Stress

Well I've decided that Big Daddyo and I do not handle stress well. It seems to pit us against one another. Let me just say that the GMAT test that will be taken this Thursday in Calgary has brought more stress that 3 children combined. I think it is because it affects at least the next two years and potentially the rest of our lives. Also what I find challenging as the wife is having no control over any of this and left to wonder if my "you'll pass!", "you'll do great!" are even effective.So please say a prayer for our Family on Thursday as we set out to figure out what the next few years will hold!

Sesame street

Miss M. got invited to a Sesame Street Birthday Party and again with $ being tight we decided to get crafty. We started with some 1X6 MDF Wood, a saw,crayons and a little imagination. This little boy is special to Miss M. as he walks her from the pew in the chapel to Nursery each week. We found pictures of Sesame Street characters online and free handed them onto the wood and added a splash of colour. We are also including a book and the wood figures can either adrone a bookshelf, dresser or be played with as I sanded them smooth. They were really easy and since a good friend gave me the wood it cost me $0.00! Remember when money is tight it can either drive you to insanity or creativity- both end in a "y"- so Y not choose option #2! Have fun and feel free to share any creative / low budget ideas you have made.

Life on a budget

When you are the wife of a student with three young children you learn to think differently. When I say differently I mean creatively when it comes to finances.I saw this beautiful display of organization at a play center the other day and fell in love. I quickly googled the brand name when I got home and discovered that the cost was $400- even if I had $ I would not spend that much on a display for my children's dress up.So I set out on a mission to make it for cheaper! (the picture of my original inspiration is bottom right) I originally was looking at how to alter a bookshelf into the desired product, when the idea came to look at TV units. I found a few free ones on Kijiji, but they were very large and with our up and coming move- size was an issue. I then went out on a mission with a friend to as many thrift stores as we could find and lo and behold the last one we stopped at had what I was looking for. The TV unit cost 20$- It originally had a shelf under where the clothes are hanging which I (with Big Daddyo's help) knocked out- to make room for the length of the costumes. The rod for the clothes to hang on cost $6,hangers $3, and $6 for plastic hooks for a total of $35 compared to $400. I also think it looks VERY similar to the original. Also mounted on the side is a full length mirror, free from a friend. This provides a place for them to admire the costume of their choice.Since this has entered our home there has been a lot more dress up time, when they were tucked away in a trunk- I think it was out of sight out of mind, but now we often see and astronaut, a fireman, and a princess or two wandering through our house. I for one love the beauty of the organization and that the kids (most of the time) hang up the costumes when they are done. Hope you like the idea and feel free to try out making your own! Happy Thrifting/creative budgeting!

Too soon.

Mr.Ry told Big Daddyo that he did not love him anymore. He was upset and has been expressing himself with lots of attitude lately. I was caught off guard by the comment, I thought we had at least 10 years till we would hear this phrase. I knew we would hear it at some point as I know that I had said these harsh word to my parents on occasion. It never crossed my mind how much these words could hurt till I became the parent and will one day hear it from my child. This brief climps into our future will make me that much more grateful for the simple elegance of my children's "I Love You". I hope each of you can appreciate every time you hear those precious words, I love you! Also I hope my parents know that as a parent now myself I more than ever before regret those harsh words that cut so deep and offer a simple I love you to both my Dad and my Mom.

Father & Son

This is one of My favorite picture from the Christmas holidays. Mr.Ry and Big Daddyo seized every opportunity when it was not too frigid to go out and either snowmobile or go quad-ding. After his first time going out Mr. Ry returned with a tear running down his cheek, he proudly announced "I go so fast a tear come out!" and then he eagerly returned outside for more. I loved watching him and his Dad spend some really fun quality time together. I also got a chance to go snowmobiling with Big Daddyo and had as much fun as Mr.Ry! Oh, memories.

Quick update!

Mr.Ty, has been teething for at least three months now aka eternity.
Advil takes the edge off but he still seems to be in agony, my 8 month old still gets up every 4 hours at night to eat or fuss. I'm pro- cry it out (I know some may disagree) But he cryed for 1.5 hours one night and even for me that's too much. I'm open for suggestions. Sleep would be such a wonderful thing!



Mr. Ry is now fully potty trained with the occasional request for a diaper when #2 is pending. But on the whole he is doing fantastic at not even 2.5 years of age. How exciting to only have one in diapers, its been 2.5 years now that we have had 2 in diapers. Let the $ saving begin! Mr. Ry is full of personality, he loves to say " I have an idea guys" and the present his plan, love to make you laugh and play with Mr. Ty. A 100% boy and still a pure joy!



Miss M is a real Princess, she is quickly approaching her 4th birthday and asks daily for the last two months if we can plan her party! Miss M is very bright and loves to learn and play. She is wearing size 5 pants and 6/7 tops- very tall for her age. She is very good at getting Mr. Ty to laugh and loves to play house with Mr. Ry. I am enjoying raising a girly girl who can still keep up with her brothers. She loves to paint her nails, borrow my necklaces and wear princess attire wherever we are going- the picture is at the zoo - she wore her crown proudly all day.
Anyways just a simple update to catch up from the last 2 years or so that I have not taken the time to blogg, I hope to stay on top of it a little better this go round. Big Daddyo has completed his undergrad and is currently preparing to take the GMAT at the end of the month. We hope to get into a University on the East coast to complete his MBA. This would be a big move for our family, but one we are all ready and excited to make. We will keep you posted as to when we know what our plans are, until then watch our family adventures as they continue!

Get Crafty

So today due to the weather Church was canceled, and not knowing what to do with myself I decided to be crafty. I had seen how to make these roses on a craft blog and had been waiting for an opportunity to try it out. They are so easy- you simply cut your fabric into 5 progressively smaller circles, then you hold them slowly rotating over a candle. The flame melts the edges so they don't fray while bending/molding the fabric into the shape you see, you then place all 5 on top of each other and sew an X stitch in the middle and then hot glue or sew your accessory (pearls)- Miss M has requested a headband. I was thrilled the flowers matched an old cardigan I had not worn in a while, I was pleased with how it turned out!