Pan Am Playing

Yesterday we went swimming at the Pan Am Pool. James, Chris, me, Amy and Doug went. Me and Amy agreed that the facility is so different, but still the same. They didn't have any of the high diving boards open, so the furthest we went up was the 5 meter. I did my first one and half off the 1 meter spring diving board. That is I did a front flip into a dive. I've never done that before and I was a little scared too, but it was alright. I had to do it twice though, because Chris missed the first one. Doug and James were much better divers though. Doug kinda showed off to the other swimmers, they thought he was so cool....which of course he is!

Christmas Sledding

Part of our Christmas day celebrations included tobogganing by the Phoenix Rec Center in Headingley. Tom, Chris, Richard, and I headed out. The weather was great, and it was a lot of fun.

We also went down by the train tracks and sledded out onto the river. Good times.

Technically Richard wasn't supposed to be in this one, but I love the face.

Boxing Day

Keeping up with tradition, yesterday we went shopping! Oh how I love the mall, overcrowded with people of all race and ethnicity, shopping to their little hearts desire! What a wonderful world!

Anywho, here is what I picked up: one green shirt - $10.00, a bunch of head bands - 5 for $10.00 (I got four, Amy got one), white rimmed sunglasses - 2 for $10.00 (Amy and I both got a pair), Body Shop scents and make-up (no sale on this purchase, so I won't divulge how much I spent cause it was too much), black fleece jacket - $15.00. I think that’s all. Chris got ski goggles and a really nice shirt, both on sale too. Amy bought two pairs of shorts - $2.50 each. The shorts were definitely the best deal!

We also all went to the National Treasure sequel yesterday with the family which I thought was really good.

The end.

Stranded in the Prairies

Many of you probably are already aware of Chris and mine’s adventure, but I’ll fill you in anyways. We left early Saturday morning (5 am) from Edmonton to drive to Winnipeg in our 1994 Nissan Maxima. We were making great time, rode into Regina for a gas refill at 12:30pm. I was stopped at the street light ready to turn, and when the light turns green, I press on the gas to drive but nothing happens. We were stuck. The car kept running, but we couldn't move. After getting help from some nice Reginian citizens, we were pushed into a gas station. After many hours on the phone (thank goodness we borrowed a cell phone), a tow ride, and seeing a mechanic, it was diagnosed as a blown transmission. Chris and I took everything in stride, and were keeping spirits until we found out we couldn't rent a car to drive to Winnipeg, because they wouldn't allow us to cross the border. That was the breaking point for me. Eventually though we made it to a hotel (thanks to a nice lady at the mechanics). Our room had a door to the pool and hot tub, so right a way we took a hot tub to relax. After a good meal (chicken souvlaki, rice and steamed vegetables for me, 7th Heaven Lasagna and ceasar salad for Chris, with a Tiger Layered Chocolate dessert) we felt much better. Our rescue team consisting of Doug Cutts and Richard arrived at our hotel room 3:30 in the morning. We all slept till about 9 am and then headed back to Headingley. It was great trip back. We played N64 in the van, and watched a movie on our lap top, and got to our house at 3:00pm.

So now we have arrived. Our car is in Regina, and it's yet to be determined what we'll do with it. It's Christmas Eve. We've just eaten cabbage rolls and ham. Dad is spreading the gifts under the tree (we've got more already out this year, then we had total for the last two years!!!), and things are looking great. I am excited to spend time with family and friends.

Merry Christmas to all and all a good night!

Last Day

So today is the last day. I've already cleaned off most of my desk. Sad :( But not really because I am so excited to go to Headingley for Christmas, and see most everyone, and go back to school - all of these things seem to mask the bit of sad for leaving.

Sugar Overdose

I have realized ( though I think I already knew), that I don't have much will power at all. At work the past few days we have had so many goodies! And most of them seem to end up right by my desk. So every time someone comes over to get one, I am reminded they are there, and just how tasty they are. For example, we've had all sorts of cookies; peanut butter, chocolate, ginger bread, short bread, etc., butter tarts, nanimo bars (a favorite of mine - I also got some from my visiting teachers, mmmm so good!!), pleanty of boxes of chocolates, poppycock, and then cake yesterday for me since its my last week. This morning I woke up with a sugar hang over. It wasn't fun. So today I decided I will chew lots of gum, and stick to my soup and crackers lunch, and christmas oranges! (But we'll see how long that actually lasts)

Turkey

Saturday night was my office Christmas party. We had it at the Shaw Conference Center. It was pretty big. There are six companies owned by the same family. We had drinks and hors d'oeuvres - some type of smoked salmon and grilled peppers and something else fancy smancy. Then we had a turkey dinner. They served you your soup, then salad, and then a plate with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. Then they bring a whole turkey to your table and someone has to carve it. So I was nominated. I even got a chef's hat and apron. It was pretty good. No good door prizes like John though, too bad.

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart.......

These are some pictures from last Christmas. The Santa we visited let you take your own pictures, so you didn't have to pay anything. We still need to go this year, so I can let him know what I want.

So I found this picture of last years candy house, and I forgot how good it was. We must just have a knack for it!

Me and Chris a year ago, at the start of our relationship...awwwh... jj!!

Playing!

Last night I went over to Jennifer's house to play with my nephews. This is me holding 1 week old Henry. He is a very good baby and just lets us hold him. No crying at all. It is giving me and Pam false ideals about having children!! Good thing I've spent time with the Lemons when Sarah had a difficult time going to bed every night!

Candy Land

Last night for our FHE we made a Gingerbread Candy House, except we use graham wafers instead of gingerbread. I think it turned out pretty good.

Below is an aerial view of the property. Notice the park bench and its occupants on the left near the front.

Here is a nice view of the side and the lawn. I like the hot tub with its participants a little submersed (at the front on the right).

And this is just another view. I like the side sliding doors, and the smoke coming from the chimney!

Polls Closed

Even though this poll didn’t have near as serious consequences as Alicia’s for John’s hair, something really is up. I also had more votes submitted that voters. I’ll just give allowances for extra family members. Plus the results don’t really matter. But I do think we’ll have to watch some Christmas favorites when we’re in Headingley. Oh, and I should mention that there were requests for other classics such as Rudolph and Frosty.

Good Recommendation

On Saturday Chris and I had free movie passes to use up so we went and saw Enchanted. I just wanted to add my good recommendation to it along with the rest. I really liked it, and Chris even thought it was pretty funny. I can see why Sarah would like it with all the pretty dresses. It is definitely one that I would like to own. I’ve been singing it all weekend…I don’t know how Chris feels about that?!?

Family

The whole crew in August at the Edmonton Temple.

Me and my Pa.

Amy and me at our Thanksgiving dinner.

I love having her in Edmonton, but recently she ditched me for a cruise is Spain...why she would do something like that, I just don't know!?!

Mom and me at Graduation in June.

Lack of posting

I apologize that I haven't been keeping up my blog so well this week. I will try to keep more on top of that.
I posted the turkey dinner onc especially for you Tom. I hope your week picks up!

The Office

On Wednesday our office had a luncheon, and two of the ladies I work with made a delicious turkey dinner. And I mean delicious! They cooked the turkey in the office lunchroom, so the whole place smelt wonderful all day long. There was turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (so creamy), gravy, cranberry sauce, salad, corn meal, and steamed vegetables with cheese sauce. We had juices to drink, and they had what looked like a dessert similar to Death by Chocolate (I never had any), and this really tasty poppy seed loaf with an icing on top that was really something else. It was my favorite, along with the creamy potatoes!

Everyone at work now knows I’m leaving at the end of the month now. They announced it at a staff meeting. There were audible gasps because no one new and they were all pretty surprised, but still happy for me and my decision. I will miss them. It has been a fun place to work.

1 down 3 to go

On Tuesday we had a new addition to the Lamont-Leishman family. Chris' sister Jennifer had her baby; a little baby boy. Apparently they checked into the hospital at 11:38 and the baby was born 12:50. It was a pretty fast labour. They didn't even have time to give her an epidural. His name is Henry Leishman. I don't know what the middle name is yet, but he is very cute, and he was born on his due date (Chris and mine’s four monthiversary)! Chris had a lab Tuesday night, so we couldn't go visit them at the hospital. I was a little disappointed cause I've never been to a hospital after a baby was born. Oh well. We visited them the next night at their place and everyone seemed happy and healthy.

Weekend Update

On Friday night we went out with some of Chirs’ school friends from his first year at NAIT. We celebrated a birthday at The Old Spaghetti Factory. I think we both agreed the food was great. Our party even got to sit in the train cart. (I’m sure Caleb would have enjoyed that). I had baked French onion soup to start. It was very delicious, and had a lot of melted cheese. Chris had a cesar salad, also tasty. We both got Cajun Chicken Alfredo. It was a little spicier then I like, but Chris really enjoyed his. We also all got a little scoop of ice cream for dessert. The whole meal was enjoyable, and not to expensive.

Saturday afternoon we used our free passes to the Water Park at West Edmonton Mall. That is one my most favorite places! It’s too bad none of you had a chance to go when you visited. You’ll just have to come again. If you get up to 15 people in one group, they even give you 50% off.

Sunday we had dinner at the Lamont’s and then went to the Christmas devotional with his family. Jenn is due this week and Chris and I have placed our bets, so we’ll see what happens. The devotional was good, but I think both of us would have liked it if they sang a few more traditional Christmas songs. Now it’s back to work. Chris’ last day of classes is Wednesday and his first exam is Friday. Hopefully everything goes well.

Valerie's favorites of 2007

Here is my edition of this years favorite things:

I did receive both my engagement ring and wedding band this year, and I couldn't really leave them out, since they came with a pretty great husband as well. No, they aren't too practical, unless warding of the single guys at work counts.

My Corioliss hair straightner. Retail value, $250.00, ebay purchase of $50.00 US. Many of you will say that I have straight hair already, why the need for a straightner? But let me tell you, these things do magic. I use it practically everyday to prevent awkward wave movements in my hair, while adding shine and smoothness in a matter of minutes. When this dies, I will buy another.

Chris' computer desk. The first month of school we did not have this essential piece of furniture. Chris studied in the living room taking up the living room, kitchen, and dinning room. I was left stranded in the bedroom. So we went all out and made this excellent purchase at Office Depot. Complete with wireless internet, and I had my home back!

Reason I wanted my the living room back: TV series on DVD. Why watch TV with commercials? Why waste money on cable. These babies provide endless entertainment. Whether we buy or rent, they are great. The only down fall is I think they have shortened my attention span, and when I watch a full length feature film I begin to lose interest after 40 minutes.

*Not included in picture above, but a definite favorite: the series 'House'.

My crockpot. Easy meals ready when I get home from work. Need I say more?

Our coffee table. Keeps the living room tidy, providing storage for magazines, remote controls, games, etc., etc.

Henckels knives. These are great. After living five years using dull wal-mart knives shared with roommates, having knives that actually cut are a joy. My personal favorite is the bread knife. Only thing I'm missing is a lesson from my Dad on how to sharpen knives. I've read the theory at the slaughter house, but am still awaiting the practical lesson.

I am 100% in agreeance with Jill on this one. Scented candles are almost always lit when we are home. It's true though, you got to spend the little extra dollar to get the good ones, but they will be worth it. Our favorite scents are any type of apple, and vanilla.