Makeup to mud in 3 seconds flat

for my mom...

my poor mom is just ill, and I think it's killing her not to be able to hold her little granddaughter or visit the other kids (especially since little Hunter is down too!) so I am going to show a few more pics for her.

he looks so happy!

this is my gramma Elliott, this is her first great granddaughter! Can you believe this gramma is turning 80?

Also, I hope everyone is doing well after last night's storm. Mom sent me a quick email that they think a tornado or something went through the farm community, one of our neighbors was trapped in his vehicle and others had damage to their houses. so they were going to go help anyone who needed it today. so let's keep them in our thoughts that everyone is okay! 

so peaceful...

I forgot how much a newborn actually sleeps! The boys are at Jim's parents, Jim's working and it's just Ireland and me at home, and we are enjoying sleeping! She only woke up once last night. 2:30ish seems to be her play time. She actually stays up for almost an hour and makes cute noises and looks at you. I LOVED it! Who knows if this will be her sleeping pattern or if it's just her catching up after always being awaken in the hospital every 2 hours. Who knows?

So my labour was pretty uneventful until the end. I started having contractions at 10pm Sunday night. I woke Jim at 1:30 am Mon. am to tell him he wouldn't be going to work as he gets up at 3:30. He jumped out of bed, we showered, and decided to go to the hospital then. because after the episode with my sister almost delivering Jager, we decided that being in the hospital was better than Jim delivering. So yes boring, waiting, contractions wre 6 min,. apart for hours. I think that Jim & I handle rpessure with laughter, because I swear we wre the only ones laughing on the whole floor! Sometimes I hurt more from laughing with him than my contractions. And yes, I had no drugs yet! just purely being with my funny guy! I received the epidural nice and early. Love that invention! Then we just sat in the delivery room waiting. I had the most fabulous nurse Robyn. She was fabulous. (on a quick note, nurses out there, what is an appropriate gift to give her? She was so amazing I'd love to thank her, looking for suggestions!) she made sure I was comfortable at all moments, everything was clean, ready, she was kind, calm. I could go on forever. she restored my previously saddened opinion of hospitals! yes she was an angel. she checked me, I was 8cm, no changes , then she left to go get a paper at the nurses station, I all of a sudden couldn't stop pushing. Jim ran to get a nurse, she ran back in. said she'd check me again, too late, head's coming out.(this took place in a minute, no lie!) no doctors around( they had all been called to help with an emergency) so now this poor young girl was all alone having to deliver me. She yelled for help and just in time 2 residents ran in and literally 2 pushes later, Little Miss Ireland was out. They didn't even get the bed dropped or anything! See, I could've been one of those delivering in the car statistics! So that was my last labour experience! Ended with a bang. No stitches, nadda! I had my tubes tied the next day, which ironically I am more sore from then the labour! you'd think if your stomach felt like you did 5000 sit ups at once, than maybe it would look like it hey? nope! 

So where did we get her name from?

Ireland Marquette

So anyways, for me travel is very important.I love visiting new places and cultures and more. I'd love to go everywhere if I could. When I met Jim, his job required him to work all over North America. I quit pursuing teaching to drive with him for 5 years. We went everywhere together and it was the best time of my life! Definitely always an exciting adventure! So for me, if we had a girl it just seemed natural to want to name her after a destination. Neither of us had ever been to Ireland but just loved the name. And funny, I loved it years ago, when I was first finding out if Riley was a boy or girl. So it always just stuck with me. And as for Marquette, well this is a gorgeous place in Upper Michigan. We ended up travelling through here about 4-5 times a month for almost 5 years. IT is like a piece of heaven. It is a little town that is on the Great Lakes, with great beaches, beautiful trees. just serene. We would always try to make it to this point  to stop and walk around, sit on the beach, even go "skiny dipping" (hey we were young without kids once!),  I would definitely love to one day take our kids here and go boating/camping. Even in Winter it is absolutely beautiful. So for me, if I had a little girl it was always going to be her middle name. I know it's probably strange to some, but for us I think that the kids are just little branches of you. And travelling is so prominent in our lives.

So if you are in Saskatoon, going to give birth, ask for the Victorian room! I was always told this, I always asked, but it was always booked. Well not this time, I had the room with Ireland! Well the room is bigger than most hotel rooms! real Queen bed (which Jim & I were so thankful for as we had both been up almost 40 hours!) a real huge bathroom with deep tub, a living area with recliners and HD flat screen TV, a little eating area. YES luxury, and for only $30 more! but we have insurance so that is the better perk! It was so handy because I always had a room full of family & friends so we had enough chairs for everyone!

Crazy size hey? So here's a few pics of her last night, sorry the lighting is yucky but I didn't want to use the flash to wake her! I love this little outfit! Jim calls it her retro look. He asks why she isn't wearing a pink one? I said, I know she's a girl and I'm still warming up to the colour pink! I've never worn it or bought it. So I said she might be my little orange girl! But I did buy a few "girly girly" things yesterday at Cravings. LOVE that store!

 

Here's a pic of the boys with her. totally so proud to be holding her hey? I know for myself, if I had another boy I would've been still grinning ear to ear, as I LOVE my boys!!!!! But I think that there is something about the bond brothers have with a sister. I know I'm most protective of my brothers and can't wait to watch our little boys develop a little bond with her. Jager looks so proud as a peacock!

We stopped at Riley's school for a minute and he was so excited to show his friends. That's when you realize that nothing in the world matters except for the small moment of delight others get! Even though I stayed only minutes, he was so happy I came so his best friend Sadie could meet her.

Well, I am going to go and veg!

Super delighted to see spots are filling for the Saskatoon crop, only 51 spots left I think. I received such a huge box of scrapbook supplies yesterday from a fabulous company that is going to have stuff in Saskatoon. They are so new to Canada, that only a couple of stores have their product, so I can't wait to show you! Even Jim was impressed! Maybe not with the fact that he had to carry in the 20+pound box (that isn't even stuff for the event yet, stuff for me to do up layouts for them for projects and to promote their company for our Saskatoon event! so imagine what we will actually receive!), but I'm too tired to blog anymore. So see you later!

baby is here!

I'll give you a hint...

my new scrapbook colour is pink!

we had a baby girl. Her name is:

                     Ireland Marquette Forrest

                                                  7lbs 13oz, 21 3/4 inches long

                                                  Monday, June 23rd at 10:31am.

So, I am going to rest today, I'll give you the scoop on her name, the birth, the kids reactions and show pics tomorrow. It's Riley's last day of school today and he really wants to show his friends his sister, so we are making a 5 minute appearance there.

On another note...So for the Saskatoon crop, registration opened today!!!! (to register,click here. good luck!)we have sold out 107 spots so far, If you don't get in but are still interested please send an email to cropandcruise@hotmail.com. You will be put on a registration waiting list in order of email. We are still considering opening the stage up for spots. Also, everyone who registered will receive an email about the classes soon as we weren't able to put them on the registration form to fill out at the time, sorry.

Also for those of you just reading this, This crop takes place on dry land (Saskatoon) and anyone can attend whether they go on the cruise or not. It's just a fun thing we are doing across Canada to get you more familiar with the actual event, the teachers, the awesome manufacturers and stores out there sponsoring us.

no baby yet...

so yesterday we went to the races at SIR all day. We spent almost 6 hours there and the jet cars still hadn't come out but it was too hot and the boys and I were getting fidgety. Our family really loves racing so it was fun. They had all divisions in the 1/4 mile racing. Then the funny cars, parachute cars, the mini dragsters where the kids only race 1/8 mile. I think the oldest was 14, youngest 9. So the boys of course want to race cars now. No surprise. Jim and I joked about when the time will come to remortgage our house for their sports days! LOL! SO far AWAY! I will show pics another day as I haven't uploaded anything yet.

But no baby. 

But we had a great day afterwards too. we came home and had a fire, roasted marshmallows, hung out. Love family time!

So today I will wait again! JIm figures now our dates are wrong, that maybe I'm actually due July 18th. funny guy! Anyways, another hot day,  let's enjoy it...

yes, I think I'll be pregnant for a year! why not?

so I am only 2 days over, not much, feels like a month. And now I am starting to get the funniest advice from EVERYONE! My best friend is just phoning to say funny things all the time.  Today she phoned and said to just start trying to take a @#@# as it might trigger baby into thinking it's time. Then she goes, don't forget to sit over the potty as most likely that's what will happen! and she can't stop laughing as she's giving me more "lovely" advice like this. just wait, she's due in September, it will come back to her too! And the best part is, she's a neo natal nurse and knows these old wives tales are unreliable, she just wants to bug me! But she informed me I'm allowed to go into labour now this weekend as she works. And my mom said now is a good time for her too. I did make plans for tonight that I would like to do, so maybe that will make the baby want to come? who knows!

So much is happening in Saskatoon this weekend. Jazz festival starts, SIR racing is jet fueled engines (which we LOVE going too!), and the weather is supposed to be hot! And can you believe only 3 days of school left? Where has the time gone?

Well, talk later! Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Crop Info is Here!!!!

This is just an updated post as a reminder:

• Registration is set for WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25th, 2008. To register you will log onto www.cropandcruise.com.
• Click Sail Away Fun.
• then click Saskatchewan crop and you will see the register link. You will register for the crop and any classes you wish to take at the same time. Make sure if you are coming with a group of friends that you state ALL their names on the registration form so we can sit you guys together.

We have so many things planned for this day. Your $65.00 registration will get you a goody bag (and it is to die for I must say!) lunch, free make 'n takes all day, prizes, ability to enter all contests, crop all day and so much more. We have a few major surprises planned throughout the day. All entrants will be able to listen to Jackie's heartfelt speech about this industry and the magazine.

the classes:

Tile Magnet Card Class $30   (Instructor: Jill Hildebrand)
-  Sponsored by Tilano Fresco
Description: Join vibrant Smalltown Scrappers Design Team member and Crop & Cruise 2007 & 2009 Instructor Jill Hildebrand as she helps you create this amazing card, created using a Tilano Fresco Marble Tile & her favourite pattern paper.  Jill will show you how to create a beautiful tile using the techniques created by the Tilano Fresco designers.  This breath-taking & unique magnetic tile is the ultimate embellishment for this card, and can later adorn any fridge.  Come join Jill for this very unique & inspiring class and be awed by all the Tilano Fresco products.  Bring your energy, creativity & enthusiasm and let's play.

Length: 1 ½ hours
Class Numbers:  maximum of 30 participants
What to bring: your Basic Kit
BASIC KIT OF SUPPLIES (all scrappers must bring the below with name clearly labeled please)
paper trimmer (12")
adhesives (glue dots & glue stick will work best)
black / brown journaling pen
pencil
craft knife with cutting mat
straight edge scissors
SUGGESTED EXTRAS
single hole punch (Crop-o-dile is perfect)
other pens/markers
stapler with staples
distressing kit (sandpaper, inks, etc.)
stamps (acrylic w/ blocks or rubber); stamp cleaner & scrubber 
your favorite tools & embellishments you can't do without

Ornament Card Class $30 (Instructor: Jill Hildebrand)
-  Sponsored by Tilano Fresco
Description: Join vibrant Smalltown Scrappers Design Team member and Crop & Cruise 2007 & 2009 Instructor Jill Hildebrand as she helps you create this amazing card, created using a Tilano Fresco Ornament & her favourite  Christmas pattern paper.  Jill will show you how to create a beautiful ornament using the techniques created by the Tilano Fresco designers.  Once completed you will have a cool card to give to someone, than it becomes an ornament for the tree! Come join Jill for this very unique & inspiring class and be awed by all the Tilano Fresco products.  Bring your energy, creativity & enthusiasm and let's play.

Length: 1 ½ hours
Class Numbers:  maximum of 30 participants
What to bring: your Basic Kit
BASIC KIT OF SUPPLIES (all scrappers must bring the below with name clearly labeled please)
paper trimmer (12")
adhesives (glue dots & glue stick will work best)
black / brown journaling pen
pencil
craft knife with cutting mat
straight edge scissors
SUGGESTED EXTRAS
single hole punch (Crop-o-dile is perfect)
other pens/markers
stapler with staples
distressing kit (sandpaper, inks, etc.)
stamps (acrylic w/ blocks or rubber); stamp cleaner & scrubber 
your favorite tools & embellishments you can't do without

Pint-sized Paintables... $35.00  (instructor Trisha Ladouceur)
By popular demand, the Prima Paintables are back! Join Trisha Ladouceur, PrimaDonna, as she guides you through various tips and techniques to help you release the ARTISTE from within! You will get downright dirty as you experiment with a variety of mediums, including the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, to create multiple miniature canvases customized to reflect you and your personal preferences! To complete your mini masterpieces, you will be able to dig through Trisha's abundance of Prima Flowers to find the ones that are right for you and your wonderful works of art! Ask anyone from her past classes and they will agree that this is, by far, the best part!!!
Students should bring:
Scissors, trimmer, exacto knife, black ink, brown ink, foam paint brush, water brush (if they have), watercolour pencils (if they have), sanding block, stickles or glossy accents (optional), adhesive (glue dots, foam mounting squares, FabriTak).

Creative Cards- $35.00 (instructor Trisha Ladouceur)
So many ideas, sooooo little time! But not this time... in this short class, you will create numerous wonderful cards that the lucky recipient will treasure for years to come. You will have the opportunity to work with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and screens, flocking, glitter, etc as you alter the amazing chipboard shapes by Riff Raff Designs that will adorn the cards created in this class. Many of the techniques that will be learned in this class are sure to inspire you in many of your other scrapbooking and paper crafting projects in the future!
Students should Bring:
Scissors, trimmer, scoring blade/ bone folder, black ink, brown ink, journaling pen, adhesive (glue dots, foam mounting squares and FabriTak), sanding block, Glossy Accents, Stickles.

Layouts galore with Leica Forrest- $30.00
Come and make 3- unique 12x12's using the hottest of product out there. Each layout will be unique, allowing you to work with different embellishments & patterned papers from a variety of trendy & new companies. You will walk away with great ideas to continue to make fabulous layouts. sponsored by Luxe Designs, Rose Moka
Students should bring: scissors, trimmer, adhesive, black fine marker

Contests:  It is really important for us to give back to the community, so this year 2 of our contests are supporting children with Cancer and our Canadian Soldiers overseas. All of the contest entries can be prepared BEFORE you come to the event.

layout contest- anyone interested in participating will be required to bring in a colour photocopy of your layout. It must be your own work and not scraplifted. Every entry will cost a $1 and all proceeds will go to Scraping with Cancer. Enter as many times as you wish. They will be judged by Jackie Ludlage of Canadian Scrapbooker and the winner will be published in the magazine.

Card contest: this year's theme is Christmas cards. The cards WILL NOT be returned. They will be donated & sent to the Canadian soldiers that are serving overseas. This contest costs nothing to enter, but the small donation of your card. Thanks for supporting our troops! you are welcome to write something kind or your warm thoughts in the card for them, they are given out randomly to the soldiers so they don't have to be addressed to someone specific or put in envelopes. They are just trying to make sure at this time of year, that they know they are being thought of.

Table Decoration Contest: get a group of friends together, or maybe new ones you meet here. decorate your table in ANY theme. This has unlimited posibilities. Become involved yourself if you like...

Name Tag Contest: no limit on where this can go!

Also last year we received enough donations of prizes that EVERY single guest received one. We aim to achieve that again.  However our big $500 prize package will be up to you to enter for. Every one of our contests will give the winner a scrapbook prize, but the major prize will be a draw! How will you be entered? Every person will get one entry ticket as they arrive, to obtain additional entries you will also get one for every layout you submit, every card you donate, if you participate in the table contest, if you enter a name tag. So it's up to you how many additional entries you want to add. Good Luck!

As for make 'n takes, we have different manufacturers sponsoring the teachers to each do one, as well we have vendors that will be doing them, so these will happen continually throughout the day.

Also throughout the day we have many different vendors setting up booths for you.

• Yesterday's Memories- they are going to set up an actual store, so any staples you might run out of will be available, plus any new stuff that you just must have!
• Riff Raff Designs- (only the best unique, creative chipboard shapes around) I am so totally pumped for them! I have LOVED working with their product and it's almost become a staple for me for every layout now! So I'm hoping that Kara brings some of her designers work (hint hint) just to have to show, because this is one table that you won't be able to pull yourselves away from!)oh and they  are CANADIAN! woohoo
• Canadian Scrapbooker- will have a booth set up for you if you would like to buy subscriptions! (I have had the chance to work in this booth at events, and truthfully I think that this is totally the best time to be able to sit down and talk with Jackie and have laughs and share your work!)
• Stampin Up! (I have to share this with you- this group of girls is traveling from Alberta to share their expertise with us. One of the demonstrators has been published mulitple times and is totally excited to share some cool techniques and products from this company.)
• Close To My Heart
• My Camera Couture: yes, these funky little camera straps that I have been showcasing
  (and LOVING!) Well, the company can't physically be here for that weekend, but right now we are talking about the best way that they can have a huge sample of their product available.

hopefully over the next few months we can share more with you.

still here...

So I realized today that God had a bigger plan for me not to go into labour yesterday. Little Jager just was not feeling good at all! Both him and Riley have had cold symptoms this week, but Jager was up all night wanting momma and hugs and just to be rocked. He was feverish, nightmares again and sweating. So I am glad I wasn't in the hospital because this little tike needed his mommy & daddy! He didn't finally get to bed till after 6 am and slept soundly till noon. I fell asleep around 7am and therefore poor Riley missed school, but I realized that sleep was the course of action, so I just shut off the alarm clock!

So on a totally different completely opposite note. I'm looking for a list of things that you can do on Maui. I've lived in Oahu for a short time, and loved it! We never did travel to the other islands though. It looks like I am going to be attending only the coolest wedding of the year there, and we are trying to decide where to spend the majority of our time. What island? I created a huge list of things to show Jim & the kids on Oahu, but I know nothing about Maui. Keep in mind that Jim isn't the type to sit on the beach for more than 1 or 2 days at the most! We like to sight see, travel, etc. And stuff to do with the kids. Also, I am looking for great recommendations for hotels on both islands. It's been quite a few years since I've been there, and I never stayed in hotels only in the condo. So loved to hear from you.

Also tomorrow I will put up the cruise poster and leave it as my opening page till next Wed. for sure. If I post, I will do it right under. That way if anyone has any questions about the cruise crop and can't get a hold of me, it might be able to answer any questions one might have.

Today is Christmas...

but still no Bambino! I totally woke up excited. weird hey? I never slept much more than a wink but yet, I think this is the happiest I've been in the morning in a long time. My mom phoned and I still couldn't even manage to get to it before the phone stopped ringing, so obviously I'm still in the "slow" not very mobile mode. But I still am happy. My doctor's appointment went over well.  a few minor differences, I've definitely dropped, the baby's heartbeat is a little slower than usual, and my blood pressure is a smidge different, still in the normal good range but the nurses figure that's a sign because my blood temperature is almost the exact same like within 1 number difference EVERY week. It never elevates or drops. I'm consistent! So maybe today might be the day!

But, on another note, I had 45 min. to kill before picking Riley up from school. So I went "browsing" at our cute little baby stores; Cravings & 2 Little Birdies. Such cute stuff. I wish I knew what I was having, boy/ girl? Well, I did pick up 2 little outfits that are neutral to welcome the baby home. Cravings is having a huge sale so I found some cute things. 

Can you believe how gorgeous it is out today though? I love sunny days!

So Sarah, sorry I'm helping you spend money.I really do love promoting products & events that are so worth the money. And really how could you not get a matching camera strap???I picked up a super awesome diaper bag/ purse today that I MATCHED to my strap! Now isn't that sad? But I like things that match too! And as for the event, I truthfully hate more than anything going to a scrapbook event where the goody bag you receive is more full with old stuff or non scrapbook related stuff than actual new supplies. So I do make it my mission to make sure that you leave with a smile, awesome free stuff and I aim for you to have a fun time!

Anam, I'm with you on your idea! Enough said.

Okay, well, I guess I should go. I'm going to detail my van today and get it spick 'n span so we are ready to bring home baby!

Talk later!

no news yet!

Hi everyone,

no baby yet! ei yi yi! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas! LOL!

After my best friend Natalie, seeing my foot, and was mortified with me, I can now happily report that she and another nurse she works with have totally fixed me up and put me on a better road to repair! I am lucky she puts up with all my family's medical issues! and lives a block away! I couldn't stop the wound from getting ripped open more, so at least now I have a hope of repair!

I don't know how much I'm going to be able to blog this week. I've been way too tired, I didn't even take Riley to school. I guess there's been too much action going on here, and with trying to help my parents totally get my grandparent's house cleaned, stuff moved, trips to the dump,Value Village, new floors laid, the list goes on and on.  Life hasn't slowed down! I really was hoping all the walking would put me into labor though. 

okay, hopefully ...

What a night!

It could only happent to me! That should be the bumper sticker for my petunia!

I'll fill you in on my day yesterday. I had such an yucky, eventful night that I can't wait to laugh back on. Yesterday was awesome, we started out the morning taking my dad out for Father's Day with Shane & Andrea, mom and our family (however we couldn't sit together because the restaurant was so full) So mom & I sat with the kids, as we are most used to handling them in restaurants and we thought since it WAS Father's DAY both my dad and Jim would probably enjoy a clean, quiet meal more! LOL! Riley pointed out that a guy was a pirate and was immensely excited to see him. Unfortunately the poor man with the patch heard, and was very awesome with the kids and talked to him about his eye. However Jager informed him that he didn't like real pirates... lovely. Then we parted ways and we went and watched some auto racing at Sask.Place, totally fun. We came upon Saskatoon's Rally club racing by accident but we sure enjoyed watching them for a bit. Then we washed a few vehicles, and decided to go boating on the river with Jim's brother Joe & Amber. That was AWESOME! Our river really is enjoyable to boat on. We decided to go on an adventure to see just how far we could actually go since the river is higher now. We went about 7 1/2 miles. Pretty cool. usually you just boat in the city limits under the bridges. However both boats came to dead stops on sand bars! Thank goodness neither of our Seadoos have propellers. So Jim & Joe hopped off, and pushed us deeper and we went back to the city. Otherwise we might've been stuck there for awhile! On that note, don't go swimming in our river guys! If anyone is thinking this is a good idea. Both guys were standing in only a foot of water and said that the current was pushing them so hard that they said it was hard to walk, but were glad we were only in a foot of water. Once they pushed both boats off the sandbars, they just started flowing quickly with the current. We saw lot's of young kids all swimming and goofing off in the water on our ride, and I just hope they were being safe. Last year we lost too many to drowning.

We got home just in time for supper, had a nice family BBQ, with Jerry's ice cream cake for dessert. so yummy! Then everyone went to bed but me. So 8pm, everyone is sleeping. the house is gloriously quiet.

10:30pm I'm cleaning the kitchen, gathering garbages and totally freakishly cut the top of my foot with a can lid that was in the garbage! I somehow just caught the garbage and the lid and as I rotated around it just sliced open my foot. How is this even possible? I don't think I could do it again if I tried. So now my foot is gouging blood. I had to wake up Jim, and he came down and helped me  and bandaged me up. Poor guy, has to wake up at 3:30 am for work, and now he is taking care of me. We debated about stitches & tetanus. and decided how on earth would they sew the top of my foot, everytime I walked I opened it up, so waiting all night in Emerg would probably be a useless thing. Now today I still might have to get a tetanus though, unsure but will find out soon.  Yes, only me! Jim goes to me, "just trying to get out of doing dishes!" funny guy. so he makes me lie down and arranges a bed so my foot is elevated. love this man! He gets back to bed.

1 am, Riley hits a huge fever spike, and has delusional nightmares I wake him up and I quickly get him (before waking Jim & Jager) to stay downstairs with me and we watch TV together till I get his fever down. Then I  put him back to sleep. Then 2:30 am Jager hits a fever & is screaming with nightmares, Jim gets up and takes care of him. The rest of the night we are swapping beds, giving medicine and end up being up all night dealing with nightmares till 6 am with the kids. So Jim took the morning off work,I went to sleep. He then went into work once everything had settled down. Now the kids are up and happy as can be now. But what on earth? so we have come to the conclusion that they must have got heat stroke or something weird. It was only 19 degrees but who knows!

So I officially give Jim a blue ribbon for being a super dad! Taking care of all 3 of us.

I am due Wednesday and I am really counting down the hours. Hopefully today! Well, that's all my exciting or weird news. I think I will leave on that note! I did scrap 3 layouts and finish my mini album camping book over the weekend while we had movie night on Friday. So if I get a chance I'll take pics of those to show. It was so weird to scrap at home, I haven't in almost a month. Dalmeny was my only day of progress!