but wait...there's more....

Ok...I really should have taken a picture of the view, as that is why we bought it......we have a lot of work ahead of us...and a lot of fun (hmm). Also...if anyone is needing any cabinets for their garage...just let us know some of these just need a coat of paint....there are lots of shelves/cupboards/vanities that we will be getting rid of...just let us know...(oh yeah...you have to come and get them)...

help!! Pics from "new house" we just bought

pics from first day of school

Very proud day for C-man....on the other side of the coin...Retzky was "too old" to get his picture taken...MOOOOMMMMM STOP IT!!!

First day of school, sort of

Yesterday was the boys first day of school, or so I thought.

C-man was up at 6:30 (am!) got dressed, back pack by the door and was ready to go. To registration.

Retzky was up at 7, got dressed, brushed his teeth, made his lunch, and started breakfast. But was not happy about school starting.

They chanted all the way "we hate school, we hate school"....but practically pushed me out of their way to get in.

Registered, paid our dues and then found out Retzky only was a half day. Today was the first full day. C-mans is tomorrow. Believe me - we can not take the adrenalin (sp?) much longer.

Pics tomorrow....

I've been meaning to do this...

You've been cordially invited...

To Marlbo Place, Brightsand Lake.

Anytime.

Anyone.

Bring beer.

There....are you happy ...you know who you are....the ones that tell me they never get invited to the lake....there it is.....just let me know when you are coming now!!!

Pics-Drumheller

This one is for you Grandpa B...the big beaver!!
The third day of a bad stomach, did not help this picture...I think I'm as white as the back drop....I should have taken the pic...not posed for it!!
We paid a ridiculous sum of money to climb stairs (sorta like my gym membership) to stand in the dinosaurs mouth....for approx 45 seconds....before the kids had enough). Tourists.

More pictures-zoo

This was a great time as well. DH had never seen a giraffe, a hippo or an elephant up close...he was like watching a little kid. We had a good time trying to "teach"our kids about animals....yeah right...it was more like .....the fastest one through the zoo wins. (Must have been the 6 hours in a car!!)

More photos-Calaway

Ok...can not say enough good things about Calaway Park. Including gas and hotel costs, it was still cheaper to take them here, than it was for our own local exhibition. Plus, much cleaner, more attractive workers (you know what I mean) and more kid friendly activities.

We were a little worried that the boys wouldnt ride anything. But, they surprised us both and did the rollercoaster and everything in between. They havent stopped talking about it since....highly recommended.

Some Calgary photos....

If you can believe it...this is 6am...wide eyed and ready to take on the highway. COULD NOT GET THEM TO GO BACK TO SLEEP. Oh well...I'm sure they will enjoy the 6hours in the car as much as I will.

2nd last weekend of summer

man oh man...cannot believe summer is over....august totally felt like september....

Anywhooo ...spent the weekend at the lake with our crazy Albertan cousins and it was a gooder (except the weather). I learned a few things. One, that I cant sing anymore apparently. (karaoke machine turned off on me...mid song). Two, that I am way too wimpy to swim in the frigid August temps. And three, that we definitely dont see enough of family.

Had to come back early today as both boys were in hockey camps. C-man was up first, then we had to head to Wally world for new school runners. Retzky is up next and then same same...have to head out for school shoes.

Then, we have to leave the house at supper time to show the house. (poor us, now we have to go out for supper...boo hoo). This is the second showing for this potential buyer...keep our fingers crossed.

I think DH might be heading out to help Dad out with harvest....if the call comes....then back to the lake to close up the cabin (sorta) for the winter.

ttyl

dont blink

We're back!! But not for long. Just long enough to do some laundry, cut the grass and pick up groceries to head up to the lake!!

Calgary trip was awesome...amazing....soo much fun.

I will try to post tomorrow before we leave......nice to be home for the time being.

A new day

Little bit of rain doesnt stop the showings. Talked to our realtor, she showed it once on the weekend and had one realtor stop by for an out of town client.

Our realtor ended up selling one couple a different home (another fixer upper just down the street) and no word from the realtor.

Today at 2 we have another showing and this evening, the house should be on mls.ca. I think she's dragging her feet on putting it on the web as she knows it will sell quick, right?

So, the rowdies and I have to go for a walk in the rain...or somewhere dog friendly...

itinerary

Is that how you spell itinerary? Spell check wouldnt work on the title....anywhoo

Tonight clean the damn house.

Tomorrow clean the house and try to keep the kids out of above damn house.

Tuesday at approx 6am (yes I said am) leave for Calgary. Calaway Park, the zoo, then off to Drumheller.

Should have pictures and stories....and the winning lottery ticket (arent they all sold in AB?)

finally have my damn camera back!!

Yay!! Finally have my camera after 3 long weeks of leaving it stranded at the lake (not the worst place to be stranded)

My new niece...and my inlaws...aaahhhh

quick trip

Did a whirlwind trip today.

First, Costco run. Successful

Second, school clothes. Little lower level of success.

Third, visit new niece. Very successful. Sweet little bundle of cheeks. Dark hair and a good healthy voice. Both mom and babe look great.

Then home in time to shovel some macaroni down the throats and off to the rink (is it that time already?) Gossipped at the rink long enough...now trying to frantically clean the house for the second showing this week. Keep those collective fingers crossed.

Realtors looked this morning and we are in the ball park range for where house prices are at...might try for another week privately....then go from there.

DH worked out in AB again for the third time this week, and is hoping to have the weekend off to do some more house work. (while the boys and I sneak off to the lake....roles are reversing...beware...)

Talk soon....Take care yall

cooties

Scabies? Bed-bugs? Creepy crawlers....

None of them can hold a match to the Clean Cooties...our house has been spotless for 3 full days and I can hardly stand it. I feel itchy all the time, and I have the need for a shower constantly.

Will somebody please buy my house, so that we can return to normal?

(did have a family look last night for 40ish minutes....if we all think positive together...they will phone tonight...right?)

Its a girl!!!

Its a pinkie!!! Congrats to GnD - they had a beautiful (i'm sure) baby girl this morning at about 7am.

We got woke up at approx 2 am telling us they were heading to the hospital, then again just a few minutes ago. She is 8lbs 13oz ...and they named her Riley (not sure of spelling...and no middle name as of yet).

Everyone is doing great. The boys are excited to babysit....

without a hitch

Last night went well for the boys and me. Felt like the fastest parade ever...we basically sprinted the whole hour.

Oh yeah..and I sorta lied...the kids threw candy...but also handed out pamphlets...but they still had fun. Retzky enjoys having a task. Chase enjoyed riding and waving. Me...I was the parent in charge of keeping kids on track and not losing them....felt like I was obsessively counting....1,2....12 yep got em all....1,2 yep...still here...didnt lose one kid....perfect.

Talked to the realtor today, the fixer upper still isnt ours just yet, one little glitch, should know tomorrow. Also she will more than likely be selling our house for us. Little less stress (not much less).

Heading up to the lake this weekend....then tuesday off to Calgary with the Fujis!!! oh yeah that reminds me...need to book a hotel room...right...that was on my march "to do" list.

Watch out zoo...here come the true animals from the west!!!

Wave like the queen

I cant believe I left my camera at the lake. Tonight the boys are walking in the NB parade. Throwing candy - Not soliciting for money, or asking for things...but throwing candy. They are pretty excited.

Before we are off to walk a mile, Retzky is starting his 3v3 hockey camp. We will have ten minutes to change and get walking!!

You will have to picture the boys in your mind...sorry!!

Whirlwind weekend

I do have to say..not the greatest start to a weekend.

Poor dad had a MINOR accident on a quad...that we needed to attend to. Had to leave to the city early (and quickly) to see if he was ok (and he is now thank goodness)...plus they were grandparenting the boys...so we ran in to get them out of their hair.

Tough old guy's gonna need more than a quad accident to keep him down...

Then we were off to an old friends house for the night. WOWzers...great time...good laughs and old stories. It was soo nice to see him and his new house renos. Got to stay in his swanky new trailer with the boys before we headed off to the annual golf tourney.

Found a last minute sitter...and crazy lake cousin was up to the task. She was awesome!! Took the boys to the Forestry Farm, out for lunch and movie mania....we really appreciate it!! Its soo nice to have such a wonderful family. Thanks you know who (cant think of a nickname..you'll have to let me know if you have one)

Golf tourney was great again this year. Weather was perfect and the people fantastic. I had a great group of golfers that I had never met before and all like to drink beer....nice. DH got a skunk trophy...otherwise known as the most honest team award for the 3rd time (out of 5 years!!)....nice.

So, we are home now and just put the for sale sign on the front lawn. Now we are going to sit back, relax and let the offers pour in. Thats how it works, right? Right?

Take care yall...talk soon...

Under construction

I apologize for the lack of posts. Mom told me today that its been awhile.

DH and I have been working hard trying to get the house ready to sell. Basically before and after work - so not too much to report.

The boys sound like they are having a great time at grandma and grandpas...swimming....park....library....shopping trips....playing with cousins....aahhh the life.

This weekend we are headed to the city for our annual golf tourney with friends. Pick up the rug rats on sunday.

So, figure we have to sell the house friday - otherwise it will be a mess sunday night!!

cuckoo

On a whim DH and I went a little crazy.

For those of you who havent yet been cornered by one of us to talk your ear off....

We have bought a house. We did not plan it. Did not expect it....but the house talked to us. Now for the big part(s).

1. Have to sell our house (again TOTALLY not prepared)

2. Have to GUT new house (yes - completely friggin gut it!!)

3. Have to find that cash box I buried in the back yard.

4. Have to have a quick crash course in "Marriage vs Renovations 101"

DH always said he wanted to live by the river...I have always been the naysayer. So, I let him have his way. But, the red shag in the kitchen definitely has to go...so does the brown shag in the bathroom, the lime green wall paper and the brown panel board. Oh yeah...all the trees in the back yard and numerous other small projects...wish us luck.

I take it all back...

It definitely was not a Griswald family reunion (well maybe me and the boys),,,,it was great!!

We had relatives from BC to Ontario, some of whom I have not had a chance to meet yet. The weather was terrific (I knew those grey skies were gonna clear up, put on a happy face...T.J!!) The kids all got a chance to meet and I have to say that for 3/4 days of non stop interraction...did amazing!!

I also have to brag a bit...I think we could make commercials ...we have some of the cutest damn kids in our family...(ok...one already made a movie for cryin out loud!!) Good genes...

I would show pics...but unfortunately did not have my camera...so I am waiting impatiently for somebody to email me some!!! Anybody?

Talent show went off with a bang....the rose torch got passed along....no itch (so far)....the stilts were being mastered and all was well in the universe.

Thanks to the cuzins from AB for organizing!! Great time!!

off to the griswald vacation

Off without DH..poor guy has to work. (Oh yeah and I left him a list of household chores)

I'm sure he will do both with vigor. hmmm

The boys and I will be leaving shortly and I really am excited to visit all my relatives...its been too long!

Hope everybody has a great long weekend...be safe. Dally..I will have my cell on....if not...leave a message at home!!!

quotes

This whole facebook thing can make you a little wonky.

There is a section for favorite quotes...I didnt have one....but I did stumble across a pretty funny website with some.

One of them is from one of my favorite comediennes. I remember sitting and listening to her on one of my parents records..Lilly Tomlin...too funny.

Here it is....I think it might be a new fav...

"Reality is a crutch for people who can't handle drugs."

Oone more from one of my favorite ex-athletes(he's got a funny autobiography if you ever have a chance to read it) Charles Barkley

"These are my new shoes. They're good shoes. They won't make you rich like me, they won't make you rebound like me, they definitely won't make you handsome like me. They'll only make you have shoes like me. That's it."

Last one, also from one of my favorite ex-athletes...Michael Jordan

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

how much crap can one home have?

This is not an easy question.

Tonight...while looking for our "used xmas gift" to exchange at the family reunion...I have stumbled upon a house full of it. Crap that is. We have only lived here 3.5 years and still have plenty of crap.

Even though I think I am fairly good at keeping on top of it...it has gotten away from me once again. After 3 loads to the garbage bin and two bags to goodwill...I have decided to have a garage sale sometime in Aug or late Sept. Mostly things for free....

Things like...a boys bike in need of a seat (now too small for our kids), a great comfy lazy boy that we cant seem to get out of the recline position, a whole lot of boys clothes (still trying to pawn on GnD), some excess furniture etc etc.

Now if only I had good crap to give away....maybe I'll start shopping for things that I wont need next year.....????