Inspiration

Christmas 2010

2011-02-04T12:47:00.002Z

A bit of a lot!

2010-12-01T21:14:00.002Z

I know it's been forever since I've posted anything. We've been without our computer for a while so loading photos has been a problem. But, I'm back online now. Photos are now posted on:

Enjoy! x

My New Camera

2010-10-19T21:25:00.011+01:00

For my birthday this year, I got a new camera! It's a digital Canon SLR and I'm still getting used to all the fancy settings. There's a vast amount for me to learn, but here are the beginnings..

I took the camera with me to this petting zoo/farm with Debbie and Francesca. It was in a very nice area of London and as a result this "farm" has paved pathways and 2 hand sanitisers every other post!

We spend many of our weekends at Shenley Park. There's a playground, a field, a cafe and an apple orchard. We all "scrumped" an apple from a tree. Xander picked the most gnarled looking one (fine, just a bit scarred) and I had to resist every GM-advertising-influenced bone in my body to not convince him to take a better looking one. But, he happily ate the whole thing and seemed pleased to have picked it first. Yum yum.

Reading at Emma's Birthday party. It's the best photo because he's actually still in this one!

Playing diggers at home

Xander's birthday: Nick calls it Peppa Pig Day because every party we've been to this month (ours included) had Peppa Pig cards, napkins, plates, cake...

Xander's actual birthday was on a Friday so we were all at work but came home early to have a nice family dinner. I actually made it to his nursary in time for me to dish out his birthday cake there! It was vey special to hear all the kids chant his name and sing happy birthday to him.

Christie came home from university for the weekend (asking for money and toilet paper - ah, remember those days?) It was so nice to see her. It feels like ages!

Xander's gifts were plentiful and well received. He said a thank you after each one - even if the people were overseas. His shirt, by the way, says "I am two" and is covered in diggers.

Summer 2010

2010-08-27T21:40:00.006+01:00

So... there were so many photos that I've put them onto a video. Not as slick or as good in quality as Uncle Phils, but after 3 hours of trying to figure out a new programme, it'll do!

Photos that for some reason didn't get on the video...

Spring/Early Summer 2010

2010-06-29T21:15:00.004+01:00

Fun in the sandpit

And relaxing after a hard day's work

Fun with the water snake

Cheeky monkey

GQ boy. Look at how he models the dummy and doggies!

Go En-----glllllll-----aaaannnnndddd!! As they sing. We had a BBQ for the last game. They lost 4-1 and were played out of the World Cup. I knew there was a reason I never watch football!

Easter 2010

2010-04-29T20:06:00.010+01:00

I had a nice three weeks off school and spent most of the time enjoying the sun in the garden. Nick worked for a lot of it on the Prime Ministerial Debates as he was organising the security for one of the events.

We worked on getting Xander to eat more... it worked, but it had to be fun (and messy).

We went to visit Nick's brother's family for the Easter weekend. I can't believe I don't have a photo of the outdoor morning Easter Egg Hunt!
Oh well.... I did take some photos of playing in the garden.

Is he a baby or a bin man?

Policeman?

Then a warm bath with cousin Louis at the end of a hard day.

We went to Paradise Park with Jack and Christie. About a year ago we went there and I took a video of Xander petting a zebra. This time we spent most of the time feeding the alpacas. If I can, I'll post a video later, but Xander LOVED it. He loves animals and can now say most animal noises. He can snort for a pig, tweet for a bird, moo, baaa, kkkkk for a duck and Pfthhhh for a horse, he even makes a cute eating noise for a rabbit! Don't know what sound an alpaca makes though....

Playing Pirates
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Chilling out in our garden.

Spring Break 2nd Half

2010-03-26T13:30:00.006Z

We played in the garden

Went to a playground where Xander amazed us with his strength, agility and fearlessness.

And learned animal names at a rare breed farm

Say cheese!

March 2010

2010-03-26T13:19:00.004Z

Just relaxing

How to cook with a cranky boy who wants to be held

The day Canada won Gold in Hockey at the 2010 Olympics!

Yum Yum

The future engineer

A nice cuddle on the couch...

Spring Break First Half

2010-02-17T21:13:00.003Z

The T-shirt says it all.

He loves his Cheerios Pot and Mummy loves the 'non-spill' lid. The inventor should be Knighted.

And, he loves reading DK travel books.

Loves eating Bananas (and bread and that's about it)

These crayons are big, chunky, easy to write with and not easy to break. Brill! He loves drawing but we leave the painting to the childminders.

Oooooo.... Daddy's Valentine's chocolates!

Empty??

He slides the cars down the firetruck ramp. Says EEEEEE (as in Weee).... and then claps.

Tonight Christie and Jack are arriving so more photos to come.

Canadian Christmas

2010-01-10T20:09:00.007Z

Well, Xander threw up for the first week and a half and was miserable. But after that, and between the vomit, we managed to have tons of fun. Here are some of our highlights.

What time is it? I'm so so jet legged.
Deer on the deck.

Is it a mess or a blessing? Not Where's Waldo / Wally, but Where's Xander?

Santa's Little Helper

Christmas Day Adventure. Xander loved being pulled in the sled; which was good as he couldn't really move in his starfish snowsuit.

Ahhhh...

Just missing Christie

Shooting down pop cans. Thanks Uncle Cody and Auntie Casey

The snow was how deep?? We walked down to the river from Mom's house. It was hard ploughing through the untouched snow but it was so beautiful.

Evidence of Beavers at the river

Skiing at Canada Olympic Park

Hitman Hockey Game. Thanks, Uncle Dan and Auntie Christine!

Tobogganing farmer style.

Dogsledding in Canmore (Thanks Mom and Jim!). It must have been -40 with windchill, but we got to mush, ride and more! Mushing was hard work but we loved EVERY minute of it.

First haircut... and it was by Grandma!

Shaking snow off the trees

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T13:18:00.004Z

Like a good mother should (or so they say), I made Xander's first Halloween costume.

He was a lion. He wore lion shoes, brown top and bottom, he had a tail, a mane, and a tummy. I painted his faced (as much as I could!) to look like a lion. And when we started he was as cute as a button! Off we went to a party with the Mums and Babies.

My little rugby player.
Auntie Sal and cousin Louis came to visit

And Xander took his first steps from the rocking chair he's sat on to the trampoline. (Oct 28)
Big brother Jack has done Xander's hair.
Love to all,

x

Oh the fun a one year old has!

2009-10-22T16:36:00.006+01:00

At Aldenham Park/Farm...

Learning to use a spoon...

In the back garden...

(yes it needs a lick of paint!)

Happy Brithday Xander!

2009-10-16T19:01:00.005+01:00

I can't believe a year has past! These two are totally enamored with each other.

Here are some photos of our party at home with Christie, Jack and Grandad David.

Having his cake....

... and eating it too

Playing with some of the wonderful gifts he received.

And the last word...

birthday.. first draft

2009-10-09T08:43:00.005+01:00

Just a few pix for now... I'm off camping on a Duke of Edinburgh trip. I'll post more when I get a chance.

A Sunday Birthday picnic with the Mum and Baby group (NCT group)

At the childminders....

Our Canadian Summer

2009-09-11T13:33:00.012+01:00

Sorry it took me so long to post these!

Books

2009-07-27T15:33:00.007+01:00

I forgot to mention Xander's first black eye! He got it whilst trying to stand on his own. As he was falling, he grabbed a toddler chair for support but he just pulled it down with him. The leg swung up and smacked him in the eye. We were at a friends house. Xander, our little cage fighter, hardly cried.

On a positive note, Xander now understands books. He turns the pages (not always one by one). He feels things or flips things if the page requires. He also understands no and often cries if I say it. I didn't realize my teaching voice was so scary. He doesn't really cry when Daddy says no.
Hummm.....

Puke!

2009-07-26T21:38:00.003+01:00

I have suspected Swine flu and Xander has gastroenteritis.
I started to get sick on Friday and was on Tamiflu by Friday night. They haven't taken blood or anything. I haven't even seen a doctor! It's just a mass treatment for anyone with flu-like symptoms (must include a fever).I had to answer yes or no questions on an online website and they gave me a "yes, you may have swine flu, here is your reference number to pick up some antivirals. Please send someone other than yourself to pick them up and quarenteen yourself to your home for at least five days."

To be honest, I think I have what Xander has. It's too much of a coincidence that all our symptoms are the same except I have a fever and he doesn't.

We were at A&E with Xander on Saturday as it was coming out of both ends for hours. It's so so hard to see your little boy heaving. He looked so confused and in so much pain. Nick just held him and aimed a kidney bowl the direction of the main stream. I wasn't allowed in the hospital but I popped in for a second to give provisions (extra clothes, etc) and they made me wear a mask. To be honest, I shouldn't have driven, I wasn't really all there.

It's now Sunday night. I'm feeling much better. But Xander is still throwing up and out of sorts. We're giving him an electrolyte to help hydrate him.

We're supposed to fly to Canada on Wednesday. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
As for last week when we were better:

x

Pish posh

2009-06-07T19:14:00.008+01:00

Pish Posh, my son will only drink bottled water. He won't drink water from a sippy cup, a diody cup (slanted, but adult looking), a real cup, a milk bottle.... But, he'll drink it from a water bottle - as in a bottle of water you buy from the gas station. Oh well, at least I know how to keep him hydrated during hot days!

After many sleepless weeks (teething, runny nose, cough, etc) and 5am wakings, my son is fast asleep. He's had a nice normal over 2 hour morning nap after sleeping until 6.30 this morning. Thank you God!

Sunny May Holidays

2009-05-31T14:12:00.005+01:00

It's been nice and warm all week so we've spent a lot of time outside. We had Christie and Jack from Friday until Wednesday. Nick took the kids to see drag racing (I mean fast moving cars, not women with big hands running in high heals) and the rest of the time was spent walking through parks and enjoying the sun. The kids are great with Xander. They are playful and helpful and Xander loves them to bits. He's become very social and tries to chat with everyone he meets. This makes playing with him much more fun. The highlight of the week was that all four of us got to see Xander crawl for the first time!!!

7 1/2 months

2009-05-23T10:15:00.010+01:00

Well, we have a school holiday this week. Ahhhhh.... So, now that I have some time to post some pictures I realize that I haven't really had time to take many!

Xander can now get himself to where ever he wants to go. He uses a more "all fours scoot" to get around. He can sit, roll, scoot and sit again in whatever order or direction he pleases. He has just today pulled himself up on to the coffee table.

He is adventurous and is willing to try anything. As a result, he has a permanent bruise on his forehead. Why does he keep bashing the same spot?

Gone are the days of cradling the head and being ultra-clean! Note the scratch below his eye and the hair in his mouth.

Recently, one of the babies in our Mum's and Babies group died of cot death. This postcard was made to commemorate the friends he had in the group. He was only two weeks younger than Xander. It makes me appreciate the gift God has given me so much more.

We went on a sponsored walk and raised almost £1000 (and still counting) for FSID (Foundation and Study of Infant Deaths).

7 Months old

2009-05-09T13:15:00.008+01:00

Xander is now 7 months old. I can't believe where all the time has gone! I'm back at work now, which is hard, but not as hard as I thought. But I must be super organised and I can't believe how busy I am just keeping things afloat.

Xander now rolls around the room both ways, sits up for a long time, loves being on his tummy, squirms backwards around the room, eats sticks of cooked carrots, chunky puree, all sorts of veggies and fruit, sticks of toast and baby snacks (organic and wholesome of course). Tonight I'll cook some spaghetti bolognese for his lunch tomorrow.

He loves to yell at the kids at the child minders when they're not paying him enough attention and he loves all the activities that they play. He's just started to wave once in a while and he can say mama, fish and hi ya but doesn't really know what he's saying. And, he blows zerberts / raspberries - especially when he doesn't want to eat anymore.

He's just finished his first major cold. He lost his voice (which made the crying much more bearable), projectile vomited all over me, his childminder and the doctor, had a fever off and on for 4 days, went on antibiotics and is now much better. At least I got to cuddle him like a newborn again.

I'll post some pictures when I get around to it. x

Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma/Susan

2009-04-26T14:38:00.005+01:00

Wish we were with you today... and everyday!

Standing proud!

I like this photo because he looks like me when I was a baby. And, look at those teeth!

A toast to G'ma on her birthday!

Look at that knee. The crawl is around the corner...

The teeth have arrived!

2009-04-18T12:50:00.002+01:00

Now that Xander can finally sit on his own, all he wants to do is stand.

You can just see his tooth. The one beside it has come in too now.

Now that the teeth have popped through, he can finally sleep again!

Who me?

He's certainly not a thunder thighed, Buddha belly boy.

a few videos

2009-04-12T21:59:00.006+01:00

Happy Easter everyone. Hope you enjoy these videos.

Two weeks ago... sitting up - just.

And last week Jack and Xander played with the balloon that Uncle Dan gave Jack.

Pix on the other camera...

2009-04-01T09:36:00.003+01:00

Meeting Uncle Dan

My Mother's Day present... of course a squirrel was the first to enjoy!

Sitting up!

Xander loves blueberries!

Frere Daniel, Frere Cody, Dormez vous?

2009-03-29T16:50:00.007+01:00

It was great to see my brothers. The three of us left Xander at home with Nick and headed off to Paris for the weekend. There was no 'dormez-vous' ing as we caught the 5.30 train to get to Paris and Cody woke us up at 5am to begin sight seeing on the Sunday too. So, my one day to sleep in since Xander was born vanished. Needless to say, Cody slept in until 10am every other morning. Oh, Frere Cody!

Bridge entrance
Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame

The Opera House

The Louvre

Venus de Milo

Dan and the Mona Lisa. Is it the real thing?

Bikes for rent. Just plug in your coins and return them to any station around the city.

My brothers also got to meet my little man and the three of us drank a lot of beer and played a lot of cribbage.

First solids

2009-03-15T09:59:00.018Z

Xander is now 5 months and 1 week. He's 15 lbs 11 oz.

He was showing all the signs of needing solids so, another phase begins. He didn't really like baby rice (pablum) but since then, he's had "sweet potato and carrot". Yum Yum. And apple - which was maybe a bit too sour. Today and tomorrow it's "potato and pea" and maybe a pear dish if the pears ripen a bit more.

5 months old

2009-03-10T21:05:00.002Z

The last week of 4 months old

2009-03-08T15:54:00.005Z

He's now pulling off his socks and sucking his toes! A yucky, but important stage in a baby's development. He's also teething - which means drool, crankiness and little sleep but no pearly whites in sight yet.

Isn't this the cutest outfit!

Just so you don't think he's always smiling...

4 and 1/2 months

2009-02-28T19:20:00.006Z

Here's the latest....

Xander now lifts his legs to give himself some extra bounce on the bouncy chair.

And says Mmmmmmm and then makes a razzing car-driving sound with his lips.

The Zoolander pose.

Cousin Louis and Aunty Sal paid us a visit. Louis is only a month older. He's a big big boy! But we don't mind as we get all his hand-me-downs!

Our Sleeping Beauty.

And, if you think he's still so little; this is him when he was a few hours old.

A happy little boy

2009-02-21T13:00:00.003Z

I never thought this day would come. Feeding only every 4 hours and eating it peacefully (not screaming every 2 oz!), sleeping from 7pm to 6.30am with only a sleepy feed at 10.30, sleeping in his cot for every nap, putting him down with his eyes open and letting him fall asleep on his own...

This 4 month-old job is getting easier. Or is this just the calm before the teething storm?

Xander's latest success

2009-02-15T16:46:00.003Z

15 weeks

2009-01-27T09:52:00.004Z

I've added two features to my blog (note on the right hand side) "Subscribe to" and "Followers". I'm not sure exactly what they do but I'm hoping that it will send you and email when I put up a new post. If anyone would like to give it a try then I could let you know if it works. x

Mickey Mouse Madness... Oh what fun we have :)

My brown-eyed beauty

Fun on the activity chair

More 14 week photos

2009-01-21T20:15:00.005Z

A new mother holds her breath a lot. When she's tip-towing away from the sleeping baby, when she's just got the baby to settle and she doesn't want to move an inch, when she's just figured out the best position to feed the baby in (this time anyway), when she's checking that the sleeping baby is still breathing... It's a wonder the Olympic team isn't made up of just moms.

Gaining strength in his legs..

A cute Pooh outfit from Uncle Cody and Auntie Casey

Catching up on some much needed sleep.

14 weeks

2009-01-14T11:37:00.002Z

First time in the jolly jumper!
Who says boys don't dress up anymore?

More Pictures at 13 weeks

2009-01-10T09:34:00.004Z

Sitting up with help.

Lifting his head during tummy time.

13 weeks and 12lbs 3oz

2009-01-07T14:09:00.006Z

For the first time ever.... Xander is sleeping in his crib for his afternoon nap. That's right... he's not in my arms... he's not in the car seat....!! Life is so so good.

And the icy cold conditions have been a good excuse for a bit of Canadian fashion.

12 weeks

2009-01-05T21:07:00.004Z

The meds had side-effects which were worse than the original problem. This means that Xander has pretty much cried since Christmas night. After going back to the doctor and trying another med that didn't work I've taken him off meds and we're med free for now. I may put him back on the meds on a lower dose after the meds clear out of his system (His colon is a bit blocked up).

The doctors in England seem to give different advice to different people for the same problem. So, we have to share advice with others in our situation and then go on our instincts. hank goodness for post-natal groups!

Xander also has stopped nursing. He didn't want it and was on some sort of hunger strike. So, formula and expressing it is. Until the next phase! It really upset me that I had to stop nursing. I love the connection it gives me with him. And, it was SUCH hard work to get it started that I don't want to stop. But, I must listen to what my son needs and not what I want. Today was the first day of formula and he was back to being a happy chappy. It was the right decision.

Trying to suck his thumb....

Yes, Auntie Christine, he's still in some of the newborn 0-3month clothes you gave him!!

And, for the smaller 3-6 month clothes, we can just roll up the bottoms on the legs a bit :) These are his first jeans! And, to think when my mother was a teenager she was told that people in England didn't wear jeans.

Stomach acid has a pH of 2!

2008-12-30T14:44:00.006Z

The weather has been cold but sunny. Sadly, Xander's disposition has been more the first description than the later. As a result there are no recent photos but here's a video from Christmas day. Hopefully the new medicine to help Xander with his acid reflux will be the answer to our prayers and the smiles will return.

Happy Christmas! 11 Weeks Old

2008-12-28T20:44:00.006Z

Nick and I were woken early in the morning and then that same 'waker-uper' was tuckered out and didn't even make it to the end of the gift openings!

We headed to church for a short informal service and then Nick jumped in the kitchen. Christmas dinner was just the three of us so we had Marks & Spencer ready-to-cook food. We still had turkey and all the trimmings, just no prep work. Yum yum. Easy easy. This was a must with a newborn. And (a message to my Mom and Grandma) it was more than just a TV dinner!

.... one of us was fast asleep (but wouldn't go down in his crib!)
Happy Christmas Xander from Mum and Dad! How can you yawn with all that 'Learn through Play' stimulation??

Peter, Joy, Emma and Jean (Peter's Mum) stopped by for mulled wine and mince pies after the Queen's Speech.

Goodness me, lucky boy! And this is just from Grandma and Grandpa. Never mind his generous aunts and uncles.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well. Miss you!! x

9 week videos

2008-12-24T08:25:00.007Z

We've got Xander on some antacid medicine. This, along with the colic medicine (which he has because the painful regurgitation causes him to swallow loads of air), has helped things tremendously. I'm not a fan of taking medicine unless it's absolutely necessary but this was beyond necessary!

The crying is now muted and less often. He's able to go down in his cot for most of his naps. He sleeps longer at night (sleeps from 7pm - 7am with a feed at 10pm and he needs to be re-settled at about 5am, but not fed .. at least that's the way it's been for a few nights in a row.). Anyway, life is much easier.

We didn't need sleep boot camp. The reason he wasn't sleeping much is because he would wake with the pain of stomach acid in his esophagus. The reason he wouldn't go down in his cot is because if he lies flat the acid travels easier up the system when I hold him he's on an angle and gravity helps keep things down. Now I prop him up instead of lying him flat, let him play sat up after feeds and give him the meds.

I'll post a video and, if I get time, some photos from 9 and 10 weeks old (he's now 11 weeks today).

He's really giggling and having "conversations" now but as soon as he sees the camcorder or camera he becomes transfixed at the shiny sliver parts and I'm unable to capture the footage. Maybe this holiday when Nick's home I'll be able to get some better stuff, but for now.... Merry Christmas and enjoy the video!

Hitting toys on the play mat. He's learning how to work his arms and legs. If he kicks, the flowers light up and music plays. He's just starting to figure that out.

His sleeping bag which keeps him cozy during the evening and night. Less blankets that way too.
His black and white cards are his favourite toy at the moment. I call the picture of the girl his girlfriend as that's the one he stares at all the time. It's either his girlfriend or he's a stocker. I'll take the first option!

And, a close up of his eye colour as they turn more and more brown.

School Carol Service at St.Albans' Cathedral - Monday 8th December

The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School Carol Service took place in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. What a beautiful setting in which to hear the many choir and congregational carols that herald the festive season!

Boys were chosen from across the school to read the lessons and The Rev Markby delivered a thought provoking address centred around the new and beautiful baby Xander Rhys-Brown, who was extremely well behaved!

The choir performed, among others, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, Benedicamus Domino, and The Angel Gabriel. The robust sound of the congregational carols was further enhanced by the brass ensemble, who added fanfares and decorations to the already joyous sounds echoing round the Abbey walls.

We are very grateful to all who helped to organise our Carol Service, and special thanks go to the Abbey, for allowing us once again to use and enjoy their beautiful building.

9 weeks old

2008-12-14T21:18:00.008Z

Xander is 9 weeks old now and he's finally broken the 10 pound barrier! He was 10 lbs 5 oz on Wednesday. After Xander's bout of jaundice I had to top up every feed with a bottle.

When Mom was here I dropped all bottle feeds except the 10 pm feed and just nursed him. But, this slowed his weight gain down to only 4 oz a week which is a little on the low side. So, I added another bottle to his day. Now he nurses for all his meals except a full bottle at 10pm that Nick feeds him and a quick 3 oz at noon (this is the bottle that was added recently). This increased his weight gain, made him sleep better and he's much more content. It was a good move.

Sleep Boot camp worked well. We're now into a bit of a routine and Xander sleeps in his cot more often. We still have a way to go, but we'll cross those bridges in a couple of weeks. I must say I wasn't a very good drill Sergeant. I was more like Mary Poppins. But it worked.

This weekend we took Xander into central London for the first time. We went to a German Christmas market and walked along the Thames. First train ride, second bus ride, first tube ride - done!

We then came home and enjoyed our bathtime. He puts his arms in the water now, splashes more often and is starting to discover his feet... tickle tickle.

Cheeky grin...

See the dimples?

8 weeks old

2008-12-07T13:20:00.006Z

Xander is now 8 weeks old. He doesn't like to sleep in the car, he doesn't like to sleep in his cot during the day, he doesn't like to sleep in his stroller... Ahhhh.... so yesterday we started Sleep Boot Camp. I'm putting him to bed dozy and refusing to pick him up unless he's really wailing. And, if I do pick him up, I calm him and then put him straight back down. Sadly this made his 45 min nap this morning 1.5 hours long and left me exhausted and tearful. If anyone has a few pointers I would LOVE to hear them. I don't even know if what I'm doing will work.

The other problem we are having is that when he falls asleep he only goes out for 20 mins or so. Then he wakes up crying. Not so good for his afternoon nap which should be 1.5 hours in order for him to be a happy chappy. If I let him cat nap he then cat feeds and is cranky all day long. Any ideas on how to get him to sleep past the 20 mins? And drugs don't count! (For him or me :)

Luckily he sleeps well in the night. He usually sleeps from 7pm - 6.30 am with only a feed at 10.30 and 4.00.

Also luckily he's so darn cute and playful when he's awake that it makes it all worth it.

Cousin Louis who is 5 weeks older and a whole lot bigger. Luckly for us we get his hand-me-downs. Louis is in 6-9 months already and Xander is just growing out of his newborns and starting to fit into his 0-3 month clothes.

Smiles for everyone!

2008-11-25T17:54:00.008Z

After many attempts to capture Xander's first big smiles I've got a few cute videos. Forgive the quality.. they were taken on our camera not a camcorder.

Waiting for a smile... Cute ending:

Little Smile with Hiccups:

Big Smile... Just filmed it in time!

Xander meets Grandma & Grandpa

2008-11-17T13:56:00.011Z

Xander is becoming a lot more alert. He holds eye contact and follows objects - this is when he's not sleeping or crying from tummy pains. It was great to have Mom and Jim. Not only was it great just to visit with them, I also caught up on some sleep and had someone to cook me dinner when Nick was at work. So so wonderful.

Tummy time (which he hates, but it helps him develop his muscles) on his cool new blanket (which he loves) made by Auntie Christine.

First Smiles (not just gas!). Xander loves his morning playtime and is always very happy and cute during this time. I usually let the morning sun shine on his round little cheeks and watch his eyes sparkle.

A trip to York to see cousins Martin, Jane, Rosanna and George (William was at University)

Do we have the same nose?

A trip to Southend-on-Sea to eat fish and chips, throw stones in the sea and gamble. Mom and I won £4!!

Some photos for the album.

Three Weeks Old

2008-10-30T11:17:00.005Z

Christie and Jack were up for 4 days as it was their half-term break. It was their first meeting of Xander. It's obvious that they both love him and love taking care of him. He'll be in good hands with his big brother and sister. The kids were also very helpful around the house - which was a nice present along with the cool jumper that Xander will grow into.

We went to Southend to see Nick's side of the family. This is Ann, Xander's Great Grandma.

On the last night of Xander's 2 week of life it snowed! A lot! It's very early for snow here and it caught everyone off guard. There's still snow on the roofs, parked cars and shaded areas a day later.

Xander is now 8 lbs 6 oz. The nurses are happy with his weight gain and so we are going to start taking away a few of his "top-up" bottle feeds. This will help a lot as the sterilizing, feeding and burping - on top of the breast feeding makes for very long feeds.
Time to get some sleep. Xander was awake on and off from 2:30 am to.. well... now really (11:30am). I think I let him sleep too long during the day yesterday. Live and learn.

Mom and Jim arrive in two days. Can't wait!!

x

Week two

2008-10-25T21:24:00.003+01:00

Two weeks old...
Xander's new friend, Emma. She's 6 days older and the baby of our friends Peter and Joy.

A better picture of Xander with his sock monkey. They're the same size. When Xander is older he can look back at the monkey and ponder how small he was at one time. I had the same experience with a Raggedy Anne doll.

Xander meets Granddad David for the first time. (16 days old)

Xander Ethan Colt Rhys-Brown

2008-10-22T20:52:00.007+01:00

First Bath, Visit from Auntie Caroline, falling asleep and crying with sock monkey (a hand-made gift from Jo), and some decisions about the middle name :)

Xander's Adventurous First Week

2008-10-17T16:55:00.008+01:00

Our little man.

Visit from Auntie Sal, baby Louis (5 weeks older than Xander) and cousin Jamie.

Day 6-9 in hospital with jaundice. At least it cured Xander's anxiety about being put down. But it took 6 hours of screaming. He had lost 14% (one pound) of his weight and his blood showed a high level of jaundice. So, lights camera action... phototherapy.

He's Here!!

2008-10-11T10:15:00.011+01:00

I thought working until the end of 39 weeks was a dumb decision. So did Xander. So, he decided to come early so I wouldn't have to work any more :)

Xander Rhys-Brown (middle name still to be decided) was born 9 days early after 3 hard days of early stage one labour and then a quick 6.5 hour real-labour (after I was 3cm dilated) birth. B-day: 8 Oct 2008, 9.18 am, 7 lbs 9 oz. The birth was a water birth, natural, amazing, bloody painful (even with gas and air, two early shots of Pethadine, and two early whiskeys (I'm telling you the early labour was awful). Nick was perfect during the whole thing. I couldn't have done it without his support. The midwives - especially Connie who was there in the thick of things - were wonderful. They knew just what to say and when to say it.

It was all very emotional and we are happy to be at home with a very beautiful little boy.

His name is derived from Alexander the Great - Ruler of Macedonia; where Nick and I met. We thought it has a great story, is a powerful name full of promise and leadership and is unusual without being weird (so he stands out amongst the crowd).

Love to all,

The Rhys-Browns x

Last Single Summer!

2008-09-08T18:12:00.014+01:00

My summer was lovely. First Italy, then Canada. A world traveler at 8 months pregnant is something to tell the grandchildren.

It was great to go home and see my friends and family - and this year I was lucky enough to see (and be pampered by) a lot of them! The weather hovered around 30 degrees everyday but cooled off during the nights. It was a perfect summer climate for a pregnant lady (unlike England this summer which has just been depressing rain!)

Nick stayed at home and spent some quality time with Christie and Jack.

While I was loving pregnancy, I was able to cram a lot into three weeks in Canada.

Some of the Mayfields and I watched a bit of the Sundre rodeo while we were waiting for the storm to blow in.

I got to spend some quality time with my bros, Mom and Jim (Christine and Casey too, but they're sans-photo). What says "Sundre" more than sitting on a deck and smokies??

I gave Jim a heart attack as I took Cody's flash motorbike for a short (slow) spin. It was easier to fit my belly on this bike than my sporty bike, but the balance is totally different for a cruiser than a sports bike!

Hung out at Uncle Phil and Danny's in Edmonton, saw all the work Cody's put into his farm, went on a hike in Canmore with Mom and Dan (and snooped around the shops there), and finally, enjoyed the first 5 innings of a baseball game before jet leg told me to go home to sleep. I wonder what Mom and Jim's excuse for going home early was...

I camped for a weekend with the Dziadek's. (I use the term 'camp' loosely as I actually got to crash on Oma and Opa's pull out couch in their 5th wheel.) It was great to be by the lake during such a hot weekend although I missed not being able to waterski or tube. I managed to entertain myself by willing Christine or Casey to flip into the water but they're just too good!

Now I'm back in England preparing for the baby and working. I will work until Oct 10 and the baby's due on the 17th. (Or should I say that I am aiming to work until Oct 10!)

I've starting going to the classes where they teach you how to bathe a baby, how to breathe through the labour pains, what drugs to take when breathing doesn't work... it's all getting a little scary.

Nick will be working on the nursery this week (I'm typing this so that it may come true). And once I can get the baby clothes in the drawers, the changing table set up and my hospital bag packed I will feel more settled. Everyone at work thinks I'm ready to pop. I think there may actually be people who follow me with their arms outstretched ready to catch my baby slipping out. But I have 6 weeks to go still.

My pelvic pain is back. This combined with my pinched sciatic nerve makes for very long days. I haven't had the easiest time with pregnancy. I was sick for so long, then they were concerned about some things that showed up on the 20 week ultrasound (which turned out to be ok), then my pelvic pain and my sciatica... but I am grateful that my feet hardly swell, I've kept my weight gain down to a minimum, I have yoga to stretch things out, my wonderful husband helps out more than I could imagine and reminds me to relax. Maybe the pelvic disorder is my body's way of telling me that I need to slow down - a lot.

I have to remember to sit as often as I can, keep my legs together (I should have learned this lesson 9 months ago), and keep my heated wheat bag close by. This helps subside the pain. And, if those things don't work I know I'm allowed to take codeine. I've resisted the drugs, but I've only had a week of work as well.

We're still thinking of names so feel free to suggest! (Except Jim... you can text your bizzare - I mean beautiful - suggestions to 555-1111. It's a... um... hotline set up just for you) :)

x
(Thank you U. Phil, Danny and Christine for providing the photos!)

Venice

2008-07-20T16:56:00.022+01:00

I sold my bike to pay for a new (to us anyway) car... which does 63 mpg. Pretty good! It's just a little city car, but with Nick commuting 40 min each way and an inefficient local public transport system a second car is going to be a necessity when the baby comes. So... bye bye motorbike... hello grown-up life :(

On a happier note, Nick surprised me with a trip to Venice. This will be our last romantic get-away for many years and it's a great city to do without kids. It's not pram-friendly nor is there much for children to do. So, we spent the time wondering the streets, getting lost, riding the boat-buses, avoiding the tourists, eating gelato and sipping drinks in cafes.

It was wonderful to get away and enjoy each others' company. My favourite parts were sitting in a quiet church reflecting on life, touring the Basilica, listening to an orchestra perform in San Marco's square at night, spending a day on the beach, hanging out with my hubby, sitting on a park bench eating gelato after a day of walking and remembering how wonderful Nick is at dealing with me when I get tired and cranky.

And here are the picture highlights... sorry, but it's such a beautiful place that there are a lot of picture highlights!

The bus service (as packed as London buses and the bus drivers drive away as you are still getting on (like London). But, unlike London, these drivers actually hit the bus stops!)

San Marco Piazza (square) and Basilica (cathedral) consecrated in 1094:

The Venicians have beautiful mosaics. This is an icon on the Bacilica. It's made up of little tiles. Most of the Bacilica art were mosaics. Including the ceiling. It's not fresco paintings. It's the first I've seen of this style and I loved it.

This is a modern sculpture made from smaller pieces of junk metal - another mosaic.

The Bridge of Sighs which was named because of the sounds the prisoners made when they crossed this bridge leading from the court house to the dungeons.

Gondola on the Grand Canal

Our hotel - Ca' Bonvicini:

The view from our room. Every time a boat went past, Nick ran to the window like a young boy. He was most excited to see the fireman boat and ambulance boat (as there are NO roads in Venice). Cute.

Our room. We had breakfast every morning on that little table and opened the window and wooden shutters to overlook the canal.

Along the winding streets:

Food

this is better...

Roman gods:

Murano. An island close to Venice and famous for its glass products. Check out the giant glass abacus in the photo.

Burano. An island close to Murano. Famous for it's coloured houses.

My view on the beach in Lido. Another neighbouring island... It was in the sea here that I was bit by a jelly fish... twice! Ouch. Nick didn't believe me until he was bit while making fun of my whining :)

Taxis:

Rialto Bridge

Venetian Masks:

A lovely photo of the two of us, but you'll have to excuse the background. The canal and bridge we were looking at was much more beautiful.

And, of course, Monkey in a gondola hat:

Week 22

2008-06-13T18:28:00.012+01:00

I've just entered week 22, it's Friday, I've had a very tough week and an even tougher day. On top of that, I can't have a whiskey and Nick's working tonight until midnight. So, it's chocolate brownies, juice and blogging for me.

By the way, non-alcoholic beer tastes just as good as real beer. No kidding. We've been getting some very hot weather lately, so I can still drink that perfect pint in the pub garden! Life isn't all bad. It's just today :)

So, some pictures!

Tim (Nick's brother), Sally-Ann and Jamie are expecting another addition to their family in the beginning of September.

Holly (Nick's niece) opening her birthday gifts with her mum, Caroline (Nick's sister).

Jack fed the elephants at Colchester zoo.

Jack, cousin Tom, Granddad David and Nick went to the Imperial War Museum's Aviation museum in Duxford while Christie and I stayed at home and prepared Christie for her Mathematics Government exam (GCSE).

Here I am at 21 weeks.

And our 21 week scan where we got to see the baby squirming and stretching and moving about.

We then had to go for a more detailed scan where we could clearly see the lips, nose, heart valves, brain lobes, ear, fingers, toes... it was AMAZING!!! The picture imprinted in my memory is the frontal close-up (straight on, not like this side-view) of the baby's lips (opened and puckered) and nostrils with one hand near the side of the face... I think the baby has Nick's nose.

This is me today. I've grown alot in a week, so I thought I should give you another pix. I look unhappy, but I'm just concentrating :) I should have cleaned the mirror! You can see my long tube-shaped prego pillow in the background too. Oh well, it helps me sleep.

We're trying to think of names. Feel free to blog some of your middle names or fav names to give us some ideas.

xoxox

May Day Weekend

2008-05-10T19:11:00.010+01:00

Last weekend was May Day Bank Holiday (England speak for long weekend). Nick and I went to the May Day celebrations at the Downton Cuckoo Fair. I had my beloved freshly made cotton candy.

And we watched some traditional Clog Morris dancers.

They danced to the rhythm of a band made up of different antique accordions and a few other instruments.

This picture is for Jim. Wouldn't you love to have a go on this!

We also watched a few dances down by traditional Morris Dancers (the non-clog kind)

and the Maypole Dance (a folk dance preformed all over Western Europe on this weekend since the 1700's. Although I bet it wasn't originally done to the music from River Dance like ours was :)

The next day we went to Cambridge (not too far from home). This is the sighing bridge (like the one in Venis). This bridge provides a walkway from the students' residence to their classes.

And went on a guided punt on the river Cam.

Wondered around the campuses.

I didn't realize that Cambridge isn't just one university. It's actually 20-some different totally separate colleges. All of which make up of a population of only 22,000 students. Which is less than the population of U of C.

It is a beautiful city filled with great buildings and a calm student-coffee-shop atmosphere.

The residence are so studious that the Waterstone's book store is open late and needs security to man all the people going in!

Week 15

2008-04-26T11:25:00.007+01:00

I'm at week 15 now. Many of you have asked for a picture of the 12 week ultrasound. Here's the precious little one:

Now little one is a bit bigger, as am I. We'll find out the gender during the 20 week scan if we're lucky and it's facing the right way. I'm feeling much better now. But still not great. I'm nauseous from time to time throughout the day, VERY tired, and dizzy due to my low blood pressure. But, I'll live.

The other weekend, Nick, the kids and I went to see the London Marathon. Nick's brother Tim was running in it. Our camera packed up just before Tim ran passed, but we did get a picture of this wonderful fun runner!

He's meant to look like Borat. (BTW, the actor of Borat (who exposes the gross prejudices that humans hold in a very teenage boy way) went to my school once upon a time ago.)

I also saw the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey. To whom which I screamed, "GORDON!!!!" like a love-sick school girl. Me??? I honestly have no idea where that came from. Maybe the pregnancy hormones. (This is not my photo but it is from the same race.)

Tim was very excited to see us, and we were excited to see him. We managed to see him on two different spots of the course and then we battled the tube ride home.

I haven't shown a pix of Nick for a while, so here he is on his bike the day after the awful tube ride. Down on poorly managed public transport!

Long Time no Type

2008-04-10T19:58:00.016+01:00

So Marc and Kylie (long-time friends of mine) came to visit Nick and I. Marc gave me flack for not blogging often enough and for blogging too long. Then, a facebook message from my cousin Shannon said the same thing! So, my April's resolution is to blog less more!

I thought I would start with some big news. I'M PREGNANT!!! Oh my goodness. Due Oct 19th. We're very excited but I must admit that I'm really really scared.

This is what I looked like when we found out at 5 weeks: (I can only pray that God blesses me with a flat stomach like this someday again!)

Then a little larger at 10 weeks:

And now... I'm fat at 13 weeks and wearing maternity clothes! (Or very tight trousers) I try to suck it in as much as I can during the day, but by the evening.... so this is me relaxed. And, I'm sure the picture looks stretched???

As they'd say in England, "who ate all the pies?" The problem is, I have been too ill to eat anything other than crackers. I can only wish it was peacan pie followed by Oma's cheesecake followed by... only wish...

Those that are in awe at the almost-nude pictures... chill. Things are A LOT more carefree in England/Europe and this is nothing compared to what's in the newspapers! And, when in Rome...

So, Nick and I do have to apologize to Marc and Kylie. When they were visiting Nick was bed-bound with an awful flu. And I was all-day sick (I refuse to call it "morning" sick), nauseous all day all night all week all month... Morning my arse! I could barely bring myself to eat crackers never mind cook a meal and sightsee. So, for the record, we are not lazy or boring and we do eat when we're 'normal'. It was lovely to have you and we look forward to seeing you again when we're not at our worst.

A memory of the two of you (taken on the day we kicked you out of the house and sent you to the London Science Museum).

Christmas in the Alps

2007-12-31T11:37:00.001Z

Skiing in the Italian Alps was great! The kids were in Ski School from 9 -11 in the morning while Nick and I skied some harder runs. We then all skied the nursery sloops or explored Livigno for the rest of the day.

Ski School made for a very early start. We had to leave our apartment with all our equipment by 8:30 every morning to walk to the bus stop, to catch a bus, to walk to the ski school. We were all exhausted by noon. I have never walked on skis so much in my life! There wasn’t really a central area that all the lifts filtered into. They all just came down the mountain into the valley and there was a bus service that took you from lift to lift. Not ideal, but I’m not complaining.

(On this map, blue is easy, red is intermediate and black is difficult)

The sun shone bright every day which made it easier to get up each early morning.

It was the first time the kids had seen so much snow (well, Christie did when she was a baby in German… but that was a while ago) so Christie was amazed at her frozen hair,

we were sure to play with icicles (Jack wanted to bring one back on the plane), jump in piles of snow, scope out the Christmas Igloos that the locals made,

make snow angels

and toboggan. The tobogganing we did was awesome! One of the ski lifts had these toboggan’s that hooked up to a button lift (like a t-bar but it’s a round disk not a T). It took you half way up a ski run and then down you came! So much fun!

Here is a video of Jack's 'no fear' attempt at tobogganing... Look out Christie!!

Christmas was great. We missed spending it with family, but since I spend every Christmas away from my family it seemed to be easier this year as I kept myself busy with skiing. It was the first Christmas (and pray the last) that we were up dressed and out the door by 8:30 (Ski School) and waited to open all our gifts until the afternoon. The kids didn't seem to mind. They were so excited to ski that Santa seemed a distant thing.

We brought as many gifts as we could pack, opened some before we left and opened some when we returned. Santa was good as he gave mostly ski stuff and things for the 5 hour bus ride.

And now, thanks to Dan and Christine, Nick has a new monkey... he's called Sock Monkey.

On the last day the kids had learned enough to do an easy run off of the bunny slopes. We took them up to the top of the mountain and skied all the way down; stopping for lunch at the lodge half way down. They did great! Christie took it nice and easy practising her skills. She was exhausted by the time she got to the bottom, but she learned more and more with each turn. Jack took the brave route and tucked most of the way down. This landed him in the trees a few times, but we couldn't wipe the smile off his face!

Here is a video of me taking Jack and Christie slowly down a part of the mountain that was scary for a first time skier.

We had a great time and would love to have stayed for another week. Happy New Year, Merry Christmas and... CHEERS!

Tate Modern, Edinburgh and Tim and Sal's Wedding in the Lake District

2007-11-17T15:40:00.000Z

Hi Everyone,
I'm in the middle of reports right now so the words on this will be short. Let's be honest, most people only look at the photos anyway ;)

Tate Modern:

Nick and I took a get-a-away to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was my first time in Scotland. Nick went to see Kat and Danny (Danny was our best man) who have just moved there, I went there to drink Whiskey (yes, with a capital) and we both went there to get away from the stresses of home.

This is a cannon that fires at 1300 hours to let everyone know what time it is (I thought Mary Poppins was set in London?)

The pub I text Dan from.

The streets of Edinburgh.

Monkey in Edinburgh.

Nick's brother Tim got married to Sally-Ann (Sal in our family) in a beautiful area of England called the Lake District. It's almost on the Scotland boarder. The whole time we were there I just kept thinking how much my family would love it here. Grandma, Grandpa with walking poles and woolly hats. We didn't get to do much hiking (hill walking as they say here) as we had the wedding, Nick's Dad and sister (who only brought nice shoes) but we have plans to get back as soon as possible.

The wedding was beautiful and heartfelt. The first dance was attempted three times as the sound system kept failing. Eventually the dancing was aborted all together and one of the guests (Justin who composes scores for TV and movies) picked up his guitar to help the entertainment along. We all had a good ol’ fashion sing-a-long. It made the evening all the more special – especially when Nick’s dad figured out that Justin looked like Sideshow Bob off the Simpson’s.

At any rate, a good time was had by all.

Half Term Break

2007-10-20T10:50:00.000+01:00

I've made it! I'm finally done my first half term at my new school. In England, schools run on three terms (semesters) with a break in the middle of each term and a break at the end of each term. It adds up to a lot of breaks, but they teach until mid-July or end of July in some schools.

So. It's been hard. I've almost given up under the stress. Too much work. Too much pressure. I'm barely holding on but I'm trying very hard to stay on top of things. I am teaching grade 6-11 chemistry and grade 6 physics, plus homeroom, plus on Fridays I take a few kids off-campus to volunteer at a disabled centre (mandatory volunteer that is). Science teachers have to take in one or two pieces of marking each week for each class. That's 230 pieces a week for me. This would be fine if I wasn't having to lesson plan / unit plan / report write / student manage / BREATHE on top of this. It's a very tense demanding school. The Head of Chemistry has already come into my class for the second observation!

My hardest adjustment to make is culture shock. Yes, I know I've lived here for 3 years already, but I've never been submersed into the British style of employment. There is almost no positive reinforcement. Stiff upper lip, no fuss and all that. This is hard for me to deal with. I live off of praise. My last two schools were more American than British or Canadian. This meant things were a bit over the top with positive comments but at least I got them. I've gone from "That was the most wonderful class I have ever observed - ever!" to "It was fine. Now, some concerns I have are..." and then conversation continues with a list of very minute details that aren't really a concern, but one must give one's employee a list of 'constructive criticism' or how will one improve. Agreed. But, a list of positive reinforcement prior to the constructive criticism would do wonders to cushion my sensitive North American ego!

I suppose these comments aren't fair. I've been given loads of uplifting encouragement, support and acknowledgment from other Heads and some staff, just not from the people I really want to impress.

The school is transitioning between the old school teaching of 'sit down, shut up, write 60 mins of notes, go home and memorize them' to the new school teaching of interactive, exploratory and self learning. They want to transition (which is why they've hired new teachers like me) but they're scared of change (which is why they're so demanding). This, of course, is only my observations and not official :) If I can get through this year and prove myself to them, next year should be great.

Outside of work, I'm trying to get myself settled into the community so I'm going to the gym and I've joined a volleyball league (hard to find in the UK).

Oh, did I mention that I'm trying to find time to cook and clean as well??? Thank God Nick does all the cleaning and laundry on top of supporting me and making sure I haven't forgot anything (like to eat). I don't know what I'd do without him.

I'm getting there, but man am I glad I have two weeks off.

It hasn't been all work... Here's a bit of the cool stuff we've been up to.

We took the kids to near-by Knebworth House

to watch a mock jousting competition,

and walk the beautiful grounds which held a hedge maze, carvings from tree stumps

and a luscious fruit & veggie garden.
The person who took a bite from this apple didn't even wait to pick it from the tree!

Nick and I rode our motorbikes to watch Christie row at Ross-on-Wye. We stayed at a gorgeous B&B, 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6OcY0UWFqTw/Rxo6LhZf1QI/AAAAAAAAAN4/IiBcqOywtdY/s200/GetAttachment-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123471495705646338" />
which was something one could only find in England. I found myself wondering how I could re-create this in a new home in Canada.After Ross, we rode along the winding country lanes through Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's home) and explored some cute pubs and beautiful countryside.

Nick found some rednecked Brits who took him out shooting. Turns out rednecks aren't just in Alberta.

I saw David Beckham jogging near our house.

It was my birthday. The big 3-0! Mom and Jim got Nick and I tickets to go see the Westend show Spamalot (Monty Python live theatre). Nick gave me diamond earrings! (Exactly what I wanted - right size, shape and beauty) Nick also gave me (us) a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland which we're taking next week.

To celebrate the big 30, Nick and I went to Macbeth starring none other than Patrick Stewart as Macbeth himself and Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth. It was nothing short of brilliant.

We booked a holiday to go skiing with the kids in Italy over Christmas.

We've bought a new bathroom which will be installed over the next month or two.

Our friends had a little baby boy and I cross-stiched a birth sampler for him. (Aren't I my mother's daughter!)

And, that's about all that's happened over the last time I've posted. That's plenty enough. I hope you are all well, happy and healthy. Hopefully I'll post again in a couple of weeks and tell you all about Edinburgh and Nick's brother's wedding in the Lake District.

x

Working Man

2007-08-24T13:58:00.001+01:00

Nick has started his new job. He is a civilian investigator for the Hertfordshire police and works out of Borehamwood. This is a picture of him off to work on his first day. Doesn't he look nervous! It's been 20 years since he's had a 'first day at work'! Nick’s been shadowing two other colleagues who asked him to stop wearing a suit as it was making them look bad. So, here he is on his way to day 14 of the job. At least it's easier for him to cycle to work in this outfit!

As an investigator he takes statements off of witnesses, gathers and views CCTV footage, and compiles evidence for court cases. Recently, his caseload has included a list of people who have driven off without paying for their gas (I can’t believe how many!), a bank robbery, burglaries and a house fire. He records statements from witnesses, perpetrators or the victims. When he’s busy, he loves it. There’s no work or stress to bring home. It’s just punch in and punch out. Exactly what he needs after a stressful job like the army.

It's a great job, but I think he should go into the movie industry as a Bruce Willis double. What you do think?
________________________________________
To answer a few questions....
-- Yes I took the photo of Stonehenge at the top. I love that photo. I was there with Mom, Jim, Jack and Nick in January. Cody called me on my mobile shortly after taking this photo.
--I start my new job on Wed Aug 29. I'll post on that next (for now I best get back to my lesson planning)...
--To read comments click the gray "0 comments" or "5 comments" or whatever number of comments there are. The comments will open up in a separate window (so if you have your pop-up blocker function on you will have to allow pop-ups by reading the line that's just appeared at the top of your screen/bottom of your tool bar).
--To post your own comments type in the big box at the bottom of the comments, choose an identity (most likely 'other') fill in your name how you want it to appear in the comments and click the orange "publish your comment" button. Easy!

Camping in Wales... To identify with the Rhys

2007-07-26T20:14:00.000+01:00

We've bought a house on the outskirts of London (last June), Nick is leaving the army and may or may not have a job, my school has charged me £2300 for breaking my contract (which they broke first and we're fighting but right now they've taken it out of my salary)... so money is tight.

We have the kids for two weeks of holiday and we wanted to go out an do something. Camping is inexpensive and there is a lot of the UK I haven't seen. So, camping it is. Even though this is the rainiest summer Britain has seen in years... even though we had to drive through flooded regions to get there and back ....

(flooded regions in Gloucester where people had sandbags outside their homes and others were fighting over the short supply of bottled water)... But, they have the best view from a grocery store ever.

We went camping! In Wales (land of rain)! This is where Nick spend many of his summers growing up. His mother (Rhys) was Welsh.

And it rained! So, we played cards in the tent, ate in the tent, read in the tent, I even cooked in the tent!

I guess that's why the tents are so big in England. This is ours and it was medium in size compared to the others around. It has three bedrooms and a middle common room that extends out front.

On our first day of mostly rain, we went into Pembroke.

and went to the Pembroke Castle where King Henry VII (Henry Tudor) was born. Speaking of reign.

Did you know that Henry Tudor (father to King Henry VIII) wasn't even the son of a king? He was the son of royal blood (Lord Rhys to mention one) but he actually was just a well educated, well-off man who was at the right place at the right time. His mother made the right alliances and the right choices for her son and he won (sort of by luck) a rebellion against King Richard III. Maybe that's why Henry VIII was so desperate to keep his blood line going.. it had only just started.

The king of the castle right now though is Jack...

We had one day of sun and warm weather when we went to the sea. Just a couple miles from where we were camping we had the most beautiful stretch of coastline.

Nick and the kids went exploring and found all sorts of treasures.

We even went jumping in the waves like these kids are.

The water was warmer than the Okanogan Lake but getting out was cold! Jumping the waves was awesome! It was like being at a wave pool. I'm usually very scared of the sea and hate swimming in it, but this was warm, shallow, sandy under foot and fun!

The evenings were normally nice. We played catch and frisbee and went into nearby Tenby. Tenby had a gorgeous coastline. Here's Jack against the evening sky.

The tide was out on those evenings and it exposed a vast expanse of sandy beach.

People wrote all sorts of things in the sand from "Hi Mum" to tractor adverts.

So, Christie made her mark.

And we all explored the caves and caverns.

The ride home was through the breath-taking Brecon Beacons.

The nights were not like the evenings and it poured rain! Part of the tent even collapsed one night under the gale force winds. I'm not sure if I can convince everyone to camp again, but hopefully as time goes on, they will remember only the good things and not the cold, damp sleepless nights.

Canadian Vaccation

2007-07-26T11:35:00.000+01:00

Hello, welcome back to the blog. Please feel free to comment. I think anyone can now. And, if you comment then I know someone is looking at this site and that we are loved :)

Canada was awesome! The weather was brilliant, the company was fun and the events were spectacular.

I got to see Heather and Scott's little one

Nick and I met up with my brother Dan and his wife Christine in the Okanagan. When I was growing up I spent many summers at our family cabin there. It was great to show Nick the same cabin and beach I spent so much time at.

We had a BBQ with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunty Helen, Uncle Dana, my cousin Christine, her hubby Greg and their little one Zac.

Nick and Dan even got a round of golf in.

We arrived back in Calgary just in time for the Stampede parade which we watched with Mom, her friends, Gillian and Tod.

The parade was awesome. There was lots to see and was a great way to spend the morning. Here are a few highlights of the parade.

Of course, the person who stole the show was MY STEP-DAD!

We saw Good Charlotte on the Coca Cola stage.

Sadly, we didn't get to see all our family and friends, but we did see a few.

And ended the trip with a Sleeman beer at the airport.

There were so many people and things we didn't get to see. 2 weeks goes by so fast. Next year I want to throw a great big BBQ where everyone can pitch a tent and meet up. Everyone from UofL, Sundre, etc. It will be like a little reunion of friends. Then, with the rest of my time, I can see my family. I still have to explore my uncle's new home in Edmonton. I think he built it two or three years ago! Shame on me.

Happy Summer!

2007-06-22T18:52:00.000+01:00

I'm done school for the year. Happy Summer Everyone! I'm off to Canada on Monday. Nick will join me after a week and we both fly home together on the 12th. I can't wait to see my family, have a slurpee and breathe fresh air!

I'll post some pictures of my trip after the 12th. For now, a lot of you have been asking about my motorcycle adventures. I'll post a picture of Nick on his bike as he's just taking Christie for a little spin.

I'll also post a picture of me just home from work on my bike.

And, on that note, check back in mid-July. x

Field Trip

2007-06-11T21:07:00.000+01:00

A few of us teachers took 43 Grade 6 students out to Lancashire (a county in England) for four days and three nights. A blast for them. A sleepless week for us.

We were hosted by Sir Bernard de Hoghton (who's son used to go to our school when he was younger).. by 'our school' I mean my current school, not the school I'll be working at in September... Sir Bernard and his wife own a castle.

This is where we spent our evenings eating supper and enjoying traditional activities like Morris Dancing.

One night we all dressed up in medievil attire and ate in the banquet hall. The same hall that King James I tasted the finest loin stake he's ever had and knighted it Sir Loin. Incidentally, the visit of King James I to the castle almost bankrupted the de Hoghton family many years ago.

You can see a picture of the castle and the inside at http://www.hoghtontower.co.uk/

I couldn't take pictures of the inside (security reasons) but the floors were marble (real!), the furniture was of the 16 C and everything was haunted!!!

Now, I didn't believe in ghosts when I went but I do now. I'm not talking about Casper.

I'm talking about a lady in a white dress who wanders the fields at night looking for her lost love who was killed because in was Catholic and she was Protestant (or the other way around). The man was killed because he would not leave his beloved. She committed suicide and forever wonders between her castle (Samlesbury) and his (Hoghton) looking for her lover.

Now, I know you are still sceptical. I would be too. Until the people around you - normal level-headed people - start telling you their personal experiences. Being shoved against the wall when no one else in the hallway with her. Saying hello to a little girl who asked for directions to the toilet with her mom. The mom comes back and not the little girl. When asked where the little girl is, she says I don't have a little girl. The same ghost played a knocking game on either side of a big wooden door way with the telephone man. When the man asked who the giggling little girl was he was told that there was no children at the castle today. The man decided not to come back to finish his job. These are normal people.

Not all the ghosts are good. Some throw things at you. Create visions of abyss in front of you .. three floors up! The place where these ghosts live has been closed off forever.

At least we didn't sleep here. We slept here..

That was much better. Until I found out that it is haunted too!!! I slept with my light on.

I've decided that I do believe in ghosts. Maybe it's their hell. Forever wondering the ends of the earth looking for the lover they will never find. I believe in angles and demons. How is that any different from ghosts?

Until then, I will pray for God to send his angels to protect me. Plus, I always have my Roman armour :)

OLD PHOTOS

2007-05-02T21:52:00.001+01:00

Sweden March 2007

Nick's Works' Christmas Party 2006

Cornwall (England) June 2006

Mum and Jim's Visit May 2006 and Jan 2007

Summer 2006

Wedding Feb 2005