Mostly Nice

I really should have written 'Sometimes NAUGHTY, Mostly NICE' because this little chick has been a superb sleeper lately....I just had to say!

~ Momma P

Christmas Snapshots

Tis' the Season of serious fun!

We have been pretty busy around the Polischuk's, so a quick recap is needed.  I must say that I have love, love, loved prepping for Christmas with my little ladies.  It has been wonderful!!! We have however missed Mr. P a lot, he's still working that crazy shutdown...that has not been very wonderful.  But at least he can be home at night and he has a good job, gotta be grateful right?

Christmas Crafting

Amelia Ann is a big fan of the crafting and any time I was working on something for Christmas she needed a project too!  She made cards and stamped wrapping paper this year.  The hand print wreath on the left was made by cousin Kingston when we had a cousin craft date.

Christmas Chocolates

This picture is priceless! I caught the lady digging into the chocolates that I had in my room, it seemed a little too quiet down the hall and this was why.  I told her that she looked like she had a 'chocolate beard', she thought that was hilarious and will still randomly bring up her chocolate beard in conversation and laugh about it.

Christmas Parties

Due to both the little girlies and me being sick in early December we missed all but one Christmas party.  Our dear friends Scott and Marcie had a shin dig at their place.  The festive spirit was totally there, they had things decorated so nice, the food was killer awesome and the company couldn't be better.  Christmas is such a good reason to make time for friends and family.

 Gingerbread Houses

Decorating gingerbread houses are definitely going to become tradition.  It was such fun helping the wee folk create little sugar masterpieces. Mia was pretty particular about candy placement, Kingston loved the gumdrops and Jacey was super sneaky, popping the candies in her mouth any chance possible. It was such fun!  The cheap teacher in me had us use graham crackers and milk cartons instead of buying the kits. The end result was pretty good I thought!  Mia even made a couple of snowmen for the front of her house.

LIVE Christmas Nativity

I love that Amelia is a smiley girl now (she was a pretty serious babe)!!!   Auntie Al invited us to go check out the LIVE Nativity performance in Spruce Grove.  It was a wonderful way to refocus on the importance of the season and the reason...the birth of Jesus...remembering His life.  Just Mia, Alyson and I had a little date.   Of course we had to go visit the 'donkey' aka the pony after the performance.  It was 15 min long, perfect for children and oh so beautiful to watch the story, see the costumes, hear the music and just feel the spirit. IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Neighbor Gifts

I always have fun creating little things for our neighbors and friends.  This year we copied two ideas I had seen before, sadly I only snapped a pic of one. 

For our neighbors : Pillsbury Grand Cinnamon Rolls  'Hope You Have a GRAND Christmas'

For my VT friends : Jolly Ranchers 'Have a Holly Jolly Christmas'

I just love this time of year.

~ Mrs. P

Loving the LOVE

Just some cute pics of our women!

 When I went to empty the mailbox I pulled out EIGHT Christmas cards!!!!  Honestly, this is a highlight of the season for me.  I really try to send out cards each year because I just love getting them.  I opened the bills first, gathered the paper for recycling and then sat to enjoy looking at pictures and reading about our friends and family.  One thing that stuck me as I read was the love!  The love coming from people dear to us, but people we may not get to see very often.  It warmed my heart and made me smile to see children growing and read about those we love. 

A card, such a simple way to show some love! 

So totally worth the effort.

I know I'm feeling it and hoping those that get ours feel it too!!!

~ Mrs. P

Christmas Baking

One of my favourite things to do for Christmas is baking! Not only the final product but the process too. This year my Grandma Hinko came out and we had three days of non stop productivity in the kitchen.  I sadly didn't take a picture of the end result but tins full of goodies covered my island. I did snap a few action of shots, one of our pro Grandma and the other of Kingston's cute expression.

I just love, love, love a busy kitchen with Christmas music in the back ground.

This year our Christmas baking included:

Ginger Snaps

Oreo Cookies

Peanut Butter Balls

Butter tarts

Peanut - Chocolate No Bakes

White Chocolate Mint Popcorn

Gum Drop Loaf

It was a success I think! Well the husbands and kids think so anyway!!!

~ Mrs. P

Bathing Beauties

Growing up my sisters and I LOVED bath time and my ladies are following suit. We would spend so long in the tub that my mom would have to frequently add more warm water. I also remember a phase were we requested music for our bathing experience so mom put the stereo in the hall and we had tunes.  We even had a few years where I tried to teach them swimming lessons in the bath tub, obviously the skill level increased greatly, oh and we would take turns 'baptizing' each other - we are just that religious :) 

I have memories of bathing with both of my sisters and just having so much fun in the bath together. Well except for the time my little sister Leslie pooped in the tub...that is a vividly gross memory!!!! ewww  Fingers crossed I avoid that with my ladies.

Such fun occurs with bubbles and splashing. 

 Amelia is always telling Stella that "when you are bigger ______" and having a bath in the big tub was one of those things that Miss Amelia would say to little sister.  It finally happened for Stella, the lucky lady!  She out grew the kitchen sink and has graduated to the tub.  Stella just watches all wide eyed. Love it!

~ Momma P

Checkin out Chuck-E

After being up in Fort Mac for almost three weeks a family night out was needed and we decided to check out Chuck-E-Cheese for the first time.  The parking lot was CRAZY and that really should have been our first clue of what awaited us inside.  It was insane but fun! We managed to snag a table pretty quickly and the food was actually ok.  The games were a bit tough for Amelia but her little peepers were huge taking in the sights and sounds, pretty cool to watch her watch it all.

 

Mia is always asking to hold sister or bringing things to show her, it really is sweet.  She didn't want Stella to miss out on any of the games or rides. 

So Amelia is not really super strong but she tries.  The funniest part of the evening was when she was playing a ball toss game with her Dad, when she brought her arm back preparing for a big swing she let go of the ball and it flew off BEHIND her....seriously the funniest. thing. ever.  I am sure the evening was one of many we'll spend at these crazy places. When Amelia was first born this stuff sort of creeped me out, the germs, the unwashed hands.  Just thinking about if things were cleaned recently or not, well two years later I've mostly gotten over it.  I still sometimes get freaked a bit but whatever the fun is worth it!

~ Momma P

Baby Girl is 6 months + 7 days

It is absolutely CRAZY that 6 months has passed and that Miss Stella has been rolling with us for half a year already! Craziness I say. This woman is wonderful. 

We all adore her and I personally have grown a little more in love with her now that she sleeps more at night...oops I mean my love has always been unconditional. We feel so darn blessed/lucky/privileged/thrilled that she came to our family. 

Here are just a few fun facts about the wee lady at 6 months:

* Stella totally digs cereal and we think eating it 3 times a day has contributed to her better sleeps and big thighs

* Stella likes to cuddle or be held

* Stella enjoys books and is working on turning pages, if only those hands would cooperate better

* Stella finally likes music (interesting she previously wasn't a big fan), but now she will even anticipate the songs that have a clap or tickle - adorable!

* Stella is super vocal or well a shrieker but we'll call it 'vocal'

* Stella has an awesome gut laugh (big sister gets the best from her)

* Stella has the most beautiful bright blue eyes

* Stella has a great smile with one tiny tooth in there

Miss Stella is just amazing!

I am her mother so I know I'm biased but she is just a wonderful little girl. I love her emerging personality, so happy, so not a cryer anymore, for this I am grateful for both me and her.  It seems like she is enjoying life as a Polischuk, interacting and watching our family.

Just so fun!

So glad she's here.

~ Momma P

Start 'em Young and Raise 'em Right!!!

I think I've seen the title of this post on t-shirts at Oilers games.

 Mr. P has totally taken this philosophy to heart and if you ask Amelia she will tell you that her favourite hockey team is the OILERS!  She has been indoctrinated.  Her favourite pj's are her pink Oiler jammies, they were getting a little short but are warm for winter so we cut the feet off....yup we are a bit ghetto like that.  Stella also sports an Oilers sleeper and you would think from her gorgeous smile in the pics that she is a hardcore fan!  Oh such fun!!!!

GO OILERS GO!!!!!!

 ~ Mrs. P

Old Fashioned Christmas

Going home (to my parents in Fort Mac) is always sooooooo nice.  There is something so peaceful and relaxed about being home, oh and they are so awesome with the kids!!!  Mr. P is working crazy long hours so why not visit the parents I say.

There are often nasty things said about Fort McMurray, some of it true and a lot of it not.  There really is good and bad anywhere. One good thing to be said about the city is the community spirit and activities they put together.  This weekend Heritage Park had an Old Fashioned Christmas which was such a good time.  We were able to go on a sleigh ride around the park, with horses oh la la!!!!  Amelia kept telling us they could eat out of her hand, they didn't though.  The park had maple syrup on snow, pony rides, crafts, skating and a bonfire...such a wonderful set up. Stella even cruised around with Grandma, nestled in the sling.   

We stayed downtown to watch Keyano College turn on their Christmas lights and then watched the parade come down Franklin Ave.  Even though it was pretty cold Miss Amelia didn't want to go back to the car and hung out watching the whole parade, it was a good time. This was our first Christmas activity of the 'season' and I totally feel in the spirit now. 

I'm looking forward to everything planned in December.

~ Mrs. P

Sickie & Sleepers

We have had some sickness at our house. 

It meant 5 days of confinement at home, which was near torture for a momma who likes to get out. I actually sent Mr. P a msg telling him to enjoy the fresh air, adult conversation and lack of spit up on his clothes...it is a good thing texting can't be sent with a tone of voice because it wouldn't have been good. When the girls and I finally ventured out it was to the ped doc and my poor Amelia ended up needing a prescription.  Fevers and coughing just sucks, having a sick kiddo just sucks!  But she is on the mend thankfully. 

Mr. P began a shutdown last week which means looonnnnng hours at work, like a meeting at 6am and another at 6pm both of which he needs to attend.  Yup for reals, the poor dude is spending more time at work then home these days.  In light of the dad being gone a ton a visit up north was in order for the mom and kids.  My awesome momma bussed down so she could drive back up with me, the girlies and the dog....my mom is that wonderful.  The trip went as good as you would expect a 5 hour trip with a babe and toddler would go but we are here now, woot, woot!!

I had snapped a pic of my sick girl, she looked so sad. 

Our first day up in Fort Mac Miss Mia cuddled in for a nap with Grandpa, so sweet.

~ Mrs. P 

Being a Mother - Making our house a home!

I have long awaited the role of mother, that doesn't mean some days aren't super hard!

It truly is blessing to be parents and the joy is like no other but gosh it is harder at times then I thought it would be. Potty training a toddler is a roller coaster of awesome highs and wet, nasty lows. A non sleeping, teething, I don't know the problem baby... HARD!

I am continually in awe of my own mom, grandmas, friends and appreciate the wisdom they share as I chat with them. There are great rewards to being a mother but sometimes it is tough. 
I came across this quote and printed it out to put on my bathroom mirror (yes I have a collection of inspiring thoughts taped there to read and re-read each day!)

Women who make
a HOUSE a HOME
make a far greater contribution to society
than those who command large armies or
stand at the head of impressive corporations.
~ Gordon B. Hinckley

This is for those days when I need to be reminded that I AM doing the most important job in the world and no one can take my place! 
 ~ Momma P

Dancing with Daddy

The non-dancer does indeed dance! Caught in the act.

What won't this guy do for his girls?

We were out for Mexican and they have authentic tunes playing in the restaurant.  Each time we've been there Miss Amelia will start bustin moves (I'm thinking we need to take this girl on a winter vaca to Mexico...you know, to encourage her ;) 

This time she asked her Dad to take her hand and dance with her, AMAZINGLY he did!  In the middle of the restaurant!!  I think he is just a little fond of his wee lady.  The dude will barely dance with me in dance settings, you know weddings and such, let alone in public, in a restaurant.  A beautiful moment captured.  I was again reminded of why I carry my camera around in the diaper bag.

Anyway love them both!!!!

~ Mrs. P

Awesome Uncle Mikey

Uncle Mikey is super AWESOME!

 I feel fortunate to have a special relationship with each of my uncles, I know that I could go to any of them if I needed anything. My little bro aka Uncle Mikey is creating that same special connection with each of his nieces and nephew.  It isn't hard to see that the little people just love the guy!  He is super fun and always takes the time to play with them and make them feel important.  He will talk with them on the phone, listen and ask questions...he is fabulous! 

 I heard once that children spell LOVE - TIME, that is so true and Uncle Mikey always makes time for the little folk in his life.

He is was even super brave and hung out with Stella Stella one night, alone! He only called once and when we returned home the above pic is what we saw. He had assumed Stella's favourite position, and had her content, just bouncing away. What a good Uncle. We are so glad that our parents decided to have a fourth child, our family just wouldn't be the same with out our little bro. Love that dude!

~ Mrs. P

Putting First Things First

So this is mostly for my girls, someday I plan to print out this blog for our little family.... 

Mr. P took a course for work a few weeks ago on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Covey and although I read it as a teenager I am enjoying the refresher I've had as we've discussed the habits.  We've been having a little rendezvous each Sunday night at the kitchen table and plan the week, debrief life stuff, I've been loving it ( I totally dig this kind of stuff).  We are on the 3rd week: Putting First Things First. It was especially insightful and relevant to my life this week as I had a few moments of feeling overwhelmed and insufficient.  So the cool lesson for this habit, Putting First Things First is of the Rock Jar. There is a container of little pebbles and a container of big rocks... there is a whole object lesson behind the rock jar....the point is that both the pebbles and big rocks can fit in the jar BUT is is essential to put the big rocks in first! Generally speaking, the big rocks are people, caring for your physical, spiritual and emotion needs, the little pebbles are everything else. I do know that my kiddos are more important then getting dishes done immediately and Mr.P is more important then laundry but goodness, some days you just want to get all of those pebbles in the jar first, out of the way BUT my when my toddler takes my hand asking for stories and the hubs says to stop and come sit down to watch Survivor, I just need to do it!
Anyway, it is a great life lesson to be reminded of. 
I want to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend that I can be. 
I want to be more conscious of putting the big rocks into my jar first because
that is how I will be able to do my best!

Amelia had me draw this pic of our family the other day and I snapped a pic, obviously not because of my drawing skills but because she knows what is most important.
~ Mrs.P

Going Strong

Miss Stella is sooooo strong!

Our little woman has recently discovered she has legs and likes to use them. 

Yup, 5 months old and wants to stand.

We have the jumper downstairs and the old school walker up. 

It is pretty cool!!

~ Momma P

PS I LOVE the drool in the pics - she is also teething

32 Years of being AWESOME!!!!

Today is a big day at our house, the big guy turned 32!!!!  Wowzers!!!!

I think he is totally rocking his 30s.

 He's working the greying hair, looking all debonair.

He is all accomplished at work, tackling challenging turnarounds.

He has little Scouts that look up to him. Last night we had a Scout Party at our house and they were talking about how big BP's muscles were (BP is Graham's nickname).  So funny, I had a hard time not spitting out my pizza.  Don't get me wrong, he does have big muscles, but seriously the kid had his hands like a foot apart, like Graham was the hulk.

He is also adored at home.  It is not just me that absolutely adores the guy, the other ladies in our house are quite smitten with him as well.

So in honour of his 32 years we brought him 32 balloons this morning, each with a reason why we love him! I think he enjoyed it.  We wanted him to feel special and loved today.

 I love this pic of Mr. P and Mia reading one of the cards.

The pic below is the view from our bed, kinda fun!

The morning also included french toast and 'doing nothingness'.  We plan to have ice cream cake for lunch followed by a private dinner at the Keg, just Mr. P and I.  Side note: the Keg was our previous go-to-restaurant before children, we haven't been since we've had them and tonight is the night.

Such fun! Oh how we love the big guy and are glad he is ours!

~ Mrs. P

Happy Halloween

Halloween has never been sooooo fun! 

All traditions and holidays take on a new life when you have children. 

I enjoyed making up little baggies full of goodies for my students and neighbors and it was cool to see the little folk come to our door, compliment the creative costumes BUT nothing compares to experiencing things with your own children.  I am loving every minute of it! 

 Really, there couldn't be a cuter little pumpkin or a more adorable giraffe! 

Stella and I started the night out at home handing out candy while Mr. P started walking with Amelia.  A friend came by and stayed with babe and I was able to head out with Amelia, Mr. P and Nathaniel.  Nathaniel and Amelia are actually womb buddies, his momma and I did prenatal class together, so it is pretty special every time we get them together.

 They did super good working the street but when they hit their wall, they hit it pretty hard and luckily the wagon saved the day.  Amelia has a tiny little voice so I'm not sure if anyone actually heard her say 'trick or treat' or the 'thank you' after she was given/took the loot.  Ya, at the beginning our giraffe would walk right in once the door was open and take two treats from the bowl...one for each hand of course.  She did eventually catch on and today at Auntie Leslie's house when she was given a little chocolate bar she looked up at Les and said 'trick or treat'.  Such fun!!!  She sorta gets it. 

Ya for another fun activity!

~ Mrs. P