MomManagement Approved....!

Moab, Utah

2006-10-24T00:52:00.000-06:00

Well I live in one of the very awe inspiring places in the world and I have just visited another... For some of the photos - I will post more as they come - http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/tracy_moland/album?.dir=3031scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos Moab, Utah October 6, 2006 Well we are off – we packed up Thursday night, went for haircuts and got up and on the road by 6:00 am (or so!). We drove through to Pocatello, Idaho (where unfortunately we were one day early and couldn’t attend the Red Neck Nationals!). The drive was amazing taking us through so many different terrains from mountains to prairies to valleys to lava fields. There is certainly a reason that Montana is called Big Sky State – it is really beautiful! We found ourselves a great Best Western with a pool and hot tub, went to Applebee’s for dinner (now why couldn’t it have been a TGI Fridays by the hotel!), watched some TV and off to bed! October 7, 2006 Up bright and early again – it was great that the hotel had a continental breakfast including biscuits and gravy – what a bizarre combination! We drove through the dark for a bit and then emerged into Salt Lake City – again seeing new terrain – mountains but a bit different than ours here. We drove through some rain, a boring stretch across the desert and then found ourselves in Red Rock Heaven – wow. Just from the drive things are beautiful! We were so relieved to get into our cabin at http://www.canyonlandsrv.com/ – it was perfect 2 double bed/single bed bunks, chairs, picnic tables, fire pits and most importantly NEAR the bathroom! After unpacking we had some thoughts of going into Arches National Park http://www.utahredrocks.com/archesnationalpark.htm but decided to just hang out in Moab http://www.discovermoab.com/index.htm . We walked main street stopping in the bike stores – Poison Spider and Chile Peppers being the main ones! We then found our way to the Broken Oar where we had a great dinner (even though as the guide books says medium rare meat is hard to get!)! After walking back we basically faded (sitting in a car for 2 days is hard!) and were in bed by 8:30! October 8, 2006 Pat got up early and headed to the “Top of the World” http://www.4x4now.com/mttw.htm for a ride. I actually woke up bright and early and sat in the van and read. Moab starts to get dark around 7, with total darkness by 7:30 and starts to get light at 7 with total daylight at 7:30 (yup that is 12 hours of darkness which means a lot of night rides for the 24 hour race on the weekend!) We let the kids sleep in and I hung out with them until Pat got back. I got to meet the neighbors – from Denver and the 2 cabins beside us – from Calgary! The kids and I walked down and got lunch stuff and Pat came in around 1:00. We then headed off to Arches where we got to see and hike to the Balanced Rock, the North and South Windows, the Turret Arch, and were crushed to find out that the Delicate Arch – the most famous was closed due to above average rain – (Moab gets an average of 1 inch in October – by this point it had 3 (and wait there is the rest of the week!). The road was washed out, part of the trail gone and 12 people had to be brought out via helicopter. Needless to say we were crushed. Heading back to camp in hopes the Pepin’s had arrived, the kids were disappointed that they were there yet… but soon discovered the playground! Around 6 Terri, Todd, Sophie and Liam arrived armed with a Turkey – it was Canadian Thanksgiving after all! With a full turkey dinner done over a BBQ and camp stove we celebrated! We had a few beers and all headed off to bed! October 9, 2006 “It is raining out!” proclaimed Courtney-Lyn from the top bunk – “NOooooooooooooooooo” replied Pat. But alas she was correct… We slowly pulled ourselves out of bed and made an executive decision – we would go out for breakfast – seeing as it was pouring. The 8 of us headed over to the Moab Diner http://www.moab-utah.com/diner/index.html along with everyone else who had thoughts of biking, hiking, 4X4ing, or ATVing… The wait was worth it – we had a great server and great food! With a slight lull in the rain we decided to head back to Arches National Park and do the Devil’s Garden Hike http://roadtrip.beimers.com/day148.html . We got about 5 minutes in and the sky opened and the rain came down. After standing in a covered spot for about 5 more minutes we decided it wasn’t going to happen so got back into the cars (boys club and girls club). About 5 minutes of driving later, the rain stopped… so we turned around and went on the hike. We couldn’t do all of it as eventually the thunder was non stop… but we were out for about 3 hours! We saw the Landscape Arch, the Wall Arch, the Navajo Arch, the Partition Arch, the Pine Tree Arch, the Tunnel Arch and many more amazing rock formations and views. On the way out not only was the park closed to incoming visitors but there were rivers that were dry the day before (and again the day after). There were also waterfalls and I must say a red waterfall is amazing! With the rain coming down we decided to visit the famous Eddie McStiff’s for dinner. After a few appetizers, drinks and shared meals it was back to the cabins. We set up on the screened in patio in Terri and Todd’s cabin and geared up for Monopoly. We added a bit of twist that involved whiskey when you went to jail, community chest or chance cards. What else is one to do when it is raining and cold in the desert! Side note: the weather in Moab is completely unique – the days are generally very warm and the nights are cold… but if the sun isn’t out the temperature drops significantly and if it is raining… get out the winter coats! Later evening lead to one of the kids eating too many Pringles and throwing up in a sleeping bag, a girls and boys sleep over and the arrival of Bret, Gerri, Austin, Fran, Tim and Trina. Immediately the older boys created the biking plan for the next morning (based upon Pat’s pre-planning!) October 10, 2006 Up bright and early, Pat and Todd headed to Poison Spider to rent a bike for Todd. The guys then headed out to do the race course in the morning and Slick Rock in the afternoon (http://www.moab-utah.com/trails/gallery.html) . Terri and I armed with the 5 kids (Austin included headed to Canyonlands National Park http://www.nps.gov/cany/ and the area known as Islands in the Sky http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/islandinthesky.htm . With Terri as our leader, Courtney-Lyn in good shoes we headed up and around. Our first stop was the Mesa Arch http://www.gcollier.com/Mesa-Arch.html , then on to the Aztec Butte where there were old granaries and all the group but Mats and I headed into them. They were incredible still with seeds and berries from the past. As we stood on the butte they traveled inside it and met us on the other side. The kids were amazing but I must admit I had a bit of a “height” scare a few times! Next we ate lunch up at the Upheaval Dome overlook trail. Wow what a view that was. Then it was off to the Whale Rock and then the moms were done. A full day with the kids we had enough and headed back to camp! Where Pat and Mike had arrived and we had a nice relaxing night. October 11, 2006 The guys headed out early to bike Porcupine Rim http://www.single-serving.com/USA/UT/Moab/trail/porcrim.php while Terri and I and the kids head off to Negro Bills Canyon (a supposedly constructed trail…) Well due to the rain we constructed a lot of it ourselves – included crossing the creek 5 times. http://www.moabhappenings.com/Archives/hiking0410.htm The Morning Glory Bridge at the end was amazing – unfortunately due to our afternoon plans we could only look at it rather than get right up to it. Side Note: The kids are amazing hikers! Apart from Courtney-Lyn’s shoe issues, WOW…. They are willing to do and try anything. They have often been braver than I myself have! With Courtney-Lyn and Mats and Sophie and Liam having such similar dispositions and well seem like copies of each other the dynamics were great! Austin is such a flexible and friendly guy that he had fun with both the boys and the girls! It is wonderful to be with such great kids. I am also so excited what the future holds for trips and hiking and traveling knowing now what the kids can do (and what I can do!) After lunch the Pepin’s and the Moland’s headed out for the Guided Hike of the Fiery Furnace at Arches. http://www.climb-utah.com/Moab/furnace.htm From climbing through arches to walking on cliff edges to having our feet on one side of the crevice and our body on the other – it was absolutely incredible. Courtney-Lyn words it best – “I have found that the harder and more challenging a trail is the more you get out of it!” and this was both hard and challenging and AMAZING! We headed back for burgers and hot dogs and football! Yup a highschool game! Our campground sided the field for the local high school and we got to see the Red Devils live in action. It was pretty neat to watch! We actually were able to enjoy a fire and had a great evening. October 12, 2006 We got up to a huge breakfast of sausages, bacon, and eggs. Then sadly we watched Terri and Todd pack up and head off. It always makes me sad to see them leave – we are so blessed with such special and wonderful friends. As the guys head out to ride (Flat Pass http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/flatpass.htm ) the kids and I hang out at the camp site. After a bit we walk into town with Austin and his Aunt Sandy. We do some shopping, check out local info and stores and then meet up with Gerri and Trina for a fun lunch at Zax. We slowly walk back and the kids play in the campground (did I mention the park is awesome!) I actually sort of convinced mine to swim – which meant Courtney-Lyn got her legs wet and Mats hopped in a few times! Most of the crew headed out for supper but Pat N., Mike and us cooked up a spaghetti dinner and hung out at the campground. We had a nice fire and a great visit as everyone joined us after their dinner. October 13, 2006 (Friday the 13th) Well one day of no hikes (but lots of walking) was enough for us. It was time to do something…. As the rest of the guys headed out to do the race course again Pat, the kids and I headed out to do a hike. Along the way we stopped to see some of the petroglyphs http://www.billandcori.com/moab/petroglyphs.htm and then went on to an amazing hike to the Corona Arch http://www.climb-utah.com/Moab/corona.htm where we used a chain to climb, went up a ladder and had the place to ourselves. What an amazing feeling to be so connected with such an amazing formation. It was so pure and quiet (well we also found the echo spot and was that ever cool!) In the afternoon, Pat went riding with the guys off to Gemini Bridges http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/gemini.htm and the kids and I went and hiked the Slick Rock practice loop. It was really neat to see what the famous SlickRock trail is about! We had a great hike! The four of us had a great pasta dinner at the campground – spaghetti just never tasted so good! The rest of the crew returned from dinner and we had a great campfire… then it was off to bed with a big race in the morning… October 14, 2006 Rain Rain go away – come again another day…. Friday was beautiful – clear blue sky – and we woke up to dreary weather… We packed up and head up to the 24 Hours of Moab where – well this explains it best http://grannygear.com/Current_News/2006-10-17-Moab_Post-Race%20Communique.html “The (im)Perfect Storm By Wednesday before the race Moab's recent rains had set a 105-year rainfall record. The weather forecast was improving and the course was in great shape... then things changed. The weather pattern that had delivered two record setting "perfect storms" reemerged and created a third perfect storm that landed squarely on top of The 24 Hours of Moab. The race course had some of the scariest conditions ever encountered at this epic event. Racers on-course during the deluge experienced waist-deep flash-floods, chain-binding, brake-pad wearing mud that forced many into walking mode, gaping erosion ditches that seemed to appear out of nowhere and most dangerously of all, bone-chilling cold that brought many to near hypothermia.With the prospect of dozens of hypothermia cases and other potential injuries that would have overwhelmed the EMS response teams and put racers in mortal danger, the race director closed the course at 8:00 pm, Saturday. A decision was made to re-start the race in the morning and at 9:00 am, Sunday morning. The race was to be re-started using split times based off of the teams' finish times posted from the last laps from Saturday evening.” So in the cold and rain we hung out – thank goodness for Ed and Sandi’s 5th wheel where the kids watched movies (yes I gave in and let them watch a movie camping…). At least it was warm in there… as the day progressed our riders came in wet and muddy and there seemed to be no chance of the rain stopping. Mats raced the 24 minutes of Moab and came in second for his age! Woo hoo (he may have come in first but he was so far in the lead he thought he had gone the wrong way and stopped and waited… it was neck and neck at the finish!) After Mats’s race and with the rain coming down it was time to head back to town. The road had already washed away one time – so Pat drove us down and headed back up. The kids and I headed over to the Moab Brewery http://www.moab-utah.com/moabbrewery/ for dinner. With all the rain it was a 1 hour wait so we shopped at the nearby stores. I highly recommend this restaurant! We then headed back and I was a bit shocked to see lights on in the cabin. As we got closer the blind closed and I thought what – seeing as the van wasn’t there. As I cautiously headed in, there was Pat standing there – clean and dry… the race had been called due to hazardous conditions… so he came down with Pat and Mike in their 4 wheel drive for a warm evening in the cabin! He also didn’t think the van could drive down… and we weren’t sure when it would come out… aaaaaaaaaaagh! I hung out for awhile with Pat and Mike and it was off to bed! October 15, 2006 The guys got up early and headed back up to the race course – thinking the race would restart. The kids and I got up shortly after and as it was clearing up heading back to the Moab Diner for breakfast. We played Old Maid while waiting in line and at the table – I am the champion… Ask Courtney-Lyn who is the Old Maid??? When we got back sure enough there was Pat and Mike – the race was done. They could have ridden again but as Pat and Pat decided it wasn’t worth it. Luckily, enough work was done on the road that Pat was able to get the van back. We then headed up to the Delicate Arch which was finally reopened - http://utahpictures.com/DelicateArch1.html . This is Utah’s most famous arch and is on the license plates. It was a hard hike out to it but so worth it. The arch itself is just incredible and so awe inspiring. Although unlike the Corona Arch with the tranquility this was busy busy busy… We got back in time to head with the group to the Moab Brewery for dinner (again!) and had a nice farewell dinner. We got back in time to pack, load, and pack some more. We then relaxed for a few laughs and good byes around the campfire. October 16, 2006 (the longest day ever) We decided to head home in one day – which was and would have been fine – until we hit the snow and ice in Montana…. Which slowed our speed about 50 km per hour… Then when we were finally in Calgary – the freeway we take was closed (due to snow and ice and an 80 car pile up – why are 80 cars out there at midnight on a Monday night anyway???? OVERALL THOUGHTS: This trip was filled with amazing friends and laughter. Even when we were being rained on or plans didn’t work out quite as planned it was the people who made the difference. The incredible connection of true friends, amazing nature and no computers made for an incredible and amazing trip. The kids both say it was the best trip ever (even over Disney!)

Scrubbing Bubbles

2006-09-18T00:49:00.000-06:00

Well I have the cleanest showers and it is thanks to my automatic shower cleaner - http://www.ScrubbingBubbles.ca . I have had mine for over 2 months and it works! Information: Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner is a new breakthrough cleaning system that automatically sprays cleaner to eliminate the build-up of tough soap scum and mold & mildew stains. The cleaning formula combines with the water on your shower walls to begin working immediately. With daily use, your shower will be visibly cleaner and stay that way!

HealthPod Baby

2006-09-18T00:37:00.000-06:00

After meeting the co-founders of the HealthPod Baby (http://www.healthpod.ca) - b.l.i.s.(because life is special) I was excited to receive my copy of the HealthPod. I highly recommend this for all parents! Your children’s health is in your hands! Have you ever taken your child to a health appointment and forgotten some of the questions you were going to ask, or scribbled down important information on a scrap piece of paper only to lose it a short time later? Are you confident your babysitter, nanny, or other caregivers know everything they need to if your child requires medical attention when you’re not there? If your answers to these questions aren’t what you’d like them to be, take heart. HealthPod Baby has you covered.

The BEST pictures in the world!

2006-08-04T07:24:00.000-06:00

I can take pictures but Lauren captures life - have a visit to her website and be amazed! http://www.laurenlevine.com/Home.html Lauren, thank you for sharing this with us all!

The Shape of a Mother TM

2006-07-27T08:26:00.000-06:00

The Shape of a Mother TM I received a phone call from a journalist the other day to comment on this site - I checked it out and I was impressed. Just as the Mom Management idea is to make sure Moms do not feel alone in their journey of being a Mother this looks at the idea that as a Mother our shapes change... Thank you Bonnie for helping so many Moms feel they are not alone. The Article: Website fetes stretch marks and postpartum bodies Canwest News Service Thursday, July 27, 2006 Byline: Misty Harris Source: CanWest News Service Calling the postpartum body one of society's greatest secrets, a stay-at-home mom is helping women reclaim their sagging skin and stretch marks as things of beauty. Every day, Californian Bonnie Crowder posts new photos of women as they appear post-pregnancy on her website The Shape of a Mother (shapeofamother.blogspot.com). Her goal is to empower women by curbing the shame many feel about baby-created body changes. Only three weeks into operation, the site is attracting up to 14,000 visitors a day, as well as dozens of submissions from moms grateful to share photos of themselves some clothed, some unclothed and their stories of self-loathing, discovery and acceptance. ``This website isn't really mine, it belongs to every woman,'' says Crowder, a mother of two. ``It's almost like a step of healing or therapy to submit your own picture and your own story and get them out there.'' After her first child was born, Crowder says she was torn between wanting to be proud of her body's achievement and feeling ashamed of her ``zebra stripes'' and sags. ``I did think I was different, that it was my fault,'' recalls Crowder, referring to the fact she was already overweight when she became pregnant. ``I realize now that even a woman at a healthy weight, her body changes in ways she couldn't imagine (after childbirth). And it's just not fair to be shocked by that.'' She says the goal of The Shape of a Mother is simply to show fellow mothers that ``normal'' comes in all shapes and sizes. Judith Stadtman Tucker, a leading mothers' issues activist, believes the site offers an honest counterpoint to unrealistic mass-media representations of the postpartum physique. ``We get this sense of shame, that there's something deeply wrong with us if we're not able to mold our bodies to this ideal,'' she says, noting that moms who don't ``snap back'' a few weeks after labour are characterized as lazy or not taking care of themselves. ``My hope would be that this site doesn't create an opening for that (type of criticism) in the blogosphere and that people respect its intent.'' Stadtman-Tucker, editor of The Mothers Movement Online, believes The Shape of a Mother may be misleading in that it primarily depicts women whose bodies have undergone more extreme transformations than most. But on the whole, she praises it for allowing mothers to ``connect around their shared vulnerabilities.'' Tracy Lyn Moland, the Calgary-based author of Mom Management, counts herself among the website's new fans. ``I got tears in my eyes going through it,'' says Moland. ``We're so used to seeing airbrushed pictures I like that these are real women. It makes (mothers) feel they're not alone.'' Critics of the site, however, believe Crowder isn't showing postpartum bodies in a balanced light. ``Some of the women (pictured) have rolls upon rolls hanging off their hips frankly, I don't think that's from childbirth,'' says Laura Stratton, who welcomed her first child just 13 days ago. She has already lost 20 of her 35 pregnancy pounds and plans to enrol in ``baby and mommy boot camp'' to drop the rest. ``I'm a big fan of exercising and making your body what you want it to be,'' says Stratton, who lives in Toronto. ``Even with stretch marks, those women could do something about how they look. If you've gained 75 pounds during your pregnancy, that's kind of your problem you've eaten your way into it.

MommyClub

2006-06-22T00:50:00.000-06:00

Mommy Club is MomManagement Approved - Michelle has created not only a fabulous website fiilled with incredible information but also amazing opportunities for Moms. From family focused events to Mom only moments it meets the needs all Mothers! Currently the group is Calgary based but Michelle is looking to expand! Check out the site and contact Michelle for more info - every city and every mom needs a Mommy Club! http://www.MommyClub.ca Mommy Club™ is the ultimate resource and community focused on helping Calgary women create and maintain balance in their lives. Not from Calgary? Bring this fabulous opportunity to your city! Mommy Club Playgroup Share the experience of Play! Join our South or our North Calgary Mommy Club Playgroup. Membership Overview Share the experience, join today for only $39 or pay per event you attend starting at only $10. Events Check out our calendar of events, including adventures, cooking lessons, speaker events, book clubs, and more! Community Meet-ups NEW: Meet Moms within your community and gather for coffee dates, playdates, movie nights, pot luck dinners and more! (Please note that you MUST be logged in to view.) Knowledge Space Read articles from local and international experts such as Ann Douglas, Trina Read, Tracy Lyn Moland, Tara Corbett and more! Mommy Club™ Membership Card All members receive a Mommy Club™ Membership Card with their membership which enables them to Experience MORE for LESS...see how it works! Mommy Club™ Savings Directory Check our the fabulous discounts from over 100 companies ... Experience MORE for LESS! Are you a company looking to offer a discount to our members? Read more... Gift Certificates Not a mom and want to give someone you love the gift of balance, connection, adventure and knowledge? We have your gift!

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2006-06-14T08:12:00.000-06:00

Hello I am BzzAgent MomManager - based upon recommendations by BzzAgent JavaUme I recently learned about being a BzzAgent. The website is based upon the amazing strength of word of mouth marketing (if you haven't you should read The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html). My friend started talking about an awesome book Anybody Out There? by one of my favourite authors Marion Keyes http://mariankeyes.com . Then she told me about being a BzzAgent and of course I always wanting to learn more and love the idea! So I am recommending you all check out the website - http://www.bzzagent.com/index.jsp and consider becoming a BzzAgent - (or using the company to Bzz your product!)

Fisher Price

2006-06-12T22:44:00.000-06:00

I have just recently agreed to be the Fisher-Price spokesperson for baby shower gifts for Calgary. I absolutley love love love their website. It is filled with fabulous ideas, information and the toys .... Well the toys bring me back to my childhood. Some are more advanced but so many are the same and bring back so many memories. I highly recommend where ever you are to watch for the campaign and if you have any specific ideas or favourites on Baby Shower gifts please respond and let me know! These are my favourites - http://www.fisher-price.com/ My favourites are the Classic gifts - the ones I remember as a child and to this day I still see kids finding as their favourites! You can comment here or email me throw www.TracyLynMoland.com I can't wait to hear your ideas!

Create a Personal or Business Mission Statement

2006-05-03T05:05:00.000-06:00

For many of us creating a mission statement is a difficult task. I highly recommend the Franklin Covey Mission Statement program. It is a guided, step by step program on their website that is easy to use and helps you create your own mission statement. Please take a look http://www.franklincovey.com/missionbuilder/ as this is highly MomManagement approved!

Find Balance

2006-03-01T22:37:00.002-07:00

I was asked to write a website on life balance - it was then taken and edited and came out AMAZING! I am very proud to support Whirlpool in their reaching out to the women of the world to help them find balance. Please take a few minutes and visit http://www.FindBalance.ca and listen to what you read! Tracy Lyn

Canadian Living...

2006-03-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

I love love love magazines but I also am so tired of too much paper and too much stuff! I love the idea of being able to read my magazines online! http://www.canadianliving.com/CanadianLiving/client/en/today/DetailNews.asp?idNews=230590&bSearch=True Approved online and offline!

The Time Crunch Guide

2006-03-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite time management guide has to do with boxes... Juice boxes - time management - NOPE no connection originally until Tetra Pak asked me to help them create a Time Crunch Guide http://tetrapak.ca/download/time_crunch.pdf for busy people who eat! Of course I can do that - we did a great job of the guide and well the products are amazing.... What can beat a recycleable container that brings food and cold temperatures to a lunch kit! LOVE THEM!

Time to start anew....

2006-03-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

I am excited to annouce the MomManagement Approved Symbol. Watch for products, ideas and information to receive the MomManagement Approval. What does MomManagement Approval mean? Based upon Tracy Lyn Moland's best selling book, Mom Management, the items, ideas and info given the MomManagement Approval has been approved by Tracy Lyn and her team of experts (Moms from all over the world in all stages of Motherhood!) Everything must must help Mom in her success as a Mom!

Bowling....

2006-01-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is a response from my friend's blog http://diaryofamother.blogs.com/ - OK.... You have to hear my bowling stories... LOL... for those that don't know me - Pat is my hubby, Mats my son, C-L my daughter - so the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE to bowl and we have gone a few times. Pat gets worse everytime - the kids get better and I - as always am completely inconsistent - strike one turn - gutter the next.... BUT last time Pat - we were playing with bumpers - so there is no gutter and he found the flaw and got gutter balls.... he is SO OOOO bad we are never allowed to go again ! LOL

In great sadness

2006-01-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

I am so sad today. A dear collegue of mine passed away last weekend and today I attended the hardest funeral of my life. While I was not as close to her as my grandparents - they were older and that is what happens. Sherry Kerr was 43 years old and the widowed mother of a 12 year old son - who is now an orphan. The tears and the youth in the church were both overwhelming. See below for some comments I wrote earlier: Already widowed, her death left her 12 year old son as an orphan. The saddest part of the day was watching him. He is surrounded by loving family and friends but with no parents or grandparents it makes your heart ache. There was not a dry eye in the chapel and it was quite a prominent crowd. It was also a very young crowd. Sherry and her business partner and best friend Ellen have built a very amazing magazine and resourse for the parents of Calgary. They did a wonderful piece on our FindBalance website. As always with every sad moment comes learning. Seeing a friend pass away at 43 really reminds everyone what life is about and what life balance really is. In her brother's comments he mentioned that Sherry had all take out restaurants on speed dial and a clean house was - well wasn't! Yet her relationships with family and friends were incredible. She died snorkelling with dolphins in Hawaii with her son. Sherry knew how to live and I hope to see her memory inspire others to live rather than exist. This is really what balance is about - life and living it. I ask you all to go out and live, to truly look at what is important in your lives and who is important. When we know these answers the rest of balance falls into place.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well it is the first day of winter and I am excited to say it is getting hot here! Nothing like above freezing temperatures for xmas eve and day! (I wish we could have the warmth and the snow!) For all those people who say it is so cold in Canada - well they are wrong! It isn't quite like Florida but hey we have real xmas trees! We are on to the final countdown - I spent a few hours last night going thru gifts making sure everything was even and I had enough (or too much). Just a few more things to pick up and a lot of wrapping and that is that! I am really impressed with the selection of gifts this year - it is much more practical yet also fun. Things like amusement park passes, room accessories, etc. (even pants for my son who is not going to like that!) Our cat is bent on destroying the tree again this year. I see him sitting right now deciding "to climb or not to clmb" We have the can of coins to scare him away as nothing else works.... wish us luck! I am so excited Terri http://www.mapleleafsolutions.com, Todd and the kids are coming for an evening! That is like a huge xmas present in itself! A day at the zoo with my best friend and kids - yup gotta love it - love our zoo as well - http://www.calgaryzoo.org/ Friday night is Pat's annual Risk Tournament and our cul-de-sac carolling party! Christmas eve we are off to Pat's folks for a fun evening - oh, I need to see what I can bring! Sunday we are up to Santa, gifts, stockings and then driving up to Edmonton. It sure is nice I don't have to cook a turkey and it will be fun to see Kyler on xmas. We are looking forward to it. Home again on Boxing day and off to Michelle and Steve's for their annual boxing day party! It is always a lot of fun! And now kids are about up so I guess it is time to work!

Courtney-Lyn's Bedroom redecoration

2005-11-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Check out our re-decoration of Courtney-Lyn's Bedroom! Courtney-Lyn and I have been going thru her room and have gotten rid of a lot of stuff and we also painted. We are now in the process of putting it back together but here are some of the pictures so far. Also a picture of c-l's hair cut!

One month to go!

2005-11-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

One month to go - can you believe it? I am not sure I can! Wow!! Actually I have started to get in the mood and am having fun. We are doing some amazing redecorating in the house. I have had spring fever as of late - of course, setting record temperatures in Calgary and wearing tshirts sure helps! I did some really neat decorating of my bathroom - will post some pictures in a second. I am now working on getting some paperwork done and more organizing. That is truly my gift for this xmas - I want to get things in order and control. I am working towards simplifying my own life and work. Writing articles and organizing before xmas and a new book after! I also have been enjoying having mom visit. she is going thru some interesting tests and is staying with us for them! http://www.hoffmancentre.com We are adding some great new tips on the http://www.tipsEmoms.com website so make sure you check that out! Time to get to work!

I love FindBalance.ca

2005-08-21T23:49:00.000-06:00

Wow this is so cool - I love the Find Balance.ca info! It is realy and applicable - wonder who wrote it... LOL.... Love the boards Pat and Ellen! Please enter the amazing contest - I know you are all amazing women! http://www.findbalance.ca/best_of_balance.htm

FindBalance.ca

2005-08-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

I am a regular writer for Canadian Living.com ! Awesome - please check out my info!

Rain Rain... go away.. or NOT!

2005-07-26T02:27:00.000-06:00

Well it is raining again! I have seen more rain in the last bit than a long long time! I am up updating my Ironwife blog - www.ironwife.blogspot.com - Pat had an awesome race this weekend! I am so proud of him... I am now just up.... I should be asleep but what I thought would take a few minutes took a few hours! go figure - time on the internet is NOT normal time at all... Well I have gotten over or survived is a better word for my Harry Potter night. Those are amazing books and you can't get around them... Had a fun day today - did a photo shoot for Whirlpool - Know what - i have had enough - night!

I need to talk - Harry Potter fans must have read the latest....

2005-07-20T00:04:00.000-06:00

Ok, I don't think any one reads these BUT in case and if you read Harry Potter books - and haven't read the latest (amazing book btw) .... go away til you have! x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Ok I think I can talk now... I am in a hotel room - finished the book in the hall in tears...I as an author am in awe - these are people - my friends and family - not characters... I am so glad i bought and read the book b4 the rumours! Ok ... I don't write so well about grief... but I am absolutely overcome - I also loved the book. It almost has helped me put a perspective on life... i think i am about to do some writing...

Waterslides

2005-07-19T11:20:00.000-06:00

Well here I sit at the MEdicine Hat lodge watching my kids play on the waterslides... oh have no fear I have been out for hours last night and will again be out for hours today. Just getting caught up! Amazing how much work you can get done when you are not at home! I actually have been finding that I enjoy not being at home more - not sure what it is about there but it feels stuffy and overwhelming. Maybe all the crazy action lately of neighbors.. who knows... Maybe it is me not feeling so good about myself and in my skin lately... maybe maybe maybe/?? who knows... time to write...

tipsEmoms

2005-07-09T12:02:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to have a fun new project on the go! Christine Louise Hohlbaum http://www.diaryofamother.com and I have created the 10 second tips for frazzled moms on the go - tipsEmoms! http://www.tipsEmoms.com

Other than that - hmmm what is up? Kids are out of school for the summer, we are up visiting Grandma Irma in Edmonton. Pat is still busy training for his ironman!!!!

Time to play ski bo!

Whirlwind Weeks

2005-05-31T23:47:00.000-06:00

Well it has been an amazing few weeks - about 4 to be exact... In the month of May I have been from home (Calgary, AB, Canada) to Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, St. Louis, Detroit, Bermuda and Spokane..... Wow! It has been pretty amazing. I started with a Mother's Day Gift Idea Media tour which was amazing. I got to go to Phoenix where I got to visit my friend Kelly Ann. What a treat to get sent to work in a city where a friend lives - and it gets better - I got to spend 3 nights in Denver where my bestest friend (as my daughter would word it) lives. Terri (http://www.mapleleafsolutions.com) is my hero and web designer and the best friend around - and I got to stay with her for 3 days. I did work there - TV http://9news.com/newsteam/christiansen.asp with our Pi Beta Phi friend. We had a great time just hanging out. I sure wish Calgary and Denver were closer!!! Then it was off to Dallas where I stayed at an amazing hotel for a whole 11 hours.. or so... yup in and out of an amazing city that quick! Next stop was St. Louis where I stayed much longer. The hotel was a renovated historic hotel (give me a new one anyday ) but the staff where amazing. I also got to go to a baseball game and got a free ticket! Nothing like running into someone giving one away on the way in! Fun game, warm night, and a great atmosphere.... And more to come, I am off to bed!