February 03, 2010

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (I heard you groan), and I’m excited. I know a good deal of people are not Valentine’s fans, but I am.

Yes, I do realize that it is a made up “Hallmark” holiday that is all about consumerism and selling. I may have heard this once or twice from you jaded Valentine’s haters. I do also realize that I should show my love 365 days a year and that I do not need a special day to state that I love my husband and my kids.

I hear you, I do. I get what you’re saying, but it hasn’t changed my mind.

Why? Because I love surprises, I love treating my husband to a special evening, and I love to show my kids how much I care. Yes, I can do that every day, but let’s be real. How often do we actually do it? How often does life get so hectic that we don’t have time to cuddle, kiss and show our loved ones how much they mean?

I like that Valentine’s Day forces us to slow down and say I love you.

My favourite part about Valentine’s Day? The sex. Yes, I like the little gifts that come with Valentine’s Day too…. Mmmmm chocolate! But when it comes down to it, I like Valentine’s Day sex because we generally give it a little more thought, it’s a little more sexy and involved. No quickies on Valentines… although there is nothing wrong with a good quickie!

Who doesn’t love a holiday that is all about chocolate and sex?

I know, I know, single people, I see you flipping me the bird. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Get out there and enjoy Valentine’s. I have a single girlfriend who every year throws a “Black Friday” party. (Or “Black Wednesday” depending on what day Valentine’s falls).

She invites all of her single friends (and any single friends they may have) to her house and has a party… no couples allowed! So, Valentine’s doesn’t have to be just for couples, and who knows who you will meet at a singles party.

So, get your heart on and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
 

February 01, 2010

This weekend was all about baby, well almost. Who am I kidding? It’s baby number 4, so it will never be ALL about baby, but this weekend was mostly about baby… with a little gymnastics and hockey thrown in there.

Saturday (after gymnastics) we went to Tom’s ex-wife’s house. She has 1 ½ year old twins, and had offered us a little “shopping spree” in her basement. There were 2 of almost everything we would need for baby, and she gave us one of each.

We left there with a truck load! She gave us a swing, bumbo, bouncy chair, baby bath and seat, car seat, monitor… and I could go on, but you get the idea. She saved us a tonne of money. (Trying to think of an appropriate thank-you gift right now.)

Sunday (after hockey) we went to my parent’s house to pick up a baby dresser with change table and crib that had been my daughter’s. It was then that I realized my parents still had ALL of my daughter’s baby clothes in storage. What a find! There was also a bassinet and booster seat in their basement.

Now, all of that stuff is in our living room! It is FULL to capacity with baby gear, and I have been sitting amidst it going through all of Rebecca’s old clothes. WOW, there are a lot of memories in all that stuff. While I did that, Tom was upstairs setting up the crib and dresser in our room - 4 rooms, 4 kids, someone has to share; for the first while it will be us.
 

So, until we find a place to put everything, here is what our living room looks like. Wish us luck!