Joshua

My oldest nephew has so much natural ability - he is too fun to watch. I love the couple action shots I was able to capture!

Rhyder

Rhyder is too darn adorable. He's quite funny but all business when on the field. I love the look of concentration he gets!

Chasey

Funny little Chase is already starting to show some skills - this year has been good for him. The one game we were watching saw him score a few goals. And he has the best celebration when scoring - his little arms waving in the air! A big kick throws him completely off balance so he spends a lot of time on the grass. It's absolutely too cute at this age.

And in between games, you could always find him in this tree.

#1 Soccer Fest Fan

Sweet Hunter was quite content (at least for the most part) to hang out in his stroller cheering on his brothers

There was a time in my life when I knew exactly what shows were on TV and when. I'm sure it helped that we only had 3 channels at home growing up. However, with our PVR, it is now to the point where I don't even know what night some shows are on. You would think that means I watch less TV but rather I think I now watch more. Ugh!

Oh well - guess I'm gonna have to figure it out. Especially now that I am at a hotel every Monday through Wednesday. Can't spend all weekend catching up on the PVR'd shows!

Not sure if this conversation was really blog worthy. And I am gonna warn you - there will most likely be far too many of these non-blog worthy tid bits. You see, Jimmy used to hear most of what I'm thinking (I don't tent to think without sharing very often) so I'm a gonna have to share it with someone. Don't you feel lucky??

Oh and by the way - I found So You Think You Can Dance tonight - that's a good show for working on a Wednesday night I think. Will need to remember that one!

Hey ya'all!

I have landed in Fort Worth and am prepping for my first day on the client site. A little nervous tonight - not gonna lie.

And I do have a little story for you!

The most random cab driver happened to be at the front of the queue tonight! It didn't make for the most pleasant ride but I tried to not get anxious.

First of all, as soon as I start to get into the cab I start chanting watermelon as unfortunately he appears to smoke in his cab and so in the heat of Texas, the overwhelming smell of stale smoke, sweat and a well used cab hits me in the face. For those of you not aware, I have a pretty sensitive gag reflex and I find that when I see or smell something disgusting, the best way for me to not lose my cookies is if I use my inner voice to way watermelon watermelon over and over whilst thinking of watermelon hubba bubba. Weird I know but we all have a few of those I am sure. Unfortunately he was the only one in the queue and I didn't want to make a 'stink' of it so I climbed on in.

I give him the address and he stares at me blankly. I try to slow down, enunciate better and give him a little more information. Still nothing. Finally he asks if he can use the GPS on my phone - if I was in Calgary - sure. But I'm in Texas. Does he have any idea how much those roaming charges will cost me?? I reply no - but he keeps asking me if I have GPS until I finally explain the roaming piece. Then he shoves a receipt and pen my way for me to write down the address. That still doesn't help him so next he wants the hotel phone number. After a lengthy conversation with the hotel he is ready.

Please note that I also am in need of using the facilities but it's too late now that we are on the way.

As he is conversing on the phone, I am noticing that he keeps bouncing his foot up and down on the gas. I watch him rev the car to 2000 RPMs and let it rev down to 1000 RPMs. You can well imagine the feeling that this would achieve in the car as he speeds up and then lets his foot off the gas; speeds up and lets his foot off the gas until my bladder is ready to burst. He does this the entire $64 cab ride to the hotel. AND when stopped at a red light does it with the brake. I literally need to rest my head against the seat rest to keep my neck from getting sore.

He then starts to yoga breathe in time to the revving. So now I have a stinky hot cab in which he is creating a jerking motion and breathing heavily. I might as well watermelon chant to the same rhythm. I had to bite my tongue not to bust out laughing.

Needless to say upon arrival his tip wasn't very large and I think I heard him muttering under his breath. He didn't get out to get my bags out of the trunk for me either. Oh well - I'm a big girl - I can handle my own bags!

Black or is that Green Betty Burger Bar

It's hard to believe that we had had our dinner club going for 8 ish years(?)!! And over those years we have had some amazing dining experiences. We have had a couple busts and perhaps our standards have been raised a little. But we certainly have had many many wins and not one experience that has been so awful that I have been motivated to write a review on urban spoon. That is until last night. 

Our experience last night at Black Betty Burger and Wine Bar was disappointing and gross to be perfectly honest with you:

- our server was disengaging and rude

- our appetizer never arrived and our server was frustrated that we would want to cancel it after our meals arrived

- the atmosphere was so loud as they were pumping themselves up for the Calgary Stampeders stampede party downstairs

- the one meal arrived covered in mold... Not just a little bit but throughout the inside of the sandwich and along the edges ; yes that is what I said.... Mold!!!!!!

- the server apologized but then barely did anything about it other than discounting that meal only off the menu

- it was warm in there as is expected when we are in a heat wave but when I asked for more water she only filled my glass even though everyone else at the table was low on water too

- the manager, chef and sous chef were all sitting upstairs at the bar and not one of them came over to personally apologize

- we weren't offered dessert nor more to drink and the bill was tossed on our table in front of the girl with the moldy sandwich no less

-  they couldn't get us out of their restaurant fast enough but then also wanted to ignore us so it makes it hard for us to pay our bill if they are ignoring us.....

The situation with the moldy sandwich was bad but it was a recoverable moment. That is what made the experience so disappointing - they did nothing to try and recover their reputation. Especially the manager! Calgary has so many good restaurants that close because they just can't compete so I don't understand how they feel they can succeed if they continue to treat people how we were treated. We are all connected to downtown through our companies we work for and talk to - do they not realize that word of mouths their biggest advertising potential?

I would highly recommend going to one of Calgary's other delightful restaurants any night of the week!

A new tradition?

Jimmy and I just checked into Hotel Sask. We haven't been here since our wedding but both of us absolutely love it.

We are actually in town for my cousins wedding this weekend and staying at a hotel tonight made more sense then driving the hour to the farm to turn around and drive another hour back tomorrow.

And we had actually tried to get a hotel with a pool for the nephews but for some reason those were all booked.

And it just so happened that Hotel Sask had the best rate for us tonight. We did look into others.

But regardless of how it came to be we kind of like it here and are quite glad it did come to be.

So glad that we just might need to make this a new yearly tradition.

Garden Baths

Can I just share that I am in love with warm weather living - especially garden baths. I wish so much Alberta had a longer summer (and no real winter) to justify creating an outdoor garden bath. Harumpf.

Oh well, until then I will continue to shower with the window open, looking upon the beautiful flowers in our backyard and dream of a time when I will next get to experience a beautiful garden bath.

Anyone else dreaming of a relaxing hot shower with the sun shining, birds singing and the flowery scent in the air?

First Week

Well, today officially marks the end of my first week of work. I ended up starting a bit early and so kicked off my new job last Wednesday.

The week has been full of training and more training which is fantastic. I am trying to become an expert on a new system in a week - eep - and so far so good! Let's hope I can kick butt on my first certification course as well.

So here is what I can tell you so far:

• the first week is full of learning and little emails
• I am going to enjoy this lack of emails as I know in a month's time that will not be the case
• my first project is still a bit up in the air but thankfully not because no-one wants me but rather there are numerous projects I am a fit for
• poor Jimmy gets an extra chatty me at the end of the day (i know many of you are wondering if that is even possible)
• the tables in the house have turned - now I am the one here when Jimmy leaves and here when Jimmy gets home; at least on home office days
• I officially changed my passport to Farrell - craziness

Stay tuned for the next update!

A Relaxing Sunday

Hanging out with a fruit smoothie and a fresh coffee

Listening to the waves crash against the sand

Watching the ocean dance to its own music

Hoping it warms up enough to go for a swim

Life is a delight today

Family Memories

This spring and early summer has certainly been a time to build family memories. I love moments like these, family dinners, reminiscing, inside jokes and knowing that they always have your back.

We just finished hosting Mom and Dad Farrell as well as Uncle Roy and Aunt Roselle. We were blessed to have them out in Calgary for a little over a week. The time positively flew by with such moments as:

- family dinners
- drive to the mountains
- an interesting play that has me suspectful of my neighbors now
- delicious lobsters
- meeting a special someone
- watching elks
- household chores and dump runs
- appies on a freshly painted deck (i had nothing to do with the work - just enjoyed the final result)
- morning coffees and evening chats

Wish you could have stayed a little longer, mom and dad - there were so many things we didn't get a moment to do. But alas - lots of items on the list for next time.

And Saturday I head to the farm to see my family. So excited to squeeze the nephews tight, share coffee on the deck with Kim, have relaxing chats over lunch with ma and pa, and admire Trev's hard work. Jimmy can't make this trip but no worries - there is still the weekend home for my little cousin's wedding (the second youngest of us - mercies!) and then a family weekend out at Cypress Hill's (really looking forward to that mom!).

And you know what the best part of the coming week is? I won't have a stitch of work to check in on nor catch up on!

A new challenge

Well, after 7 years - this is it. It is time to wind down my time at Entero and move onto a new experience.

I am joining The Structure Group as a consultant.

Giving my resignation was one of the hardest things I have done - and as I expressed to Jimmy it feels a little like my boyfriend and I broke up when we were on vacation with his family! But alas each day brings the transition a little closer to the end and as I anticipate my new challenges - I am very excited.

I will essentially be doing what I do now - but rather than working for the vendor, our company is hired by the client. I am not sure what a day in the life will look like yet, but I should know soon enough and will be sure to keep you posted!

This cold rainy day is perfect for curling up on the couch and watching the bachelorette - my guilty pleasure. Especially after the late departure from the office. Hope the sun comes back, my to do list gets a lot shorter when the sun shines.

--- 1 ---

Pizza on Friday has quickly become a little tradition for Jimmy and I.  It is the perfect way to end a crazy week. Especially since we both love it sooo much. Tonight rather than take out and relaxing at home with a movie it was this little pizza shop in Inglewood that I have been wanting to try for a while - Without Papers. Jimmy arranged the date out and I loved every minute of it. After another successful week at the office we headed directly over their and lucked out with a little table for 2. The Hog Wild and Hutch were our selections and both were equally delicious. (And we just might have come home for a little ice cream treat for dessert . . . )

I would highly recommend this restaurant - the staff were great, the ingredients so fresh and the atmosphere hopping. I would also highly recommend trying to nab a table earlier than later on a Friday night - especially if you land with a group larger than 2 and are starving.

--- 2 ---

Over dinner Jimmy told me that when he was researching pizza joints, he came across one which is owned by a guy who fell in love with Neapolitan style pizza while travelling. I cannot wait to travel through Italy. It is one of those countries that I dream of living in for 6 months or maybe 8 or even a year. I do hope that one day I get an international opportunity for work.

I dream of sitting at a table like this, enjoying a delicious meal of pasta and fresh cheese with bread . . .

Overlooking a view like this . . .

If Jimmy and I make this dream come true will any of you come visit???

--- 3 ---

It is pictures like the outdoor space above that gets me so excited about creating an outdoor oasis for ourselves in our own back yard. I would love to have a little outdoor fireplace, a cozy hot tub, a big huge rustic table for entertaining and a lovely little island for the bbq.

The backyard on the show Parenthood is gorgeous. I love the mix and match chairs and the big wooden table. The whimsical lights. It certainly emulates the feel I would like to replicate in our backyard.

We need a cool gate - it sets the tone I think.

A bbq island is a great way to set up an outdoor buffet, tuck a little fridge and plug in a blender to make a delicious watermelon lemonade.

I love the idea of a fire in the backyard but not necessarily a fire pit. So why not a fireplace? You can still roast marshmallows and make smores, enjoy the warmth and make banana boats . . .

--- 4 ---

If I had a Pinterest account, I guess all of this would be detailed there. But I must admit, I haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Not really too sure I understand it - do you? It looks like you just pin pics to categories. But don't you want to add some words - a little context - have the recipe for the watermelon lemonade?? Maybe I am just too chatty for Pinterest. That must be it!

--- 5 ---

Since i piqued your interest around the watermelon freeze, I figure I better not make you wait any longer. Here it is from one of my favorite blogs: Smitten Kitchen

Watermelon Lemonade

from Smitten Kitchen

Makes enough to fill two glasses with ice cubes; we quadrupled it to fill a pitcher. We already need more.

1/4 cup (2 ounces) fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) fresh watermelon puree, strained through a coarse strainer to remove seeds
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) simple syrup*
3/4 cup (6 ounces) cold water

Stir it all together and serve over ice. Garnish it with a thin watermelon or lemon wedge, if you’re feeling fancy.

--- 6 ---

Watermelon is my favorite summer fruit. I love how refreshing it is - so juicy and cold. I could have watermelon every day! Definitely what makes a summer picnic extra delightful.

--- 7 ---

I would like to try my hand at jam this summer. I had pineapple jam in Bali and it was incredible. Maybe I should try to make some watermelon jam? Bet that would be yummy!



For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

My strange new addiction . . .

Okay it really isn't strange. I promise you that. But it is a borderline addiction that is taking every ounce of self control I have left (which isn't much these days!). So I am sure you are all dying with anticipation: the mini ice cream treats one can find at Costco. They are so very cute (yes that does drive some of my food choices!) and tasty. The options are an ice cream cone, fudge bar or ice cream sandwich. Tonight was an ice cream sandwich. Yum! Don't try to deny that you are all craving an ice cream sandwich right now :-) and for that Mr. Nestlé, you are welcome!

Another perfect weekend

Pizza Surprise overnight guests Laughs Gardening Shopping Cleaning Sleeping in Travel dreams Catching up on shows Groceries Coffee date Dinner party with great friends Fresh bread Gym date Phone chats How can 48 hours fly by so quickly.

The End of the Season

 

Series championship - - - the Schooners are the underdogs and have fought the hard fight . . . 

They took the long road to this game . . .

 - not by choice . . .

But stayed in the game . . .

Kept their eyes on the puck . . .

Controlled the face offs . . .

Extending their chances just a  little . .

The defense was strong . .

The goalie kept his head in the game . .

And finally . . .

Celebrated a win . . . now it is down to the final game . . .

They answered with a goal . . .

But the other goalie stood on his head to save the lead . . .

And alas it was not to be  . . .

Better luck next year schooners! You did us proud!!

7 Quick Takes Friday - All about eating

Hey everyone - trying something new. It's 7 Quick Takes inspired by this blog. Enjoy!

--- 1 ---

I love cooking - I spend hours searching food blogs, flipping through recipe books, planning out a special meal. Here are some of my favorite blogs - hope you enjoy them as much as I do:

Dinner with Julie

In Jennie's Kitchen

Smitten Kitchen

Hope you enjoy perusing as much as I do.

--- 2 ---

I love candle light dinners with my husband. I don't do it nearly as often as I should but it never fails to be a special moment. I love it for so many reasons. I love doing something special for him. The preparation it takes is a bit like courting. I love trying new reciptes. I love that it is just us, no tv, no distractions, enjoying each other and having those conversations that you never make enough time in your life for.

--- 3 ---

I love reading the City Palate. It has been a favorite ritual of mine since I moved to Calgary. They release them every other month and can be found throughout the city or online. I have never made a recipe out of the magazine. Nor have I ever bought a kitchen gadget it recomends. But that doesn't dim my love for picking up a copy, sitting down on the couch one evening and pouring over that fresh print.

--- 4 ---

I love trying new restaurants. In the back of City Palate, there is a section called Stock Pot: Restaurant Ramblings and it documents the comings and goings of restaurants and chefs. I often find at least one new place or newly revamped restaurant that I am intrigued by. Before long, I have sucked someone into going to try the restaurant with me - whether it is my husband, girl friends or a double date. Here are the latest new restaurants that I tried and loved:

Borgo

Cassis

--- 5 ---

I love my dinner club. The ladies are quite delightful! The restaurants chosen are a mixture of classics and up and comers, diners and fine dining, exotic menus and reworked traditional dishes. It is always sure to hold many laughs. Dessert. No topic is off limits. No question left unanswered. We sample off other's plates, critique and delight in the tastes. It is many years and counting - through babies and marriages, budget restrictions and celebrations. I love my girls!

--- 6 ---

I love little food markets. Lina's and Edelwiess are two of my favorites. The meats and cheese are always so tempting. The fresh bread smells so delicious and I rarely leave without a little baked treat for later. If I am looking for unique sauces, spices or ingrediants, I always head to one of these first. Cookbook Company and Calgary Farmer's Market never fail to inspire me. The ingredients are so fresh and flavorful, the people delightful and the 'individual' portioned meals are such a delightful treat. Little grocery stores like Community Natural Foods, A1 Spices in Castleridge, T&T Supermarket and Sunterra are places that I can never run in for something 'quick'. The aisles beckon for me to stroll through and try something new.

--- 7 ---

I would love to take a food/cooking tour style trip at some point in my life. Whether that is a cooking class out at the Banff Springs, or a French cooking vacation. Italy, Spain, Turkey, Morrocco or Mexico - wouldn't that be a fantastic aspect to include in your vacation? One day - I promise.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

A perfect weekend

Pizza and friends Walks and sunshine Yummy lunch parties and dinner parties Trying new recipes and perfecting old Sleeping in and lying low Planning trips and reminiscing of places we have been These are the weekends I enjoy!

Coffee in bed...

Having a husband is fantastic!

Today is the day a year past

The day I married my best friend.
This very day I hoped could last forever
Today a year ago I wanted every second to last a minute
To cherish this day like no other

And now a year later....

He's a better friend than yesterday
Each day since, we have dreamt of forever
There isn't a second I would change
Our love is something we cherish above all

And this day in a year to come....

I promise you I will still choose you, my love
Only the Lord knows what forever will hold
He is counting our seconds
But regardless of His plan, as long as their is breath in our lungs, I will cherish you

Monday

I was dreading my first Monday after vacation. It started with the water being off at the office. I quickly emailed and texted the team and let them know; telling them to stay at home until we could wash our hands or flush the water closets. But alas another work from home day was short lived when the water came back on and I jumped in zinny to head into work. I was just going to make our ops meeting.

The day proceeded with trying three parking lots before finding a spot, meetings and catch up, training and client emails. By the end of the afternoon I was exhausted and couldn't bear the thought of taking the bus.

I texted my fantastic husband a sweet note asking if he was coming through downtown at all hoping to catch a ride home. He gently responded that he wasn't.... But didn't I have my car???

Yup, a Monday.

Happy Second Easterversary Baby

Jimmy thought he had scored a little reprieve when we decided to plan our wedding for Easter last year. The notion that he would never forget our anniversary because it was tied to an 'event' and a day that cannot go unnoticed. When we were talking about my trip to visit Kimmie, he made the off handed comment that I would be missing our wedding anniversary.

Well baby - we probably picked one of the worst times for a wedding if we were looking to add a date queue so we would never forget - Easter can be anytime in later March or April - but know that I am thinking of you and our wedding day all the same this Easter Saturday.

What a joyful Easter 2011 was!