Snow Day

I love the snow! I prefer it to be in the mountains but this past day of waking up to snow on the ground was the best! Camryn LOVES snow so when we showed her what had happened during the night she was so excited. After breakfast we all suited up and headed outside for some much needed FUN IN THE SNOW before it warmed up and washed away. Now there wasn't much snow out there but we did our best with what we had and even Bowen had fun! He was the cutest little thing sitting there in is 3-6 month snowsuit (which I have no idea why they would size something like that so small; Bowen is pretty big and he fits in it at 9 months old).

Terry shoveled the driveway and I played and played and played. It only took about 40 minutes before Bo was crying and needed his morning nap. Camryn and Daddy stayed outside for a little while longer getting in as much time as possible. This snow day was a much needed day of relaxing at home and playing. With all the craziness we call Christmas and then to have NO SNOW on Christmas, we truly enjoyed our day together.

Bear Creek Park Christmas Train

After 3 days of turkey dinner, some close friends of ours from California stopped by for their much needed visit. It was so awesome to see them all and how the kids are growing so much. We are really looking forward to our 2012 Disneyland trip and we have already started saving. It's truly amazing how these children get along so well despite not seeing eachother for 6 months. The last time our friends were able to visit was in June. Their oldest daughter is 6, their son is 4 (only a couple months older than Camryn) and their youngest is 18 months. It is such a blessing that we have stayed such good friends with these amazing people!

Boxing Day 2010

For Boxing Day we headed over to Terry's parents place for some more turkey dinner!  The kids always have so much fun together and as you can see we dressed them up matching the boys and the girls the same.  They looked so super cute.  It was amazing we got Camryn to wear pants!!!  Or I should say Terry did because I really had nothing to do with it.  I love how big they are getting and how cute they are.  Every time they see eachother they get all riled up and so excited.  It was pure madness while opening presents but would you expect anything different.  My sister in-law and I are so happy that I had another boy!  Two of each!!!!  I would have felt awful for my nephew if I had had another girl.  I may have even tried for another.... maybe!

Christmas Day

So I'm trying out this new thing called Smilebox just to see if I can add some sort of flair to my blog!  Let me know what you think.  The pictures sum up Christmas Day!!!!  Camryn was so cute in her holiday attire... Princess, Princess, Princess!  And, thank goodness Bowen was feeling so much better than the day before.  He still wasn't completely back to normal but much better than the day before.  He was up a couple times during the night but was right into opening the presents for Christmas morning.  The kids, of course, got totally spoiled and so did we.

Free collage created with Smilebox

Christmas Eve

Due to my sister and brother's marriages we had to compromise Christmas dinner and have it on Christmas Eve this year.  This is the first year we have had to do this and it was a little different but really no complaints. Still has fun as always with movies, games, ping-pong and many, many laughs.  Next year we will have Christmas Day again and every year after will continue to switch back and forth.  Unfortunately this year, Christmas Eve was the day that my son got some sort of flu bug with a fever of 102 degrees farenheit and a wonderful episode of vomitting.  Let's just say, Christmas Eve wasn't as enjoyable this year due to this illness.  He wasn't himself, not really into presents and I mean really can we blame him.  I guess it's not what I was expecting, but really I shouldn't have had any expectations because we never know what's going to happen.  

Camryn and Bowen - probably the happiest poor Bo was all night!



We tried so hard to get a good picture of the Bowen and Ethan together in their matching PJ's
but they were both exhausted from all the excitement.



www.michelleveer.com

So I have a website now besides my blog.  I have connected with http://www.amazon.com/ in order to potentially make some side money.

So in the future if you were to potentially buy something online from either http://www.amazon.ca/ or http://www.amazon.com/ or even http://www.chapters.ca/ then you could purchase it from my website.  Have a look, let me know what you think. 

However in reading what I wrote above it feels like a sales pitch.  I don't want it to seem like that.  I am looking at it like I was selling Norwex products or something like that.  I just offer things that are a little more as an entertainment value.

My new website is http://www.michelleveer.com/ and you can visit it as often as you like.

Thanks for listening!!

Our 2010 Christmas Tree

Not enough posts

Okay that was way too hard.  I went from not posting at all to every day and I became overwhelmed. I only had time at night and there was just too many other things that took precedent, especially since it is Christmas time.  I have now been inspired however, to post more often than I had been.  I really enjoy posting and finding different topics to talk about.

Anyways there is a new book I am totally looking forward to buying by Allison Sweeney, "The Mommy Diet".  I saw her on Ellen and I was inspired to buy her book. It sounds perfect for me!  I am watching the Biggest Loser right now, I PVR'ed it and I'm just catching up, although I already know that Patrick wins.  I am super inspired by this show.  It is amazing what people can do and how they change their lives so drastically.  I can't even get myself to the gym.  I've been contemplating buying a treadmill. I have difficulty leaving the house, especially with an 8-month old baby boy at home.  I feel mom guilt and pressure and I just do not like working out.  I feel like some days I have major motivation but then there are the days that just bring me down and I feel like there is no time in the day.  Hubby is gone at 7:30 in the morning and doesn't get back until some time between 6:30 and 7 pm.  The only time we have is the couple of hours in the evening before he goes to bed and I need some down time.  Some down time that involves me sitting and not running around all day. If I'm not trying to get stuff done around the house, or laundry done (and my house isn't very clean), I am out getting groceries or picking up dinner, or visiting friends.  There is a little impossiblity in my voice and I really need to make a change.

Sorry for the rant about everything that is going on in my head, but sometimes I just need to vent, and what better way to do it than on a blog. 

Treasure

How many times a day do you tell the important people in your life, that you love them?  How often do you really cherish all the blessings in your life? 

My suggestion to you is to do this EVERY DAY!!!!

You never know when the moment you have right now is the only one your are going to have or maybe even your last.  Life is precious and you need to treasure it all the time.  Count your blessings. 

A young family I know has now entered into my prayers and please, if you can, pray for them too.  This week their family was divided with the loss of its head of the household, leaving a mom and her two year old daughter alone.  It's tragic and awful and almost unbearable to think about.  I am brought to tears with the thought of what's to come for this widow and her fatherless child.  What do you even say to someone who has lost their spouse? Their significant other.  Their best friend.  There are no words.

Earlier this year, due to the economic situation, I had to endure a 6 month stint without my husband.  My short loss does not even compare to what this woman is forced to deal with but I can definitely empathize.

So please pray for this woman daily and remember her when you forget how good you have it.  Cherish your daily blessings and think about the things that God has given you.

Survivor

Who does not like a really good Survivor episode?  Who doesn't like watching all the games, the deceit, the lying, the immunity challenges, the reward challenges? 

I personally enjoy every episode of Survivor.  It is one of my favorite shows and I have been watching since Season 2.  I LOVE it!!  I try to never miss an episode.  It is my gateway drug.  I have even gotten my parents totally involved.  When Terry was away for six months, my parents were over A LOT, and we watched this past season, Heroes Vs. Villians.  It was SOOOOOOOOooooo good!

I think my favorite season was in Africa.  I get excited every Wednesday at 8 pm and now it's even better with a PVR and I get a few more things done before I sit down and try to relax.  Like that ever really happens.

Prompt

Link to three posts that you've loved this month written by other people, and tell us why.

I got this prompt from the National Blog Posting Month website.  I was looking for an idea of what to write about today.  Something different.  Something unusual.  So here it is.

1.  Coastal Sling Mommy

I chose this link first because when I read it I couldn't help but smile. Her daughter is so adorable and I LOVE ballet.  It reminded me of when I first put my daughter in ballet and how little ones have so much drive and vulnerability.  That needs to be appreciated more.  Children are so impressionable and unfortunately the grow up so fast.  It's a reminder to treasure the times when your little ones are little.  It doesn't last forever.

2.  The Runs

It's not often that a blogger will put 2 videos in a post.  This chicky inspires me to no end.  She's the runner that I only wish I could be. I find her inspirational and such a person to love.  It just so happens that I am sort of related.  We both married cousins.  I don't get to see her often so this helps to stay in touch.  She's witty and funny and honest.  She doesn't try to be anyone else and I love her for that.

3.  The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms

Now this post truly tells about all the controversy that is out there with regard to raising your baby.  It's hard enough to try and do your best, you do not need everyone (and I say that loosely) jumping down your throat about certain things you choose to do.  It is a frustrating and I really enjoyed reading the dispute of what she had to say.

Donate, Sell or Throw Away?

I am on a purging spree.  I have been for a while now but it is finally being put into action.  I just went through most of my daughter's toys and sifted through what she would like to donate to someone else that is a little less fortunate.  She did a pretty good job I might add, but now I am at a standstill.  I need suggestions as to what to do with everything.  I have toys, clothing, baby stuff, candle holders, books, etc.  I don't want to just throw it in the garbage.  I want to give it to someone in need.  But who.... where?

I don't want to be a hoarder. I don't want to be a pack-rat.  But that is what I feel like I am when I see all the stuff that has accumulated over the last 8 years, or maybe even longer.  I want space.  I want serenity.  I want to be a minimalist but I don't think I have it in me.  Where should everything go?  I'm not really a garage sale type of person and this is definitely not the time of year for that. 

I am decluttering!!!! 

I guess this is kind of plea.  If you have any suggestions or tips, I would love to hear them.  I would love to know if you can tell me exactly how to do this.

Thanks! 

Oops!

Okay this is a lot harder than I thought.  This morning will have to count as yesterday's post and tonight I'll do another one for today.  So let's just think of this as December 5th.

December 5th - Family

I don't know how most people feel about their family but I LOVE mine, extended and immediate. Don't get me wrong, there are things that can drive me crazy about them, but at the center there is only LOVE!

These pictures below are of some of my extended family as well as my sister and sister in-law.  It just so happens that I come from quite a large family that I don't get to see as often as I would like.  My cousins and I have been close since birth and I have to say it's pretty awesome.  I mean how many famillies do you know that still see their cousins on an ongoing basis.  These pictures are from our 3rd Annual 'Kids' Family Christmas and we all make a point of getting together before Christmas, usually in November, to exchange tacky gifts, eat and primarily take goofy pictures that you can see below.  We've known eachother our whole lives and most of us our married now, but the fact that we all are willing to get together just to make sure we see one another before the holidays is pretty special.  I guess we can thank our parents for instilling family values in us.

11 Minutes Late

Okay, I just got home from being out and I realize that I'm 11 minutes after 12:00 am but I am going to consider this post for the previous day, being my Day 4.

I just had a wonderful time with some great friends that I have had since grade 8.  You sure can't beat friends that you have had for that long because they know so much about you and have been through so many things with you, whether good or bad.

As we all have turned 30 this year, a toast is definitely in order.  So raise your *glass* and toast to great friends that you have stayed in touch with through the years!  Thanks Ladies!!  And Happy Birthday to Lisa, the last one of us to turn 30.

Camryn Grace Veer: An Interview

Mommy: What is your name?

Camryn

M: How old are you?

Four

M: What is something Mommy always says to you?

You always say that my shoes are on the wrong feet.

M: What makes Mommy happy?

Uh, when I listen.

M: What makes Mommy sad?

When I don't listen.

M: What is Mommy really good at?

You're really good at helping me clean up my bedroom.  I'm so proud of you.

M: What is Mommy not so good at?

I don't know.

M: What is Mommy's favorite food?

Cheerios.

M: How do you know Mommy loves you?

You love me when I draw pictures.

M: What does God do?

God gives me toys.  God made my toys because God made everybody.

M: If you were a puppy what would your name be?

Camryn

M: How many kids do you want to have?

Three

M: What does Santa do?

Brings me presents and I can open them.

M: Where does Santa live?

North Pole

M: When is Christmas?

I don't know, can you tell me?

M: December 25th

Okay write that down.

M: Who's Birthday is at Christmas?

Jesus.

M: What does Daddy do? What is his job?

Works.  His job is to work.

M: Why did God give you me as your Mom?

Because you are my Mommy.  I love you.  Make sure you draw a heart.

M: What's the difference between moms and dads?

Mommies and Daddies know best.  And your face is different and Daddy has spiky hair.

M: If you could change one thing about me (or one thing I could do better), what would it be?

Setting up decorations better.

M: Thanks for answering my questions.

*Smile*

Age 2                                                                                              Age 3

Age 4

Lists

Okay, it's Day 2 of NaBloPoMo and I can't stop thinking about this.  I need to make lists. I need to make lists in order to get things done.  I have found that if I don't use and I try and mentally remember by grocery list or things I need to buy for Christmas or what needs to be done around the house, then NOTHING gets done.  I forget what needs to be done and I end up not doing much.  I end up forgetting!! I hate forgetting and I hate being late.  Being late is one of my pet peeves.  I TRY and never be late for anything and it is a rarity if I am late.

Now when creating lists you always need to have a paper and pen handy because if I don't write it down I won't remember it.  I'm finding that I have so many lists that I have a hard time keeping track of everything I have written down and where I wrote it down.  I make a grocery list, a christmas list, a money owing list (who owes me and who I owe), a to-do list around the house, a list for errands that need to be completed, and many more lists.  I need a list to keep track of all the lists I have going.  I need to research how to organize all of this.

First Blog of the Month

I thought I would start my first entry during NaBloPoMo with a laugh!!  I hope you enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

National Blog Posting Month

I have some severe guilt for not posting on my blog.  I really enjoy posting and I need to be more accountable, so I have joined a group National Blog Posting Month and I am committing to post on my blog daily for the next month.  Hopefully this will help me become accustom to doing so and I will then post more often.  This will start on December 1st and go for the entire month of December.  It seems like a big feat as I sit here and write this but I want to give it a go.
I was inspired by Coastal Sling Mommy who committed to do this for the month of November and she has been successful!!!

I enjoy reading her blog and in reading it, I realized that it is a good idea to stay consistent and write as often as possible.  Thank you for your inspiration.  I hope I can be just as successful.

6 Months Old

I can't believe but my baby boy is officially 6 months old today, October 1st, 2010.  Bowen currently weighs close to 19 lbs and is changing by the minute.  He loves being on his tummy and is slowly moving his way around.  He has almost figured out the moving forward thing by pulling his legs in but he does great moving himself around in a circle on his belly!  I LOVE IT! 

I LOVE that he absolutely adores his big sister.  It doesn't matter what she does and he will let out a little squeal in delight or a HUGE smile or a laugh.  It is so special to watch.  Bo doesn't have any teeth yet just drool, so it is all about the toothless grins for a little while longer.  He has started to eat solid foods now although he isn't showing a lot of interest.  He'll eat it if you put it in his mouth and I'm assuming he enjoys it because he doesn't protest.  That's my buddy boy, quite content and easy-going.  Bowen has a smile for anyone who will pay attention to him.  His relaxed attitude is just like his Daddy!

Purpose

I have been meaning to, for a LONG time, have a daily devotional that I could do every day in order to aid in my growth with Jesus.  Something that was short enough where I didn't feel like I was neglecting my kids or my household but with enough substance that I could learn and grow.  Today I found one.

I picked up a book titled God's Purpose for Every Woman.  This is going to be my challenge.

And of course, what was I just mentioning about 'something that was short enough where I didn't feel like I was neglecting my kids or my household' and what is the first devotional about..... BE THERE.  Prioritize your lists: MUST DO, WANT TO DO, CAN WAIT IF NECESSARY.  Be there as the heart of the home, be there fully for your family.  Instead of feeling like I'm neglecting my kids or household I should be putting first what is most important and that is my relationship with God.  All other things can wait, and will wait. 

This devotion quoted Proverbs 31:27-28 so I decided to read all of Proverbs 31:10-31, The Wife of Noble Character.  It was perfect.  I really like Proverbs.  It is very practical for our day because it shows us how to become wise, make good decisions and live according to God's ideal.  This chapter talked about this perfect woman that was of strong character, great wisdom, many skills and great compassion.  Who can be like this all the time?  I was in awe of all she could do, morning and night.  To read this is to assume that this woman spoken of does not sleep or eat.  In the life application part below in my Bible, it says we should see this woman as an inspiration to be all that we can be and to learn from her industry, integrity and resourcefulness.  Well I only aspire to be any part of what this woman is described. 

I already feel so fulfilled just doing a daily devotional and then to read something that is so life applicable really helps me.  I pray that God can work through me and help me to learn and grow from the challenges I will be faced with in this book.  I am super encouraged and inspired.

Purpose is a result, end, mean aim or goal of an action intentionally undertaken.  I hope I am able to fulfill this purpose of learning and growing and walking closer with God.

And we're off to the 'Peg

Part of my extended family moved to Winnipeg just over 10 years ago and I'm so excited to be travelling there for one of my cousin's wedding this weekend.  It just so happens that I'm bringing the WHOLE family with me.  Hubby, Camryn and Bowen are all hopping aboard a plane with me and I'm feeling a little anxious about it.  Camryn was only a couple months older than Bowen when I took her to Winnipeg for the first time.  I guess he is a really good sleeper so I really shouldn't be too worried. 

I'll let you all know how it goes.... wish me luck!

Friendly California

We had a wonderful visit recently from our close friends who just happen to live in California.  As you can see from the picture above, our families have multiplied since we last saw eachother, adding two little ones to the three big kids.  We are so blessed to have such great friends, even if they live far away, and it was awesome to see how well they played together.

I guess it's our turn now, to head down to sunny California and visit Disneyland once again!  I am really looking forward to it in March 2012!

UPDATE:  Bowen is smiling and laughing now!  Super cute with Sophie the Giraffe at 10 weeks old.

The last and final month...

June is beginning.  And as May ends, so does the 5 month span I have had with a life of a single parent.  This is the last and final month of my husband being away in Australia.  His expected return day is fast approaching and I cannot explain how relieved I am feeling.  Every day his arrival approaches faster and faster and I am almost more anxious now then I was to start.  This countdown is much harder than the previous one and I find myself in complete anticipation.

Life has certainly changed, what with a new baby and all.  I have adjusted to this life taking care of two children by myself and I feel so much stronger because of it.  I became a single mother of one, to a single mother of two in almost an instance and thank goodness I have a really easy baby boy.  If it weren't for him being so easy-going, I'm not sure I would be able to do this by myself.  God really does not place more than we can handle on us.

I hadn't been a part from my husband for longer than a week since we started dating in December of 1999.  This leap we took has definitely changed our lives dramatically and has taught us both how much we appreciate the other person so much more.  I have taken for granted all the little things that he does around the house and with the kids.  Even having him lying next to me at night is something I have taken grown so used to that I had forgotten how much I appreciated.  My love for him has grown so much.  The things he has sacrificed for his family have made me realize what a truly selfless person he really is.  I am now, more than ever, very proud of the man God gave me.

I love you Terry!

Bowen Steel Veer

My baby boy is here.  I would like to introduce my son, Bowen Steel Veer, who arrived on April 1st, 2010 at 8:31 am weighing in at 8 lbs 9 oz and 21. 5 inches long.  I'm so happy to be blessed with this child that is so easy-going and such a beautiful little guy.

One of our extended family members came over and did a photoshoot of our new family.  I'm so pleased with the results.  Have a look at the attached link to have your first look at this new family of four.

Carmen VanDyck Photography

The Olympics Field Trip

I have been trying to plan a day in downtown Vancouver to experience the Olympics in our hometown.  Well the day finally came and it went off without a hitch.  I knew taking a 3 year old being 8 months pregnant was not a smart thing to do alone so I was lucky to enlist my mom, sister and the Hummelman's to join me.  Thank goodness we all had a blast with no temper tantrums or fiasco's that would cause some drama.

Camryn was such a trooper, walking every where we went, and my sister was very happy to carry her when her legs got tired, which was quite often, as you can imagine.  We got off at Burrard Station and the walking never seemed to end.  A potty break to start the day off and away we went.  Up to Robson and across the Robson's Square where we were able to see the ice arena that my brother, Kyle worked on assisting with the electrical set up. 

From there we went to The Bay to pick up our Olympic gear, or what we could find, and then it was out for lunch. We had lunch at some hole in the wall sandwich place at the Vancouver City Centre which was surprisingly good.  My child is once again not a fan of sandwiches because the food is touching eachother, however I managed to get some food in her.  We went to Granville street to take in a few sites.

If you are wondering, while viewing these pictures, why Camryn never looks at the camera, well, I can't expain it.  I'll just tell you she's 3 years old and leave it at that.

Now the main reason I brought Camryn downtown was so she could see the 'Meet the Mascots' ice presentation.  Although she wasn't a fan of the enormous mascots ("They are big Mommy!") as she would hide behind the glass, she did enjoy herself.  We were extremely lucky, that through all the crowds of people, we were able to spot my sister in-law and brother in-law with choice seats at the glass.  Camryn had one of the best seats in the house and my sister in-law took my camera.

It was really nice to be downtown with some friends.  Camryn spent most of her time right beside Madison, having a blast, I might add.  It's super cute to see the two girls interact with each of their personalities.  I love it!

We did a little more walking and headed over to  the cauldron, which I don't think looks much like a cauldron but more like a bunch of torches.  It was beautiful with the background of a beautiful world we live in.

8 Months Pregnant

So this Sunday I will be 32 weeks pregnant, or should I say 8 months.  Whichever sounds further along, just go with that.  My wonderful, but terribly missed, husband will be home in 6 1/2 weeks and this baby is scheduled to come out in 7 weeks time.  I am getting incredibly impatient as this baby keeps growing, my body fills out a little more each day making it harder for me to get around easily and without any pain.

I keep looking at my closet, or should I refer to it as the area with very little clothes that fit.  I wish to the days where my body becomes a little smaller and I will be able to fit back in to those clothes again.  These days it feels like that will never come.

In my knowledge of the human body, I understand the baby needs to be in your belly for as long as possible (up to or including 40 weeks) but once you have had a little child of God growing in your belly, you really feel like you never need to experience that again.  Just get pregnant and give me the baby.  I've been through this before and I'm exhausted already.  I am sure that most moms agree, although there are some who enjoy it, being pregnant is highly overrated.

Well I thought I would post some pictures that I had my cousin Natalie Gielens do a maternity photo shoot for me as a Valentine's Day surprise for my Australia bound husband while he's away.  Here are a few of my favorites (only a few because there were a lot to choose from):

Camryn can write?

On Monday we were on our way downtown to a chiropractor appointment (the only thing that is keeping my body in a little less pain) and Camryn informs me that she knows how to write the letter "M".  She therefore proceeds to draw it in the air with her finger.

Afterwards we went for lunch at Red Robin and I asked her to draw the letter "M" just like she showed me in the air.  So I gave her a pen and she showed me what she can do.  I asked her to add the letter "O" and then draw another "M" beside it.

To my amazement, she wrote the word "MOM"!!!!!!  When I told her what she wrote she was beaming with a smile from ear to ear.  I'm extremely proud. 

She's become a singer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iEvIUC3KzE

Check out Camryn and some of her many made-up songs.

Since Daddy's been gone...

... we have been trying to keep as busy as possible.  Camryn and Madison have had some time to bond.  It was pretty cute to watch them read stories together on Madison's bed.  I got my hair cut and I'm loving it.  Camryn has been spending lots of time with her cousins, Kail & Kara, and I have put her in swimming lessons for the first time by herself.  Sorry the picture quality is so bad, it was really far away.