Phoenix Project: Day 50

Another busy but fulfilling day! Bob was working late so it was just me and the kids. After work and dinner we had a wonderful evening relaxing. It's nice when the kids actually want to have down time instead of me forcing them to slow down. The snuggly kids were the best part of the day!

Phoenix Project: Day 49

Today was Jillayne's birthday! I was able to attend an exclusive party in her honour and I was delighted to provide the birthday cake--a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. The evening included watching "The Blind Side" which was AMAZING and eating greek pizza.

Jillayne is absolutely FABULOUS!! We have spent many hours devouring ethnic food all over the city of London. One of our most favorite places to go has been WONDER SUSHI!! Yep, all you can eat and the two of us took on that challenge!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful friend!

Phoenix Project: Day 48

Monday was a pretty busy--it's feels like I'm constantly running but not really going anywhere. I finally got home, fed the kids, did the dishes and crashed on the couch with KC and Lukas. Lukas brought his library book to read to me. Scaredy Squirrel is one of his favorites and Lukas is so animated when he reads it.
Melanie Watt is funny and creative!! Lukas loves to read about all the crazy trouble he gets into. It's so cute to listen to him read, especially when he starts laughing but keeps reading and you can't understand what he's saying! Love it!!

Here's a little glimpse of one of Scaredy's Plans:
When all else fails, play dead!! It's so cute!

Phoenix Project: Day 47

We've been having some computer issues so I'm playing catch up a little. Sunday was a great day. On our way to church it started raining--a lot. I was wearing my beautiful black satin pumps and refused to get them wet. I made a comment to the girls in my car that I'd have to take my shoes off and run barefoot into the building to protect them from the rain. My friend Jillayne said, "Seriously?? That would totally make my day to see you run into the church like that!" My response, of course, was "I'm not doing it for you; I'm doing it for my shoes!" They've been mocking me all week ;)

Here's a picture with me and JayJay from Saturday--I LOVE this girl!! She not only angelic but she's so FUNNY! I am constantly laughing when I'm with her!

Phoenix Project: Day 46

Today I am so grateful for good friends--amazing friends, actually. Bob's been planning for the past few weeks to go to Toronto with the youth of our ward to visit the temple. I wasn't going to go--it's really tough for us to find someone to keep KC and Lukas all day, especially on a Saturday.

I am the luckiest because my wonderful friend, Jenn, not only agreed to watch the kids today so I could go with Bob, but also offered to have them sleepover on Friday so it wouldn't be such a crazy, early morning for them AND said that she would get KC to ballet this morning. When I called her to say I was on my way to pick the kids up, she insisted that the kids were fine and that I should go home and take a nap!

I am so lucky to be surrounded by good friends!

Phoenix Project: Day 45

Today took a pleasant, unexpected turn...I got a raise! Miracles happen!

Phoenix Project: Day 44

Thursdays are a good day for me--whatever happens during the day can be laughed away during Thursday night tv! But, despite the hilarious tv, it was a good day. I've noticed lately that I am constantly surrounded by static noise. I've started driving to work without the radio so I can think uninterrupted. It's been a really nice change of pace. Of course, I still turn it up as loud as possible on the way home so I can sing...without hearing my voice!

It's all about balance, right?

Phoenix Project: Day 43

I realize that everyday will have ups and downs and today I hit a bump--Lukas has been struggling quite a bit over the last year. Before Christmas we were taking him to meet with a psychologist to try and understand what he was feeling and how we could help. When he came home from school he went straight upstairs. I asked him how his day was and he said "Good!" as he was running by. When I went to check his planner he refused to let me see it. He said that he didn't want me to see what was inside. When I opened it I found a note from his teacher about his behavior and when I questioned Lukas about it, he couldn't really remember what happened...yeah right. So I marched him back to the school to find his teacher.

She went through exactly what happened and what the consequences would be; she also explained that Lukas knew what he had done and that he was supposed to tell me about it when he got home. The three of us were able to talk about everything and I feel very reassured by Ms. K that despite the bad day, Lukas has improved a lot since the beginning of the year.

I am so grateful that Lukas has an amazing teacher! It has made all the difference this year. We know that Lukas has some challenges but it is wonderful to work with his teachers and feel like we're accomplishing something--even if today was a bad day.

I walked away from the school feeling strengthened and uplifted, which given the situation, might not have been the case.

HOORAY FOR WONDERFUL TEACHERS!

Phoenix Project: Day 42

Today was a work day but I was able to get to the gym first...which, because it was Tuesday, was KILLER! I packed up my make up and shampoo so I could just shower at the gym and then go straight to work. But...I forgot to put mascara in my bag!! Yikes! Seriously, mascara is a MUST have. Luckily, I was getting low anyway so I stopped by Shoppers and picked up a new one...my favorite:Yep--I love what it does for my lashes ;)

Phoenix Project: Day 41

Today it's all about:

SLEEP.

That's it--I am so very happy at the end of the day

to go to sleep.

Phoenix Project: Day 40

There were 3 big things that stood out to me today:

1. Our sacrament meeting (which is where the WHOLE congregation meets together) had 2 amazing talks about modesty. One of the standards we try to teach our youth is modesty and it's very challenging especially with many of today's fashion trends. We avoid short skirts and shorts and we try to find clothing that covers our shoulders, backs and navels. In addition, we also avoid clothing that is too tight or revealing. Both talks discussed the purpose of modesty and the challenges we face in trying to keep this standard.
2. KC and Lukas were getting ready for bed and Lukas, being REALLY over tired and grouchy was whining about EVERYTHING. I hugged him and sent him to bed and then went to put on my pjs. A few minutes later I heard KC singing lullabies to Lukas to help him fall asleep. AAAAWWWWEEEE! So amazing!
3. I chatted on the phone with my sister and she relayed the funniest story to me. Apparently, her daughter Zoe was playing with our best friends kids, Jaxon and Rylee. The three of them were playing house when my best friend Allyson overheard them--they were pretending to be Hot Bob (which is what we call Bob), me and KC! I laughed out loud!! Kids are so funny!

The more I stop and look for positive things, the harder it is to see the challenges. I've seen a huge difference in my outlook since the commencement of this project and I'm excited to see more progress.

Phoenix Project: Day 39

Saturdays seem to be a chaotic day at our house--a catch up on everything that didn't get done during the week. Cleaning, groceries, gardening, organizing, ballet class for KC, blah, blah and more blah. There is rarely relaxing on Saturdays. Today, after a workout at the gym and a shower, KC and I went to Costco to grab a few groceries and some free samples...Saturday is a great day for samples! KC is learning all about grocery shopping and cooking; she's really excited to be involved in the whole process. After a successful trip to Costco the two of us went for lunch!

That was the BEST part of the day!

We went to Boston Pizza and spent time chatting about school, birthday plans, favorite things and enjoyed a delicious lunch! It was fun to go out, just the two of us and talk. I can't believe how mature she is...most of the time ;) It seems like the last 10 years have raced by.

I am definitely blessed to have a daughter as wonderful as she is!

Phoenix Project: Day 38

The kids were on Spring Break this week and it's been a little tough because I still have to work so I feel more guilty about not being home and getting a sitter for them (even though I have a GREAT sitter). Having them home during the day also messes with my schedule a bit too. Usually I go to the gym on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings to workout and catch a class or two. This morning our sitter came over to watch the kids while I went to the gym but just as I was walking out the door our neighbour called to invite us to a maple sugar farm. I told her I wouldn't be able to go because I was leaving for the gym so she offered to take the kids with her.

I went to the gym and the kids went out for a day trip with all their neighbourhood friends. I was able to meet up with them all after and spent the rest of the day/evening hanging out. It was wonderful to just spend time together and let the kids run around and play. It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Phoenix Project: Day 37

Random funny story...this actually happened the other day but I forgot to post it. I'm having dinner with the kids and we're talking about how their day, you know, just chatting. We starting talking about Jesus and how He loves children and Lukas was really surprised. He thought that Jesus didn't really like kids. As I'm trying to explain it to him, Kailyn interrupts and says, "Seriously Lukas, Jesus loves kids...if He was our babysitter I bet He'd take us BOWLING!" Truly, the most random statement EVER!!

Today I was driving the kids to piano and they're chatting in the back seat. Lukas gets suddenly really excited and says, "Hey guys!! You know what?! One day, I was at school looking at CLOUDS and do you know what they looked like? One of them looked like a FLYING HIPPOPOTAMUS and the other looked like a MUSTACHE!"

Apparently my children are experts in the art of random tidbits of crazy information!! Ha ha! At least it keeps things interesting!

Phoenix Project: Day 36

It was a beautiful day today! The sun was shining...my sun roof was open...I even brought out my sandals and Capri's. I am ready for Spring! Bring on the BBQ and the parks; I can't wait for the flowers to pop open and the grass to turn green. I tried really hard to be positive all day today but there was one sign of Spring that grossed me out...

ROAD KILL!

Yep, they're back! Everywhere I look is a squished animal on the road--skunks, raccoons, squirrels and other unidentifiable critters. It looks like pet cemetery out there! I guess the plus in all this gross-ness is the instant loss of appetite. It's hard to think about snacking with that image in your mind--or, if you've driven by a skunk, that smell stuck to you!

So HAPPY SPRING!

Phoenix Project: Day 35

Best part of my day...thank you Jayden for coming and taking AMAZING pictures of the kids. Unfortunately, Lukas didn't really want to cooperate but Jayden is talented and got some really great shots anyway. Need pictures? Call Jayden!

Phoenix Project: Day 34

I'm still feeling a bit of an energy drain leftover from the weekend but my day was good and productive. I've been looking for another part time job in addition to the one I already have and today I had a interview! Work is hard to find and good work is almost impossible but I think the interview went well though.

I also got a new phone! Hooray!! We've had the old one for almost 3 years and it's been acting really weird. We use it as a home phone so if it isn't working, we really have a problem. Hopefully the new one will work well for us.

Stay tuned...tomorrow is KILLER gym day!

Phoenix Project: Day 33

This weekend has been long but good. Sunday wrapped up the weekend with a early morning ward conference and then home to take a well deserved nap. Before crashing, I treated myself to a chick movie and just relaxed on the couch until Bob got home with the kids. What a weekend!

Phoenix Project: Day 32

What an exhausting, but inspiring, day! Today I'm grateful that:

1. Best of EFY was so amazing. We had huge numbers (400+ kids), a wonderful speaker and everything went relatively smooth.
2. IT'S OVER (for another year ;)

Phoenix Project: Day 31

Wow--I'm not sure what was the best part of my day. It could have been shopping at Costco with Kelly; we used to go shopping for groceries together all the time and it was really nice to spend a few minutes sampling and looking for deals! It could have been preparing for our Best of Especially for Youth Conference and finishing up last minute details...I loved seeing all the youth having a great time. It makes me feel like all the work was worth it! We have so many amazing youth in this region and it is a privilege to get to know them. I'm also grateful for a wonderful babysitter who came to stay with Lukas while Bob and I were helping with the conference and for Pilling who stepped in at the last moment to help me ;)

How lucky am I?

Phoenix Project: Day 30

I was waiting to do an audio/visual check for a conference this weekend and I got a phone call from my Mom. She said "I love your blog! It makes me feel so connected to you guys!" I am grateful for technology that brings us closer together...and for my Mom, who thinks I'm AMAZING!!

Phoenix Project: Day 29

I have to admit that I was little concerned about how I'd be feeling today. Last week, after hitting the gym for an INTENSIVE workout, I could barely move the next day...at all. I couldn't raise my arms; it hurt to shift gears in my car or use my mouse at work. It hurt to sit down or stand up (especially since I didn't have full use of my arms). My abs hurt so bad to move in any direction...and then I sneezed and I thought I was going to die! Do you have any idea how much your abs contract when you sneeze?? I had no clue until last week. So, what did I do about it? Went back to the class again this week!

To my pleasant surprise, I was slightly sore but could get myself out of bed and dressed all by myself! Hooray! Yep, I didn't have to fight back tears at all ;)

I was also able to attend another New Beginnings tonight. It's interesting because every unit is a little different but they're all working towards common goals and themes. Plus, I really LOVE these girls!! They are so amazing and talented and FUNNY and cute! It is such a joy to get to know them!

Phoenix Project: Day 28

Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised at what the day holds. I had an awesome (yet killer) workout followed by SUBWAY with Kelly. Today was a house cleaning day...I hate cleaning but it's what has to be done right now. I spent the afternoon working with Kelly--it's much easier than doing it myself and way more fun! I also got a surprise visit from Jess which was AMAZING! I totally love that girl and I've missed her since she's gone away to school...but lucky me! It's spring break for her and she's back for a visit!

Phoenix Project: Day 27

Today felt like I was constantly rushing. I left for work a few minutes early (which rarely happens) and got almost half way there and realized I left my cell phone and wallet on the coffee table...back home and then slightly late for work. After work on Mondays I always drive over and pick Kailyn up from school because she has ballet and her bus doesn't get her home until 5:20. Traffic was unusually busy BUT it was so beautiful out that I opened the sunroof, blasted the radio and sang as loud as possible!

Rushed from the school home and rushed from home to the ballet studio and was about to rush home to start dinner before rushing back to ballet studio when Kailyn said, "Umm, I think it's parent's day and you can come in and watch my class." I parked the car and Lukas and I went in to view the class.

There's something relaxing about watching ballet--they are so graceful and the music is soothing--I could almost fall asleep. It was really great to stop in the middle of a busy day and watch Kailyn's class; it helped me to slow down and enjoy the really important things.

Phoenix Project: Day 26

There was a special Stake (regional) Conference held today that we were able to attend. Elder M. Russell Ballard, one of the Apostles of our church, came and spoke to us; it was an uplifting experience to hear what he had to say.



There was a focus on family, faith and missionary work which kind of goes along with my personal goals. I spent the afternoon reflecting on his counsel and became more dedicated to continue and magnify the goals that I've set for myself. It was a great way to finish up the weekend and get ready for another week!

Phoenix Project: Day 25

Saturday! Bob and the kids helped me to get the house all clean and Lukas was so cute!

Lukas: Mom, I made your bed for you!
Mom: Thanks Lukas...did you make your bed too?
Lukas: Nope! Just yours.

Kids are great!

Phoenix Project: Day 24

Today I finally had a day off! Hooray! It's Friday, there's no work...does it get any better? After going to the gym, I spent the rest of the day working on our family budget. Yep--I've been doing so research and I found a spreadsheet to help track our income and expenses and hopefully, pay down our debt. I've been watching 'Til Debt do us Part to get some ideas and motivation to finally work through a budget. If anyone is interested in an excel spreadsheet, let me know and I'll email it to you.

I am grateful to be working on our debt and actually knowing where our money is going.

Phoenix Project: Day 23

I'm going to dedicate today's post to a very special someone:


It's my brother James! Today is his birthday (and this is probably the only photo in existence in which I am taller than him--older brother, Shawn on the left, me on the right and James front and centre) and I am grateful for him. We're only 15 1/2 months apart so growing up, we had a lot of the same friends. James LOVES rugby and I have spent many hours watching him play and cheering him on. He also loves to sing and has performed in many groups and choirs. My favorite story about James:

One night, James and a friend were driving home and James noticed the car in front of them. He said, "Hey, I know those guys--when we stop at a red light, I'm going to jump out and scare them!" At the next red light he jumped out and ran up to the car. He threw open the door and let out a Shrek-like ROAR then closed the door and walked back. As he climbed back in the vehicle he turned and said, "Wrong car--I didn't know them!" The light turned green and the car in front of them squealed off as fast as possible.

James is very kind and loves kids. When he was on his mission, he made a doll version of himself, complete with clothes and a missionary tag, and mailed back to Kailyn. It was so adorable--actually, she still has it.

I have been so blessed to have him in my life--he's been a wonderful little brother and a trusted friend. Happy Birthday!

Phoenix Project: Day 22

There are a couple of things that I didn't really expect when I started this project:

1. That people actually read my blog ;)
2. The overwhelming number of uplifting comments and emails

I have received a large number of wonderful notes from friends and family (and other people I don't know at all) cheering me on. I am so grateful for those acts of kindness--it really means so much to me. I got a card in the mail today from Mary--one of my amazing friends who lives about 10 minutes away...yep, it probably took more time to buy the card, write in the card, find a stamp and mail it than it would have taken to drive over...which is why I LOVE it! Mary is one of those people that can have fun anywhere: a cafe, the movies or browsing through the latest collection of Joe clothes at Superstore.

Today I am grateful for good friends...

Ladies Get Blessed!

We issued a challenge to all the Young Women in southwestern Ontario to write and produce a video promoting "Personal Progress." As a Stake Young Women's Presidency, we got together and produced this parody of an old rap classic...yes, I'm aware that I look ridiculous and that people will probably never take me seriously again!

Enjoy!

Phoenix Project: Day 21

This was waiting for me when I got home from work today: My wonderful mother in-law decide that she would celebrate my "unbirthday" and surprised me with this amazing gift. She made me these beautiful aprons. I had to enlist the help of my trusty photographer, Jayden, to capture these fantastic works of art! They are so beautiful that I'm scared to use them for cooking in case they get dirty so Bob said that I could use them to cover up my dirty clothes after I finish dinner! If anyone is interested is getting their own amazing apron, contact Peggy White at peggyscove@shaw.ca!

Phoenix Project: Day 20

Mondays...I wonder if it realizes that nobody really likes it?? Today was a great Monday for me--I got to relax and hang out with my friends. We made dinner, then caramel popcorn and settled in to watch some tv. I had so much fun--Monday couldn't have been any better!!