Potty time

Ryker has refused to use the potty. I'm not sure why, but he is more than happy to wear a wet, dirty diaper all day long and sees no need to use the toilet (I think it takes away from his play time). Since we've moved we are right across the street from an elementary school. Ryker likes to watch the kids going to school and wants to go to school too. I've told him that he can't go to school if he doesn't use the potty, occassionally, when I tell him that he will immediately go to the bathroom and sit on the potty (but never actually pee). The other day he was sitting on the potty when he saw his dad's book...

8 things

Rules:Post rules on your blog. Answer the six "8" items.

8 things I did yesterday:
*attempted to organize the basement (it may take several saturdays)
*made an updated price list for my Photography business
*went out in the freezing cold
*ate way too much for dinner
*played canasta
*avoided cleaning the living room
*slept in (thank you chris)
*went to bed late

8 things I look forward to:
*Christmas
*spending time with Chris
*naptime (for me and the kids)
*finding a new book to love
*baby #3
*having the house unpacked and organized
*summer
*chocolate

8 restaurants I like:
*East Side Mario's
*Swiss Chalet
*Panago
*Montana's
*KFC
*Ric's grill
*Eddie's (in Picture Butte)
*Boston Pizza

8 things on my wishlist
*Photography studio
*a new camera
*more cricut cartridges
*a new nativity set (or 2 or 3)
*a trip to the Philippines
*a nice long vacation with my family
*healthy babies
*new furniture

8 Favorite TV shows:
*Criminal Minds
*ER
*NCIS
*Grey's Anatomy
*The Biggest Loser
*Survivor
*the Amazing Race
*Private Practice

8 People I tag: (you're it!)
*any 8 people that would like to do it :)

I'm a believer

For anyone considering acupuncture for anything...go for it! I can't say how impressed I am with it. As you may recall from my previous post about bell's palsy, I have had a rough few weeks. On Monday I went for my first acupuncture treatment (ever) and the results were amazing! All weekend I was in pain almost constantly only relieved by Tylenol 3's (which I didn't take during the day because they knock me out). After monday I have only taken 2 and haven't used any in the last 3 days. I've also got back most of my muscle control to my face. which means, I can smile, my eye doesn't bother me and I hardly notice that I don't have full control. I've got another treatment on Friday, which I'm hoping will fix it all and take away the mild ache that I still occassionally feel.
Thank you all for your prayers and concern for me, I really needed it. Now I just have to finnish packing and get all the stupid paperwork done to finalize all the buying and selling.

Freedom to vote

I am not from California, but I can't help but comment on what is happening there recently...
In the recent vote California also voted on "proposition 8" regarding marriage...proposition that amended the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. 52% of voters said yes, making same-sex marriage illigal in the state of California.

Here is my personal belief. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, I believe that marriage is a sacred union of a man and a woman. I don't agree with same-sex unions, but I don't hate those that choose to live that way.

After the vote, it should be done. However, it is not. There have been protests and even acts of vandalism, most of which have been targeted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Most recently the Los Angeles temple was targeted and subsequently closed for most of Thursday.
The Church has released a statement regarding recent events. Also of interest to me was the statements released by Catholic bishops in Sacramento and Salt Lake. I particularly liked the following statement

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.” Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

I do not wish to offend others with this post, however, I do wish all of you to know my belief on this issue. We need to stand up for what we believe when called upon to do so, then when the time has passed accept the consequences gracefully.

Bell's Palsy

This week has been a trial for me...last Saturday night I had a really bad headache, possibly the worse I've ever had. I went to bed early in hopes of it going away. When I woke up Sunday morning I still had the headache, Chris was good and let me sleep in a bit. When I did get up he was getting ready for church and I was talking to him. I smiled and he asked me what was wrong with my face. I told him it felt a little numb. I was getting concerned, but not too bad, until I tried to brush my teeth. You know that feeling after you go to the dentist and he tells you to spit, but all you can do is let it drool out of the side of your mouth? That's all I could do. So, we packed the kids up and went into Lethbridge to the emergency room (I won't go to the Urgent Care in Picture Butte, I'm a nurse and I know better).
The trip into town was long and scary for me, I had no control over the left side of my face and all I could think about was that I was having a stroke. Once we got to emerg they took me straight back (because the symptoms were of a stroke). The nurse took my vitals and did all that she could, then sent Dr. Kwan back. Dr. Kwan was great! Here I was, crying like a baby, and he reasured me that he was going to figure out what was wrong. When he found out I work in ICU he said, "you really are thinking the worst possible thing, aren't you?" Yes, I was! He reasured me that it was most likely Bell's Palsy, NOT a stroke. He did call Dr. Wynder in to reasure me (he's the neurologist in Lethbridge). and Dr. Wynder told me the same thing.
What is Bell's Palsy? basically, it's inflammation of the facial nerve, it tries to get out of a tiny hole in the skull and the pressure causes facial paralysis. they think it's caused by a virus (possibly herpes simplex, cold sores) and common in pregnancy (women are 3 times more likely to get it while pregnant, but they don't know why). it usually goes away after 10 days to a few weeks, but can become chronic. (jean cretien has chronic bell's palsy). i still can't control the left side of my mouth (can't spit, smile, and so many more things). my eye won't close all the way, so it's super dry (lots of eye drops and I tape it closed at night) and just generally annoying. i've got some pain from where the nerve tries to come through, but that is getting better. Now my facial muscles are starting to hurt (I don't know if that is normal). I've heard that acupuncture can help and someone suggested one in Lethbridge to me today, so I'm thinking about trying that. (It's not like I've got much to lose).
As for pictures, no way. I feel like a dork and can tell that people are wondering what's wrong with my face. I don't mind people asking, but I hate the look when they don't.

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween. Actually, I love most holidays! But I love seeing kids dressed up in all kinds of cute costumes. I was even smart this year and bought the kids costumes several weeks in advance, so we weren't stuck with the leftovers! My other favorite part of Halloween, carving pumpkins. I've gotten into the extreme pumpkins lately, though this year was pretty mild. I didn't get a picture of Chris' goalie mask pumpkin, though. I was impressed with his creativity. This year we had Pablo (from the Backyardigans) and a baby donkey-dragon (from Shrek 3)

It's official

All conditions were met for both houses and we officially have a new home in Taber! I'm excited, but not looking forward to moving, especially with Chris. I really hate moving with Chris, he is the biggest grump whenever we move (and will admit it). More news for us, we are currently expecting baby number 3.

Our new home

We didn't waste any time in finding a new house. Our house sold on Thursday and we looked at houses in Taber on Friday morning. By Friday night we had an accepted offer on a house, with much thanks going out to our AWESOME realtor! Mark Kozak at Century 21 in Lethbridge (part of the Action Team). Here's a few pictures of our new house (as long as conditions are met)...

Science Center

Chris had holidays for the last 2 weeks. It was so nice to have him home and the kids loved having him around all the time. We didn't do a vacation really, just took 2 days and went to Calgary. The first day we went to the Telus World of Science. It was so much fun for Ryker. I think he enjoyed everything! The second day was shopping for the kids (I love going to the Children's Place).

Michel Family Reunion

This July was the Michel Family reunion. Every 3 years my dad's siblings (and their kids and grandkids) have a reunion for all that can come. With 10 of them (plus all of the kids) it's not an easy task. This year we met at twin lakes (close to silvan lake) and my aunt Vroni and uncle Roger were in charge this year. They did an awesome job and everyone had a great time! Thanks so much for all they did! Here's just a few of the pictures that I took while we were there.





lunch

hanging out




A Day at the Beach





Fun and Games

More Summer Fun

July 1st we went to Raymond for the Parade then had a BBQ at Lola and Grandpa Michel's.





back in May Chris had a conference for work in Edmonton, so we went the weekend before and spent 2 nights at the WestEd Mall Hotel in a cowboy theme room.
Ryker loved the top bunk. though he was too little to sleep up there, he had fun when he could.
Kayla slept through most of the time we spent in the wave pool.
and Ryker loved the Sea Lion show.

just a taste of Ryker's personality, he's learning to love dancing.

checking out the horse with Uncle Dave at a Capner BBQ.

We're Moving!!

So, for those of you that already know, Chris got a job in Taber. It's still with Epcor, but a promotion. He is now lead hand for distribution and collection. For anyone wondering what that is, basically, he is in charge of workers that take care of all the water and sewer pipes in the town. That means a move for us. We are very ready to leave Picture Butte, it has been a good experience for us, and one that we don't regret. It brought us back to Southern Alberta and we've made some great friends here. Our house has been on the market since mid July and no offers. It was starting to worry us as Chris is now commuting to Taber each day and didn't want to do that in the snow. Our worries are gone. We sold the house today and will start looking for a new house in Taber. Wish us luck!

Our Summer, Part 1

Here is part of our summer, in no particular order...


Ryker loves to "exercise". whenever i pull out the wiifit, he always gets a turn. I guess I'm setting a good example for him.

We went to the Lethbridge Airshow this year. It was the first time I'd ever been and it was great. Ryker had a blast watching all the airplanes!

Of course, we protected those little ears from the loud planes.

I loved this, the new mode of transportation for the RCMP.

We celbrated Wellings 100th Birthday this summer! how can you not celebrate Welling without the boot toss?

I played on this merry-go-round when i was little. i don't think it's up to standard.



this cake was awesome, it has the old church that was torn down to make room for the new church.

Ryker loving Rock Band


My first full triathlon. these are from Fort Macleod. Chris, Barb Cobb (a friend from our ward) and I were a team for magrath. I did the supersprint distance in Fort Macleod. and I did the Sprint distance in Lacombe.

New cousin, Tayvee Rain Malin.

Going for a horse ride at Grandpa and Lola Michel's.

More to come another day...