Brief visit to the 2-oh-4

I took a short trip back to Winnipeg to visit with friends and to pick Xierra up for Spring Break.
[Ha, funny they still call it "Spring" break -- when I landed, there was still 6 ft. of snow on the ground (slight exaggeration...slight)]
It was super nice of my friend, Edwin, to let me stay at his place.  Saved me the expense of a hotel!  Also, I got hooked up with a rental car by a good friend - which really helped me out.

Optimus Prime and Iron Man...err... Edwin and Xierra

I was super stoked that so many of my friends made it out to see me, the night that I arrived.  We went to Clay Oven for some of my favourite Indian Food in Winnipeg

Spent the next few days hanging out, spending as much time with my friends as possible, and fulfilling Winnipeg-staple-cravings along the way

"Friendsday" - Breakfast at Stella's, an impromptu GoKart race, a visit to Ikea, an Apple Store visit and billiards

My life is not complete without poutine [at Smoke's Poutinerie]

Another lunch date with my (ex)Apple crew -- this time, Caribbean food at our favourite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Tropikis

Chicken Roti

Made sure I took an afternoon to visit with my dad -- and of course, he had my favourite filipino dish hot and ready to eat, as soon as I got there :)

Tough to get my mom's side of the family together, since everyone's always so busy -- but thankfully, we managed to coordinate a night for some delicious sushi at one of my favourite sushi restaurants, Sushi Hon

The 'cousins' - growing up so fast

And what better way to end the trip, than with a visit with my longest-standing friends from back home -- my Famous Players crew.  Bistro 7 1/4 for dinner and then Tapp's for drinks

Bloody Mary's are alright, but it still isn't quite a Caesar.

I was only there for a few days, but it was so awesome to spend time with the people I love.  You don't realize how much you miss your friends and family, until you move 900 miles away, and never get to see them - ever.

xoxo

I miss, I miss, I miss...

I've been away from 'home' for 3 months now and I think it's about time I blog about the things I really, really miss about Winnipeg.

Aside from the obvious 'friends and family', here's a list of the things that I've quickly come to realize I took for granted, having lived in Canada my entire life:

1) President's Choice.. particularly their Blue Menu.
In the 8 years that I lived in Royalwood, Extra Foods was my go-to grocery store.  I'm super sad that I don't have access to the Loblaw's brands.  The one product I miss the most is the instant packaged steel cut oats (I've searched high and low with no success). Anything that I can get in a 'healthier' variety, is good enough for me, and that's what the Blue Menu was good for.

2) Old Dutch potato chips
This is a common one among people that move away, I think.  I miss Ketchup chips and Dutch Crunch Kettle Cooked Jalepeño & Cheese, and Mesquite BBQ. *drooling just thinking about them*

3) Stella's

I have yet to find anything remotely close in comparison to Stella's.  Nothing beats the combination of Stella's atmosphere and menu.  Nothing.

   

4) Poutine

Yes, America has it's share of heart attacks served on a platter (Buffalo Wild Wings, I'm looking at you), but the fact that I can't grab a poutine at the closest New York Fries (or even Burger King if I'm desperate) kills me a little inside.

5) A&W Mozza Burger and Onion Rings

Come on. This one is a no-brainer.  A mozza burger served with hot onion rings with ketchup for dipping?  Pretty close to heaven, in my opinion.  America has A&W... but I have yet to come across one.

So those are just some of the obvious foods that my inner foodie misses the most.  There are a few more places that I miss because of the familiarity, but I know that I can eventually find places similar down here, it might just take a little time (and an open mind):

- Noodle Express for Dim Sum

- Ken's and North Garden for Chinese food

- New Hong Kong for Peking perogies

- Cora's for breakfast

- Unburger & Kawaii Crepe for Village food

- Parlour for coffee

Businesses that I miss:

6) BULK BARN!  Canadians, count your blessings that you have Bulk Barn because this type of business is unheard of down here. There's ONE bulk food place down here and it's a 30 minute drive from my place -- plus it's not even good.  I miss everything about Bulk Barn -- the variety of snacks, candies, spices, etc. The buttercream frosting, honey and molasses.  The organic food and quirky products. I miss, I miss, I miss it soooo..

photo cred: bargainmoose.ca

7) Gale's Wholesale

Oh what I'd do to walk the long, dark and dusty aisles of my favourite wholesaler in Winnipeg.  It was always nice to go there just for something to do on a day off or to kill some time.  I'd always find something to spend my money on whether it was for my business or for personal use.  I mean, who doesn't need a 5 lb. bag of Jelly Belly jellybeans?! 

8) Vantage Lounge 

Even though I had my share of ups and downs with my print jobs, I still miss having a business that I could trust to get the job done.  Business relationships take time to develop and I felt like I had finally gotten to the point that I was comfortable working with them.  I have yet to source out a printer down here -- I'm kind of dreading the process of looking for one :S

That's a pretty long list... I guess I'm missing home more than I thought.  I recognize that I just need a little bit of time to become familiar with my surroundings and get used to what's available to me.  I'll be sure to update my blog as I come across any gems.

In the meantime, feel free to send me any of the products mentioned above ;)

Safe and sound

Waiting for this moment was excruciating, but now it’s here, and I’m beyond excited.

En route to Toronto, which will be my temporary ‘home’ until my Visa gets approved.  I anticipate being there for a little over a month and a half.  It’s gonna be nice to chill with my sister and the kids, before moving down to Illinois for good.

I asked my dad to drive us to the airport today.  Sad news is that he got a traffic ticket on the way to coming to get us (failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing=175 bucks!? Geez) I’m paying for the ticket cuz he wouldn’t have gotten it if I didn’t ask him for a ride.  Oh, dad.

The nice thing is that we went to visit my mom at the cemetery before heading to the airport.  I think he was really happy that I made the suggestion. I can’t remember the last time I was at the cemetery with my dad -- it’s easily been over 15 years.

We didn’t spend too much time there cuz the wind was super brisk and fierce.  I’m glad we got to share that moment today though.  It really meant a lot to me.

With Xander, 3 overweight (but no charge) checked bags, a car seat, a stroller and 3 carry-on bags, I managed to get onto my flight with no issue...with dad's help, of course.

I’m excited for this next adventure -- I can’t wait to see my sister and her family, but most of all, I’m eagerly awaiting being reunited with Brian in a little over a week!  He’s coming up to visit us in Toronto for a weekend - a visit that is LONG OVERDUE.

As this post is currently being written 41274 ft. in the sky, I will already be in Mississauga by the time I publish it.  And if it actually makes it to the World Wide Web, that’ll mean that I safely landed.

A journey ahead.

Since selling the house back in August, I've been living at my cousin's house without any real direction.  I knew I was waiting for my Visa, but I didn't know exactly how long that was going to take.

The next step in the Visa process, is to wait for the interview - the interview that will be performed at the US Consulate in Montreal sometime in December (if my calculations are accurate).  

A few weeks ago, I took the plunge and booked one-way flights to Toronto, for Xander and I.  We leave in 6 days....for good.

I've decided to go and stay with my sister and her family in Mississauga.  I'll be scheduled for a medical between now and the time of the interview - and that can only be performed by 1 of 4 certified physicians in Canada -- 2 of which are in Toronto, and the other 2 being in BC and Quebec.  Since we'd be heading to Toronto within the next month or so anyway, I just decided to go early.

Although I'm leaving Xierra a few weeks earlier than expected, I think that Xander and I have overstayed our welcome and have intruded in my cousin and nieces lives, far longer than I'm comfortable with.  My niece has asked me "when can I get my room back" a few times too many -- I don't blame her - it's been 2.5 months since she's slept in her own bed.  It's time we go.

So, the next few days are going to be spent tying up loose ends.  I have 1 client order to fill before I go (yes, I know - I'm STILL working!), boxes to ship and bags to pack.  I have calls to make, and things to cancel.  But most importantly, I have people to see. 

My entire life has been spent living in Winnipeg.  I grew up here, went to school here, started and ended careers here.   I built my house and my business here.  I married here, had both of my beautiful children here.  And all along the way, I've met some extremely amazing people.  People who have been so influential in my life -- people that have been so amazing to me, that calling them my 'friends' does not even do them justice.  They've done more for me, than most family members have done for me.  And without them, I would't be who I am today.  It breaks my heart to know that I will be leaving them, but I find comfort in knowing that my true friends will never let distance keep us apart.

...

The countdown to my physical departure starts now.  Even though I haven't left the city yet, I consider this the start of my long journey ahead -- one that will surely have it's share of bumps [potholes seems more fitting].  In 6 days, I'll be in a completely different city - not quite my final destination but certainly one step closer, waiting for the next chapter of my life to start -- a life, sans Winnipeg.

I refuse to say that I'll never be back.  After all, this is still home for my baby girl.  But I can confidently say that my home is in Illinois -- it's just waiting for me to get there.

For those who care enough to follow, please stay tuned, as I document my move to the US.  

It starts here.  It starts now.

welcome fall

Nothing is better than a Chai Tea Latte, The Forks and Fall.

Since it's snowing today in Winnipeg, I figured that I should post this photo of Xander -- maybe it'll bring the nice weather back :)

My Canada to US immigration journey

I can't believe how frustrating this whole immigration process has been.  I would consider my husband and I fairly bright people, but somehow, this Visa application continually makes us question our intelligence.
As a full-blown Canadian, where English is my first language, I'm completely overwhelmed by some of the instructions that I have to follow.  I have no clue how non-English-speaking overseas immigrants are able to get through all of the paperwork successfully.  It's tough.

If you are a Canadian, married to a US Citizen and intend to immigrate to the US (legally), here are the steps that I have gone through:

1) Fill out the I-130 application form (technically to be filled out by the person sponsoring you: "petitioner") and the G-325a (biographical information)

• I-130 is specifically for spouse/child sponsorship
• The purpose of this process is for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether or not your petitioner (your American husband or wife) is eligible to sponsor you into the US
• The forms require you to fill out your personal information (including photocopies of birth certificates, passports, marriage certificate, financial statements) as well as proof of your ongoing relationship -- basically to prove that your marriage is legit and that you aren't trying to pull an immigration scam
• I-130 is lengthy and ends up being 30-40 pages thick
• G-325a is one page long and just requires previous address and work information
• We mailed ours to the 'Chicago Lockbox' as instructed.  Send as registered mail so that you can track your package

2) You will receive Acceptance Confirmation when the Chicago Lockbox receives your I-130 package

• This notice is sent via email (to your petitioner)
• Don't get too excited - they're just acknowledging that they got it and are re-routing it
• This notice will tell you which processing centre they are sending your application to for processing (California Service Center, in our case)
• It lets you know to expect a 'Receipt Notice' in the mail (I-797) within 7-10 days
• A Receipt Number is given to you WACXXXXXXXXXX
• You can later use this receipt number to check the status of your application online at the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov)

3) Your petitioner will received the I-797 in the mail:  this is considered Notice of Action 1 -- better known as the NOA1 

4) Now you wait....

• It is literally WEEKS before anything happens.
• You can log onto the USCIS website to check your status -- there is a little timeline that shows you what point they are at: Acceptance, Initial Review, Decision and Post Decision Activity
• I checked this site almost weekly, starting around June 8th 
• It wasn't until August 13th that it jumped straight to Post Decision Activity -- Approved!

5) You will receive another notice via snail mail (I-797) - Notice of Action: NOA2

• This is the notice stating that your I-130 has been approved (but you already knew that)
• Again, don't get overly excited here -- this does not mean that you can move to the US yet -- just informing you that the preliminary application looks good, but the decision is not finalized
• Explains that your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) 
• Tells you to allow for at least 30 days for the NVC to receive and start looking at your paperwork (i.e. don't call the NVC tomorrow to check the status)
• At this point, it is out of the USCIS' hands -- no need to contact them from this point forward
• All inquiries should now be made with the NVC

At this point, www.immigrantvisas.state.gov will be your go-to website for all things Visa

6) Petitioner (your spouse) will receive a notice from the National Visa Center (via email)

• This notice assigns you an NVC #, depending on the consulate that will be handling your case, the # starts with 3 letter, the year and then followed by other numbers (i.e. MTL2012XXXXXX)
• It explains that you must pay an Affidavit of Support (AOS) processing fee of $88.00
• An "invoice number" is also assigned on this notice
• IGNORE the DS-3032 that is attached to this email -- you will be filling this out online

**This next step is not clearly communicated**

7) Go to ceac.state.gov to make your online AOS (I-864) payment and register your choice of agent (online form: DS-261 otherwise known as DS-3032)

• You will need to choose 'I am the primary applicant' from the drop down menu
• Enter your NVC number
• Enter your Invoice number

AOS payment:

•  Make AOS payment via CHEQUING ACCOUNT (need routing number and account number from your spouse's US BANK ACCOUNT) no credit card payment available
• Bill is $88.  Must wait for payment to go through to proceed with submitting AOS

Choice of Agent:

• Register your Choice of Agent (this is who the NVC will be in contact with going forward -- you.  You are now the primary applicant)
• Fill out your own personal information (unless you choose to have a lawyer do this, but why?)
• Provide your primary email address as well as all your up-to-date mailing info and phone number(s).  

8) Complete Affidavit of Support I-864 (petitioner)

• Your petitioner will have to fill out the form (we were instructed to fill out the I-864EZ) and submit it with supporting documents - including scans of previous US tax returns
• We had to re-submit our I-864EZ because we sent a Dropbox link for our application -- it was too big to send the PDF via email.  We ended up removing 2 years worth of tax forms and resized the PDF down to be able to send it via email -- we lost 10 days because of this snag

9) International Visa Processing Fee

• Using the same method above (AOS bill), you will pay your IV Bill via ceac.state.gov
• This bill is $230 and you must await the PAID status before proceeding to next step

**At this point, apply for a criminal record check from your local police office - you will need to submit it during the next step, and it often takes a while to retrieve.  Also, make sure you have paper copies of all of your civil documents, because you'll need those too. MAKE SURE YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE HAS YOUR PARENT'S NAMES ON IT**

10) DS-260 International Visa Application

• This includes filling out your IV application (primary applicant) online
• This form includes questions about the primary applicant: previous addresses, employment etc.

11) DS-260 supporting documents

• You are required to send scanned copies of your birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate and criminal record check, including your spouse's birth certificate
• Make sure your files are files are compressed enough to send via email
• Send in multiple emails if needed
• I also included my son's birth certificate, US and CDN passport & Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad .  Even though he's a US citizen and is not technically 'immigrating' with me, he will be accompany me when I move.  Thought it's better to include this now, rather than later.

12) Assignment of Interview date

• If you are set up to receive email correspondence, you will get your letter via email.
• This took approximately 2.5 weeks after getting confirmation that they received all of the supporting documents for the DS-260

13) Prepare to travel!  MEDICAL

**Before you call and book an appointment, obtain your Immunization Record from your provincial Regional Health office -- this is needed for the Medical**

• If you aren't fortunate enough to live in either Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, prepare to take a trip to one of these cities for your Visa Medical -- because these are the only cities that have certified physicians.
• Have $300 cash on you, your passport, 3 passport photos and your immunization record
• The medical consisted of: a physical, blood work and chest x-rays -- took no more than 1 hour for all 3
• If you are not up-to-date with your immunizations, they will offer to do them there, as it is REQUIRED that you have specific shots, before immigrating to the US
• I was currently living in Mississauga during this time, so I didn't have travel far for the medical -- I took the subway to downtown Toronto to the Panel Physicians Medical Clinic. They sent me around the corner for the chest x-ray and I had to return to the clinic to get a Tetanus shot.  All in all, I had to wait quite a bit between appointments, but everything was done in less than 3 hours.

14) Physical copies of documents

• At this point, all you are waiting for is your Visa Interview in Montreal
• Make sure that you have ALL of the original civil documents needed (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport)
• Book your flight to Montreal, if you don't already live there
• Make copies of everything, including the Affidavit of Support application (the entire thing) - they will ask for this from you, and if you don't have it, I believe they'll make you manually fill it out.

15) Sign up for your Loomis delivery:  http://usvisa-info.com/en-ca/selfservice/us_courier_information

• You will need your passport number when filling out the form on the website
• Pick from the list of delivery centres in your city, that you want your Visa delivered
• Once you finish filling the form out, you should receive a confirmation -- PRINT THIS, you have to bring this with you to the consulate: it's the very first thing they ask you for when you get into the doors!

16)  INTERVIEW

• My biggest piece of advice that I can give: READ YOUR INTERVIEW PACKAGE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT THE CONSULATE! -- I couldn't believe how many people were turned away at the entrance, because they either forgot their Loomis confirmation number, or they had big bags or purses with them - cell phones, keys, etc.  
• Arrive 30-45 mins. in advance.  The closer to 8am that you show up, the more people will already be in line
• ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED - just your paperwork and maybe a wallet with your ID.
• The guard at the door will ask to see your interview letter and passport
• Once you enter, they will ask you for your Loomis confirmation number.  They stick a label on the back of your passport and write this number on it.
• You will head up a few steps, through a set of doors -- Xray and metal detectors.  Remove your coat (if you're lucky to have your interview in the winter, like me) 
• If you have anything like keys, they will give you a claim ticket, and keep it in a cubby for you
• You will be sent downstairs, into a basement -- walk down toward the elevator and take a seat.  A guard will come down and let the entire group up to correct floor.
• Once you get upstairs, turn left and head around the corner -- there will be wickets where a lady will give you a number (there are no signs indicating that this is where you have to go -- it's annoying)
• Sit and wait for your number to be called (you could potentially wait for a couple hours, depending on what number you get)
• Once they call your number, they will have your entire file out in front of them.  They will request the necessary items from you (passport, birth certificate, photos, Affidavit of Support)
• They will organize your file to ensure they have everything they need, and will verify your mailing address so that they know where they are sending your Green Card.
• This process takes approximately 15-20 mins.
• You will be asked to have a seat and wait for the actual interview
• Once your number is called, you will enter a room - no seats, just standing
• An employee will hand you a paper that has an oath that you have to read out loud.  They will go through your file and ask you a few questions and document your answer on the computer (she asked me how me and my husband met) 
• If you are accepted, they will hand you a piece of paper that lists your 'next steps' and say "WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES"

17) GO HOME AND CELEBRATE!!!  and wait for your Visa to arrive at the courier delivery station

• Your Visa should take up to 5 business days to arrive (my interview was on a Thursday and I got a phone call on Monday
• Your package will include your passport (with Visa inside) and a sealed envelope inside that is clearly marked DO NOT OPEN
• Once you have your passport and Visa in your hand, you are free to travel to the US

18) POE - Port of Entry

• When you finally decide to travel to the US, give yourself plenty of time, as you will be pulled into the Immigration area to complete your paperwork
• Go through customs as usual, but let them know that you are coming through to permanently immigrate to the US.  They will send you into the Immigration Office
• Hand your sealed envelope to the Immigration Officer and they will open it up and go through it
• Once they organize what they need, they will confirm your mailing address and give you instructions on what to do if your green card doesn't arrive within 6 months.

My house-selling experience

I've owned 2 homes.  My first one, I bought with my sister when I was 19 years old, and eventually moved out when I became pregnant at 23.  I went on to buy a brand new home in a new development and I lived there for 8 years.  Now?... well... I'm homeless.

When my husband got a job back in the US in June, the first thing that we focused on was selling the house.  We knew it would be a huge feat, so I think we wanted to be as proactive as possible and get it out of the way as soon as we could.

One month after Brian left Canada, we decided to put it on the market.  It took me about a week to prep the house for the sale (minor repairs, cleaning, junk removal, staging).  We listed it at a fair price, had 9 showings in 5 days and an Open House.  We got 1 interested buyer (which is all it takes), and in 7 days after going onto the market, our house was sold.  They requested a possession date that was just under one month away.

My next 3.5 weeks was consumed with packing every square inch of the house - boxing our lives up and getting it ready to ship to Chicago.  Without the help of my husband, I had to enlist in some help from a couple of friends.  I was also still responsible for my (then) 2 year old - so there were certainly a lot of long breaks and distractions that went along with that. 

As much as I knew that the prep and move was going to be tough, I knew deep down in my heart that my bigger challenge was going to be on an emotional level -- this was the home that I built; the house that I got married in (literally); the house that both of my kids were born in (not literally, oh gawd!) There were so many memories made in this house and the thought of leaving it was heartbreaking -- but it had to be done.  So privately, I began to detach myself from it.  I didn't even think about being sad.  I invested my time getting everything organized and packed.  I got tunnel vision and focused on the road ahead of me, and didn't allow my emotions to get the better of me.
The moving truck came and everything was loaded -- my entire life...in a truck...en route to Chicago.

Was it hard?  Not at the time.  In fact, I'm still very surprised at how easy I was able to keep things 'strictly business'.  It wasn't until my very last day in the house (sitting in the very same spot I sat the day I took possession of it, some 8 years earlier) that it finally hit me.  The rush of sadness, guilt and pain hit me like a ton of bricks...and I bawled.  But not for long, just a short moment, and then I stopped.

That's when I realized that no matter where I was - whether it was in that home, or in the US or in the North Pole -- the memories that we created as a family would always be with me.  The house was just a house.  Selling it was definitely a challenge, but in the end, I gained some very valuable experience from it.

My next house-buying journey will begin soon.  I'd be lying if I said that I'm not extremely nervous (watching too much Holmes on Homes).  I hope that the experience is pleasant, but somehow, I don't think I'll have that kind of luck.

I hope to share my experiences on the blog, so stay tuned...

A new commitment

Okay, this is really getting ridiculous.  It's been almost 3 months since my last entry?! COME ON!
I really can't seem to wrap my head around this whole thing -- why can't I commit to updating this thing?  Am I just making excuses when I say that "I have no time"?  
There are thousands of busy women (and moms) out there that find time to blog between their jobs and their home life - so why is this such a struggle for me?


*inhale*exhale*  Alright, I'm good.


So over the past few months, I've been extremely pleased with the increase of Terlie business.  Since the Wonderful Wedding Show, I've secured numerous clients.  I've also had a fair number of miscellaneous projects (i.e. birthday invites, wedding social signage / tickets, save the dates, labels, etc.)  It's these little jobs that add up and help me get by, while waiting for the bigger projects to get going.


Recent News:
I went to Chicago to visit Brian's family - we were gone for a little over a week and had an amazing time, as expected.

At the end of February, I had an awesome opportunity to work with Events by Emma on a High Style photo shoot, which will be featured in the Wedding in Winnipeg magazine, as well as on Stylemepretty.com
Other vendors included Fache Forward Designs, Floral Elements, Chocolate Zen Bakery, Elite Lighting, Hair by Karen, Makeup Expressions & Chair-ish Your Moments.  Photography was by Curtis Moore and Rebecca Croft and videography was done by A Moving Picture Studios. 

Some teaser photos:

Can't wait to see the final photos and video :)

In other news, I finally came around to opening up an Etsy shop -- I've only put 5 of my cards online, just to test it out.  So far, not a single bite :(  When I have more time to dedicate to it, I'll beef it up a bit and do a bit of advertising through Facebook and Twitter.  For now, it's just there... waiting for someone to stumble upon it: Terlie Etsy shop

Well that's as good as this update is gonna get!  Have a great week, and stay tuned for more posts, by yours truly.

the half-naked mom

Our summer, so far, has been super enjoyable.  Mother nature has been good to us Winnipegers, and my family and I have done our best to take full advantage of the warm hot weather.

With Xierra out of school, she's spending her weekdays over at her dad's / grandma's house(s) -- so when we get her on the weekend, we've been trying our best to spend some quality family time together, doing FUN things.

This particular day, we spent soaking up the rays in the backyard - pool, sprinkler, lawn chairs, beach towels and all.

Add a pitcher or sangria to the mix, and call it perfect:

I am in love with reading this book -- I don't want it to end.  If I were 2000x sexier and a 10 years older, I would think that I wrote the book myself!

Hope everyone is getting out there and enjoying time with their families.  It won't be long till it's -40C, so let's all take in the heat while we've got it!

CHEERS!

Playing catch-up

Wow, what a crazy month it's been.  I've been on blogging-hiatus for the past month -- I went back to work after a year long maternity leave, and have come to realize that there isn't a whole lot of time to do much of anything anymore.  The transition back to work was fairly smooth.  Everyone was so welcoming and patient with me, and now that I've been back for a little less than a month, I feel like I never left.  


So much has happened since my last post -- visits from out-of-towners, my dad celebrated his 65th birthday and retirement, we celebrated Brian's 2nd official father's day, Xierra finished up her year at H.S. Paul school, Xander started daycare full time, and I started back at work.  Oh and of course, summer is in full swing and the weather is nothing short of gorgeous.


I'll try to follow this post with some detailed posts, but for now, here are some photos and short blurbs on what the last month of my life has looked like:




It's always tough when Grandma Jan and Grandpa Larry leave Winnipeg to go back home to Wheeling, IL -- their visit was short but sweet but they got to spend some quality time with the kids and were able to celebrate Xander's first birthday -- best present this little guy could ask for!

l-r: Brian, Xander and Grandpa Larry

l-r: Grandma Jan, Xierra, Me



We had the pleasure of visiting the newly renovated Manitoba Children's Museum before G'ma and G'pa headed back home.  What a great time!

How lucky am I to have a dad with an awesome sense of humour!  I made these centre pieces for his 65th birthday party that me and my siblings held for him at Marigold restaurant.  He was so amused by them and was letting everyone take pics of him posing with them.  Happy 65th dad!

It's rare to have all of us siblings together, considering one sister lives out in Mississauga and another sister lives out in Vancouver.  It was great to hang out with them and with the rest of the Cuevas family. 

Here's a pic of the little ones:

I love that Xierra's probably the only one that's going to remember taking this pic.  The rest of them are gonna see it 10 years from now and be like "who ARE these people?!"

This was breakfast for Brian on Father's Day.  I'll post more about this delicious recipe later:

Xierra had her last day at her school.  To ensure that she can keep in touch with all of her awesome friends, I sent her to school with these little 'cards'.  They were supposed to mimic little books:

"Xierra's New Chapter"

Library cards on the inside, with hand written notes by Xierra

As a little 'good-bye' and 'thank you' gift, I made this Candy Cake for her class on the last day of school:

Packaged and ready to go!

This was just a random day that we decided to take Xander to the nature park at Assiniboine Park.  Happened to be the same day as the 'paws in motion' walk -- bonus!  We got to play AND see doggies!

This was the day that Xander's fever started....it would be one week later that we would discover that he had a case of BABY MEASLES! :(

Our Canada Day weekend was pretty awesome.  We watched the Forks fireworks from Brian's office building with the kids.  That weekend, we made our first trip out to Grand Beach with my cousin and her family.  What a beautiful day to spend bumming around on the sand!

The next day, we enjoyed lunch at Kum Koon with the family for my little cousin's 7th birthday. 

 

Here's a photo of daddy and baby Beckam...I mean, Xander.

Well that was just a quick rundown of what's been going on around here in the last month.

I'll be sure to add details on some of the projects above, for anyone that might be interested.

Have a great weekend!