MWPfJUE2v_ybfbqO3cV3Tt_wEm9Vlcr9qTLoXRNBY3as4WRHm24C5xNTZvwOgJIFuwGz-dO8QRs2n/s1600/DSC00205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpUxa-hMaf7T2pRH3aAuDpL89AuHU3jcoioNRmKaOHOU_S9IwlP216d_RSyxhGy0MWPfJUE2v_ybfbqO3cV3Tt_wEm9Vlcr9qTLoXRNBY3as4WRHm24C5xNTZvwOgJIFuwGz-dO8QRs2n/s400/DSC00205.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAGl0NkLbJlFXBU44-d8HRNQQUU34BUH7Xsf3QPb7S1NRR0Yz4GeuVcGnCDEI55ITYIqu8UWdEjpyJJTMAcekJhgGByY435lhcmaNCZoipiwTn1jq7IjeLpwO2QvGF6SVUtbzA7BHHLSM/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAGl0NkLbJlFXBU44-d8HRNQQUU34BUH7Xsf3QPb7S1NRR0Yz4GeuVcGnCDEI55ITYIqu8UWdEjpyJJTMAcekJhgGByY435lhcmaNCZoipiwTn1jq7IjeLpwO2QvGF6SVUtbzA7BHHLSM/s400/IMG_0350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">One last thought on cousins... cousins last a lifetime. At the anniversary my dad got to see many of his cousins, and we even got to play with his cousins, kid's kids, so like 5th cousins. It's amazing how long the line up can go, especially on Jay's side with his mom's 16 siblings. Cousins are like good friends, you can hook up years later just where you left off when you were a kid, they don't judge you, they just hope you are doing well and I love that, even if you only get a Christmas letter (or more likely, your mom gets a Christmas letter from their mom and fills you in)... whatever, it's all good! Below is Sam with 5th cousins Bridget and Sidney. I remember selling lemonade with their mom, Christine, who is my 3rd cousin when I was a kid. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ72Kmn3mEAkSkXS14s-NVFle7eJqs5Y6kO2fhWwgcYI9TfZm2VaknR66d0cnFbqoneXGk-aKYH9cvgvd6wiktQVn-P-Cu_l98HoDy53I04_gLYll97EWlGBV4sCs3YIIEnfK46J2dPTKD/s1600/DSC00264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ72Kmn3mEAkSkXS14s-NVFle7eJqs5Y6kO2fhWwgcYI9TfZm2VaknR66d0cnFbqoneXGk-aKYH9cvgvd6wiktQVn-P-Cu_l98HoDy53I04_gLYll97EWlGBV4sCs3YIIEnfK46J2dPTKD/s400/DSC00264.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-31129399876173407812010-07-15T18:13:00.000-07:002010-07-15T18:15:51.551-07:00Inspiring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ajpQ_pLRBR_FMGdSVsCxKIz9HJMwM4Jh-ZIOU_gqsggbqAI00KkiOSvnE4msEk1H3bWqZ3cXyD6fOFpVPSIAal8u0JMmr1BS1ChvTX4P80S9qYSvNTq-jDBJgycCacFH0mZp9Z7BOuqy/s1600/DSC00254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ajpQ_pLRBR_FMGdSVsCxKIz9HJMwM4Jh-ZIOU_gqsggbqAI00KkiOSvnE4msEk1H3bWqZ3cXyD6fOFpVPSIAal8u0JMmr1BS1ChvTX4P80S9qYSvNTq-jDBJgycCacFH0mZp9Z7BOuqy/s400/DSC00254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These two lovebirds are my Gramma and Grampa Shadbolt, my dad's parents! We recently returned from their 60th anniversary party and it was awesome. I have to say, you gain a whole new appreciation for your grandparents when you are older. Now that I have my own kids, you see that most of their relationship is really all fun and games. Most of the time the grandparents are taking kids on adventures, playing a game, reading a book or just listening to the kids tell a long-winded non-sensical story. As you get older, you realize that your grandparents are "real" people who have had real experiences and listening to my Gramps tell stories about his mom helping others and how you just have to help young people who are struggling, was well, simply heart warming! It showed me a whole new side of him and one that I think is remarkable. Here he is below with Devin - two peas in a pod, those blockheads are.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSm6YMR0rb0-L7FPaF364njVJoKZrmfL4Dzt9Ce0dMlug6ugVeMsBkLv-3tP4aYg-GL5aj3zKSvrYBpURbo8U2N8ZhbhwYAZpIvzrLAaJo5BTmgacW6e-TlAhr_x6p82AoBd7lqHCChxf/s1600/DSC00580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSm6YMR0rb0-L7FPaF364njVJoKZrmfL4Dzt9Ce0dMlug6ugVeMsBkLv-3tP4aYg-GL5aj3zKSvrYBpURbo8U2N8ZhbhwYAZpIvzrLAaJo5BTmgacW6e-TlAhr_x6p82AoBd7lqHCChxf/s400/DSC00580.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Gramma has always been a great inspiration to me. I'm not sure how old I was exactly, but it was over 30 years ago now when she had her stroke. Her entire right hand side was, still is, paralyzed. Imagining what possibly could have happened after such a health crisis, you can't help but be impressed with this women. When she visited Ottawa about 10 years ago, she not only conquered the downtown area, including parliament buildings and the market, but also our 3 flights of stairs as we had no elevator. What a trooper! And it's not just my Gramma that is inspiring, because you have to realize how much having a stroke changed all the life plans and dreams of not only my Gramma, but also my Grampa. To see them together over 30 years later and still smooching and grabbing each other's butts, well it was wonderful! Here she is below with Jasmine in her beautiful yard that she maintains so well.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeQg1naXLILK0CP9GoIUuYCxBZtdQ-SJfIJBvJ9tAukdtGfB61KKaut3b1V8lDUu3XRlBzwSfCGDW430ZbbP0Lf63jFu6mMeBeBpbdIwcryv8Csv6LwCCoIuALa5S1yv1D02Il0wcflVo/s1600/DSC00582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeQg1naXLILK0CP9GoIUuYCxBZtdQ-SJfIJBvJ9tAukdtGfB61KKaut3b1V8lDUu3XRlBzwSfCGDW430ZbbP0Lf63jFu6mMeBeBpbdIwcryv8Csv6LwCCoIuALa5S1yv1D02Il0wcflVo/s400/DSC00582.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Anniversary you two! We loved seeing you, we love that you held a celebration to catch up with all your friends and family and we love that you are so inspirational to other around you, including us! Thanks for being great grandparents! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxhp2r99FOcufRCyfi9eW3FK8TLtKG2HN4NOLOO2R8KuRMW6X6sU2QAbbzJGHGtzJ7_CBP5ViQ3WF9Cs4feE8AQ0XZ0B444ssEbURkiESoQ4WxvdYIGz0o8SMOEkt7Bqg_p7SZaxsIMoS/s1600/DSC00308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxhp2r99FOcufRCyfi9eW3FK8TLtKG2HN4NOLOO2R8KuRMW6X6sU2QAbbzJGHGtzJ7_CBP5ViQ3WF9Cs4feE8AQ0XZ0B444ssEbURkiESoQ4WxvdYIGz0o8SMOEkt7Bqg_p7SZaxsIMoS/s400/DSC00308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471110220013831291.post-26548800945140616792010-06-27T17:56:00.000-07:002010-06-27T17:56:28.837-07:00Summer is here!Once I live through tomorrow's PD day, I will be free for the summer. Although, it seems to me my summer is already full of things to do. It's always daunting to see just how much has to be covered over the summer. How does any normal person do it? Without the summer off to catch up, I am afraid my house would crumble and our friendships would fail. <br />
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I just made a list of all the playdates we would like to have over the summer and I have 24 seperate dates listed. Hmm, how will I ever fit that into my summer? I guess 8 of those are adults I want to see, so potentially I could do a kid playdate during the day and then grown ups at night. It could be a crazy schedule to fit them all in. I may just have to have a JK party here, with 3 or 4 little boy friends of Devin's over at once. <br />
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Then of course there is the TO DO list and it is crazy full. It includes everything from: go through all the closets (yuck, totally time consuming), dig trenches in the back for new bushes to be planted, fix the garage door, re-caulk the shower, buy a new vehicle and on and on for about 30 other items. <br />
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And last, but not least, all the fun stuff. We have 2 holidays booked this year and hope to do some camping as well. We also want to get to the Museum of Nature and Calypso Water Park. We are planning a ride on both a double decker bus and the O-Train, too! So, when will I get all of this done? Did I mention swimming lessons every day for two weeks for both kids? No, well yes, that too and it is right beside the public library, so we are hoping to visit there daily for those 2 weeks, too. <br />
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Right now it feels overwhelming, but once we just get into it and go day by day, it won't be so bad. It won't be bad... it will be great! Lots of time spent hanging out with friends, crossing things off the TO DO list and just having a good time! <br />
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What are your summer plans?Quirkyteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13643024366149374977noreply@blogger.com0