Teagan and Me!

TEAGAN'S FIRST DANCE RECITAL!!

2010-06-13T16:00:00.006-05:00

Saturday was such an exciting and really special day for Teagan & I! After her first year in Dance, the time had eventually arrived to dance on the "Big Stage", she has been working towards this all year!!

I took her to have her hair done in the afternoon and then off to her recital. I was such a proud Mama - my babygirl danced so beautifully. She was so proud of herself and so happy to be up there in front of an entire auditorium full of people!

SWIMMING!!

2010-06-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

ROCKIN' A NEW HAIR COLOR!!

2010-06-02T08:45:00.001-05:00

I've decided darker looks better on me... so I went black! And I love it!!

GRADUATION!!

2010-05-30T15:53:00.009-05:00

Teagan's first year of pre-school has come to an end, I can't believe that my baby has just had her first graduation ceremony, the first of many!!

Excitement took over the night before... but once "Hippy" & T fell asleep all was well..

Homemade Teachers gifts - check! "M&M Bars in a Jar"! Love this gift idea!!

Beautiful Graduation dress - check! Wonderful little Graduate - check! = Big Smiles!

What is up with Teagan's "cheese smile"??! I hope this stage passes fast!

And here they are... Creative Playtime Preschool - Graduating Class of 2010!!

Mama Duck!! As part of their graduation the kids put on a small performance of "5 Little Ducks", Teagan was "Mama Duck" - QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK!! For a child with one volume, LOUD, this was perfect casting!!

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES C'MON!

MOMMA'S DON'T LET YOUR BABIES GROW UP TO BE COWGIRLS...

2010-04-25T22:25:00.003-05:00

A little Cowgirl cuteness!

I LOVE LAZY SUNDAYS...

2010-04-25T14:47:00.002-05:00

it gives me the time to ponder why I even bothered to spend an hour folding her clean laundry....

UNCLE DYLAN & ALANA'S VISIT 2010

2010-04-21T10:08:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pics from Dylan & Alana's visit. These are from day 1, opening pressies & our Lego Land Trip! Alana is going to send the pics she took and I will post as soon as I have those!!

SUNDAY MORNINGS..........

2010-04-11T14:42:00.002-05:00

and she's rockin' out.....

A SWEET START TO THE WEEK!

2010-02-22T14:42:00.004-06:00

This post is especially for Grammy Africa... As I sat on the couch eating a "Bologne and Chip" sandwich I thought about you, I thought I would post a few pics of Miss T to start the week off with a smile!! Love you & miss you Mom oxoxoxoxo

Valentines Day!

Teagan spent the day/night with Stacy! Her Birthday present was a "girly/fun" day together, so little Miss T insisted on dressing the part!!

MY BABY IS 4!!!

2010-02-08T10:22:00.012-06:00

And I am seriously thinking about another one... Teagan had a fabulous Birthday Week! What with parties at daycare, Pre-school and The TreeHouse we are partied out!!

VEGAS BABY!!

2010-01-22T11:15:00.012-06:00

CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-27T18:16:00.008-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas, we went to the kids Christmas service at church before we spent Christmas Eve with Muriel & family, just wonderful! Santa definitely remembered to stop by our home and Teagan was very spoiled! She was so surprised to find all the pressies under the tree, it was awesome to watch her reactions =) And, of course with Xmas comes the snow.... We have had 2 feet already, I am so done shovelling =) We spent a lovely Christmas day with Lynn & family, where, Santa of course had made another stop. What a great Holiday!

SURPRISE!!

2009-12-20T16:48:00.003-06:00

Got such an awesome surprise with weekend! My girlfriend Robyn & her daughter Dree (my goddaughter) arrived for a quick visit from Southern Illinois!! Was so great to catch up, Teagan & Dree get along so well, they are too cute together! We had lunch & did some shopping, great day!

CHRISTMAS ALREADY!!

2009-12-20T16:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that the year has flown by so fast!! The month of "Christmas Parties" is upon us.

ANNUAL KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY!

2009-12-09T20:59:00.003-06:00

We celebrated our Annual Kids Christmas Party last weekend! I think the pictures say it all!!

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION!

2009-12-09T20:50:00.004-06:00

Teagan's pre-school class has been very busy making pine cone ornaments for Christmas. They were invited to the Island Lake Tree Lighting Celebration to hang their ornaments!! It was a really fun night, we drank hot chocolate, sang Christmas carols and the kids got to hang their ornaments on the beautifully lit Island Lake Tree!

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival!

2009-12-09T20:33:00.004-06:00

CRAZINESS! MADNESS! INSANITY! Yep, that just about sums it up... Teagan & I went downtown with Muriel & family to experience the Mag Mile Lights Festival. For those of you across the pond a little explanation is needed. The Mag Mile Lights Festival kicks off the official beginning of Christmas in Chicago. A huge parade, led by Mickey Mouse, marches down Michigan Avenue lighting up the trees as he goes. Sounds lovely doesn't it? Teagan enjoyed it, which is great because we can check that off of our to do list!! Over 1 million people lined up down Michigan Ave to enjoy the festivities, it was CRAZY!! I am not much for crowds and this was more than enough exposure to last me for the next few years!! Seriously people? Do you have to bum rush "The Mouse"??!! Muriel & I almost got trampled!!

THANKSGIVING!

2009-12-09T20:24:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving came & went! I am so far behind on posts!! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Nicole and her family. Teagan's pre-school class also celebrated Thanksgiving with an Indian/Pilgrim feast!! The parents were able to join the feast for the last 15 minutes of class & got to see what their kids had prepared!! Such fun!!

TUTU CUTE!!

2009-11-16T13:59:00.002-06:00

My little ballerina! I love watching her in dance class, she has so much fun and is picking up the "moves" really fast, although I'm not sure about the rhythm yet? LOL! And yes, Miss T is sporting a fab new "do"!! Love it!!

THE CIRCUS!!

2009-11-13T11:35:00.003-06:00

The circus is in town! Teagan & I went on an adventure with Muriel and her family to see "Zing Zang Zoom", Barnum & Bailey's latest Circus show! We had a great time, ate way to much sugar and totally crashed, but up to that point it was a blast!

SUPER "T"!

2009-11-13T11:31:00.002-06:00

Gotta love that the day after Halloween, you can purchase the same costume you just spent $40.00 on, for 75% off!! I picked up a few more costumes for Teagan's dress up chest! This is my favorite!!

TRICK OR TREAT!!

2009-11-05T10:19:00.004-06:00

We had a great Halloween!! Teagan decided she wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz! Her favorite movie right now =) We went Trick or Treating on Saturday evening & accumulated just way to much candy for one 3 1/2 year old to consume! Needless to say the Halloween basket has mysteriously disappeared... Teagan had a sleep over with Miss Lynn and Mommy got to be Aphrodite for the rest of the night =)!!

MISS T's STAGE DEBUT!!

2009-11-05T10:04:00.005-06:00

Teagan's Pre-school class has been rehearsing for a Halloween show for the past couple of weeks. Last Friday all the parents got watch their kids perform!! Please note the only child's voice you can hear? Teagan!! LOL!! It was super cute!!

A WHOLE LOTTA TEAGAN!

2009-10-19T13:50:00.005-05:00

We have had a very busy, but fun month! From Fall festivals, to Dance class, to Birthday Parties and Sunday School!! Here is our month in pictures =)

3 YEAR OLD ADRENALIN JUNKIE!!

2009-09-30T10:56:00.003-05:00

Teagan and I spent Sunday at "Great America"! For those of you on the other side of the pond, it is a rather large amusement park, complete with roller coasters and multiple rides designed to make you "chunda"!! As most of you who know me, know very well that I am deathly afraid of heights, and thanks to my Mom and Aunty Jen, am deathly afraid of roller coasters!!!

So off we go, we meet up with Nicole & her family, proceed to walk the park to find the most suitable and kid friendly rides we can. Well... to hell with that idea! Chuck & Nicole took Luka & Teagan on "The Whizzer"!! Teagan LOVED it & proceeded to ride a second time!! Holy Crap! My 3 year old is a total Adrenalin Junkie!!

This my friends is "The Whizzer"!! It's no joke!! It would scare the crap out of me! (The black rollercoaster at the bottom of the pic)

"A" IS FOR APPLE!

2009-09-30T10:49:00.002-05:00

We spent last Saturday with Muriel, Nicole & family Apple Picking! The kids had so much fun, picking apples, eating apples & running through the orchard. It's a good thing that Teagan loves apples, since she will be eating them for the next MONTH!!

SLEEPWALKING??!

2009-09-30T10:44:00.002-05:00

This has happened twice now, where I get up to go to bed and find my child asleep, quite comfortably, on either the kitchen floor or in the laundry basket with her "little blankie"??! Is she sleepwalking??

MY LITTLE BALLERINA

2009-09-21T21:49:00.003-05:00

Another first... Teagan started "Creative Dance" classes on Saturday. Her class has about ten 3 year olds all learning to do tap and ballet. It is the cutest thing to watch! She loved it and can't wait to go back next week. As you will see in the pics, Teagan has a set of twins in her class. So Teagan looks at me and says with much astonishment "Mommy! There are 2 of them!! LOL! Needless to say all the Mom's and the twins Mom were rolling with laughter. After I explained that they are twins she was quite happy =)

I know I always talk about my 3 year old going on 25 year old, but after the statement Teagan made this week, I am convinced! We were talking about how much we miss Grammy Africa (my mom) who lives in South Africa, Teagan gets this very serious look on her face and proceeds to tell me, and I quote "Mommy, we need to focus on visiting Grammy Africa"???!!! Seriously? Who are you and where is my 3 year old??! Sometimes I wonder how they process information and relay it back in completely the right context?

Whom ever said The Terrible Two's are the worst - DOES NOT HAVE KIDS!!! And correct me here if I'm wrong, but the 3's are B.A.D. I actually bought a book called "The Happiest Toddler On The Block" and so far, I really like what the author has to say about raising and disciplining toddlers. It makes a lot of sense to me, I am ready to put this shiz into action and turn those "cavekid tantrums" into smiles and laughter, because if this doesn't do it, they had better write a book called "How To Raise & Discipline Toddlers With A Martini In One Hand" because with my workload and lack of sleep I am ready to hide in a closet!!

FIRSTS....

2009-09-14T15:43:00.006-05:00

Let start with the fact that I can't believe how fast 3 1/2 years has gone by!! Teagan is starting to hit the next round of milestones that completely makes me want to cry.... She is not my baby anymore... She is a "big" girl!

So... T finished up T-ball season a few weeks ago (yes, I know I haven't posted in way to long), in 3 months she has become an accomplished T-Ball/Baseball player. She started off hitting the ball off of a T, not knowing if she should run to first of third base first, trying to put her glove on her right hand and treating the crowed to a taste of her ballet abilities on the outfield.... To hitting the ball from a pitch, running the bases in the correct order and figuring out what the glove on her left hand is actually there for!! And to top it all off, the last game of the season was the Parents vs the Kids! Teagan had a blast pitching to me, getting me out and explaining to me which base I had to run to first!!

Her second first was Sunday School this past Sunday... She was awesome! I walked her to her classroom, fully expecting tears and screaming when I tried to leave her, Nope! She gave me a kiss and hug goodbye, said "See you later, Mama" and off she went... I had to giggle when I picked her up and her Sunday School Teacher told me how impressed she was at how many questions Miss T answered! LOL! I guess she really does get something out of our crazy 3 year old "Why" conversations!!

Her third first was today... Teagan again, hugged and kissed me goodbye with no tears, and walked into her very first day of Preschool! She got to bring snack today, and along with that came the very big responsibility of being the Teacher's helper and getting to bring her fav toy for Show & Tell! She loved it!!!

MY SWEET BABY GIRL!

2009-08-20T15:45:00.002-05:00

AND IT BEGINS.....

2009-08-11T20:10:00.004-05:00

THE MASKED CRUSADER AND HER SUNDAY MORNING TEA PARTY!

2009-08-09T12:41:00.005-05:00

This is what Sunday mornings are like in our home.... Complete with chocolate milk moustache!

DOOR COUNTY - MY KIND OF LIVING!

2009-08-09T12:32:00.005-05:00

We spent an amazing weekend in Door County, WI with Muriel and her family. It reminds me soooo much of home... I miss home.... What a wonderful weekend!

LOCKS OF LOVE...LITERALLY

2009-07-29T21:55:00.006-05:00

I think tonight was harder on me, than on Miss T... We did it... We took the plunge... Teagan had her very first haircut! I now know why I procrastinated taking her to get her hair cut for so long, she isn't my baby anymore. She looks so grown up with her new hair cut. She had 11 inches cut off of her hair, 3 1/2 years of growing those curls. We are sending all 11 inches to "Locks of Love". I have to admit, she looks really cute! I took her to a kids salon called "Cookie Cutter", what an awesome place - it was like a playground within a salon. Teagan was a little apprehensive at first, but after a few turns on the slide she was ready! She got her "I survived my First Haircut" certificate along with photo and locks of hair attached. I am ready for another baby....

From this....

To this...

JULY 4TH!

2009-07-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

We spent an awesome weekend in the Wisconsin Dells at the Chula Vista Resort! It was a first for both T and I, and we had a blast! I could not get Teagan off of the water slides. Small problem... I bought Teagan "water wings" (the blow up floaties you put on their arms) and now the child thinks she can swim?! And refuses to let me hold her at all, in the pool!! Oh well, I guess she's going to teach herself how to swim and fast!

SERIOUSLY??! WHY THIS WEEK???!

2009-06-29T16:15:00.004-05:00

Teagan doesn't get sick very often, in fact, for the most part, she is a really healthy little girl. But of course, since we are supposed to be leaving for the Wisconsin Dells on Friday for the holiday weekend, she has managed to get pink eye in both eyes, yes BOTH eyes, not just one?? Both! AND the world's nastiest cold just to top that off! Oh yes, the green slime, hacking cough, weepy eyes, nasty cold!! Yep, it's officially icky!! Took her to the Dr. today so here's hoping that the eye drops & antibiotics prescribed will do the trick and fast. The poor baby is miserable, I feel so bad for her. She sounds like she has been smoking two packs a day for the past 30 years. It's all about jello, ice pops & juice at this point.

OH... and just to put the cherry on top, I got nailed by the newly installed traffic cameras in our area. Just lovey! Please do not pass go, do not collect anything, in fact, why don't you pay us $100 for failing to stop at a red light for a minimum of 3seconds before making a right turn. Seriously!? Anyone up for a stiff martini?
Well, at least they were nice enough to include a photo of me actually committing the "traffic violation". I am so tempted to try "license-blocker" - apparently illegal, but highly effective in playing 'catch-me-if-you-can' with the local authorities.

SUN, SWIMMING AND SANDCASTLES!

2009-06-21T17:11:00.007-05:00

We spent an awesome day playing in the sun, swimming in the pool and building sandcastles today!! And yes, before any of you freak out because my child got a little sunburned, I am an awful mother and completely forgot to put sunblock on my child while she was out in the heat of the day playing T-Ball yesterday (thanks to the asshats at the park district)!! Per Grammy Africa's instructions we have been applying lotion!

T-BALL OR BALLET?!

2009-06-21T16:51:00.005-05:00

I really wanted to get Teagan involved in a summer activity, so thanks to the 'thoughtful' park district, who, apparently believe all woman are stay-at-home moms and have the option of signing their kids up for classes Monday - Friday between 10 am and 3 pm??!! HELLO!! Some of us work full time and don't have that option? So, needless to say Teagan now plays T-Ball on Saturdays from 1 pm - 1:45 pm, I won't even go into how completely stupid that is??! (3 & 4 year olds out in the heat of the day, right at nap time)??!! Apparently the coordinator for the park district doesn't have kids! Anyway, Teagan is having a ball, literally! She is loving T-Ball, so that's all I could ask for =) I am sure as the season goes on she will eventually get the hang of it... Let's just say, mine, was the only child doing ballet in the outfield!! Gotta love the girl!

THAT'S JUST HOW I ROLL...

2009-06-21T16:47:00.004-05:00

So I walk into the living room the other day and here is what I find...

My little CEO in training really breaking in the "work station"!!

"CREATIONS BY LOULOU"!!

2009-06-07T12:51:00.006-05:00

I am so excited, Teagan just received the cutest "pillow case" dress & bow I ordered for her from "Creations By LouLou"!! The dress is beautifully made, and the fabric is so soft, not to mention the matching bow!! Soooo cute!! Thanks Lou - it's "Princess Perfect"!! (I have a link to "Creations by LouLou" on my sidebar, check out her beautifully hand crafted kids creations)!

THE ROYAL CARRIAGE!!

2009-06-05T22:36:00.003-05:00

GRADUATION WEEKEND!

2009-05-31T22:07:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend! The weather was gorgeous, the sun was shining and I think the entire state graduated on the same day!! Talk about busy - my girlfriend's daughter's High School graduation ceremony and party was this weekend. I got the fabulous job of picking up the cake and trying to find a couple of ready made veggie trays for the party?? Well, apparently veggie trays area a popular graduation party dish?? Not one in the vicinity! Never mind the fact that Sam's club was sold out of pre-cut "baby" carrots and cauliflower!! I had to opt for separates and throw them together myself =) We had a great time, but we are completely wiped out and ready for bed!! Here's a little bit of "Graduation Party cuteness" for you...

PICTURE POST!

2009-05-25T22:14:00.005-05:00

Wow!! It's been a while, we are great! Got the job!! Yay me!! Loving it! Teagan is just as sassy as ever and Summer is finally here!! I have been slackin' in the blog world so to play catch up, here is a post full of pics, and I will try and update more regulary now that we are back on track =)!!

GRAMMY AFRICA

2009-03-29T08:06:00.003-05:00

My Mom has been visiting us since January 26th and yesterday was "fly home" day... T & I were both really sad to see her go. We have had a wonderful time with her, even thought she did a stint in the ICU at Rush University Hospital with Malaria (Courtesy of Mozambique, where she works)!! Thanks to the amazing Docs at Rush she got better. Aside from the "sickies" it was great to spend time with my Mom. T & my Mom really got to spend some good time together, my Mom hadn't seen T since she was 14 months!! South Africa is sooo far away.. Sniff.... Sniff.... Hopefully she will be back at the same time next year =) We miss her already!!

Some good news - I had a great interview yesterday, with a large company who is a direct competitor of my previous company. I should hear in about a week whether or not I have the job - please hold thumbs for me, I really need this job!!

SERIOUSLY??!

2009-03-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

Seriously right now??!! This is the new fad in Japan??!! "Bikini Jeans"!!

BOUNCING FUN!!

2009-02-20T11:47:00.004-06:00

Teagan had the best time last weekend at her friend Peter's 3rd Birthday party!! It was held at "Bounces R Us" and she Bounced!!

GRAMMY'S HERE!!

2009-02-20T11:40:00.003-06:00

My Mom arrived that last week of January, and we have been having so much fun!! A few pics!

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BABY!!

2009-02-20T11:29:00.004-06:00

I am a little behind in my posts, lots going on in our world, so I will start with the fact that my baby just turned 3!! Yes Miss T is 3 as of January 31st! We had a fun birthday with lots of friends!!

IT'S BEEN A WHILE!!

2009-01-24T19:46:00.002-06:00

Well, after speaking to my Mom in South Africa today, I realised that I haven't posted since Christmas!!! Wow, did I get behind! Life has been crazy busy but really good! Teagan is fantastic, turning 3 at the end of January if you can believe it! It feels like just yesterday she was a newborn infant in my arms, now she is little Miss Independent! She is 3 going on 16, she wants to do everything "big girls" do, including make up, hair and princess dresses!!

So.. I am actively back on the job hunt, my severance has been great, and being able to spend time with Teagan has been wonderful but it's back to the grindstone now, and I have to find a job. I am really struggling with going back into a corporate position, I didn't realise how stressed out life was until I was on the outside looking in, and now I am looking for something a little less stressful but something that can still support Teagan and I. It's not asking too much is it?? ;-) Any suggestions/ ideas?

Some exciting news, my Mom arrives on Monday for 6 weeks!! We haven't seen her since Teagan was 14 months old, so we are beyond excited!! Teagan is very excited so spend time with her "Grammy Africa", it's all she can talk about!

On the other side of life, I met the most wonderful man... Let's call him Mr MN. After much umming and aahhing I decided to sign up with eHarmony, yes I did! And all I can say is "Thank You"! Mr MN is 41, divorced with 3 really great kids, is kind, loving, affectionate, attentive and just an all around great guy. Which, for me, is completely outside of the box, since I usually only seem to date A**holes. Go figure right! So Mr MN reached out and wanted to chat, and I almost overlooked him, but something inside said "Take a chance - step outside of your comfort zone", and I did. And I am now dating Mr MN! YAY ME!

JINGLE BELL, JINGLE BELL, JINGLE BELL ROCK!

2008-12-25T20:01:00.010-06:00

Wow! I can't believe it's Christmas 2008!! I will leave it up to the pics to share our day!

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

2008-12-25T00:26:00.004-06:00

And Mommy just got done.
Wrapping presents galore,
for her precious little one!

Teagan was nestled all snug in her bed,
while visions of Princesses danced in her head.
Mommy was sleepy and her toes a little cold,
but excited to see what Christmas morning would hold!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

LUNCH WITH SANTA!

2008-12-18T08:54:00.003-06:00

Teagan and I were invited by our wonderful friends Muriel, Sophie & Jack, to join them for Lunch with Santa at Muriels Rotary Club on Tuesday. We had a fantastic time, Teagan actually sat on Santa's lap!!! And I managed to get some pics!!

HOLIDAY CUTENESS!!

2008-12-11T08:23:00.000-06:00

REBEL FOR A CAUSE RAFFLE-WAY!

2008-12-02T15:16:00.002-06:00

Check out the "Rebel For A Cause Raffle-Way" link on my sidebar, for a chance to win an incredible prize pack and a super fantastic way to raise support for 3 great causes - String of Pearls, and two adoption grant organizations, No Hands But Ours and The Elison Project. The driving force behind this Raffle-Way is that many worthy families will be helped in the process through String of Pearls, Elison Project, and No Hands But Ours. This Raffle-Way will reach out and touch so many families who need help and support. Check it out!!

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER!!

2008-12-01T20:53:00.006-06:00

Wow! I can't believe how fast the Holidays seem to have come up!! December 1st, only 24 days until Christmas!! Teagan is all about Christmas and Santa this year, she can't wait to open all the presents Santa is going to bring!! We also got to open the first window of her Advent Calendar tonight!! She loved the little chocolate surprise inside!

I hosted our annual "Kids Christmas Party" on Saturday and we had soooo much fun!! There is nothing better than kids at Christmas. I have to admit I am really looking forward to Christmas day this year, Teagan is going to be so much fun!

AS SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG!!

2008-11-20T19:27:00.001-06:00

You gotta love T's first robe!! I wish I could find this in adult sizes!!

COOKING UP A STORM!!

2008-11-20T19:20:00.001-06:00

SUCH A LITTLE LADY!

2008-11-02T13:09:00.003-06:00

NO!? IT'S NOT COFFEE!

2008-11-02T13:04:00.003-06:00

Although it would be a great commercial for Starbucks! It's hot chocolate =)

THE CUTEST "MONSTER PRINCESS" IN THE LAND!

2008-11-02T12:55:00.002-06:00

So originally Teagan had asked to be a Princess for Halloween, so I go out and find a really cute little Princess costume. I bring it home, really excited to see Teagan's reaction, and what do I get.... "Mommy, I want to be a Monster"??!! Well, let me tell you, she was the cutest "Monster Princess" in the land!! Costumes are non-returnable & 2 year olds have great imaginations!! We went trick or treating with Lynn and Rosaly (T's friend from Daycare).

FUTURE ROCKSTAR!

2008-10-29T19:28:00.006-05:00

So Teagan is totally into singing and dancing at the moment, had to get this on video, cracks me up!!

(Remember to pause the music video at the bottom of the page first)

PICTURE POST FOR MOM!

2008-10-25T11:06:00.006-05:00

Hi Mom! Here are those pics I promised!! Enjoy!! Love you!! Safe Travels!

The Jackson Five! Christopher, Shelly, Colleen, Trisha or MaryAnn?? & Fiona!

Graeme De Gouveia's new baby girl!

The De Gouveia Boys! From L to R: Dean, not sure, Glen, John (Dad), Graeme & Jason!

Graeme, his wife & Son.

Karen, Gary & Rouke!

Richie's Wedding!

Richie's Wedding!

The "Ronnie" Kidwells!

Dylan & Graeme De Gouveia on their first day of High School!

Jason De Gouveia and his baby boy!

The Kidwells!

The Kidwells!

Jase & Richie!

Beautiful Family! How cute is Tanit!!

Denzil, Kevin, Thea & Matthew Baynes!

Julieann & Sam Calitz!

Julie Bradley (clive-smith)!

Storm!! Anton's daughter) How gorgeous is she!!

The Bradley family!

LIONS & TIGERS & BEARS! OH MY!

2008-10-23T18:16:00.005-05:00

Teagan and I spent the day exploring Brookfield Zoo! We had a blast! Teagan fell in love with the Gorillas!!? And asked if she could climb into their habitat with them?? LOL!

AND WE'RE HOME!

2008-10-20T19:31:00.003-05:00

We are home after a really fun road trip with Muriel and the kids! Thanks to Muriel's new mini-van, we had plenty of space and a really comfy ride!

We spent Thursday travelling to Ohio, and had dinner with Muriel's SIL and very cute niece on Thursday night.

Friday morning, after dealing with the rodent issue in our hotel room, and switching hotels completely! We met up with a long time friend of Muriel's, Michelle, and her kids for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel near our hotel, and then it was on to "Parkey's Farm" with 2 wonderful families who also adopted from Kazakhstan! What a great place for the kids, pony rides, petting zoo and playground -so much fun! Lunch at the local mall and then back to the hotel for a swim in the pool and bed for a very tired little girl!

Saturday was Sam's (Muriel's niece) 1st Birthday Party, Julie (Muriel's SIL) did a great job decorating, the theme was doggies, totally cute! We spent Saturday afternoon driving to Indiana to Jerry's parents house, where we spent Saturday night and Sunday. We took the girls to the park on Sunday, and then back to Jerry's parents for a "Tea and See" for Jack! Arrived home late last night, after a great weekend.

CEO in Training?

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

2008-10-15T10:02:00.004-05:00

So excited! Taking a road trip with my girlfriend Muriel and her kids to Ohio and Indiana this weekend! Will take loads of pics! Can't wait for this mini-vacation and to just get out of the house! I love to travel, so I really am looking forward to this.

This was my attempt to snap a pic of T this morning, while she was running away from me, yelling "No pictures Mommy"!!

PRECIOUS ANGEL

2008-10-05T08:35:00.001-05:00

LOVE THIS BABY GIRL!

2008-10-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF!!!

2008-10-02T00:04:00.004-05:00

It's midnight on Wednesday and I am writing this post in the hopes that I can unleash the effing hurricane of emotions inside me and move past this...
I am, for the most part, a happy, positive, upbeat, fun person... but tonight I completely lost my shiz...
WOULD THE UNIVERSE PLEASE STOP EFFING ME OVER!!!! I AM DONE! ENOUGH! NO MORE!
I think the trigger for my complete and utter breakdown is this....

This is one of my best friends from home with his brand new baby girl... this is one of my best friends holding his daughter with all the love a father can feel for his little girl...

I want this..... for me, for Teagan. I hate that neither of us will ever share this moment with our fathers...

I am angry at the world today, I am on my knees, I don't think I could possibly be further to rock bottom than right now. Why? Why does it seem that the least deserving of it, seem to land up with it 9 times out of 10? Why is it that I feel like God is trying to teach me something and I just can't seem to understand the lesson, so he keeps trying and I keep failing...

I received a random email the other day, and all it said was "God brought you to it... And he will bring you through it" - but will it be in one piece??

SWEEEEET RIDE!!

2008-09-28T18:00:00.003-05:00

Teagan's GF Scott surprised her with her first set of "wheels"!! How cute is this bike?! Wheels fit for a Princess!
(Oh yeah, ignore the hand prints on my fridge. Those are courtesy of T, who can do everything herself!! Including getting milk for her cereal)!

MY NAME IS TNIN!

2008-09-18T22:26:00.003-05:00

Teagan has been asking for chocolate chip cookies for the past few days, so tonight I decided to break it all out and bake!! Teagan and I baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Yummy!! So as Teagan hands me the bowl of dough she has been mixing, I say "Thank you my Darling" to which she responds quite indignantly "I'm not Darnin! I'm Tnin"! Ok then, little Miss 2 1/2 going on 16!! It cracked me up! So we bake, eat cookies & chill out on the couch together for a while before bedtime. Teagan snuggles up to me and jumps back just as fast, followed by "Mommy! Your legs are sparkly"!! ??? What!? I am looking at her quite puzzled until I realise she meant spiky!! Ok, so single mom, not much "me" time these days, so yeah, my legs are somewhat sparkly right now!! Gotta love it!

MY LITTLE SLEEPY BUDDHA

2008-09-14T09:48:00.003-05:00

SHAKE IT!

2008-09-06T10:32:00.003-05:00

Teagan LOVES anything to do with music! She loves to sing along with her CD's (I have to update her collection with some new CD's soon, I have them memorized as well)! and she loves to "make" music. So.... we spent about 40 mins last week "making" maracas. Who would have thought a 2 1/2 year old could get so much joy out of 2 empty water bottles, a cup of dry rice and tape!!! She runs around "shaking it", all over the house =)
P.S..... Her song of the week is "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash! Yes, she sings right along, in tune and word for word!! I have to hold back the laughter because the entertainment value is priceless!!

THE BEST FOUR DOLLARS I HAVE EVER SPENT!

2008-09-01T20:34:00.003-05:00

You know times have changed, when now, for four bucks, you can purchase your very own "Manely" the Lion to blow your bubbles for you!! Teagan was having a blast "blowing" bubbles!

Welcome To The World Baby Jack!

2008-08-31T21:49:00.002-05:00

I am so excited, my BFF was induced on Friday and had the most beautiful baby boy on Saturday morning! He is so precious and just perfect! Congrats Muriel, Jerry and Sophie!

What Happens When....

2008-08-31T21:36:00.008-05:00

I don't do "clean up time" for 48 hours...

My 2 1/2 year old decides she is going to do "home work"...

I realise "home work" is being done with permanent ink pen and try to remove the pen...

She pulls out the big guns and gives me the "I wuv u" face...

Mommy caves and pulls out the "Princess Tent" which is ooohhh sooo much more fun than "home work"!

I CHEATED!

2008-08-24T13:39:00.003-05:00

So my hair has been out of control and I haven't had a chance to see my regular stylist in quite some time. So on Friday..... I cheated on her, and well, let's just say, I got what I deserved! I went to a "local salon chain" and got the $16.95 chop and yep, I now look like I'm 12!!! Please let my hair grow super fast otherwise I am going to be wearing a pony for the next 6 weeks!!! Great! Am I rockin' the bangs or what!!??

BALLET!

2008-08-21T19:48:00.006-05:00

So lately Teagan has been obsessed (painfully) with "Angelina Ballerina" on PBS Kids Sprout. She dances around the living room telling me to watch her because she is doing ballet! It is pretty funny! So last night I had Lynn, Stacy & Scott over for pot roast, Scott started singing "Go Cubs Go!" and Teagan added a tribute of her own!! (remember to turn off the song at the bottom of the page before you watch this)

WE LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!

2008-08-17T12:33:00.005-05:00

We spent a really great day yesterday celebrating Luka's 3rd Birthday and Austin's 1st Birthday! We had so much fun hanging out with everyone and eating yummy cake!

So Teagan is supposedly potty trained right? I did the happy dance and everything! I no longer have to purchase diapers, YES!! Well... now I have to buy stock in 2T panties??!! Seriously, does anyone else's toddler completely forget that they are actually potty trained and where the bathroom is, all in 1 day?? Or do they just decide "Screw it! Today I am going to make my Mom's head spin around 5 times in the space of 30 mins, at someone else's house, in the middle of a Birthday party"???
I am at a loss for words... Why the complete digression?? Anyway... back on track today, no accidents?? Anyone have the key code for the 2 1/2 year old thought process?? Willing to pay =)

All that aside, we had fun!! Come on "baby Jack" we can't wait to meet you!!

"The BIGGEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Eva"!

WHAT NOW??!!

2008-08-14T19:13:00.004-05:00

Where has the month gone??!! Just realized that it is already the middle of August, holy shiz!!

Teagan is moving right along, potty trained (TG)!, a total chatty cathy (I remember the days I used to wish she could just talk - now she doesn't stop)!!

...and of course along with all this progress comes the "Temper Tantrum"...
Yes, the uncontrollable, inconsolable, crocodile tears, wailing like a banshee, temper tantrums... and why?... all because the wrong song came on the radio!! WTF?? What the fuzz is Teagan going to do when she hits 16 and I have to tell her she can't go the party where EVERYONE will be because it is unsupervised?? I have a feeling the "qualities" she got from me are going to come back and bite me in the ass in about 13 years!!!

I am hoping that this is a "stage" and she grows out of it soon, there are only so many times you can put a child into 'timeout' in an hour! You know you no longer have control when she does something I have just told her not to do, and she walks over to her 'timeout chair' and sits herself down!?? Seriously, what now??

I am sure I was never as challenging as Teagan is, as a child. I am pretty sure my Mom would tell you I was an angel and the perfect child 24/7 - so what's up with the payback?? LOL

Another 'stage' we are moving through is the "little Mommy" stage, which for the most part can be really cute, except when her 'baby' starts talking to you at 1:30 in the morning as you stumble to the bathroom, and just about scares the living shiz out of you! Thank you to Nicole for providing this fabulous 'baby' for chats at 1:30 am =) (for those of you who are not familiar, I am referring to the motion stimulated 'baby Shrek' doll).

Teagan loves her BFF Sophie and always asks about her and to see pics of her, so I was explaining to T that Sophie's Mommy is going to have a baby, "Baby Jack", and that Sophie is going to have a little brother. Well... Baby Shrek is now affectionately known as "Baby Jack"!

"Baby Jack"!

A NEW COUSIN!

2008-08-06T22:10:00.005-05:00

Congrats to my cousin Sheldon and his wife Kathleen in South Africa on the birth of their beautiful little girl!!

Proud Daddy and Aunty!

BUSY WEEKEND

2008-07-30T10:26:00.009-05:00

T & I had a busy, but fun weekend! We had "our" car belt replaced, did some shopping, had a playdate with T's BFF Sophie, got to spend some great time with special friends, Robin, Dree (my goddaughter), Ashton, Lynn, Princess Stacy & Princess Mia =)
Shelley... I'll miss you my friend. Love & peace on your journey to the Angels xx

Teagan.. Just a special little note from your Mommy "I love you lovebug, you are my sunshine & I thank God for you every day" xx Lots of smooches and hugs Mommy xx

A long time family friend posted this pic on facebook and I had to share!! L to R: Dylan (my little brother), Denzil, Gina (Me in the 80's)!! & Matthew.

Mmmmmmm!! Strawberries! My Fav!!

I love this pic of Teagan stealing a piece of Sophie's chicken!!

"Sunset over the Lake"... Reminds me a little of the African Sunset...

IF YOU CAN DODGE A WRENCH, YOU CAN DODGE A BALL!

2008-07-19T21:33:00.000-05:00

We had an awesome BBQ with the Elrod's and Groh's at the lake today! Good food, great company, very cool =)

THE LITTLE THINGS....

2008-07-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

My fantastic friend Brian arrived yesterday to put up curtain rods, blinds etc for me, and bought Teagan and I beautiful flowers for our new home! Having such amazing friends makes life all that much better =)
P.S.... Thanks Amy for letting Brian be my "Honey do list" go to guy! You rock!

Teagan's Cheese Face!

SUNSET.....

2008-07-11T23:27:00.001-05:00

I MISS MY FAMILY...

2008-07-08T23:50:00.000-05:00

Being from South Africa, I am across the world from any family... but you gotta love facebook!! I feel so connected again =)

My Uncle Jeff (My Mom's Big Brother), Cousins Sheldon, Ryan, Nadine, Aunt Viv and cousin Liza

The Family and their spouses & kids

LIFE IS GOOD....

2008-07-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

Aaahhhh....... Sunday and I'm relaxing after a fab weekend in my Zen paradise...

I have to think to myself, just how kick ass is this, that I am able to have spent Friday night sitting on my deck watching the lake come alive with bursts of colorful fireworks, taking in the fresh air and lake breeze.... Now if I could just find someone to share the experience with... All in good time right? Well if "all in good time" could hurry that up a little I would be stoked!!

Saturday was another good one, spent the day soaking up the sun while Teagan splashed around in her "pool". I am actually starting to feel human again, I have shoulders and a neck (separately) they are no longer joined by one large stress ball of muscles!! So this is what it feels like to be relaxed?? Aaaahhhhh......

Saturday night was super cool, had some friends over for a BBQ, ate and chilled out -very nice! =)

Today.... spent the morning soaking up a little more of those glorious rays (slowly making the transformation from pasty white to slightly tanned =)) while Teagan splashed around in her favorite spot. We got invited by our very cool neighbor to take a ride around the lake on her pontoon boat, Teagan loved it! She got to chill out on the boat, feeling the cool splash of the lake every now and again, all the while sharing cookies with Carol... Does is it get much better than this?? Life is good.

PRETTY PRETTY PRINCESS

2008-07-04T01:46:00.000-05:00

MY ZEN WORLD......

2008-07-04T01:43:00.001-05:00

This is what I get to wake up to every morning.... Paradise....

Just for Aunty Jen!!

2008-06-30T13:48:00.001-05:00

Pics of Teagan from today and the view from my back yard!! Love Ya!!

WE MISS YOU GRAMMIE!!

2008-05-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

This is a special post for "Grammie"! We miss you!! Teagan is growing so fast and is talking up a storm! She has so much to say all the time, and repeats EVERYTHING that she hears!! She is completely into the whole Princess thing, everything is pink and all about being a princess. Including the pink princess purse she refuses to leave the house without, in which she carries her "mateup", cell phone and "crebit card"... We have definitely had some funny moments =) She is still a bean pole, with legs all the way up one side and down the other, and those crazy curls are here to stay! Here are a few recent pics of the Princess.

BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS!

2008-05-12T09:43:00.001-05:00

Teagan and I met Muriel and Sophie for breakfast on Friday morning at Elle's Pancake House! YUMMY! The girls were very cute, kissing and hugging each other!

"SESAME STREET LIVE - ELMO MAKES MUSIC"!

2008-05-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Teagan had the best time on Thursday evening! She experienced her first live theatre production and loved it! Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music!! She was singing along and dancing in the isle! It was very cute and highly entertaining. I would definately recommend experiencing this with your kids!

TEAGAN'S FIRST "PIGGIES"!!

2008-05-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

I am not a big fan of "Pig Tails", so Teagan has never had the joy of wearing them. I picked her up from daycare last week to find her sporting her first set of VERY cute "Piggies"!! Her "Big Sis" (Stacy) managed to actually make pig tails look cute!!

JUST A FEW CUTE PICS OF T!

2008-04-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

For some reason Teagan would not let go of the silly tent pole from her Princess Tent??

TEAGANS BIG ADVENTURE!

2008-04-25T08:55:00.001-05:00

Lynn took to Teagan and Bradley (her other Godchild) to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time on Saturday night! Teagan was on sensory overload, and had the time of her life!! We were there for 3 hours and the kids were on the go non-stop!! Here are some pics of our adventure!

A FEW RECENT PICS OF TEAGAN

2008-04-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Congrats to my girlfriend and her family who just recently found out that they are having a Baby Boy on September 4th!! So exciting!!

Be sure to check the pics of Teagan sporting a very 80's version of the "Flashdance" headband!! I totally cracked up when she walked out of her bedroom to show mommy how pretty she looked!!

GREAT WEEKEND!

2008-04-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

Spring is finally here!! We had wonderful weather this weekend, and took full advantage! We spent a great day on Saturday with Nicole, Chuck & the kids and Muriel, Jerry & Sophie. The kids had a great time playing together. We had a yummy pizza dinner alfresco and then walked to get ice cream for desert. The Ice cream shop is across the road from a really cool park, where we had to make a stop so the kids could continue with their fun day !! What a great day!

TEAGAN'S NEW FAVORITE SONG!!

2008-04-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

I was singing to Teagan on Monday night, like we do every night at bedtime, and couldn't think of anything else to sing, so out of nowhere I started singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and now Teagan won't let me sing anything else!! I have sung this song over 100 times in the past week!! LOL!

In the Jungle,
the mighty jungle,
the lions sleeps tonight.
In the jungle,
the quiet jungle,
the lions sleeps tonight.

Near the village,
the peaceful village,
the lions sleeps tonight.
Near the village,
the quiet village,
the lions sleeps tonight.

Hush my darling,
don't fear my darling,
the lions sleeps tonight.
Hush my darling,
don't fear my darling,
the lions sleeps tonight.

SYLVIA SHOAL - MOZAMBIQUE

2008-03-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

My Mom just got home from spending 10 days in Mozambique at the Guest Lodge she is going to run, "Sylvia Shoal"!! Check out the pics of this little piece of heaven!! She starts officially on June 1st, but will be back in Mozambique for a couple weeks in April. I am so jealous! Talk about paradise! For those of you who know my Mom, you know that this is her kinda paradise!!

Mom (Teagan's Grammie) at Slyvia Shoal! Nice Tan you Beach Bum!!

MORE TEAGAN!

2008-03-25T09:29:00.000-05:00

Here are a few random pics I have taken in the past couple of days. Teagan's new fun thing to do is completely submerge herself in the bathtub, leaving only her face above water!! It is really funny to watch and very cute!! She is also obsessed with "Bubbles"!! (NOTE! The color of the water in the tub is due to the fact that I am on a well, not because it's dirty!!)