My Version of Normal

If anyone asked me 10 years ago where I saw my life, I would never have imagined it where I am. I have 2 amazing kids, where yes I could write a book on the experiences I encounter everyday because of them; however what parent couldn't? I would never have imagined me doing life as a single mom, or having to make the choices that come along with it.  Being a single mom is like having a split personality. I am the dance and hockey mom for most of my days, but then its like I am given 4 days off a month for good behavior. The kids go to their dads, and my single life begins. Sometimes I feel like I get a glimpse of what life would be like if I hadn't of had kids and got married, but then where would I be without all the lessons learned along the way. I can get lost in this thought sometimes.

On a lighter note, being a single mom also has it's extremely good points.  I currently don't have to share the blankets or my popcorn with anyone, I can choose the channel on my tv, I now only have to yell at Brayden to keep the toilet seat down, but most importantly I have 2 little people who give hugs and kisses as good as gold and make me cry when they tell me they "Love me up to Jesus". 

I've learned the people who you surround yourself with will make you or break you.  I have an amazing group of friends.  Not just friends who wish me a Happy Birthday each year on Facebook, or ask how I'm doing and don't pursue it past my "I'm good".  They're friends who accept me for my version of normal, who push me to be better, to dig deeper in my walk with God, and to get out of my own world and push them back.  I don't think a day goes by that I don't thank God for these people.  I also thank God that they like hockey and wings.

So after all has been said and typed - I love my life.  It reminds me of what God has done and continues to do.  I love the unknowingness of where I'm going to go or what I will achieve...it's become an adrenaline rush.   I am excited for the next chapter in my life, where I'm going to jump and see what comes my way and who's left standing with me when I land.  

A little bit of heaven...

Recently, I have found this blog that contains the worlds best baking.  It has transformed my identity in the kitchen, I have started baking things from scratch instead of taking them out of a package and putting it in the oven.  One would start to worry about all this baking and how quickly one could consume it - as everything I have made from this blog has been AMAZING.  However that has been most of the fun, finding friends family and co-workers to share it with.

However the dessert I made tonight - I WILL NOT be sharing...umm, well I should say what's left of it after girls night.  Take a look, and feel free to drool.....

All you need to know is that it has cream cheese, peanut butter, caramel, pecans and chocolate.  The rest is history.  This is going to make an excellent breakfast while the kids are away this weekend, and it will be well worth the 5 pounds gained from it.

I says pardon me??

Well, for anyone who knows me - they know that I have a slight shopping addiction to the United States of America.  But who wouldn't when you can get everything for half the price!  My last trip to Bellingham was purely for groceries, and I did pretty awesome.  I started the fine art of "couponing" with my friends and it paid off - I saved an extra $81 off my already reduced grocery bill...WAHOO!

Now I know us Canadians keep the mentality that we are the "politest country", I mean - it was one of our HIGH POINTS of our 2010 olympic display.  However I am starting to disagree.  The more I shop down the US, the more I am finding that they have it in the bag.  I don't know the last time that I went to a store and was asked how my day was going without getting the push to buy something?  Having people working in the drive thru on minimum wage who actually cared about their job and the product they were selling.  Or having someone else not only bag my groceries, but bag them according to product and strategically placing them in my buggy so that nothing gets squished.     

So to say that I am impressed would be an understatement.  These might be simple things I have mentioned, but its sadly the things that have been lost. 

So I guess the only conclusion to this post - is that I need to meet a good looking american man, get married and move.  I will keep you posted.

Time flies...

A new memory

Yesterday was my best friends wedding.  It was New Years so we got to watch her get married and ring the new in together.  It was so much fun being in her wedding party!

The little things...

Tonight was the Christmas Eve service at my church - it was awesome.  I took my camera along to snap some photos and this is my favorite one....

Christmas Time

Well....while going through the motions of December and everything that comes along with it, Christmas is finally amongst us - and it still doesn't feel like it.  My kids have been gone for the past week, so maybe that has something to do with it.  Here is one the vices I have been holding onto while they have been away....sanity is key right?!