Wordless, Wordful or Whatever Wednesday Link Up! Beautiful Northern Ontario...

I love Northern Ontario...L-O-V-E!

One day while we were at Da Camp and out on the lake we came across one of mother natures beautiful creatures trying to get some relief from the heat.  I feel bad we disturbed it's peaceful afternoon but the pictures are absolutely breath taking...

I would love to see your Wednesday Post...Come On & Link On Up!

Travelling Carnivals. Mama Loves...

I have been off the Mama Loves train for a couple weeks with Julie over at Pontifications of a Twin Mom and I've missed everyone over there!

BUT...I'M BACK!!

As fate would have it, during my visit back home to my little town of Porcupine, ON the Beauce Carnaval was in town.  The what?  Only the most anticipated event of the summer when I was growing up!!!

My bestie at the time and I would spend 5 of the 7 days they were in town riding rides, playing the games, eating the food and gawking at the lifestyles of carny's just walking around.  Now that I am older and wiser, I am SHOCKED that we didn't get into "trouble" and that my mom was brave enough to allow us to hang out there, unsupervised.  You see, this particular Carnival has a reputation for not-so-wholesome activity and EVERY stereotypical thing that may be coming to your mind about "Carney" is in fact true.  Kinda...sorta...Ok, perceived to be true.

I can't begin to explain how much fun I had as a teenager hanging out here in this supercharged, music pounding environment. We'd spend hours riding Every.Single.Attraction. many times over.  We'd "snack" on corn dogs, candy apples, pommes de terres frities (french fries) and candyfloss.  We'd giggle at the carny's who we knew were either sleep deprived, intoxicated, stoned or all three...LOL!  We both spend copious amounts of money on games we knew we'd never win except for those feather clips you'd wear in your hair (you know the ones I am talking about right??  A.K.A. roach clips...LMAO!)  Good times.  No!  GREAT TIMES!

Anywho, I didn't waste any time when my Bestie LeeAnn suggested we take the kids for an evening of Carnival Bliss!  Here are a few of my favorite "snapshots" for your viewing pleasure:

And this is BY FAR the bestest video of Ave & Bryce rockin' it out at the Carnival (just like Mama use to do!)...

I don't think I will allow my babies to roam around the local fair alone despite the fact that THIS MAMA LOVES TRAVELLING CARNIVALS!!

Whatcha loving this week? Go link up!

Songs That Make US Sing Saturday! Sometimes even a song can't help...

You know how life just SUCKS sometimes?!?!  Ya...we ALL know that feeling, don't we?

And you know how sometimes even a song can't lift our spirits but I thought I'd try anyways...

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too! 

This one is for a Bestie of mine that's "Standing In The Rain" right now and I just wanted to let her know how much I admire her strength and how I am thinking of her and her family!

I hope these words don't feel empty but rather offer some "hope" and a light at the end of the tunnel:

Whatever you cross, whatever your pain,

There is always a Rainbow after the rain.


(P.S.  I thought the artists name was REALLY appropriate too!)

I'm not an angry person. Or am I??

After a few weeks away...I am linking up with Mama Kat for her Pretty Much World Famous Writing Workshop.

Assignment:  List 10 Things That Make You Angry

I wasn't going to chose this writing prompt because my initial thought was, "How on earth can I come with TEN things that make me angry??  I am such an easygoing, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky kinda gal...I don't think I COULD come up with 10 things that make me angry!"  Ummmm....ya....W-R-O-N-G!!

I took a little peeky through the last 15 months of blogging and I came up with a "few" things that make me angry.  I have included a backlink for each "item" in case you need further explanation of the things that anger this easygoing, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky sometimes cantankerous gal...

1. Being "Called" a Liar!- I am A LOT of things but I am NOT a liar.  Truth stretcher...sometimes.  BUT an out right liar...NEVER!!  This little diddy is about the manager at my local Wal Mart calling me a liar without "actually" calling me a liar.  I didn't take it too well...

2. People Who Ignore Signs-  This is ANOTHER Wal Mart incident.  I finally had had enough of people parking where they should not park.  I had to take matters into my own hands.  And, YES!  I do still travel with my "parking infraction notification" sheets.  (I'm making the world a better place to live in, one person at a time.  You're Welcome.)

3. Being Addressed as "Mrs David Bowes"- Ya, I know, it's petty BUT it really, really, really pisses angers me.  I am no ones "Mrs"...period!  LMAO!

4. Stupid People (primarily, parents)- Harsh, I know BUT this is a list of 10 Things That Anger Me right?  I pose one simple question: "What parent in their right mind would purposely expose their kids to an illness?" 

5. Clueless Parents- I am sure you have all asked, "What's wrong with kids today?"  I have a theory...nothing is wrong with kids today.  What?!?!  Well, the question we need to be asking is "What's wrong with PARENTS today?"

6. Ignorant People or Insensitive People-  If you've got twins, you've likely had to deal with the whole "Twins?  We're they conceived naturally?" debacle.  Yup!  That pisses angers me too!

7. Out of This World People (Again, primarily parents)- You're gonna what?  Raise your kid non-gender specific?  WTH is wrong with you people?  Enuff said.

8. Sensationalized-News Grabbing- "Celebrity" Headline Stories- I don't watch the news.  It's ture, I can barely carry on a conversation about the state of politics and/or economy of our world but equally I couldn't tell you what Kardashian got married and/or divorced this month.  It really fires me up when I am surfing the channels and or skimming the magazine racks in the grocery checkout lines only to see some "Who really gives a $hit" headline.

9. The Brat Ban- This one is "old news" but it still has me seeing red.  I mean seriously?!?!  Just when you think the people of the world are starting to embrace diversity and break down the walls of discrimination, they start "picking" on the little folks of the world.  I mean pleeeezzzeee....

10. Being Told That I Have a "Favorite"- Kid that is.  If you want to go on national television and permanently damage your offspring's self esteem by declaring that "No, sorry sweetie you ain't Mama's favorite!"  then so be it.  But. Do. Not. Tell me that I too have a favorite child and that I am just not brave enough to admit it because that my friends, might earn you a round in the ring with this Mama!

A "Bonus" Anger Trigger of Mine Hanks-  This is a term I have personally coined as my own (or at least I think I'm the first to ever use it?!?!  LMAO!)  In short, "Hanks" are people, primarily men (at least in my experiences), that own really, REALLY big trucks and have a superego to match.  While many people might "shy away" from confrontation with these "types", I embrace...even welcome the challenge.

Hmmmm...now that I have re-read these posts and have self analyzed the things that make me angry...I am thinking I should have picked the writing prompt "If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?"  Can anyone guess what I might have said?!?!?!  LMAO!

May Peace & Happiness Surround You AND Me...Happy Thursday Everyone!!

Got anger issues yourself?  Need some inspiration to get it "all" out?  Go sign up...

Wordless, Wordful or Whatever Wednesdays. The world is coming to an end..

Ok, so just when I thought that Calgary had the weirdest weather in the world, Da Camp weather throws me for a total loop! 

During our 9 days up in rural Northern Ontario we had 7 days of excruciating hot weather... 

Then for the last two days Mother Nature took a turn for the weird and the kids had to go from tanks and shorts to fleece and hats! 

 The world is coming to an end I tell you!!
(Ok, that's a little dramatic BUT the weather is definitely changing!!!)

Songs that make US Sing Saturday. Better Late Than Never..

Gosh, I can't believe that I am so late with my Songs That Make US Sing Post!!!

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

I guess it's better Late Than Never...Sorry!!

Happy Weekend Friends

Saturday Songs That Make US Sing! Just chillaxing...

I am up at my parents remote camp in the middle of nowhere...chilling and having some much needed rest and relaxation!

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...



Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

And what's a little chillaxing without some summertime tunes?!?!

Happy Weekend Friends!

Wordless, Wordful or Whatever Wednesday Link Up! Meet Mini Mom...

Another GREAT part of my summer vay-k is having my Bestie's daughter, Madison (A.K.A. "Mini Mom"), around to totally watch the kids help watch the kids!

She is AWESOME.  She makes them meals, plays with them, changes bums and yes, she even bathes them!  I am eternally grateful for her help and support.  

Thanks so much Mini Mom, I mean Madison!

Come on and link up...

Clotheslines. Mama Loves...

As always, I am linking up with Julia over at Pontifications of a Twin Mom to share some Mama Love.  You should too...

Since I was old enough to do my own laundry I have always wanted a clothesline. .  My mom and dad hated clotheslines because they said it would make the yard look trashy????  They never caved to my continuous pleads for one.  Instead, I had to hang my clothes all around the ledges of our deck in the backyard...now that's REALLY trashy dontcha think?!?! Ya, I had it ruff.  Real ruff.  LAMO!

This is not the clothesline of my dreams!

Anywho, I never had the opportunity to fulfill my desire to have a clothesline of my own until I met Daddy Dave, we got married and bought our own home.  However, we purchased our dream home in a community that has a by-law that prohibits clothesline.  As if.  But it's true.  You can have the kind that you stake in your backyard but I never much liked those and even if I did, I'd have to forfeit half my yard.  City living...it sucks sometimes!

THIS IS my dream clothesline!

Every summer, when we travel to my sister's and my bestie's home we get the greatly anticipated "treat" of freshly dried clothesline clothes and my number one favorite...bed sheets.  *insert dramatic pause* It's one of life's simple pleasures that so many take for granted. 

This week, Mama is loving Northern Air Dried Clothing and Bed Sheets on Clotheslines.  

Whatcha Loving This Week??

Saturday Songs That Make US Sing Linky Party! Please Be Happy...

It's been not so happy round there parts these days...

Get your dancing shoes on and those singing voices ready because ME, Ginger of Just Another Mom of Twins and Becca of Because I'm the Mommy are hosting "Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday Blog Hop!!"  Come On Link Up...

Here are just a few guidelines:

1. Please Follow the TWO of "Us" (we're so much more than just songs...LOL) If you're a new follower please leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

2. Pick A Song...any song that makes you wanna sing! Old-New-Country-Pop-Punk...anything goes. (Let's try to keep it family friendly if we can...LOL) If you want, tell us why the song makes you wanna SING!

3. Add your link to the "Playlist"

4. We'd REALLY like you to copy the Linky Code (just click on "get the code") in to your post so your blogger buds can join in on the fun or link back to the both of us so they can at least "find" the party, but you don't have to.

5. We'd love to see the video of your song (which can easily be shared via youtube.com) but if you just wanna list your favorite song of the day, we're "cool" with that too!

. Hey, and don't forget to grab our button while you are at it. (BCIMommy still likes it cause she thinks it sounds dirty. *teehee*)

Between Bryce's "mystery" illness and my lack of sleep, I think we need a little tune to help bring a little happiness...

F.A.T. Friday! Ooopppss I did it AGAIN...

Welcome to my weekly instalment of F.A.T. Friday! (That's Forging Ahead Together to a healthy lifestyle) 

I am going to have to defer a topic discussion to next week, again, as I am STILL having way to much fun on my vay-k.  So sorry!   Again.

I can't leave without confessing that I have totally not been following the Dr. B diet since arriving here in Porcupine, ON.  I haven't gone all crazy but I certainly have not been following my rules.  Disappointing, I know.  However, I am please to announce that I still managed to loose 1 pound.  Impressive, I know.

Until next week, Happy Friday Friends!!

This weeks weight stats:

NOTE: Since I am now on holidays, I am posting a new start weight on the scale here and then when I return to Dr. B in August I will re-post original stats...hope that makes sense...LOL!

Week #7- Wednesday July 5, 2012

Start Weight: 282 pounds

Goal Weight: 150 pounds

Last Week's Weight: 250 pounds

Current Weight: 249 pounds

Weight Lost this Week:  1 pound

Total Lost to Date:  1 pound

*Since weekly weight loss may not be noticeable in pictures, I plan to post updated photos once every 3 weeks

Are you making the commitment this week? Come on then...Link Up & Let's (get) F.A.T!

Wordless, Wordful or Whatever Wednesday! Sickness...

Chicken Pox?  Hand, Mouth & Foot Disease?  2 Year Molars?

No Idea!  But being sick on holidays sucks!!!

Poor Bryce...


Come on and link up!

Sand...Mama Dislikes. Beans...Mama Loves!

Linking up with Julia over at Pontifications of a Twin Mom for her Mama Loves weekly feature!

I hate strongly dislike sand.  I don't like the word hate but if I am to be totally honest, I hate sand.

Sand at the beach.
Sandboxes.
Sand Art.
Sand...Period.

Always have.  It's messy.  It gets everywhere.  It's impossible difficult to get out of hair, clothes, rugs, shoes, etc.  YUCK!  

My kids LOVE sand. L-O-V-E!  What kid doesn't?!?!  But I avoid "sand-play" at all cost.  Since arriving in my hometown of Porcupine last week, the kids have made their own sandbox AND mudbox...

Yup...leave it to my kids to find the smallest patch of sand and call it a "Sandbox"!

I hate sand but there is NO WORD to describe how I feel about black mud!!  %$#@!

Can you say MESSY?  I swear I have changed them at least three times a day.  I've never had to do so much washing in my life...LOL!

Just when I thought I couldn't take the dirt any longer, my bestie's next door neighbor brought over a beanbox to help elevate my stress for the kids enjoyment.  That's right...a BEANBOX!  

It fell a few times so 1/2 the beans are missing but...

...Mama still LOVES the Beanbox!

Can you say AWESOME?  No muss...no fuss...no laundry!!  The kids love it and so does MAMA!

What are you loving this week?

Parental Travel Consent. Don't leave home without it!

I don't know what it is like in your corner of the world but here in Canada, good luck trying to get out of the Country without a parental travel consent letter.

As I have mentioned, I travel alone with the kids and one of the most important pieces of documentation I always ensure I have is a signed and notarized letter of parental consent from Daddy Dave.  I have been asked for this tiny piece of paper EVERY TIME I have left the country.  I have not yet been asked when traveling within Canada but I still always have it.  Better to be safe than sorry.

I wanted to post the letter we have used since the kids were born and feel free to copy and paste and fill in the details for your family.  We always get it notarized by my husbands company's lawyer but I assume if you had any witness and your significant others contact information (for further verification) it would work too.


To Whom It May Concern:

I, _________________________________ am the father and joint legal guardian of:

Child’s full name: 

Date of birth:

Place of birth: 

Passport:

AND

Child’s full name:

Date of birth: 

Place of birth: 

Passport:

[Children's Full Names] have my full consent to travel with:

 (A) Their mother, [Parent's Name] to visit [location] during the period of [Dates].  During that period,  [Children's Full Names]   will be residing with [Names of People You Are Staying With] at the following address:  [full address]  Telephone: [phone number]

Note:  If you will be travelling to two or more different locations, add a second paragraph with the above details. 

Any questions regarding this consent letter can be directed to the undersigned at: Address: [Your full home address] Telephone: [Phone number, provide two if possible]

Signature(s):______________________________________ Date:_________________
                        [Full Name]- Father or other relation

Signed before me, _______________________ (name of witness), this _________________

(date) at ___________________________________________ (name of location).

Signature: _____________________________________________ (name of witness)

I just thought I'd share because had my friend Gerri not told me about this requirement before travelling with the kids, I would have been hooped or at the very least extremely stressed!

While some may be annoyed at the inconvenience of this requirement, I personally find great comfort in knowing that my country is making it difficult for ANYONE to leave or come back into with children.  I'm just saying...

Tell me...do your travel alone with your kids?  Do you need parental consent documentation to do so? 

 I would love to know!