Countdown to Summer.

As promised over the weekend, the garage was shingled and windows were installed.

As I have previously mentioned, I do not roof, however apparently I do windows. Sunday, J and I house wrapped the garage (at least most of it) and installed the 4 windows that have been patiently waiting under the deck for the last 7 months. It also gave us an opportunity to clean up outside and stack a wood pile that has also been patiently waiting to be stacked...for 7 months.

It was so nice to be outside (even if it was only in 2 hour increments while Colin napped) and to get some of these projects done. The garage is definitely usable now and will be even more once the steps are added to the installed landing.


It sure does feel like spring is here and in this house we are hoping that the warmer weather is here for good. Our walks have increased exponentially and both Colin and Jake seem to be loving the fresh air and sunshine.

Yes summer is just around the corner & we are pumped around here. Good thing there are still a few more months to get our beach bodies in check...

High Five to Me.

This weekend, with some help, Jason plans to shingle the garage as well as put the windows in. Hopefully, there might be some extra time to also build and install the landing and stairs from the garage to the house so we can start actually using that entrance. Because the garage was not built until well into winter, it had filled with snow before the walls and roof were constructed. That snow has now turned to ice from months of being stepped on and the warmer/colder/warmer/colder days we have been experiencing. In order for the steps to be put in, the ice needed to be gone so that the whole thing could sit on the actual garage floor. Cue me.

Today I spent a nap and a half chipping, chipping, chipping away at the ice and removing it from the landing area in the garage while Colin slept and Jake whined at the door. I'm not going to lie, my shoulders are presently on fire and my hands are tingling. That being said, I am pretty proud of myself! For one, it was a good workout and for two, I now feel like I have helped, at least a little bit and hopefully made the weekend a little easier on the boys. High five to me!


The tools...

The removed ice/snow...


After finishing and coming inside, I promptly booked a Hammam for next week as a reward. Just kidding, I already had the hammam booked...now I just feel like I deserve it!

The other night after Colin went to bed, Jason and I spent some time outside, cleaning up & talking about what we see for the outside of our house this summer. My main goal is simple...go from living in mud, to living in a somewhat usable outdoor space. Hopefully it will include a back deck, a portion of sod, a fenced-in area for Jake and maybe even some planting!

Victory!

For a refresher as to why this is a BIG deal...read this.

Champs.

Since my career as a basketball player ended, I have had the opportunity to coach a variety of teams. This past year, I helped out with the University of Winnipeg Collegiate girls for the second year in a row. JoAnne, a great friend and past teammate of mine and I started off the season unsure as to where we would end up in March. The team consisted of a mixture of some players back from last season, some Junior Varsity girls from last year, as well as a few brand new girls to the team and school. To start the season off in December of last year, after only 2 practices, we were thrust into our two first games. Let's just say those games are better off forgotten. We were pretty bad & lost both very badly. Nevertheless, we regrouped. The season had its share of ups and as always, its downs as well, however we seemed to peak right at the perfect time.

This past weekend, we competed in the AAA Provincial Championships. We went in #1 and came out #1 - just as we planned. For the second year in a row, JoAnne and I got to be part of team that came together, competed hard and got the job done and we couldn't be happier or more proud of each and every girl.

There is nothing I want more as a coach than for every girl to have a positive experience with basketball and the team. Some may go on to many more years of basketball and competition, while for some, this might be the last time they are part of team. I hope that for both, they remember this experience fondly and will enjoy the experience for years to come.

These 5 girls below are the grade 12 girls that we had on the team. Each one is so very different but all 5 worked extremely hard all year. I am so unbelievably proud of each of them & am so glad they could finish their grade 12 year with a championship.

Great job, girls - you earned it!


The season was somewhat rough on our little man as practices and games stretched him & his waketime often. He was, thankfully, such a trooper and toughed it out. We spent yesterday sleeping & playing, something he (and I) have so desperately missed. Thank you buddy for dealing with the loud gyms, long games and hour after hour in the baby bjorn. You are awesome.

The Professor

This week, Jake turns 4 years old. We are not entirely sure what exact day is his birthday, so instead we just make it a week long celebration. Each one of Jake's birthdays feels like a pretty big accomplishment for us all, mostly because of the 3 brushes with death he has had over the past 4 years. Each one of those times, I was pretty unsure as to whether or not we would make it to another one of his birthdays so we are always extra glad when this time of year roles around and we are still with the pup.


These two are noticing each other a little more every day and Jake has even started to warm up to Colin. Unfortunately, this new development is coinciding exactly with Colin's grabbing stage, therefore creating a few uncomfortable moments for the pup! We are working on being gentle...something I am sure will be an ongoing subject around here. I love watching Colin watch Jake, especially when he is in his exersaucer or high chair. I can only assume Colin sees Jake as a big, moving toy, however know (hope) that one day they will be great friends.

We love you, puppy!

I guess just like many others, he too is needing glasses in his old age :).

Mover & Shaker

I swear he started on the mat...


By the way, for all of you who haven't heard already, Carl was reunited with his owners only a few hours after we dropped him off at the Humane Society. Carl is actually Bruce and apparently they were quite relieved to find him safe and sound. We kind of miss him around here...good thing I am still vacuuming up his hair as a reminder why we're better off without him!

I will call you Carl.

A few hours before dinner on Friday, we had a surprise visitor on our front porch.

A yellow lab was roaming around the property and finally ended up at our front door. Jason and I checked him for tags, a tattoo, or a microchip - all of which he had none. He was a beautiful dog & was extremely well trained. Knowing first hand what it feels like to be the one scouring the neighborhood for our lost dog (half thinking you will find them on the side of the road), we thought we should at least try to find this pups home. Jason put him in the truck and proceeded to knock on every door within a mile radius of us. Although this was a great way to meet all our neighbors, none claimed him or even said they had ever seen him before.

After dinner at our neighbors, the dog had still not left ours or their deck, so it was official, he was staying at least one night. Wow am I glad this guy found us as the night turned into a freezing cold, extremely windy blizzard. I know dogs are tough, but I was sure glad he was safe and warm with us, rather than outside trying to fend for himself.

Like I said before, this dog was extremely well trained which made me even sadder as anyone who would take the time to train him, must be missing him dearly. He slept on the floor at the foot of our bed all night long as was not a bother in the least. He & Jake had their moments but for the most part tolerated each other just fine.


When morning came and our house was sufficiently FULL of blonde hair, we knew what we had to do. We took the pup to the Humane Society where he will undoubtedly either be reunited with his owners, or adopted to another family. As I dropped him off and handed him over, I have to admit to getting a little emotional. Although he wasn't with us long, I took a real liking to him. This week I will be following up with the Humane Society to see what happened to our friend to make sure that he is still safe & happy.

We will miss you, buddy!