tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339716022024-03-13T21:54:33.175-07:00Paging Doctor MommyPaging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.comBlogger793125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-53836464051976123012012-04-30T14:26:00.000-07:002012-05-25T10:51:59.453-07:00SIX Years Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reagan's sixth birthday party was on Saturday morning, April 21st, and she was up before the birds because she was so excited!</div>
<br />
Little did she know, her birthday party was not going to be the only excitement that she was in store for... her cousin Riley and his girlfriend Lindsay surprised her as soon as she came downstairs that morning with her very own REAL guitar!!! Now she can really work on becoming the <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2012/03/reagan-is-taylor-swift-with-video-to.html" target="_blank">next Taylor Swift</a>!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvqVyiZtBHI/T7059lm17FI/AAAAAAAAFRs/E19PkaJ3g00/s1600/IMG_9636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvqVyiZtBHI/T7059lm17FI/AAAAAAAAFRs/E19PkaJ3g00/s320/IMG_9636.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh94vUzRGnE/T706E6a8voI/AAAAAAAAFR0/re6SptW2pME/s1600/IMG_9639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh94vUzRGnE/T706E6a8voI/AAAAAAAAFR0/re6SptW2pME/s320/IMG_9639.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FselU9IKoE/T706MN3WqhI/AAAAAAAAFR8/o8bJXJDzlGc/s1600/IMG_9641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FselU9IKoE/T706MN3WqhI/AAAAAAAAFR8/o8bJXJDzlGc/s320/IMG_9641.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The only way we were able to pry the guitar from her hands was by reminding her that she had a party to get to! <br />
<br />
We arrived at the <a href="http://www.alderalley.com/" target="_blank">Alder Alley Lanes</a> in time to get set up before FOURTY FOUR of her classmates, friends, and family came to join us. Yes, you read correctly... including Reagan, there were 45 children in attendance at the birthday party! As chaotic as that may sound, the party was actually a great success! Everyone had tons of fun, and the kids loved glow-in-the-dark bowling.<br />
<br />
Reagan's party was on her boyfriend Matthew's actual birthday, so we made sure that he was treated as the #1 guest of honour that morning. Before bringing out Reagan's birthday cake, the entire group serenaded Matthew with his own birthday song and a special Spiderman cupcake. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI95FUWA5E0/T706RWijHPI/AAAAAAAAFSI/L7vOLwm8lz4/s1600/IMG_9652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI95FUWA5E0/T706RWijHPI/AAAAAAAAFSI/L7vOLwm8lz4/s320/IMG_9652.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--J6FuanLr-A/T706pfKLUFI/AAAAAAAAFSc/o7MWfRp11uI/s1600/IMG_9660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--J6FuanLr-A/T706pfKLUFI/AAAAAAAAFSc/o7MWfRp11uI/s320/IMG_9660.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, it was Reagan's turn. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to our birthday girl, and then cheered her on as she blew out the SIX candles on her cake. Of course, it was a Barbie cake! And no, I did not make it myself. Don't you remember the <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2012/02/valentines-disaster-saved.html" target="_blank">disaster I made of some simple cupcakes</a> for Valentine's Day? No way was I going to attempt to bake a cake!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT-Re85Qdlk/T706c_iE7UI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/qbYWhD-2D14/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT-Re85Qdlk/T706c_iE7UI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/qbYWhD-2D14/s320/IMG_9653.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeB3FsNsYF4/T7062EfA8xI/AAAAAAAAFSk/jBGSdbbLW9Y/s1600/IMG_9666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeB3FsNsYF4/T7062EfA8xI/AAAAAAAAFSk/jBGSdbbLW9Y/s320/IMG_9666.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lozl1RW3NXk/T707DDlXSBI/AAAAAAAAFSw/F8LSV2ZRqWU/s1600/IMG_9667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lozl1RW3NXk/T707DDlXSBI/AAAAAAAAFSw/F8LSV2ZRqWU/s320/IMG_9667.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids enjoyed pizza, cake, and other goodies before returning back to bowling before it was time to go home. Once we were home, it was time for Reagan to start opening her presents. Oh my goodness, was our little girl ever spoiled this year! We split up the presents and let her open them over the course of the weekend... a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped to make our princess feel like a queen!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWqaDw7VJs/T707OUAOwzI/AAAAAAAAFS4/FvwXelk08ik/s1600/IMG_9677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWqaDw7VJs/T707OUAOwzI/AAAAAAAAFS4/FvwXelk08ik/s320/IMG_9677.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tbqF1-6UBw/T707cmHYbEI/AAAAAAAAFTE/UxnF0uiRFHg/s1600/IMG_9678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tbqF1-6UBw/T707cmHYbEI/AAAAAAAAFTE/UxnF0uiRFHg/s320/IMG_9678.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqbTYskR5Rc/T76jrEad-rI/AAAAAAAAFT4/QSplhn-RxII/s1600/IMG_9702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqbTYskR5Rc/T76jrEad-rI/AAAAAAAAFT4/QSplhn-RxII/s320/IMG_9702.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TxYpEvk-4/T707ntqh5iI/AAAAAAAAFTM/1EMY8w9TcIk/s1600/IMG_9686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TxYpEvk-4/T707ntqh5iI/AAAAAAAAFTM/1EMY8w9TcIk/s320/IMG_9686.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday, April 24th, was Reagan's actual birthday, and we started off the day with what has become a tradition in our house... marking the growth wall. Each birthday, half birthday, and first day of school has been recorded on this wall for Reagan, and we have started the tradition for Myers as well. Reagan's markings are in pink, and all of Myers's are in blue!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2twiUkpunC4/T708CkjrVyI/AAAAAAAAFTo/yMisUCP0WnU/s1600/IMG_9779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2twiUkpunC4/T708CkjrVyI/AAAAAAAAFTo/yMisUCP0WnU/s320/IMG_9779.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzSvUO5Med8/T7075aVpBKI/AAAAAAAAFTg/QzO6A4e6rFo/s1600/IMG_9777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzSvUO5Med8/T7075aVpBKI/AAAAAAAAFTg/QzO6A4e6rFo/s320/IMG_9777.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After school and then ballet practice, we took Reagan out to eat for dinner at her favourite local restaurant, <a href="http://www.mrmikes.ca/" target="_blank">Mr. Mike's</a>. Her favourite thing about Mr. Mike's is the ice cream dessert bar that is for kids only... no parents allowed! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once we arrived at home that evening, Reagan discovered once last birthday surprise... a new big girl bike from Mommy & Daddy! Let the learning to ride without training wheels begin!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQpQvAAC_p4/T76m8gOA49I/AAAAAAAAFUM/qzMBMmTyIsY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQpQvAAC_p4/T76m8gOA49I/AAAAAAAAFUM/qzMBMmTyIsY/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, two of Reagan's friends from gymnastics came over for a tea party since they were not able to join us at the birthday party last weekend. The girls had fruit cocktails in martini glasses, finger sandwiches, little cupcakes, and real tea from Reagan's porcelain tea set. (Thank you again to Pops & Momsey for the <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2011/04/5-year-old-party-girl.html" target="_blank">Pottery Barn birthday present</a> from last year!) Of course they were all dressed in their fancy dresses... I mean, what's a tea party without a fancy dress? Reagan agonized all morning over which dress she was going to wear!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O64ghAUFA4M/T707xACa0VI/AAAAAAAAFTY/oUDmrY2bQug/s1600/IMG_9755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O64ghAUFA4M/T707xACa0VI/AAAAAAAAFTY/oUDmrY2bQug/s320/IMG_9755.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If the picture above isn't proof enough, let me just tell you what an incredibly beautiful young lady our sweet Reagan is becoming. She's growing up faster than I had ever imagined, and Ryan and I become more proud of her with each passing year. She's an amazing big sister, a caring daughter, a bright student, a superstar gymnast, and a true beauty both inside and out. From the day she was born, and for the rest of her life, she will always be our little princess!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as the month of April comes to an end, so do all of the birthday celebrations. Well, at least the birthday celebrations for Reagan. After all, next month is MY birthday!</div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-45012082474575742992012-04-16T12:00:00.001-07:002012-04-16T12:04:52.406-07:00Bling! Bling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year, for Reagan's birthday, she asked to get her ears pierced. After much discussion with her on that subject, we agreed to let her have it done. However, when the day arrived, she decided that she didn't want to go through with it.</div>
<br />
The subject was not mentioned again until just recently, and lately she has been talking about doing it more and more. Ryan and I both told her that if she was ready, we would let her try again this year for her birthday. <br />
<br />
Her birthday is coming up in just over a week, and her BIG birthday party is this coming weekend. She woke up this past Saturday morning and announced to us that she wanted to get her ears pierced "RIGHT NOW!" Seriously, the first words out of her mouth were asking us to take her to get her ears pierced. <br />
<br />
We knew that we couldn't do it first thing in the morning as she had the final practice/mock exam for her <a href="http://www.radcanada.org/graded.htm" target="_blank">RAD Ballet testing</a> that morning. <i>(The real exam is in 3 weeks.)</i> But it worked well for us to go get her ears done after her ballet practice as her hair was all slicked back out of her face and in a bun... meaning her ears were perfectly exposed!<br />
<br />
I phoned ahead to <a href="http://www.merlenormanlangley.com/studio-services/childrens-earpiercing/" target="_blank">Merle Norman</a> in the mall to make sure that two hygienists would be available so that we could get both ears done at once. I was not taking the chance of her getting one done and then deciding that she wouldn't finish it off with the second! <br />
<br />
We arrived at the mall, and Ryan and I could both tell that Reagan was anxious. I quietly told her that the decision was completely up to her... Mommy and Daddy would be happy no matter what she did to her ears. She turned on her heel, started walking with extreme purpose away from me, looked over her shoulder and said, "I am on a mission!"<br />
<br />
GAME ON!<br />
<br />
We walked into the salon, and within 5 minutes Reagan had chosen her earrings. The girls got the instruments ready, and then asked Reagan to climb up onto the chair. In less than a minute, it was done! Reagan was so very brave, and so very proud of herself. She never made a peep, much less shed a tear. <br />
<br />
Here's a shot of her lovely lobes before...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGcHpMqX2Dw/T4xo2u5_a8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/w2byV-j0Cws/s1600/IMG_9567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGcHpMqX2Dw/T4xo2u5_a8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/w2byV-j0Cws/s320/IMG_9567.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXse02pNfRI/T4xoq0_roPI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/RdwOqTwiXM0/s1600/IMG_9563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXse02pNfRI/T4xoq0_roPI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/RdwOqTwiXM0/s320/IMG_9563.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And after! Check out the new bling!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFIFtlk7Mk0/T4xpDQwnAnI/AAAAAAAAFRE/R919vxKq49A/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFIFtlk7Mk0/T4xpDQwnAnI/AAAAAAAAFRE/R919vxKq49A/s320/IMG_9583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y7oMFSCPA4/T4xpQAQ_nNI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/5k4huvEiU38/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y7oMFSCPA4/T4xpQAQ_nNI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/5k4huvEiU38/s320/IMG_9584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She was, and still is, so very excited!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qApCTPH9sVM/T4xpbDwPVnI/AAAAAAAAFRY/RfsGua6Vgrg/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qApCTPH9sVM/T4xpbDwPVnI/AAAAAAAAFRY/RfsGua6Vgrg/s320/IMG_9589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday morning, on our way out the door to go to church, she asked me to take more pictures of her sparkling new earrings. How could I resist?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF8T_u9rI6U/T4xpg3f811I/AAAAAAAAFRg/mObseeMc0gM/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF8T_u9rI6U/T4xpg3f811I/AAAAAAAAFRg/mObseeMc0gM/s320/IMG_9603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out the video below to see for yourself just how brave our big girl was. You will notice that I got choked up, but not Reagan! My baby girl is now all grown up, it seems! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jgDd9ZkgJU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-8699722228296181682012-04-13T12:54:00.002-07:002012-04-13T12:54:48.451-07:00Easter Weekend 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend, to put it simply, was PERFECT! We had so much fun this Easter weekend... I wish every weekend could be exactly the same!</div>
<br />
Reagan had the day off from school on Friday, and Ryan had the day off from work, so we took advantage of having the entire family home together to finally dye and decorate our Easter eggs. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5KRpcGKEwM/T4h6HKo_FHI/AAAAAAAAFPI/mtNWJRDu_DY/s1600/IMG_9526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5KRpcGKEwM/T4h6HKo_FHI/AAAAAAAAFPI/mtNWJRDu_DY/s320/IMG_9526.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ89yCnKRfg/T4h6SHJYKaI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/LAvCrC3DK4Q/s1600/IMG_9532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ89yCnKRfg/T4h6SHJYKaI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/LAvCrC3DK4Q/s320/IMG_9532.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Unlike <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2011/04/easter.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, Myers was not willing to sit still on the sidelines as the silent observer. He wanted to be a part of the action! Unfortunately, his idea of being a part of it all meant any of the following... drinking the dye, pouring the dye all over himself or the rest of the kitchen, smashing the eggs, etc. So Ryan kept Myers distracted while Reagan created her masterpieces.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmtdp4ahWHU/T4h6de-to3I/AAAAAAAAFPY/TR_2R9xrizQ/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pmtdp4ahWHU/T4h6de-to3I/AAAAAAAAFPY/TR_2R9xrizQ/s320/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8-80a7xfwo/T4h8n3TmiQI/AAAAAAAAFQU/jnTYUKbbFKw/s1600/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8-80a7xfwo/T4h8n3TmiQI/AAAAAAAAFQU/jnTYUKbbFKw/s320/IMG_9539.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We invited some friends (Reagan's boyfriend Matthew's family) over for dinner that night, and we had a fun fondue extravaganza. I kid you not, there had to be at least 10 pounds of food on the table that we dipped and dipped and dipped into our fondue feast! I'm not sure who had more fun, the kids or the grown ups!<br />
<br />
Saturday was a GORGEOUS day, and we spent the entire afternoon in our backyard. Reagan is just like her momma... she loves the sun! We decided to pretend that we were <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2009/07/sunset-harbor.html" target="_blank">at the beach</a> in North Carolina, so we cranked up the beach music on our iPhones, turned on the sprinklers, filled up the kiddie pool, took a few dips in the hot tub, worked on our tans, drank a few cold ones, and had an all out beachin' good time!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vznJcvHgHIE/T4h7V0InR1I/AAAAAAAAFQA/yZhWu_XPX1k/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vznJcvHgHIE/T4h7V0InR1I/AAAAAAAAFQA/yZhWu_XPX1k/s320/IMG_9557.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
Myers fell in love with playing in the sprinklers, especially since big Sissy was there helping him to have fun!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxg0-IyRctY/T4h7LxHmgmI/AAAAAAAAFP4/VYzN_TVBWS8/s1600/IMG_9550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxg0-IyRctY/T4h7LxHmgmI/AAAAAAAAFP4/VYzN_TVBWS8/s320/IMG_9550.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL0uXBRbhv0/T4h6_amFpPI/AAAAAAAAFPs/_3xXFdUCodc/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL0uXBRbhv0/T4h6_amFpPI/AAAAAAAAFPs/_3xXFdUCodc/s320/IMG_9542.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunday morning, we discovered that the Easter bunny had indeed come to our house for a visit. He left two baskets full of goodies for the kids, as well as he left a mess of carrot pieces on our front lawn. He also took all of Reagan's beautifully decorated eggs and hid them throughout the house!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5DOUm84F1k/T4h7iFjesAI/AAAAAAAAFQI/GujmCErP8o4/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5DOUm84F1k/T4h7iFjesAI/AAAAAAAAFQI/GujmCErP8o4/s320/IMG_9559.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrU1UVaaEXk/T4h83gDUKxI/AAAAAAAAFQk/2CBrVGatSNk/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rrU1UVaaEXk/T4h83gDUKxI/AAAAAAAAFQk/2CBrVGatSNk/s320/IMG_9562.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>As you can tell from the pictures, Myers still likes to be at least <a href="http://www.pagingdoctormommy.net/2012/03/myers-naked-or-stuffed.html" target="_blank">half naked</a> at all times!</i><br />
<br />
After finding all of Reagan's eggs, we quickly got dressed to go to the Resurrection Sunday services at our church. It was a beautiful service, and Reagan was excited to see a few of her friends in attendance as well. After church, we came home to soak up the sun in our backyard once again while Myers had a nap.<br />
<br />
Once Myers was awake, we drove over to visit with Ryan's family and enjoyed an impromptu game of baseball with all of Reagan's cousins. It was a quick visit as we had been previously invited to enjoy a backyard bbq with friends. Reagan was thrilled to go to Matthew's house, and I think that had we not needed to get the kids home and in bed, Ryan and I would have stayed all night, enjoying the company and good times that were being had by all!<br />
<br />
Monday, Ryan had to return to work, but Reagan had the day off from school. I'll give you three guesses as to how she, Myers and I spent the day... and the first two guesses don't count!<br />
<br />
Yep, OUTSIDE in the back yard!<br />
<br />
If there is one thing that I realized for certain this past weekend, it is that I am soooooo ready for summer to hurry up and get here!Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-26172612888048675882012-04-07T11:25:00.000-07:002012-04-07T11:25:42.280-07:00The Christy Fraser Memorial Gymnastics Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reagan's gymnastics centre hosted a memorial competition last weekend... The Christy Fraser Memorial. Christy Fraser was an avid gymnast until her tragic death in August of 1992 at the young age of twelve years old. Upon her passing, a memorial fund was set up in her name, and each year the Langley Gymnastics Foundation hosts this memorial competition to continue to raise money and awareness for the Children's Hospital in Vancouver. </div>
<br />
The girls from Langley Gymnastics were proud to host this event, and they were very excited to have the "home ice" advantage. And yes, there was ice... The event was held in the main arena of the <a href="http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/" target="_blank">Langley Events Centre</a>, with all of the equipment placed over the floor of the hockey rink! This was by far the largest scale event that Reagan had ever competed in, and the girls were a bit in awe of their surroundings as they were competing.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ok3vv3bWU/T379SRWxV4I/AAAAAAAAFN8/VpfAJ-Jz0Po/s1600/IMG_9394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ok3vv3bWU/T379SRWxV4I/AAAAAAAAFN8/VpfAJ-Jz0Po/s320/IMG_9394.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As always, Reagan rocked it! She told us on the way to the gym that morning that she was going for gold... and she did it! GOLD on Vault, along with Silver on Bars, Beam, Floor and All-Around!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmUSTPAU9U/T379aDOq5GI/AAAAAAAAFOI/gBm6hX_B4QA/s1600/IMG_9407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHmUSTPAU9U/T379aDOq5GI/AAAAAAAAFOI/gBm6hX_B4QA/s320/IMG_9407.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBeeAPgXEH4/T3796IYIlJI/AAAAAAAAFOY/HaJzr8StA2U/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBeeAPgXEH4/T3796IYIlJI/AAAAAAAAFOY/HaJzr8StA2U/s320/IMG_9495.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Throughout the competition, Ryan kept an eye on Myers up in the seating area of the arena while I snapped pictures from the "security-zone" down on the floor. <i>Ryan had worked a shift doing security at the competition the previous day, so he was able to get me the hook-up to be allowed to take pictures up close to all the action. Thanks, honey! </i> Myers was watching his sister, but he was also making sure to still do his own favourite activity... EATING! I just couldn't resist snapping a picture of him multi-tasking, and then I couldn't resist taking a picture of him making faces up against the hockey glass a little while later!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbeQrRdQsOo/T379pqocQqI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/T8WS4mtgAlE/s1600/IMG_9431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbeQrRdQsOo/T379pqocQqI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/T8WS4mtgAlE/s320/IMG_9431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KB0TktD7eHI/T37-GmwZT-I/AAAAAAAAFOk/bONJdovotfw/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KB0TktD7eHI/T37-GmwZT-I/AAAAAAAAFOk/bONJdovotfw/s320/IMG_9511.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan was excited to receive more ribbons to add to her rapidly growing collection, but she and all of the other girls were just as excited over their new tote bags... these gyms girls are starting to collect some serious swag from all of their competitions!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zH-l3SrTTE/T37-e2UedtI/AAAAAAAAFO8/tDUDBLH_Wu8/s1600/IMG_9523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9zH-l3SrTTE/T37-e2UedtI/AAAAAAAAFO8/tDUDBLH_Wu8/s320/IMG_9523.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B_H8XCPGFY/T37-Ozs7B6I/AAAAAAAAFOs/UD2flD1jI7c/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B_H8XCPGFY/T37-Ozs7B6I/AAAAAAAAFOs/UD2flD1jI7c/s320/IMG_9517.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We were thrilled that Reagan did as well as she did, but we were even more excited to see how much fun she and the rest of the girls on her team were having. These girls truly do LOVE gymnastics!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVP5rlaP6wg/T37-bZmOzkI/AAAAAAAAFO0/gMNCdUfthSc/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVP5rlaP6wg/T37-bZmOzkI/AAAAAAAAFO0/gMNCdUfthSc/s320/IMG_9522.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-91965819738856615462012-04-02T08:07:00.001-07:002012-04-02T08:07:36.266-07:00Paging Doctor Mommy - My Own Domain!I finally decided to create my own domain name! <br />
<br />
All will still appear as normal here for you to see... the only change is that I now have my very own web address. Be sure to bookmark your favourites and update your readers with the new address...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.PagingDoctorMommy.net/">www.PagingDoctorMommy.net</a><br />
<br />
WOOHOO!!!Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-47684799589181396602012-03-26T07:00:00.000-07:002012-03-26T07:00:02.518-07:00Reagan IS Taylor Swift (with video to prove it!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These days, there is nothing that <b>Reagan</b> loves more than Taylor Swift. </div>
<br />
She and I went to see "The Lorax" the other night, and the next morning she made this picture... <i>for Taylor.</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4wydjBxow/T26LflEqiJI/AAAAAAAAFNU/PoY_kkE980k/s1600/IMG_9359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4wydjBxow/T26LflEqiJI/AAAAAAAAFNU/PoY_kkE980k/s320/IMG_9359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are Lorax style trees with Lorax style animals!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Taylor's music is all that she plays on her iPhone. <i> (It's my old phone that we disconnected service to when I upgraded to the new iPhone... so it's not really a phone so much anymore... it's more of an iPod I guess!) </i> She walks through the house singing Taylor's songs over and over, again and again!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She wants to wear her hair just like Taylor and she wants to use the same lipgloss as Taylor. She calls her bathroom her dressing room, and her bedroom is now her tour bus... because of course Taylor must have a dressing room and a tour bus!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She allows us to still call her Reagan because we are her biggest fans, but she will answer faster if we refer to her as "Taylor". </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I will admit that I am guilty of using all of this to my advantage... it's easier to get her to eat all of her dinner if I tell her that she is eating some of Taylor's favourite foods!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But in all of the Taylor things that Reagan has done lately, NOTHING compares to this. This is our little Reagan, as Taylor Swift, performing "Mean".</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tk6XSuvbHV8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<i>Reagan is now convinced that she needs a real guitar and that she needs to perform on a real stage! Look out world, she's going to be a superstar!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-72340225163191915332012-03-25T09:15:00.000-07:002012-03-25T09:15:00.482-07:00The Ultimate Spring Break Staycation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the past, Spring Break for me has meant anything from a quiet week spent at our family beach house while I was a young girl to a loud and crazy weekend during my University days spent at Panama City Beach trying desperately to end up on MTV. </div>
<br />
Nothing like either of those situations happened this year. In fact, there was nothing "beachy" at all about this Spring Break... it actually snowed off and on briefly for three days during the first week of Reagan's vacation! But I can honestly say that this year, enjoying Reagan's Spring Break, may have been the most fun that I've had in my Spring Break history.<br />
<br />
We didn't go anywhere. We decided to have a Stay-cation. <br />
<br />
What's a Staycation you ask? Well, it's when you <b><i>stay</i></b>.<br />
<br />
We stayed at home.<br />
We stayed in bed as long as we could each day.<br />
We stayed in our pyjamas as much as possible.<br />
We just stayed!<br />
<br />
And we loved it!<br />
<br />
Even though we didn't have any plans, and we never really left the house for longer than a trip to the park or to the bowling alley, we were constantly busy the past two weeks.<br />
<br />
We built our own racetrack, <b>The Knopper International Speedway</b>, and we hosted our first big race, <b>The Knopper 500</b>. Reagan, Myers and Ryan each had their own Hot Wheels car lined up at the start, (Reagan in the #88 car of course took the pole) and it was a hot race to say the least. After the hairpin turns right after the start/finish line, the drivers had to deal with some serious banking over in turns two and three. It came down to a green, white, checker finish after multiple cautions, and I still don't have a clue who won the race! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boB6M5vZpk4/T24cDgKu20I/AAAAAAAAFLo/ajnTjVqVIcw/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boB6M5vZpk4/T24cDgKu20I/AAAAAAAAFLo/ajnTjVqVIcw/s320/IMG_9302.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan practiced her skills in make-up artistry, and her Daddy was the perfect model for her. I think she chose just the right shade of blue to compliment his eyes. And the lip gloss was the obvious finishing touch to her beautiful creation. His scraggy beard just gave it all that extra special touch, don't ya think?!?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCore0Cii20/T24dFkrFSoI/AAAAAAAAFMc/PVScXL9HP5s/s1600/IMG_9338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCore0Cii20/T24dFkrFSoI/AAAAAAAAFMc/PVScXL9HP5s/s320/IMG_9338.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoU0LmEj-DA/T24dSNxdHkI/AAAAAAAAFMk/dGLkUkjFYxk/s1600/IMG_9341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XoU0LmEj-DA/T24dSNxdHkI/AAAAAAAAFMk/dGLkUkjFYxk/s320/IMG_9341.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan spent an afternoon making her very own puppets, and she wouldn't let me see them until she was completely finished. I have to say, I was pretty impressed by her artwork. As you can see from left to right below, she made a stage out of a cereal box, and for puppets she had a puppy dog, a crab, a flamingo, a butterfly, a koala bear, a penguin, a mouse with cheese, a lion, and a cat. That night, she entertained Ryan and I for over half an hour with an amazing puppet performance!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cji60tKvmL4/T24djj8AKvI/AAAAAAAAFMw/qojmuQDe0dU/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cji60tKvmL4/T24djj8AKvI/AAAAAAAAFMw/qojmuQDe0dU/s320/IMG_9363.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDxzePDIBqI/T24dwtSNF5I/AAAAAAAAFM4/XREES74t35Q/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDxzePDIBqI/T24dwtSNF5I/AAAAAAAAFM4/XREES74t35Q/s320/IMG_9364.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The highlight of the entire Spring Break was easily THE TENT! We literally pitched a tent in our office space a few days before Spring Break started, and Reagan slept downstairs in that tent EVERY SINGLE NIGHT until we took it down a few days ago. I will be honest, she had tears in her eyes as we were taking it down!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Cq0xqIbdE/T24cQK9VhyI/AAAAAAAAFL0/XgsazXEfF-Y/s1600/IMG_9318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_Cq0xqIbdE/T24cQK9VhyI/AAAAAAAAFL0/XgsazXEfF-Y/s320/IMG_9318.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZsfgAdQsZs/T24cejHYMXI/AAAAAAAAFL8/rhPyrPc20vk/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZsfgAdQsZs/T24cejHYMXI/AAAAAAAAFL8/rhPyrPc20vk/s320/IMG_9324.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She would camp out each night, and then she and Myers both would play in there for hours on end together during the day. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hinE4NfpBOA/T24cqSL890I/AAAAAAAAFMI/5qtKVPwff7I/s1600/IMG_9332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hinE4NfpBOA/T24cqSL890I/AAAAAAAAFMI/5qtKVPwff7I/s320/IMG_9332.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoIj_TxonhI/T24c522TjmI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/VgfWPF1KWxo/s1600/IMG_9334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoIj_TxonhI/T24c522TjmI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/VgfWPF1KWxo/s320/IMG_9334.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to admit, I really considered leaving the tent up for a while longer. I mean, what's a few more days when it had already been up for almost three weeks?! When we took it down on Wednesday it caused Reagan to have to sleep in her own bed upstairs for the first time in 19 sleeps! But I needed her to get back on a regular schedule before going back to school tomorrow, and I was worried that it may take a few days/nights for her to get back into her normal routine after so many late nights downstairs during the break. It was super fun while it lasted, and it brought back many memories of the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/01/lets-go-camping-inside.html" target="_blank">first time that we decided to go camping inside</a>!<br />
<br />
As I just mentioned, Reagan returns to Kindergarten tomorrow. I have to be very honest with you now... I don't want her to go! I don't want Spring Break to end. And no, it's not just because I am dreading having to go back to making her school lunches at the crack of dawn each morning... I am genuinely going to miss her! And I don't even want to think about how much Myers is going to miss her. He has LOVED having Sissy home all day every day to play play play!<br />
<br />
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. My only comfort is knowing that we now only have 65 more school days (95 days total including holidays and weekends) until Summer Vacation! <i>And you can bet your bottom dollar that we won't be "stay-cationing" during that entire break!!!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-78189909333248140742012-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:002012-03-24T19:52:38.843-07:00Myers - Naked Or Stuffed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Holy Moly! </div>
<br />
Myers is all over the place these days and he is growing like a weed. I'm beginning to think that I need to buy him some new pyjamas because he has started wearing them unzipped with his belly hanging out ALL THE TIME! I'm not sure if he is trying to make a fashion statement, if it just feels good letting his belly get some air, or if his belly is in fact too big to be confined by the zipper of his pyjamas. Regardless of the reason, this is how he looks 99% of the time when he has his pyjamas on.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMZvH5YP5gE/T26HfU72WLI/AAAAAAAAFNE/mqX8aCvi834/s1600/IMG_9377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMZvH5YP5gE/T26HfU72WLI/AAAAAAAAFNE/mqX8aCvi834/s320/IMG_9377.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9FB3bZZSso/T26Hm5NTs-I/AAAAAAAAFNM/orn6_gqKXJk/s1600/IMG_9389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9FB3bZZSso/T26Hm5NTs-I/AAAAAAAAFNM/orn6_gqKXJk/s320/IMG_9389.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="189" /></a></div>
<br />
Who am I kidding... he has his pyjamas on 99% of the time! We have a habit in this family of staying in our pyjamas as much as possible!<br />
<br />
On more than one occasion lately, he has unzipped to nothing more than his diaper. And just the other morning I walked into the nursery to get him out of his crib and I found him 100% completely butt naked! Needless to say, I was very thankful that other than the wet diaper that had been flung out of the crib, everything else was still dry!<br />
<br />
When he's not taking his clothes off, he's stuffing things down his pant legs. A few days ago, I went to change his diaper and discovered a play microphone, two dice, and a measuring tablespoon all shoved down the left leg of his pyjamas! Since then, I think that I have removed this, that, or the other from his pant legs on a daily basis. <br />
<br />
As you can tell, there is never a dull moment around here these days!<br />
<br />
<i>And yes, as you can tell from the first picture above, he could probably use a haircut. I just can't bring myself to have it done just yet!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-63672568558344827172012-03-08T10:05:00.000-08:002012-03-24T11:57:11.592-07:00The 2012 Spring Wedding Show at Newlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESc4EJG92bk/T2uCUqtOsBI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/9QEH2HmiGMQ/s1600/Wedding+Show+Newlands+240112-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESc4EJG92bk/T2uCUqtOsBI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/9QEH2HmiGMQ/s320/Wedding+Show+Newlands+240112-6.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You may remember that I have expanded my <a href="http://web.mac.com/thebridesassistant/iWeb/Site/The%20Bride%27s%20Assistant.html" target="_blank">bridal business</a> to include <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/11/newlands-festival-of-trees.html" target="_blank">special event planning</a> along with the day-of wedding coordination that I have always offered. Tonight, I was wearing my Event Planning hat, as the 2012 Spring Wedding Show at Newlands was <i>THE</i> place to be!</div>
<br />
This was by far one of the most successful wedding shows to date at Newlands with over 40 vendors present, close to 500 guests in attendance, and over $20,000 in door prizes given away to many lucky brides-to-be!<br />
<br />
Of course, the highlight of the evening for me was having my family there to help and to celebrate with me. Reagan and Myers both hit the main stage early on in the evening before the guests started to arrive for a little dancing fun. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrCE8SH2Zd4/T24O9T9-NeI/AAAAAAAAFLg/390NBLRIoR0/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrCE8SH2Zd4/T24O9T9-NeI/AAAAAAAAFLg/390NBLRIoR0/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the show was in full force, Ryan took Myers home and put him to bed. This was the first time that Myers did not nurse before going to bed, and thankfully it didn't phase him one bit. This could very well mean that I nursed Myers for the very last time ever when I put him down for his afternoon nap today!<br />
<br />
Reagan stayed until the very end, as she is always my special helper at an event. Tonight, she was helping to greet all of the brides and their guests at the main entrance, and then she later helped me to emcee the dance demonstration and fashion show. She is always the super star!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDsdRPkDh_k/T24O8ocNJQI/AAAAAAAAFLY/p3oE9r7ojLE/s1600/IMG_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDsdRPkDh_k/T24O8ocNJQI/AAAAAAAAFLY/p3oE9r7ojLE/s320/IMG_0809.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
During the fashion show, as she was admiring all of the wedding gowns, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, all of these dresses are so beautiful. I'm going to need help one day when I get married. Will you please help me make all of my choices?" Oh my goodness, I was a hot mess of tears right then and there! <br />
<br />
We wrapped up the evening and made it home a little before 10PM. Reagan is now tucked into bed, and I'm already planning for the next two events!<br />
<br />
The 2012 Fall Wedding Show at Newlands will be held on Thursday, October 11th and the 2013 Spring Wedding Show at Newlands will be held on Thursday, March 14th. <br />
<br />
<i>I hope to see YOU there!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-7300219884686335422012-02-27T10:04:00.000-08:002012-03-22T12:22:59.044-07:00The 100th Day of Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems unreal that we have now had 100 days of class since the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/09/first-day-of-kindergarten.html" target="_blank">first day of Kindergarten</a>! The kids have been counting the days of school since that first day, and they were over-the-moon excited for today, the 100th day, to arrive!</div>
<br />
The day started off much the same as the previous 99... the boys and girls began working on writing their letters by writing their names in their daily name book. Reagan was deep in concentration with this task...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxTrvkjdwN0/T2n4_phREHI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/hZW-HypVphg/s1600/IMG_9256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxTrvkjdwN0/T2n4_phREHI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/hZW-HypVphg/s320/IMG_9256.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Until I called her name for her to pose for her camera happy Mommy of course!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs2qHmjCb9I/T2n4yhBfFHI/AAAAAAAAFJw/PF6th_FlkYI/s1600/IMG_9254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs2qHmjCb9I/T2n4yhBfFHI/AAAAAAAAFJw/PF6th_FlkYI/s320/IMG_9254.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The real excitement didn't occur until it was time for the special helper of the day, Adam, to begin the morning routine of counting the days. You could feel the buzz in the air as he began the count...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBEcB_XHQ6I/T2n5IsoO82I/AAAAAAAAFKE/_eEl9q3dkYI/s1600/IMG_9265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBEcB_XHQ6I/T2n5IsoO82I/AAAAAAAAFKE/_eEl9q3dkYI/s320/IMG_9265.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It didn't take long before the kids were counting louder and louder as the big moment was about to arrive... 94, 95, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">96, 97,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">98, 99</span>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-fW-ORTKUc/T2n5O9lroFI/AAAAAAAAFKM/ErFm7haGrK0/s1600/IMG_9270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-fW-ORTKUc/T2n5O9lroFI/AAAAAAAAFKM/ErFm7haGrK0/s320/IMG_9270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>100 DAYS OF SCHOOL!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knWhB_arulU/T2n5c-A-DxI/AAAAAAAAFKY/nAkb9hYeTUg/s1600/IMG_9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knWhB_arulU/T2n5c-A-DxI/AAAAAAAAFKY/nAkb9hYeTUg/s320/IMG_9273.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each of the boys and girls had brought a small big filled with 100 items to school today, and I was able to convince them to pose for a quick class picture, holding their items.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNEiARBAX8M/T2n5nUnVBhI/AAAAAAAAFKg/UnoLbwf707Y/s1600/IMG_9283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNEiARBAX8M/T2n5nUnVBhI/AAAAAAAAFKg/UnoLbwf707Y/s320/IMG_9283.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had debated for over a week as to what 100 items Reagan was going to take. She insisted on taking something that none of the other kids would bring, and she also wanted it to be something that she could share with all of her friends. After much deliberation, we decided on <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2010/08/silly-bandz.html" target="_blank">SILLY BANDZ</a>! After all, thanks to Reagan's cousins and Auntie Anna and Pops & Momsey back in Carolina, we have probably close to 500 silly bands! <br />
<br />
The kids spent a good portion of the afternoon sorting each of their 100 things into groups. They could choose how they wanted to sort them... size, colour, shape, etc. After all of Reagan's silly bandz had been sorted numerous different ways, they then sorted them into 20 random piles of 5 so that each of her classmates could take home a few for themselves.<br />
<br />
It was a super fun day, and a great way to practice counting and sorting as well! <br />
<br />
Happy 100th Day Everyone!<br />
<br />
<i>I just did a quick count, and we now have 74 days of school remaining until Summer Vacation!</i></div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-70571357694769675762012-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:002012-03-22T10:10:18.975-07:00Adventures in Ice Skating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to a birthday party for a family friend back in early December that was an ice skating party. It was the first time that Reagan had been on the ice in over a year, and it was the first time ever on the ice for Myers. <i> (If you can count riding around in the jogging stroller as being on the ice!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkG9pw4gUPg/T2n2JBZ8FlI/AAAAAAAAFJg/b3vc6izQxks/s1600/IMG_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkG9pw4gUPg/T2n2JBZ8FlI/AAAAAAAAFJg/b3vc6izQxks/s320/IMG_0617.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="192" /></a></span></i></div>
<br />
Reagan did great that day, and experimented with letting go of the bar a few times to skate on her own. So when we received an invitation to another ice skating party for today, Reagan became determined to be able to skate by herself. <br />
<br />
She and Ryan had practiced on three different occasions leading up to today's birthday party so that she would feel confident on the ice and be able to skate with some of her other Kindergarten classmates that have been taking lessons for awhile. <br />
<br />
I was nervous today because I knew that I would not have Ryan there to be her instructor, and I was going to be having to look after the little man as well! I got Reagan's skates laced up first, and then I proceeded to get mine on so that I could head out onto the ice with her while again pushing Myers in the stroller. <br />
<br />
By the time I got my skates all laced up, I realized that Reagan was already out on the ice. My heart dropped to my toes as I realized that she was out there on her own, without the bar, and without her Daddy skating closely behind her to catch her if she fell.<br />
<br />
But I was worried for nothing. She handled herself like a pro! As I skated up to where she was slowly making her way around the rink, I pulled out my phone to make a quick video clip for Ryan to see. After all, if was from him helping Reagan learn to skate that she could be as comfortable on the ice as she was today.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VKDX5DXlEnI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The lessons with Daddy certainly payed off! By the end of the party, she was starting to glide a bit more rather than the choppy walking that she was doing when she first stepped onto the ice today. Either way, she's now officially skating on her own!<br />Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-84561490483262758992012-02-14T10:02:00.000-08:002012-03-21T21:17:11.071-07:00The Valentine's Disaster... SAVED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was approximately an eighteen hour window of time this week that I was beginning to think that I was going to have to keep Reagan home from school on Valentine's Day. </div>
<br />
No, she hasn't been sick. <br />
<br />
I was worried that if she did go to school, that she would forever remember this day as the most horrible day possible. Why, because her mother <i>(that would be me)</i> is an utter and complete failure when it comes to baking.<br />
<br />
Seriously, I'm awful.<br />
<br />
And I know this. So why in the world I volunteered to make over 50 cupcakes for her Valentine's Day party is beyond me. <br />
<br />
I managed to ruin over 4 dozen cupcakes in an attempt to bake heart shaped cupcakes using heart shaped baking trays. I had purchased the trays last week, and I was quite proud of myself for finding them and for my plans to make beautiful heart shaped pink lemonade flavoured cupcakes for Reagan and her classmates. And these were <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-6-Cavity-Nonstick-Heart-Mini/dp/B000M9OBO0" target="_blank">not cheap baking trays</a> that I was using. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b77Ocp8g-C8/T2qgZGUSt9I/AAAAAAAAFLI/g0IiCwQkaJA/s1600/41cM2Pg2J1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b77Ocp8g-C8/T2qgZGUSt9I/AAAAAAAAFLI/g0IiCwQkaJA/s1600/41cM2Pg2J1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I think for the first time in my life, I have found something that does not fall under the category of "you get what you pay for" because all I ended up with was a big pile of crumbled cake pieces over and over and over again.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejuwEisKDRA/T2n0uauSHVI/AAAAAAAAFIU/6PNulT3iOtU/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejuwEisKDRA/T2n0uauSHVI/AAAAAAAAFIU/6PNulT3iOtU/s320/IMG_9198.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I scrubbed and washed and rinsed those trays until they looked brand new again, and then I promptly returned them to the store to get my money back!<br />
<br />
After doing a little research on <a href="http://pinterest.com/carolinagirl3/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <i>(I love you Pinterest)</i> I came up with a better idea that barely added up to a total of $5... Cupcake liners and marbles! Considering that my husband was beginning to think that I was losing <i>my</i> marbles in this task, this was the perfect solution for me!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrbjzg8ZvjU/T2n04AUf9II/AAAAAAAAFIg/zyYA81oFGto/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrbjzg8ZvjU/T2n04AUf9II/AAAAAAAAFIg/zyYA81oFGto/s320/IMG_9206.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And guess what... IT WORKED! Heart shaped cupcakes, just like that! And as a dear friend pointed out, had I not chosen to create <b>pink</b> lemonade cupcakes, they could have easily passed as Pac-Man cupcakes!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fFif5YuRMk/T2n1B3u0sEI/AAAAAAAAFIo/su5te_xlw1o/s1600/IMG_9210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fFif5YuRMk/T2n1B3u0sEI/AAAAAAAAFIo/su5te_xlw1o/s320/IMG_9210.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Crisis averted, Reagan was able to go to school today for her classroom Valentine's Day party. She took just over 50 cupcakes for the party, as her Kindergarten class was hosting a party for their Grade 4 & 5 buddies as well. She also took a handmade card, that she made herself, attached to a heart shaped twisty-straw for each of her own classmates. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xwJwbOkVHI/T2n1ridoUpI/AAAAAAAAFJM/w993bHBhhuk/s1600/IMG_9223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xwJwbOkVHI/T2n1ridoUpI/AAAAAAAAFJM/w993bHBhhuk/s320/IMG_9223.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBbbb1Bczvc/T2qaoJ_jd2I/AAAAAAAAFKs/iMLioPRGggs/s1600/IMG_9346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBbbb1Bczvc/T2qaoJ_jd2I/AAAAAAAAFKs/iMLioPRGggs/s320/IMG_9346.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The cupcakes were a hit, as all of the kids quickly gobbled them up during the party! <i>HALLELUJAH!</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNcX-rz2CeQ/T2n108Db1DI/AAAAAAAAFJY/H_maduBuOIw/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNcX-rz2CeQ/T2n108Db1DI/AAAAAAAAFJY/H_maduBuOIw/s320/IMG_9245.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></i></div>
<br />
I think the highlight of the party, <i>other than the cupcakes of course</i>, may have been Reagan's hair. All of her classmates and buddies and all of the teachers were very impressed that we had gone through such trouble to really keep with the Valentine's Day theme. Truthfully, it wasn't that hard of a look to achieve! I have a feeling that we will be sporting this awesome hairdo for multiple occasions in the future...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBkJLqth3PQ/T2n1Whcl87I/AAAAAAAAFI8/4sy43717R-I/s1600/IMG_9213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBkJLqth3PQ/T2n1Whcl87I/AAAAAAAAFI8/4sy43717R-I/s320/IMG_9213.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ronUo-vcFw8/T2n1Lmu_7pI/AAAAAAAAFIw/UjoYtNz2jvg/s1600/IMG_9211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ronUo-vcFw8/T2n1Lmu_7pI/AAAAAAAAFIw/UjoYtNz2jvg/s320/IMG_9211.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXN-xzf-E8/T2n1i70SMvI/AAAAAAAAFJE/-u2RenRh2CA/s1600/IMG_9214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXN-xzf-E8/T2n1i70SMvI/AAAAAAAAFJE/-u2RenRh2CA/s320/IMG_9214.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan came home from school today, super excited to show off all of her Valentine's Day loot. I have to say, I was very impressed with the idea that her teachers came up with for saving/storing all of the cards that she received from her classmates. Instead of coming home with twenty cards loose in her backpack, all of the cards had been carefully placed into a memory book! AWESOME idea!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQE6jpzE_Mw/T2qaxoLDfsI/AAAAAAAAFK4/uE-9jvuiPrs/s1600/IMG_9347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQE6jpzE_Mw/T2qaxoLDfsI/AAAAAAAAFK4/uE-9jvuiPrs/s320/IMG_9347.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXL8F0GeToM/T2qa5jBLizI/AAAAAAAAFLA/8MjIQHaNUz0/s1600/IMG_9349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXL8F0GeToM/T2qa5jBLizI/AAAAAAAAFLA/8MjIQHaNUz0/s320/IMG_9349.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After a quick snack at home, we were off for a very special delivery. Reagan needed to take her boyfriend Matthew his Valentine's day cupcake and heart shaped twisty-straw! The two of them were absolutely too stinkin' cute when they made their exchanges... Matthew gave Reagan a cute little card and a sucker. And my future son-in-law is already earning brownie points with me as he had a special card and chocolate for me as well. <b>SO SWEET!</b><br />
<br />
Ryan took us all out for a fancy dinner tonight, <i>(any dinner that I don't have to cook that is served to me at a restaurant is considered to be fancy in my book)</i> and the waitresses were all oohing and aahing over Reagan's hair! I think I may just have to create and post a video tutorial for how to do it yourself very soon.<br />
<br />
Now that both of the kids are in bed, I plan to see how big of a dent I can put into the two pound box of chocolate that Ryan gave me today. I'll start my weight loss routine next month...<br />
<br />
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-27311166903643690652012-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:002012-03-21T13:53:27.081-07:00Can Birth Control Cause Depression?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not long after we returned home from our summer vacation to the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/07/sunset-harbor.html" target="_blank">family beach house</a> in North Carolina last year, I made the decision to start taking birth control again. This was during the same time that we were in the middle of dealing with the King of Cranky, <i>aka Myers</i>, and his <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/07/its-not-all-good.html" target="_blank">infant sleep problems</a>. Who in their right mind wouldn't want to prevent a possible pregnancy while trying to cope through all of that mess! Our family physician wrote me a prescription for Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and I didn't give a second thought to taking them as this was the same pill that I had taken for years before we decided to start a family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCg-UyTLBak/T2nxxjq9XzI/AAAAAAAAFIM/QBr1yT0V6yM/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yCg-UyTLBak/T2nxxjq9XzI/AAAAAAAAFIM/QBr1yT0V6yM/s1600/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I didn't realize was that this time, the pill was going to make me feel even worse than I already was. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At first, I didn't notice it because we were finally successful with our efforts in <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/08/infant-sleep-training.html" target="_blank">sleep training</a> with Myers. While I had been worried about <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/07/ive-got-itch.html" target="_blank">depression once again attacking me</a> during our battles with sleep, I began to feel light years better once I was able to actually get a full night's sleep on a continual basis.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a couple of months had passed, I noticed that I was beginning to feel weepy a lot. <i>And by weepy, I mean that I would cry from watching a commercial for laundry detergent. </i> I didn't have as much energy, and I realized that<b> I </b>was becoming the <b>Queen</b> of Cranky! Recognizing the symptoms that I was feeling, I upped my intake of B vitamins and figured that would do the trick. For about a month, it helped. Or, maybe what helped was the fact that I was on a high from the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">best Christmas ever</a> during the same month that I upped my vitamins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As soon as Christmas was over, I spiralled into a massive funk. <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/worst-day.html" target="_blank">I was miserable</a>. And usually when I get down in the dumps after having to say goodbye to my family, I am able to snap out of it within a couple of days. But not this time. At least two weeks had gone by before I realized that I just was NOT feeling right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started thinking about it, and I began to quickly realize that I had been getting this awful feeling for at least 2 weeks of every month since I had gone back on the pill. I debated the issue in my head, and then I turned to my trusty friend, the internet! Heavens to Betsy... I was not alone. It seems that everybody and their grandma had at some time or another questioned if their birth control could cause depression. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I scheduled an appointment with our family doctor, and he confirmed what I had already figured out. Yes the pill can contribute to (not cause) depression, especially if you are already subject to suffering from depression in the past. I came home from my appointment and, after discussing it with Ryan, I tossed the pills in the garbage! Ryan and I are not 100% sure that we are done having kids anyway, so it wasn't that hard of a decision to make!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now, it's been almost a month and I am feeling like myself once again. It has been such a relief to no longer have to worry that I am turning into some sort of manic crazy person. I'll be honest, for a minute there, I really thought I was going off the deep end! It's amazing what those synthetic hormones can do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>I mean, really... the natural hormones that we have to deal with are enough all on their own. Don't you agree!?!</i></div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-28125599571227933662012-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:002012-03-21T09:53:30.178-07:00The Abbotsford RV ShowWe've been talking about buying a travel trailer for quite some time now. <br />
<br />
But in case you haven't figured it out already from all of our talk about <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/08/moving-on.html" target="_blank">moving</a>, we have a habit of doing more talking than acting around here!<br />
<br />
This weekend, we decided to at least take action in terms of taking a look. We ventured out to the 2012 Abbotsford RV Show at the Tradex to see for ourselves just want we may <strike>need </strike><i>ahem...</i> want if we were to actually purchase something. <br />
<br />
The kids had a blast touring through and playing in dozens of different tent trailers, travel trailers, and full size motor homes. Ryan and I had fun looking at all of the different layouts, and of course dreaming of things that we can not afford!<br />
<br />
We finally decided that we <i>think</i> that we like this layout, but truthfully, we have no idea! It was a bit overwhelming as it was the first time that we have looked at anything. So to suddenly go from looking at nothing to looking at everything that there is out there was a little much!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8XIu9u80eY/T2nu1FCjNwI/AAAAAAAAFIE/-nSjk1umgns/s1600/ZT28BH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8XIu9u80eY/T2nu1FCjNwI/AAAAAAAAFIE/-nSjk1umgns/s400/ZT28BH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We like this layout because both of the bunk beds are full size beds. However, we also liked a couple of plans that had three to four bunk beds. The only thing with that is that the bunk beds are all slightly smaller than even a twin bed. What if our kids hit a huge growth spurt?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Of course, these are <b>our</b> kids that we are talking about here. It's not really in their genes for them to grow too much over 5.5 feet tall!!!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Regardless, it was a fun afternoon, and we do feel a bit more educated now. Do I anticipate us going out and buying a trailer anytime in the near future? NOPE! But should we ever win the lottery, you now know one of the purchases that we would make!</div>
<span id="goog_1342696234"></span><span id="goog_1342696235"></span>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-33031734529460679442012-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:002012-03-20T16:40:37.771-07:00Gymnastics GOLD!This weekend marks the beginning of the competition season for gymnastics, which means that this is the weekend that Reagan has been waiting on for the past few months!<br />
<br />
I checked her out of school an hour early yesterday so that we would have time to get her dressed and ready before leaving for Coquitlam. Reagan's cousin Riley and his girlfriend Lindsay had recently moved down to the Coast from Vernon, and they were excited to be here to go with us to the Friday evening competition to cheer for Reagan. I have to admit, I think Reagan tried even harder because she was showing off for her special guests!<br />
<br />
All of the gym girls were anxious to get started once we arrived, but I was able to convince them to pose for a few pictures before it was time for them to make their team entrance. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqFmHuw-CU8/T2kNmIelwVI/AAAAAAAAFHE/T1ITFr_jgo4/s1600/IMG_9008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqFmHuw-CU8/T2kNmIelwVI/AAAAAAAAFHE/T1ITFr_jgo4/s320/IMG_9008.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbRMH0Ie7u8/T2kOr6CqRqI/AAAAAAAAFH0/HrSqxElmCrM/s1600/424800_287113194686538_100001635792289_786727_1589682763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbRMH0Ie7u8/T2kOr6CqRqI/AAAAAAAAFH0/HrSqxElmCrM/s320/424800_287113194686538_100001635792289_786727_1589682763_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you Christy for this awesome picture of the girls!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the Friday night portion of the weekend competition, the girls were being judged on their "Physical Abilities". A few examples of the things that Physical Abilities include are rope climb, leg lifts, chin ups, bar hangs, bar swings, bar casts, long jump, sprinting, splits, etc. <br />
<br />
We wrapped up the first evening of competition with... a SILVER medal! Reagan had received bronze at her <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/03/her-first-gymnastics-competition.html" target="_blank">first competition of the season last year</a>, so we were all very excited over her improvement!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQ_lwyfq-s/T2kNeLgSxpI/AAAAAAAAFG8/daJdtdye388/s1600/IMG_8991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfQ_lwyfq-s/T2kNeLgSxpI/AAAAAAAAFG8/daJdtdye388/s320/IMG_8991.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We were up bright and early this morning for Day 2 of competition, "Skills" testing. The Skills portion of her competition resembles a more traditional gymnastics competition in that each of the girls are judged on a combination of skills performed on each of the gymnastic apparatuses.... Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYZOPGvN0HQ/T2kNs76RJkI/AAAAAAAAFHM/4NgNVuROZjU/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYZOPGvN0HQ/T2kNs76RJkI/AAAAAAAAFHM/4NgNVuROZjU/s320/IMG_9106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qihyYYQTAE/T2kNz0aGE6I/AAAAAAAAFHU/ua0SziI3_EA/s1600/IMG_9113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qihyYYQTAE/T2kNz0aGE6I/AAAAAAAAFHU/ua0SziI3_EA/s320/IMG_9113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32LThfWdZbQ/T2kN6kBKckI/AAAAAAAAFHc/_wigQnzYPIs/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32LThfWdZbQ/T2kN6kBKckI/AAAAAAAAFHc/_wigQnzYPIs/s320/IMG_9127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmiUG08XrEw/T2kOBC5v6JI/AAAAAAAAFHk/ihYKMa6kR7Q/s1600/IMG_9133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmiUG08XrEw/T2kOBC5v6JI/AAAAAAAAFHk/ihYKMa6kR7Q/s320/IMG_9133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this same competition last year, Reagan received bronze on bars and silver on the remaining three events. But, this year was a different story... REAGAN RECEIVED HER FIRST GOLD! Gold on Bars, Silver on Vault, Floor, and Beam, and Silver All-Around! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhE9T2B3hdg/T2kOGcFSuII/AAAAAAAAFHs/TOiEr1LxGYU/s1600/IMG_9196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhE9T2B3hdg/T2kOGcFSuII/AAAAAAAAFHs/TOiEr1LxGYU/s320/IMG_9196.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan was so excited and so very proud of herself for receiving her first ever gold. I have to admit... I was pretty excited and proud of her myself!<br />
<br />
<i>WAY TO GO REAGAN!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-37403186269983411982012-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:002012-03-20T13:19:28.997-07:0014 Month Update for MyersMyers is turning into a little man and growing up WAY too fast!<br />
<br />
He has developed quite the personality, and he loves to play games with us now. One of his favourites is a combination of hide-n-seek with peek-a-boo. He will run over to hide behind the curtains, and wait for us to start asking, "Where did Myers go?" Once he hears those magic words, he will pop out from behind the curtains with a super huge grin on his face and expect us to say, "There he is! Peek-a-boo!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48HSC2Bar2E/T2i8aHBRIWI/AAAAAAAAFE0/HQNWRV4nUl8/s1600/IMG_8937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-48HSC2Bar2E/T2i8aHBRIWI/AAAAAAAAFE0/HQNWRV4nUl8/s320/IMG_8937.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas holidays</a>, he discovered his love for chocolate as he would get to eat a tiny piece of chocolate each morning from the Advent calendar. The only problem is that Christmas is over, and he still expects his piece of chocolate every morning!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He has also discovered a love for Starbucks. Hmmm... can you say, "Just like Mommy"?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAzFlpe17Zg/T2i8iuMs22I/AAAAAAAAFE8/QW7usSBXvXE/s1600/IMG_8943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAzFlpe17Zg/T2i8iuMs22I/AAAAAAAAFE8/QW7usSBXvXE/s320/IMG_8943.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He is walking all over the place now, and he has even tried to start running a couple of times while playing with Reagan. The only problem is that his little legs seem to be going faster than the rest of his body, and he has a tendency to lose control and just fall down from all of his momentum. This has led to a very bloody and deeply busted lip on three occasions now. The first time, I nearly had a melt down from all of the blood. The second time, it was Ryan who had a little freak-out. By the third mishap, both Ryan and I were seasoned pros at the sight of blood and teeth marks in his lip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of teeth, FOUR more have come through in the last month, giving him a total of 14! I don't remember Reagan getting all her teeth this quickly, but there is a good possibility that it could also be the case for her. I've just been too lazy to flip through her baby book or take a walk down memory lane on the blog to find out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Myers decided that he was done using the big high chair and that he wants to sit at the dining room table with the rest of us when we eat dinner now. Thankfully, we had purchased a travel high chair to use with Reagan whenever we went camping, and I was able to strap it down to one of our dining room chairs for Myers to use. He thinks he is such a big boy now! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sitting at the big table has prompted him to also start to use a fork and spoon by himself now when he eats. This is still not always the most mess-free way of letting him eat, and I've come to terms with the fact that I will be sweeping and vacuuming the dining room floor every day for the next little while!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, I have to tell you that Myers is a LOVER! This little boy loves to snuggle and to give big, tight squeezing hugs and open mouth kisses. Don't you wish you could just reach inside your screen to get some of that loving for yourself from this adorable little man?!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9twbNLRVqA/T2i8qNsfECI/AAAAAAAAFFE/NWdXNVEhX-M/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9twbNLRVqA/T2i8qNsfECI/AAAAAAAAFFE/NWdXNVEhX-M/s320/IMG_8945.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-54367337802300672192012-01-15T09:58:00.000-08:002012-03-20T11:52:38.297-07:00The Frozen North<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We certainly enjoyed the break from our <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/09/hyper-parenting.html" target="_blank">normal busy schedule</a> during the Christmas holidays, and it took us all a couple of weeks to get out of our <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/worst-day.html" target="_blank">post-holiday funk</a>. But now, we are back in the swing of things around here in what has become the VERY frozen North!<br />
<br />
Fifteen years ago, you would never have been able to convince this Carolina Girl that I would one day be living in Canada, and that I would walk my daughter to school while pushing my son in a stroller over drifts of swirling snow greater than a foot deep with almost zero visibility and temperatures that register at -10 with a wind chill of -23. <br />
<br />
I would have told you that you were completely off-your-rocker, all kinds of crazy if you had told me that would one day happen. Well, guess what? That day has come.<br />
<br />
It's flipping' freezing here! Literally!<br />
<br />
We've been having buckets of snow coming down every day for almost a week now. </div>
<br />
<i>AND I LOVE IT!</i><br />
<br />
I can't believe it myself, but I am finding that I actually enjoy the subzero temperatures. How is that even possible? Because when it gets as cold as it has lately been here, <b>IT CAN'T RAIN!</b> Let's face it, I'm as sunshine girl, even when it's freezing! I've come to understand that as long as it is not raining, I'm a happy.<br />
<br />
It has been a very dry snow that's been coming down, and that has made it very difficult to build the perfect snowman. But we managed to get it done. I mentioned above that it is flippin' freezing... well, it seemed only fitting that we have a <i>flippin'</i> snowman! Reagan and I are known around our neighbourhood for our <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/01/reagans-snowgirl.html" target="_blank">original snowy creations</a>, and we worked very hard this year to create our newest masterpiece... a <b>cartwheeling snowman!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFeWEVAlCyQ/T2i_LOy0alI/AAAAAAAAFGk/7-_7jPOLbqo/s1600/IMG_8913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFeWEVAlCyQ/T2i_LOy0alI/AAAAAAAAFGk/7-_7jPOLbqo/s320/IMG_8913.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once Reagan was back inside the toasty warm house, our snowman decided to show the true reason that he is hanging out upside down in our front yard. It appears that he had a nip or two too many!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx_0e5zBqdk/T2i_T6Wk1jI/AAAAAAAAFGs/UYTrw1bNd-4/s1600/IMG_8928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx_0e5zBqdk/T2i_T6Wk1jI/AAAAAAAAFGs/UYTrw1bNd-4/s320/IMG_8928.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCyrNN-TGnA/T2i_eRCVcMI/AAAAAAAAFG0/PRIV4P3gfT8/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCyrNN-TGnA/T2i_eRCVcMI/AAAAAAAAFG0/PRIV4P3gfT8/s320/IMG_8930.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Myers has enjoyed discovering the snow this year while playing outside with Reagan. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7T1htE_hp4/T2i9Zf32gAI/AAAAAAAAFFM/k8pg1YTCUa0/s1600/IMG_8056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7T1htE_hp4/T2i9Zf32gAI/AAAAAAAAFFM/k8pg1YTCUa0/s320/IMG_8056.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riluxL4jFKI/T2i9hRpIKMI/AAAAAAAAFFU/1BOcHGMzHQg/s1600/IMG_8074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riluxL4jFKI/T2i9hRpIKMI/AAAAAAAAFFU/1BOcHGMzHQg/s320/IMG_8074.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan has done such an awesome job of teaching him all of the fun things that Winter has to offer... building snowmen, making snow angels, and having big sissy pull you across the yard!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZRXinmOqe0/T2i9pdYOYZI/AAAAAAAAFFc/FUc4rOSBw1I/s1600/IMG_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZRXinmOqe0/T2i9pdYOYZI/AAAAAAAAFFc/FUc4rOSBw1I/s320/IMG_8098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwfi0304xas/T2i9zugmKqI/AAAAAAAAFFk/BTkzSSh9fh4/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwfi0304xas/T2i9zugmKqI/AAAAAAAAFFk/BTkzSSh9fh4/s320/IMG_8108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69StxtqQvYA/T2i-NSMTWZI/AAAAAAAAFF8/Qk4RFcQv7Ro/s1600/IMG_8254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69StxtqQvYA/T2i-NSMTWZI/AAAAAAAAFF8/Qk4RFcQv7Ro/s320/IMG_8254.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We took a walk up the street to Reagan's school to play in the snow in the wide open fields yesterday afternoon, and we had a blast for hours on end. At first, Myers was more concerned about watching Daddy pull Reagan around on the sled, but then he decided that it was more fun to just eat the snow!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uH_OQ1CDRl4/T2i98cos5EI/AAAAAAAAFFs/b6HSgbsSa84/s1600/IMG_8150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uH_OQ1CDRl4/T2i98cos5EI/AAAAAAAAFFs/b6HSgbsSa84/s320/IMG_8150.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0qjaxf7DY/T2i-FyRXh1I/AAAAAAAAFF0/ELBG14K8rIQ/s1600/IMG_8163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0qjaxf7DY/T2i-FyRXh1I/AAAAAAAAFF0/ELBG14K8rIQ/s320/IMG_8163.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We eventually loaded up <b>both</b> of the kids onto the sled. I held my breath and begged Reagan to hold on tightly to her brother as Ryan ran across the fields, pulling them behind him. The smiles on their faces and the squeals of laughter told me that they were having a fabulous time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt_qzaLHm5g/T2i-VSGkmwI/AAAAAAAAFGE/aD6z007x8UI/s1600/IMG_8397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt_qzaLHm5g/T2i-VSGkmwI/AAAAAAAAFGE/aD6z007x8UI/s320/IMG_8397.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBHWYOQsHfQ/T2i-eooD4iI/AAAAAAAAFGM/wa8brpbQb40/s1600/IMG_8645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBHWYOQsHfQ/T2i-eooD4iI/AAAAAAAAFGM/wa8brpbQb40/s320/IMG_8645.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a super fun day, and both kids devoured a huge mug of hot chocolate as soon as we got back home. And then, as soon as they were done, they were both begging to go back outside again! I would say I've definitely got two snow babies on my hands...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nci6HHP_Bv8/T2i-oAQm9nI/AAAAAAAAFGU/3g3xlFz7Yc4/s1600/IMG_8861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nci6HHP_Bv8/T2i-oAQm9nI/AAAAAAAAFGU/3g3xlFz7Yc4/s320/IMG_8861.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwU1JU1DfX0/T2i-wD6anHI/AAAAAAAAFGc/tvuqY0BNfXo/s1600/IMG_8901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwU1JU1DfX0/T2i-wD6anHI/AAAAAAAAFGc/tvuqY0BNfXo/s320/IMG_8901.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-25532528829672338002012-01-03T21:27:00.000-08:002012-03-20T11:52:23.200-07:00A New Year With New ChangesI have been approached numerous times in the past regarding placing advertisements on my blog. It is something that I have seriously considered for quite some time, but I just never took the time to make a decision one way or the other.<br />
<br />
In all of our thinking about the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/08/moving-on.html" target="_blank">possible move</a> back to South Carolina, I began to think more and more about the possibility of placing ads on this blog. <br />
<br />
No, I'm not expecting to make enough money to support our family, thus resolving the issue of us not having employment in the States! But it would be nice to be able to make some extra money, however small it may be, to help supplement any future immigration costs or moving costs. And if we don't decide to make the move, then it would still be nice to make a little extra money to help support by Starbucks addiction!!!<br />
<br />
Or, it would be nice to use it to help pay for my own website. <br />
<br />
That was the real reason that I started doing all of my research. I would <b>LOVE</b> to have my own domain name instead of using the blogger platform as I have always done. But owning a domain name comes with a monthly fee, where as blogger is free. So I'm having a hard time justifying the decision to purchase a website. <br />
<br />
I did a lot of research, and I ulitmately decided to go with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdSense" target="_blank">Google's AdSense</a> for this blog. And, so far, I have been very impressed. Once my blog had been approved, I was then able to limit what types of ads I would or would not allow to appear on my page. I could then also chose where I wanted the ads to be placed. They currently are located at the very top and very bottom of my right hand side bar (above "About Me" and below "Buttons") and also at the end of the most current post in this main body.<br />
<br />
Many of the ads that have appeared thus far have caught my eye, and I've been tempted to click to see what they are all about. But, to follow the rules established for me by Google, I can't do the clicking! That would be unfair, because then I would be tempted to just sit at my computer all day long, clicking on my own ads and making money for doing so. <br />
<br />
However, that rule does <b>not</b> apply to you my readers! If any of the ads that you will now be seeing on this blog should catch YOUR eye, please feel free to give them a click to check them out for yourself! By doing so, you will be learn about whatever cool new product or service that caught your attention to begin with, as well as you will be helping put a few extra pennies in my pocket.<br />
<br />
Just in case you are wondering, I can let you know that the ads don't pay much! So far, I have yet to make enough money to pay for my signature $7.00 Starbucks drink... my Quad Venti Caramel Macchiato!<br />
<br />
I must also make a side note here. I am sure that there are a few of my readers that love me and my family very much that would love to help us as much as possible and are currently reading this and thinking of ways to click and click for us to watch those pennies add up. <b>Please don't do that! </b> Google will get very upset and no longer allow me to have ads of any kind if they even suspect that something fishy is going on. So, really, please only click on the ads that you are interested in!<br />
<br />
In the process of deciding to advertise, I also decided to add a few features to this blog to make it easier for you all to keep up with any changes or new posts.<br />
<br />
You can now subscribe to receive my posts in your specific reader of choice... Yahoo, Atom, NewsGator, Bloglines, Netvibes, Google, FeedDemon, etc.<br />
<br />
You can also subscribe to receive an alert to your email address notifying you of whenever a new post has been published. <br />
<br />
<b>The link for either of these choices is located in my right side bar, under the section for "Followers".</b><br />
<br />
One last note of instruction, and then I'll wrap it all up with this post. I have started linking back to previous posts within my current posts more often now. So, if as you are reading, you should suddenly come across a few words in pink it is not because I like to colour coordinate my posts! That simply means that you can click on the pink words to go back to the exact post of whatever I am referring to. For example, there has been one other time that this blog had some major changes to occur, and that was back when I decided to stop letting it be a blog about Reagan and more or less let it be a blog about any and everything in our lives. So, <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/04/paging-doctor-mommy_17.html" target="_blank">Paging Doctor Mommy</a> was created. And if you want to read all about how that came about, then just click on the words in pink right above and it will take you directly to that link!<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that all of the changes and additions will make it a little easier for you to follow along! And I'm hoping that I won't lose any of my current readers by making any of these changes!Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-55941129590218620392012-01-02T09:56:00.000-08:002012-03-19T17:23:30.968-07:00Let's Go Gamecocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6jeC6dGQI/T2es6mY6obI/AAAAAAAAFEs/2ozYpmwGcbk/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6jeC6dGQI/T2es6mY6obI/AAAAAAAAFEs/2ozYpmwGcbk/s320/IMG_8028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Earlier today, Myers and Reagan were both proudly sporting the new South Carolina Gamecock gear that they got for Christmas. <br />
<br />
And today was the perfect day for them to be wearing their garnet and black, as the Gamecocks faced the Cornhuskers of Nebraska in the Capitol One Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. <br />
<br />
The Gamecocks must have been able to hear our cheers all the way from Canada, as S<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">outh Carolina went on to win 30–13!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">GO GAMECOCKS!</span>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-70744228596591667482012-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:002012-03-19T18:52:35.458-07:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is no better way to shake off the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/worst-day.html" target="_blank">post-holiday blues</a> than by spending a fun evening with some fantastic friends!</div>
<br />
We loaded up and made the 3-minute drive over to Reagan's boyfriend's house for a New Year's Eve sleepover bash. Little did we know then that there was going to be some REAL bashing to take place! <br />
<br />
The highlight of the evening for the children, other than being allowed to stay up super late to watch the ball drop <i>(thank heavens we could watch it on an East Coast feed, so they were actually up only a little past 9PM our time!)</i> was when Matthew's dad brought out the hammer for the children to bash apart the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">monster gingerbread house</a> that their family had made for Christmas. I'm not sure which part was more fun... the bashing, or the eating!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywYpwMNQh3k/T2dxNgd94NI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/oNwSlCxmwzE/s1600/390422_10150451629432202_634852201_8743656_1140472609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywYpwMNQh3k/T2dxNgd94NI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/oNwSlCxmwzE/s320/390422_10150451629432202_634852201_8743656_1140472609_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9iTmEnPL9s/T2dxN-1Eh4I/AAAAAAAAFDU/d67wRsuXhq4/s1600/398405_10150451629997202_634852201_8743663_1386482856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9iTmEnPL9s/T2dxN-1Eh4I/AAAAAAAAFDU/d67wRsuXhq4/s320/398405_10150451629997202_634852201_8743663_1386482856_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Myers and Anna <i>(Matthew's little sister, Anna, not my little sister, Anna)</i> went to bed without much fuss at all. For Reagan and Matthew, however, it was a bit of a different story. We had placed a baby monitor in Matthew's room so that we could hear all of their anti-bedtime shenanigans, and we were definitely entertained by what we heard. Lots of giggles, a few squeals, some quiet story telling, and finally, sleeping children. Of course, we had to go upstairs a couple of times to provide a bit of encouragement for sleeping. The deal was that Matthew was supposed to sleep in his bed, and Reagan was to sleep on the air mattress beside his bed. But that didn't happen! We went upstairs to discover both of them in Matthew's bed. The explanation that was given by Matthew was just too sweet and genuine for us to argue, so we let them fall asleep that way. I mean, how could we say no to, "But's it's just too cold for Reagan to have to sleep on the floor. It's way more cozy and warm in my bed." Ahhh, the innocence of young children. Something tells me that we won't be able to allow those sleeping arrangements for much longer!<br />
<br />
Once the kids were all tucked in for the night, it was time for the grown-ups to play some Rock Band on the Wii. Acting out your inner diva on the microphone is much easier after a few of these...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKkREYIp1BA/T2d1rzGGOgI/AAAAAAAAFEI/ZpHpYCO_ZlA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKkREYIp1BA/T2d1rzGGOgI/AAAAAAAAFEI/ZpHpYCO_ZlA/s1600/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's just say that I had enough Blue Moon to make me feel like I was ready for the big stage. All four of us were feeling confident enough about our performances that we decided we needed a band name... THE KNOPPICKELLS! We only stopped rocking out long enough to make a toast as we watched the ball drop at midnight our time to welcome in 2012, and then we went right back to our music. I think it was somewhere around 3am before we finally all decided that it was time to go to bed since our children would all be up bright and early in just a few more hours!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't tell you how happy I am that we have become such good friends with this family. Thank goodness that Reagan decided that <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2010/12/christmas-play.html" target="_blank">Matthew is the one for her</a> just over a year ago! Since then, the kids have grown closer, and the parents have developed a fabulous friendship as well. In an effort to <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/08/moving-on.html" target="_blank">keep us living here in BC</a>, Matthew's parents have already agreed that yes, Matthew and Reagan will most definitely be getting married one day. To sweeten the pot, they have also agreed to betroth their Anna to marry Myers as well. Our families will be forever intertwined! And, Myers and Anna will have plenty of time to get to know one another better this coming year, as Anna will be coming to our house for day care 3 days a week starting in the Fall. <br />
<br />
We came home today in time for Myers to have his morning nap, and then we decided to venture out for some family fun. Two years ago on New Year's Day, we took Reagan to see her first ever movie at the theatre, "The Chipmunks Squeakquel". <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgeKlC-U4So/T2d1r1tH_cI/AAAAAAAAFEA/cui-zYWmshA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgeKlC-U4So/T2d1r1tH_cI/AAAAAAAAFEA/cui-zYWmshA/s1600/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<br />
It seemed only fitting today that we go as a family for Myers to see his first ever movie at the theatre, "The Chipmunks Chipwrecked"!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-eEgnrBl8g/T2d2ylftQ9I/AAAAAAAAFEk/BB0CwHctXwY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-eEgnrBl8g/T2d2ylftQ9I/AAAAAAAAFEk/BB0CwHctXwY/s1600/images.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<br />
To only be 13 months old, Myers did a pretty good job at the movie. Reagan, of course as a seasoned pro, loved every minute of it and is already asking what movie we can go see next!<br />
<br />
I have to say, when you consider all of the fun things that we have already packed into the first few hours of the year 2012, we are most certainly off to a great start! I think it's going to be a great year!</div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-78221510653442029752011-12-27T09:54:00.000-08:002012-03-19T10:20:25.603-07:00The Worst Day<i>Yesterday was the worst day. </i><br />
<br />
I can now tell you that I know what it must feel like for a drug addict to begin rehab. I am currently in the process of going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows.<br />
<br />
You all know that we just had the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">most amazing Christmas ever</a> with my family. I mean, Christmas just in and of itself is my favourite holiday of the year. And experiencing Christmas with two young children in the house discovering the magic for themselves makes it even better. But this year was like the butter cream frosting on a red velvet cake because not only was it an awesome Christmas with our kids, but I got to see all of my family enjoying Christmas with our kids as well. All of us, together... it was priceless.<br />
<br />
<i>It was the highest of highs.</i><br />
<br />
And then the very next day, we made the drive back to the airport in Vancouver for my mom, my dad, and my sister to all return home to South Carolina. Reagan and I were both crying before we even left our house. The entire drive to Vancouver, Reagan continued to whine off and on, and she would make up excuses that we needed to turn around and go back home like, "Oh no! Pops left his computer at our house. We need to go back." Or, "Momsey, I think you left your toothbrush upstairs, we need to go back." Or "Auntie Anna, you left your necklace in my room. We need to go back." All she wanted was for ALL of us to just go back home!<br />
<br />
It only got worse once we were at the airport. Reagan started crying pretty much as soon as we got out of the car. She settled down once we were inside the airport, but when it quickly became time to say our goodbyes, her waterworks returned in full force. So did mine.<br />
<br />
As we were walking back through the airport, (just Ryan, Myers, Reagan and I by this point) Reagan began crying very loudly, kicking and practically screaming that she wanted Momsey. For almost half an hour she just sobbed, "I want my Momsey. I need my Pops. I miss Auntie Anna." She continued to be a mess the entire drive back home. <br />
<br />
Once we got home, we were all pretty pathetic. Even Ryan said the house felt too quiet and too empty. We spent most of the afternoon fighting back the sniffles. It really was a depressing sight.<br />
<br />
<i>It was the lowest of lows. </i><br />
<br />
Today is a little better than yesterday, but not by much. I think it is only because we have an appointment with the <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/08/moving-on.html" target="_blank">immigration lawyer</a> in just two more days to find out more about what we need to do so that we no longer have to experience these awful goodbyes...Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-55657950646167949912011-12-26T19:14:00.000-08:002012-03-18T19:16:24.493-07:00Just Like PopsYou may recall a post that I did about <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/06/happy-fathers-day-daddy.html" target="_blank">my Daddy for Fathers Day</a> a few years ago. <br />
<br />
I make it pretty clear within that post as to exactly how I feel about my Daddy. Based on that, you would be able to quickly assume that I was pretty happy to see my son trying to be just like his Pops early this morning. <br />
<br />
Pops was at the computer, checking on the status of their upcoming flight back home to South Carolina, and eating his standard breakfast of peanut butter crackers. Myers decided that he needed to do the same thing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jy567TLVbU/T2aWGeDyBoI/AAAAAAAAFDI/ehsUc656tjU/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jy567TLVbU/T2aWGeDyBoI/AAAAAAAAFDI/ehsUc656tjU/s320/IMG_7884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What makes this picture even better is that I have one of Reagan, almost the same age as Myers is now, in the exact same spot doing the same thing!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c29zn-gy9T0/T2aV7gGbZYI/AAAAAAAAFDA/tWoCCvrDqsU/s1600/DSCF5265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c29zn-gy9T0/T2aV7gGbZYI/AAAAAAAAFDA/tWoCCvrDqsU/s320/DSCF5265.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes, it warms my heart when I see my kids trying to be just like Pops!</div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-10923196428768707802011-12-25T09:53:00.000-08:002012-03-18T18:00:45.089-07:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This has been the best Christmas EVER! It has been so much fun having all of my family here with us, and I am sure that I am going to be a big blubbering mess this time tomorrow after they have all gone back home to South Carolina. But for now, I am still loving having everyone here together, all under one roof, to celebrate my favourite holiday of the year!</div>
<br />
This year was no different in many ways, as our family has a few <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/12/christmas-traditions-old-new.html" target="_blank">traditions</a> that we make sure <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/02/christmas-in-february.html" target="_blank">always happen</a>. <br />
<br />
Reagan and Ryan are a team when it comes to putting the toppers on our two Christmas trees...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndIexoly4gs/T2ZkUeh_5-I/AAAAAAAAFAo/ZfsAfKxOCmU/s1600/IMG_7791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndIexoly4gs/T2ZkUeh_5-I/AAAAAAAAFAo/ZfsAfKxOCmU/s320/IMG_7791.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan and Ryan are also a team when it comes to making the gingerbread house. The did a spectacular job again this year, as Reagan tried very hard not to eat all of the decorations...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2ItqWUYV1Y/T2ZkgIwDDxI/AAAAAAAAFAw/aA7HMaLd7j0/s1600/IMG_7893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2ItqWUYV1Y/T2ZkgIwDDxI/AAAAAAAAFAw/aA7HMaLd7j0/s320/IMG_7893.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I must also give credit to the most amazing gingerbread house that I have ever seen. Reagan's boyfriend's family goes ALL OUT when it comes to their fabulous creations. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo below, but their gingerbread house is literally about twenty times the size of ours and it weighs a ton!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOU4_IeTaZ8/T2Zr7tB6XuI/AAAAAAAAFCo/F7CFsKd8nPM/s1600/378593_10150534170915281_644320280_11325508_1107421095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOU4_IeTaZ8/T2Zr7tB6XuI/AAAAAAAAFCo/F7CFsKd8nPM/s320/378593_10150534170915281_644320280_11325508_1107421095_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's just wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to Santa! A family about 10 minutes from our home decorates their entire front acre of land with millions of Christmas
lights. In the center of the grand display is a giant blue fairy-tale
type castle where the most magnificent Santa sits on his giant throne to
welcome the kids. This Santa is FABULOUS. Each and every child that enters his kingdom is made to feel as if he has been waiting to see them for the entire year that has passed since the last Christmas. This year was no different. Reagan was ready to climb up into his lap to tell him her biggest wish... a pink Barbie camper. Myers, on the other hand, was a little unsure about the big man in the red suit!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIxyzgOSWe0/T2ZkrpVOGVI/AAAAAAAAFA4/LiMQaF_pRRo/s1600/IMG_7894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIxyzgOSWe0/T2ZkrpVOGVI/AAAAAAAAFA4/LiMQaF_pRRo/s320/IMG_7894.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan also makes sure that everyone, meaning Santa and his reindeer, all get fed on Christmas Eve. She and I bake cookies for Santa, and then we whip up a batch of reindeer food. This year, we made a big enough batch of reindeer food that Reagan was able to share it with our neighbours, her cousins, and of course her boyfriend's family. Those reindeer were well fed this year for sure! Our mixture of food is made up of goji berry oatmeal, glitter, and sequins. The oatmeal is obviously for the reindeer to eat while Santa is in our house, and the glitter and sequins help them to easily find us! Myers even joined in on the fun of sprinkling the reindeer food all over our front yard this year. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgYi1qXgtQ4/T2Zky8F4lrI/AAAAAAAAFBA/zXA6I3j_CO0/s1600/IMG_7902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgYi1qXgtQ4/T2Zky8F4lrI/AAAAAAAAFBA/zXA6I3j_CO0/s320/IMG_7902.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKU_OTZg5HI/T2Zk6oRpY-I/AAAAAAAAFBI/TkmtaHD2-XA/s1600/IMG_7907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKU_OTZg5HI/T2Zk6oRpY-I/AAAAAAAAFBI/TkmtaHD2-XA/s320/IMG_7907.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
A new tradition was started for us this year. At least I hope it will become a tradition because both of my children were thrilled that it happened. I guess it will all depend on <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/nokee-our-elf-on-shelf.html" target="_blank">Nokee</a>, as he was the one that allowed it to begin with...<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, when the kids came downstairs to find Nokee, they discovered that he was sitting inside of Reagan's stocking, and he once again had a little note.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Reagan and Myers,</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am so excited for today!
SANTA comes tonight! And guess
what? Santa has agreed that I can ride
back to the North Pole with him in his sleigh, so that means that I will not
need my Christmas magic to get back home tonight. Please, please, please will you and Myers
give me a great big hug tonight before you go to bed? I won’t get to see you again until I come
back to your house next year, so I definitely want to be able to give you a
proper goodbye. Don’t worry, you won’t
hurt me by hugging me. Like I said,
Santa has promised that he will take care of me! </span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have had so much fun the past few weeks hiding in different places
in your house each morning. And I have
loved every minute of every day, watching you two play together. It is very obvious that you both love each
other very much. That makes me and Santa
both very happy!</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will miss you until next Christmas, but I will be back again next
holiday season. </span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t forget my hug when you get ready for bed! And be sure to get to bed on time tonight for
Santa!</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love you both!</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Love,</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Nokee, Your Elf</i></blockquote>
<br />
All Reagan could talk about all day long on Christmas Eve was how she was going to get to touch Nokee and give him a hug before she went to bed. She was VERY VERY VERY VERY excited! The moment was truly priceless and absolutely precious when she and Myers told Nokee their goodbyes for this year. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWthjH0zpfI/T2ZlI5L_akI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/_A42ppjIpOw/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWthjH0zpfI/T2ZlI5L_akI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/_A42ppjIpOw/s320/IMG_7912.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzlKDWH3zYE/T2ZlT_MGQ4I/AAAAAAAAFBY/xB3x1VbQ0PM/s1600/IMG_7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzlKDWH3zYE/T2ZlT_MGQ4I/AAAAAAAAFBY/xB3x1VbQ0PM/s320/IMG_7913.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rvjUQXGkKE/T2ZlflyMS3I/AAAAAAAAFBg/S088tz12-Pw/s1600/IMG_7918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rvjUQXGkKE/T2ZlflyMS3I/AAAAAAAAFBg/S088tz12-Pw/s320/IMG_7918.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXW4OdY7ck0/T2ZlrKf4hBI/AAAAAAAAFBo/3YemHDRicsM/s1600/IMG_7925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXW4OdY7ck0/T2ZlrKf4hBI/AAAAAAAAFBo/3YemHDRicsM/s320/IMG_7925.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reagan<i> (obviously not Myers yet) </i>has not begun to question the magic of Christmas, and I hope that time doesn't come for many more years. In order to help keep the magic alive for my kids for as long as possible, I decided to get a little sneaky with Santa this year. I needed picture proof to show them that he does exist! With a little help from <a href="http://www.capturethemagic.com/" target="_blank">Capture The Magic</a>, I was able to do just that. Here is picture proof that Santa was here, in our living room, delivering all of our Christmas goodies. <i>GOTCHA SANTA!</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BugN88vGhLY/T2ZkKyb7GkI/AAAAAAAAFAg/L89NXPnA9AY/s1600/Gotcha+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BugN88vGhLY/T2ZkKyb7GkI/AAAAAAAAFAg/L89NXPnA9AY/s320/Gotcha+Santa.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was so much fun to watch the kids opening their gifts this morning. Reagan was thrilled to get her requested Barbie camper, as well as a whole bunch of Barbie accessories to go with it. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T69pNA7OfC0/T2ZmQyh5hzI/AAAAAAAAFCA/JSJ-tQDnIaQ/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T69pNA7OfC0/T2ZmQyh5hzI/AAAAAAAAFCA/JSJ-tQDnIaQ/s320/IMG_7954.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0l_RsSqy2w/T2Z08ueX8rI/AAAAAAAAFCw/vj1eZjkhbCQ/s1600/IMG_7948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0l_RsSqy2w/T2Z08ueX8rI/AAAAAAAAFCw/vj1eZjkhbCQ/s320/IMG_7948.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And Myers was way more interested in opening presents this year compared to him sleeping through Christmas morning last year! He was most excited about his big ride-on/push-along Caterpillar dump truck. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSQzezq4NYA/T2ZmDdIpmmI/AAAAAAAAFB4/_JguFg2E23M/s1600/IMG_7949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSQzezq4NYA/T2ZmDdIpmmI/AAAAAAAAFB4/_JguFg2E23M/s320/IMG_7949.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUBbSMbw5As/T2Z2GT4NitI/AAAAAAAAFC4/R1gUWt3KWZU/s1600/IMG_7961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUBbSMbw5As/T2Z2GT4NitI/AAAAAAAAFC4/R1gUWt3KWZU/s320/IMG_7961.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because of the fact that we open presents one by one, each person taking a turn and then enjoying watching everyone else have a turn as well, Christmas morning stretched into Christmas afternoon for us this year even though we were up before 7:00. But we prefer to do it this way instead of everyone tearing into all their gifts all at once and then no one has a clue of what happened! So after our marathon morning, we were all ready for the delicious brunch that I had prepared... a breakfast casserole with eggs, sausage and bacon, a pecan swirled coffee cake, a casserole of breakfast potatoes that my sweet friend Stephanie gave us, and lots of tropical fruit. We were all fuelled up for an afternoon of playing with our new toys!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It seems crazy that we needed to eat that much food for brunch when you consider that we had just each consumed what felt like double our body weight the night before when I made Christmas dinner for all of us and the rest of Ryan's family too. Deep fried turkey, cranberry stuffing, party potatoes, squash casserole, green bean casserole, Crock Pot macaroni and cheese, devilled eggs, corn, biscuits, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie... all made from scratch! It added up to be close to a $450 feast for 15 that was over faster than you can say Merry Christmas! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last present that we opened this morning was actually my favourite present of all. The big Santa bag was labeled as "Open Last", and when I opened it up we realized that it was stuffed with one present for each of us. Auntie Anna, Pops, Momsey, Reagan, Myers, Ryan and I all simultaneously opened up our gifts to find matching pyjamas for the entire family! Reagan and I have been wearing <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/01/cute-cuddly.html" target="_blank">matching pyjamas</a> for years now, so that must be how Santa knew that we would get a big kick out of the whole family being able to do so as well. The girls will all soon be going to bed tonight wearing our pink dog tired pjs while the boys are sporting their pirate attire. TOO CUTE!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNbYbZhU-R4/T2Zm3sihlAI/AAAAAAAAFCg/ooFYFV5psaA/s1600/IMG_8008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNbYbZhU-R4/T2Zm3sihlAI/AAAAAAAAFCg/ooFYFV5psaA/s320/IMG_8008.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3c6Oj63SZ4/T2ZmnkF_P7I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/6ETLvGyB6W4/s1600/IMG_7983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3c6Oj63SZ4/T2ZmnkF_P7I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/6ETLvGyB6W4/s320/IMG_7983.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finished off the evening with one last tradition... our family portrait!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPzrIe7_rAE/T2ZmwStPuBI/AAAAAAAAFCY/OusR-IgxknI/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPzrIe7_rAE/T2ZmwStPuBI/AAAAAAAAFCY/OusR-IgxknI/s320/IMG_7992.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been a whirlwind couple of days, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Like I said at the very beginning of this post, it was the best Christmas ever!</div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-15274070465200801312011-12-22T09:53:00.000-08:002012-03-18T14:43:06.716-07:00Auntie Anna Is Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our house is now full, and we are ready for Christmas... Auntie Anna is here!</div>
<br />
My sister's flight got in late last night after Myers was already in bed, so he and Ryan didn't make the trip to the airport to pick her up. Pops, Momsey, Reagan and I were all anxiously awaiting her arrival, and Reagan was VERY happy to see her Auntie Anna again!<br />
<br />
Anna <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/09/auntie-anna-is-here.html" target="_blank">lived with us as our nanny</a> for just over a year, and this is her first visit back to Canada after <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2010/10/month-agoa-month-to-go-from-reagans.html" target="_blank">moving back home to South Carolina</a> a couple of months before Myers was born. She was up bright and early this morning, ready to get some cuddles and snuggles from Myers as soon as he came out of his crib.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaSuRrCOc8/T2KLjLXlPVI/AAAAAAAAFAI/Uz-iyrplcr4/s1600/DSC07300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaSuRrCOc8/T2KLjLXlPVI/AAAAAAAAFAI/Uz-iyrplcr4/s320/DSC07300.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This will only be a short visit for Anna, as she and my parents are all flying home together the day after Christmas. We won't have time for any <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/10/princess-party.html" target="_blank">princess parties</a>, <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/10/camping-trip-and-my-new-job.html" target="_blank">camping</a>, or <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/12/redneck-christmas-lights-parade.html" target="_blank">parades</a> like Anna is used to doing when she is with us. But it just wouldn't have been the same if she wasn't <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/12/christmas-traditions-old-new.html" target="_blank">here for Christmas</a> with the rest of us. <br />
<br />
<i>Welcome back Anna!</i>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33971602.post-91990893659363280992011-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:002012-03-17T19:44:17.870-07:00Nokee - Our Elf On The Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You may have heard about the book and the tradition of <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/" target="_blank">The Elf on The Shelf</a>. You may have even seen the adorable television show about the elf named Chippey that aired this Christmas, <a href="http://www.anelfsstory.com/" target="_blank">An Elf's Story</a>, that is based on the book. If not, you can watch the trailer here...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sW9Z65Y-zVE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
But just in case you still aren't sure exactly what purpose these little elves serve, let me tell you!<br />
<br />
The Elf on the Shelf is how Santa knows who to put on the Naughty list and the Nice list. Every family that receives an elf has to name him or her in order for the elf to receive its Christmas magic and to become a part of the family's Christmas each and every year. <br />
<br />
Thanks to my parents, we have our very own little Elf on the Shelf in our family... NOKEE! <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2009/12/christmas-traditions-old-new.html" target="_blank">Reagan named him the first year that he came to be with us back in 2009</a>, and he has truly become a part of our family since then. <br />
<br />
Nokee is an excellent listener, and an even better observer. He is Santa's eyes and ears in our home! We can not touch Nokee or else he will lose his magic, but he always listens and delivers messages to Santa. He pays attention to everything that happens during the day, both the good and the bad, and he then reports back to Santa each night by using his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. He flies back to our house each morning before we wake up, and he loves to play hide-and-seek by landing in a different spot every day. For the past two years, Reagan has loved to wake up during the holiday season to <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/02/christmas-in-february.html" target="_blank">run downstairs and find Nokee</a>!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, we were very happy this year when we came downstairs a couple of weeks ago to discover that Nokee was once again in our home, and that he was up to his usual mischief! He was perched on a candlestick, holding an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">itty bitty tee tiny little</span> note that almost required a magnifying glass to read, addressed to both Reagan and Myers...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Dear Reagan and Myers,</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I am so happy to FINALLY come back to visit with you from the North
Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus and all of us
elves have been busy all year getting ready for Christmas. We have also been keeping an eye on the two
of you!</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Reagan, you are such a busy little girl this year. You are in Kindergarten! Santa is very impressed that you are starting
to read. WOW! I know that Mrs. Dreyer and Mrs. Paulson both
love you very much and that they are very happy that you are in their class. Oh yes, I know who your teachers are! I also know all about Coach Diana, Coach
Katie, Miss Suzanne, Mrs. Rusch, and Miss Danielle. I get tired just thinking about all of the
fun activities that you do everyday. You
are one lucky girl!</i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And you are an AWESOME big sister! </i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Myers, you are a very lucky little boy to have Reagan as your
sister. I can’t believe how much you
have grown over the past year! When I
arrived at your house last year, you were just an itty bitty little baby! Now you are almost walking and talking and
eating anything that you see! </i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Reagan, don’t worry, Santa and I have made special notes to make
sure that we only bring toys for Myers that will be safe for him to play with…
we don’t want him choking on any small pieces since he puts everything into his
mouth! But we need you to give us some
good ideas of toys that you think that Myers might like. And we need to know what presents you are
hoping for this year, too!</i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I’m happy to be back in your house to visit with you again this
year. Just remember the rules…</i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 – No touching! You don’t
want me to lose my Christmas magic!<br />2 – Tell me your wishes! Even
though I can’t talk back to you, I can tell Santa!<br />3 – Be on your best behavior!
I’m ALWAYS watching!</i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Happy Holidays Reagan and Myers!
We’re going to have so much fun this year, I just know it!</i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Love,<br />Nokee, Your Elf</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since that morning, Nokee has been keeping us on our toes. He's landed in a few of his usual spots... on top of either of our Christmas trees, on the fireplace mantle, or hanging from a light fixture. But he has also had a few surprises for us this year. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
One morning we found him inside our refrigerator with another small note explaining that he thinks our house is too hot and that the refrigerator reminds him of the North Pole. <br />
<br />
The morning that <a href="http://knoppfamily.blogspot.ca/2011/12/pops-momsey-are-back.html" target="_blank">Pops and Momsey arrived</a>, we couldn't find him in the house anywhere... he was waiting in the car to ride to the airport with us! He had heard Reagan counting down the sleeps, so he decided to hitch a ride so that he could see them immediately upon their arrival! <br />
<br />
We came downstairs one morning to find him sitting quite proudly beside Reagan's lunch box with yet another little note explaining that he had decided to help out around the house, so he had gone ahead and packed Reagan's lunch box for me. He must have been a bit confused though, because her lunch box was filled with a bag of uncooked rice, a can of tuna, a sleeve of Starbucks Via coffee, 2 large garlic bulbs, over a dozen peanut butter dog biscuits, a bag of Aveeno Oatmeal baby wash, and close to twenty Hershey kisses. Needless to say, I had to repack her lunch... Thanks anyway Nokee!<br />
<br />
But this morning, we discovered his trickiest move yet. I had made a loaf of bread in my <a href="http://www.breville.ca/the-custom-loaf.html" target="_blank">Breville Breadmaker</a> last night <i>(OMG I love that thing!)</i>, and had left a small bowl of unused flour sitting on the counter. Nokee must have knocked over the bowl of flour when he landed, because it was spread across my stovetop when we came downstairs. But that wasn't the best part of it... Nokee had made a snow angel in the flour! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdLiH9yvwFI/T2KLDjxFiVI/AAAAAAAAE_4/1VJeQYIKkzk/s1600/IMG_7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdLiH9yvwFI/T2KLDjxFiVI/AAAAAAAAE_4/1VJeQYIKkzk/s320/IMG_7843.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He is one silly elf, and we can't wait to see what else he has in store for us this year!</div>Paging Doctor Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364229844076773985noreply@blogger.com0