Views of our honeymoon (PG Rated)

Miami Beach

Beach in Cozumel

Beach in Key West

Cozumel

Docked in Key West

Time Flies!

I didn't even realize its been this long since I last posted. Ever since I got hooked on facebook most of you can find us there.

I forgot to post a picture of my cousin Christines wedding back in July. We travelled up to Deep River for the nuptials on the beach on the Ottawa River. It was a beautiful backdrop to a lovely day.

Since then, soccer ended, hockey began, Ed and I got married in October and travelled to Florida for a 5 Day cruise, 3 day Miami visit. So here are just a few picture to highlight those moments.

Its all about adventures

Well..When I started this blog it was the beginning of something new for me. As the months have gone on, there have been good and bad to report.

So along with the rest,

Ed lost his job due to plant closure. Employed by General Mills since 1997, the plant decided to ship their business to Montreal, leaving almost 500 employees out of work. Ed was one. Although it is a period of regrouping, reevelauating and readjusting to a new way of living, it brings opportunity to broaden. Ed has a few leads on new jobs already. We will keep you posted, but for now, keep your fingers crossed.

Hockey Season Begins

We are awaiting the next round of hockey. Kurtis has made the first cut for the Rep team (now the Quinte West Hawks). This Saturday is round two.

Sean will be strapping on the skates this year as well in house league. That season begins at the beginning of October.

Kurtis soccer

This is Kurtis in action in his final game of the season. They had an unsuccessful season but did win this last game 2-1.

Seans Soccer

This is Sean in Action during one of his soccer games this weekend. His team were the league champions as well as the tournament champions.

Soccer Season Just about over

Well we just finished up our last regular season game tonight with Kurtis. His Dairy Queen team finished with a tied game. Better than a loss we said! Their placing in the standings was not the best. But we had fun.

Seans team, Janbar Electric finished their season in first place. They will receive their league medals on Sunday.

this Saturday and Sunday both boys will be in a tournament to end the season. That also means that I will be spending the entire day at the park! Lets hope it doesn't rain!

Adventures in Camping 2007

We just returned home from a week long cottage vacation at Coles Point outside of Campbellford. 11 of us shared the adventure...our family, along with Ken and Pam Grant from Cobourg.

We had days of sun, fishing, boating and seadooing. The kids (and adults) had a great time.

Weather was fantastic with no rain and the nights were cool enough for sleeping. A few souls got pretty bad sunburns (pictures to follow).

Fish caught....bass, perch, sunfish, mudcats, a huge crabby, rock bass (too many to count)...and golbies. For those not sure of golbies, they are pest "fish" that feed off of eggs of other fish. Therefore, the fish population is decreasing. It is law that you have to kill the golbies if they are caught.

Pat gets fishing license and boating license for the trip....Ed made sure that happened. Pat also hooks her own bait....finally! Next step is how to get the fish off the hooks. Pat also has tubing adventures and puts her knee out of joint. Still...it was worth it.

For those familiar with the game of boot, the kids all learned and were eager to play (with pennies) on their own. Many times they started their own games when the adults were out.

Thats all for now.

Its now official

I am officially enrolled as a student now at Grant MacEwan College. Now is the hard part...What next? I can't figure out how it all works now. All I know is that there is a course starting on September 5th...and I don't know how to be a part of it! AHHHH! I have emailed the program registrar to help me with this so I know what to do and I know what to expect. I didn't think it was going to be that complicated!

A lovely day

Now that its the summer break for all the kids you wonder what to do with them. Today, I decided to take Jacob, Kurtis and Sean on a 4 wheeling trip. We packed a lunch and bathing suits and off we went. Headed up to Marmora to the mines. After they had fun zipping around there, we hopped on a short trail to a bridge. Down to the river we went. Spent over an hour wading, splashing, having lunch, skipping rocks, snake hunts, and of course 4 wheeling in the water. It was nice to spend that time with the boys.

For some of you, you may not know that Jonah has returned to his moms for up to 6 months. he has expressed desire to only go for a month. It has been a bit difficult without him as hes a big part of the family. So needless to say, there was a little bit missing today for me as well.

Upcoming Canada Day Weekend

I'd like to say I am going to have a GREAT weekend.  But I am working all weekend.  

I have also recently developed some certain health concerns...possibly gall stones...as if Kidney Stones weren't enough in my life!  Anyway, I await the testing for that and deal with increasing symptoms every day.  Lets see if I make it to the tests or end up in emerg!

We just got notice at work that 5 new positions will be posted within 2 weeks.  I eagerly look forward to this as all 5 are coordinator positions.  We will have to see the job descriptions before decisions are made, but chances are, I will be applying for at least one of them.  This comes with a few more responsibilities AND a pay raise.  I think I can handle that.  I wouldn't be surprised if the pager works its way into that and become oncall after hours.  So keep your fingers crossed and we will see what the summer brings!

So what else is new?

I've been slacking on my posts here. I have recently found facebook (along with everyone else in the world), so its been keeping me in touch with MANY old friends. I have recently found someone from Jr. Kindergarten. a bunch of us have also decided to get together for alumni soccer at our reunion in September. Should be a good time.

Soccer season is in full swing. Seans team is doing very well. They remain undefeated thus far. Kurtis and Jonahs team is a different story. They are having fun, but have yet to win a game. I switch their lines hoping to find that magical combination, but it has not worked. Praying for a win!

I am going to our annual general meeting for work tonight. I am receiving my 10 year service award (although I am going into my 14th now.)

All the kids are doing great. Sean just underwent dental surgery. He likes to hold onto things so much, his teeth were not falling out and the others were moving in. 4 teeth removed and came out just fine.

I promise to update this more regularily from now on! (didn't I promise that before?)

Science Centre

We had a chance to go to the Science Centre a few weeks ago. Although the picture isn't great, this is Justin and I with our hand on the magnetic ball. The kids got a laugh when my hair stood right up.

Just for my brother

I thought Mike would want to see that we made a new friend at mom and dads. Obviously the word hasn't gotten out about her past. We'll make sure we protect this one!

Its been a while

As you can tell...life has been busy.  But they say no news is good news.  

Congrats to Erin and Chad on the arrival of Ainsley on April 21st, 2007.  Can't wait to meet her.

I have been offically accepted to Grant McEwan college for Speech and Language Therapist assistant program.  I am just organizing required paperwork.  This is an online program with 2 7week placements.

Kurtis, Sean and Jonah are just 2 weeks away from starting soccer.  I am coaching all three kids and also the head coach for Seans division.  Life is VERY busy.

Ed and I are plugging away.  We just recently added a new deck to the house and are enjoying evenings out back.  
The addition of the bathroom is still slow going.  But we are still managing with only one bath.

I returned from Winnipeg 2 weeks ago.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a quick reminder of how busy life with a 2 year old is!  Jonathan was a joy!

I'll post some new pictures shortly

Just an Update

Well hockey is officially over now.  The team finished with their banquet on Sunday.  Kurtis brought the Hawks "No Fear" trophy home.  He has shown over the season that size doesn't matter and body checking really isn't that bad.  He would take on kids twice his size and bounce right off them.  I brought home the price for "Mom makes the call".  A beautiful arrangement of tulips was given to the mom who could correctly answer the refereeing calls.   
There was a 3 way tie.  The tie breaker was difficult, however I managed to get at least one of the right.

I have just completed my level 2 in coaching for soccer.  It gives me more knowledge for 10-14 year olds.  Unfortunately, I have injured my back recently so I was unable to participate in the practical.   I have some really good stick men drawings though!  I have decided to complete my certification this year at the senior level.  Why not!  I have 2 teams to coach this year as well as become the head coach for Under7.

Looking forward to my trip to Winnipeg.  Although it will be short, Looks like I have a busy itinerary.  My friends who want to see me will have to make an appointment with my brother!

We have bagan construction on the 2nd bathroom now.  Who would have thought in my life time I would be thinking about stink stacks!  I have some before pics so I will post once the job is done.

Anyway, the weather down here has started to change.  We all woke to a Thunder storm and it has been happening off and on today thus far.  All our snow is now gone.  Lets hope it stays that way!

Before and After

I have been slowly changing things in my house since I have moved in. I got an early birthday present from Ed. I GOT A NEW FLOOR!!!! Anyway...enjoy the before and after pictures of my kitchen....well...I guess they showed up as after and before!

The clean up of the Train wreck

March Break Adventures

The whole family took a trip to Kingston to spend the night at the Ambassador hotel. It has a waterslide so we thought this would be some good March Break fun for the kids. On our travels and much to our surprise we came upon many police cars just outside of the "Ford Collision Centre"....Little did we know that a train had derailed just behind that building the morning before. What we saw was a graveyard of wrecked cars. It was a horrible scene but one can only agree that thank the Lord it was not a VIA train. This picture was taken from the Kingston Whig Standard. What you don't see is the cars still way down the track and the mangled ones in the Collision Centre parking lot. After our adventure, we went to the hotel. The kids had an amazing time. We decided that we would head to the lounge for some wings. Unfortunatly, they did not have enough seats for all of us so we had to reserve for 45 minutes later. we ventured back down when our time came up...but they gave our table away. The Manager was now involved (he appreciated us telling him about a coffee spill in the elevator). We had special treatment in the Private dining room that seated 8 comfortably but could accomodate up to 16. The kids loved this....especially the 46" Plasma TV mounted on the wall.

On the way home, the kids saw a huge tank on its way to Petawawa on the back of a flatbed, as well as a truck with a damaged trailer. Looks like the gas tank blew a hole in the the trailer. Needless to say after all the "Are we there yets" and "How much farther", they did seem to enjoy the adventures. My question is...do I really want to drive to Florida????

ITs a first today!

Well....from what I remember, buses were always cancelled...but never school.  The weather today forced the buses off the road and schools to be closed.  Must be deceiving out there, since it looks like any other rainy/snow day.  However, I have not braved the elements to step outside.  I'm afraid  I will fall right off the step!

JEWELS FAVORITE PLACE

Jewel has settled in quite nicely here now. She is 12 weeks old by the calendar now. Her and Jasper still have their moments but they always eat side by side at the dish. Jasper has begun to "mother" her, and makes sure shes nice and clean. But shes quick to turn and pounce on him.

Jewels favorite retreat is the fish tank. She loves to watch the big fish go around....but like any mobile does, it tires her out so she ends up falling asleep on top of the tank. I have taken a picture so I will upload it soon.

Good things come to those who wait!

You know, I've been a firm believer that the above is true. Things happen in life for reasons unknown to us. At the time, they don't always make sense. But if you are patient and carry on, you will have the answers you look for. It may not happen on your timeline, but it will happen at some point in the future.

My life has had its ups and downs. The downs are tough, but the ups pay off in good ways. The roller coaster of life makes us stronger and defines our character for the future. I have met many people in my journeys, but never forget the ones that were a part of my life in some way. They all impact my character today.

Welcome back Cara.

The game of Boot

If you are from the Gallagher side of the family (and the Neales later on), and you've sat around the table with cards, you know what I am talking about. The next generation is now being taught. We now have the kids asking us to play this game. So tonight, Ed and I sat at the table with 4 boys and played the game. Kurtis came out on top and I also one a game. Its rather hilarious to think about it now...I remember sitting on my grandfathers lap learning to play. Now I am trying to take my kids money by gambling!

Interesting Day

So how do you do when you have 7 people (5 of themboys) and you are trying to get a family portrait done....NOT VERY WELL! Although amusing at times, it was painstaking! We did manage to get at least one that turned out half decent so that was what we chose. The bottom line is, is life really perfect? No it is not. So I wanted a natural picture. I'm certain I got it. I also included our official engagement picture.

Here she is! This is Jewel (formerly Pebbles)

ITS A GIRL!

Ok...I have to stop doing this to everyone! :) Since Ed and his boys moved in, I have been invaded by excess testosterone. So what to do about it....get a girl. So I went to the pet store and got a female fish. She came home pregnant and gave birth sometime last night. What else did I do???? Well ED and I adopted a 7 week old Calico kitten. Her name is Pebbles. Right now her and Jasper are getting to know each other. I think hes a little scared of her. She can claw at him and fit underneath him. All is good though. She is a sweet little thing with some personality already.

I'll post a picture of her when I get a moment

WE'RE PARENTS

Ok...well I have stated the obvious. The other day, we purchased some new fish for the tank. This morning, it looks like one of those fish came to us pregnant. So far we can count 10 babies. Not sure how well they will survive since our filter is pretty strong. The other issue will be how many get eaten. We'll be lucky if we end up with any after this. But the kids find it amazing. Even Ed had never seen new fish before. So its exciting to everyone.

Just another one

401 accident pics

About 30 minutes West of us was the news headline of the day over the past few days. It doesn't affect us too much, except when you have to travel to a hockey game. Needless to say due to the weather and the roads in that area, our game was cancelled.

Its now winter out there!

I'm doing this post for all of you that I have made fun of over the past few months. While you have been dumped on, we have had some abnormally mild temperatures and green! Old man winter has finally made his presence known. Between the snow fall and the major accident on the 401 yesterday, we are now on the front page. The snow has been falling for 2 days and today, there were complete whiteout conditions. Below are just 2 pictures I took. You can't see anything in one except the big flakes in the way!

Busy mom!

We are still into hockey season...playoffs actually. The team is up against Port Perry for the "BB" division.

But with the snow still on the ground, soccer season is also in the works. The buzzings of coaching, team rosters and registration dates are just around the corner. I headed to Bowmanville the other day for a one day level one training towards my coaching certificate. I completed the Childrens section and received the level one diploma in Community Coaching-children. I have 2 more levels to complete but there is no time limit on them.

A friend and I headed to the Bridal show in Belleville this past weekend. I managed to book a DJ at a discount price and get some ideas for other things on my list. I said I wasn't going to...but once again I am making my own flower arrangements. Why spend that money when I don't really have to. So I've already been working away at some things.

Thats all for now

What's new now????

The regular season for hockey has just finished up. We are waiting for the playoff schedule at the moment.

Soccer season is right around the corner. My step son Jacob is playing indoor soccer in the Under 12 division. He is team Poland in the mini world cup of soccer. This Saturday I am traveling to Bowmanville for my level one coaching certificate for soccer. I have been thinking about it for quite some time and now is the opportunity to do it. Not sure when I will take level 2 and 3.

the cold weather has final arrived. Although it may be cold for us, some of you might be thinking its T-Shirt weather. (-11).

that's it for now. I'm off to do my housework!

Kurtis in Ottawa

Happy New Year!

New Adventures

Wishing everyone the best in the New Year!