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.

Crafting Continued

Last night I went to my ward’s craft night. It was a little more low key and less extravagant that Diane’s, but it was still fun. I did two crafts. The first one we made these little Christmas trees made out of lights and tinsel garland. They look pretty good and were very easy to make, we just used wire coat hangers and the frame. Then I made cookies in a jar. That’s the one where you put all the dry ingredients of chocolate chip cookies in a glass jar with a nice bow, and then instructions on how to bake the cookies. Another easy one that still looked good.

I’d like to say I was crafty enough to say I made my advent tree, but I’m not that good. I won’t even pretend to be. I’ll have to clear off all the decorations tonight to start the count down tomorrow!

Winter

It has gotten so cold here lately. We’ve got lots of snow, and it definitely feels like winter. At least we had a pretty descent fall, and the sun in shining on my computer right now, so it does make it look nice and 'shimmery' outside. Hopefully our little car will continue to keep running and starting. It’s probably time to plug it in though.

More Christmas decorations in our front hall.

Getting ready for December

Finally I’ve got some holiday pictures up.


We got our tree on Thursday, (from Canadian Tire - which is becoming our favorite store) and set it up Saturday morning putting up the lights and angel. (Tangent: we put on the cartoon version of the Grinch, and after it ended the tape kept playing. Apparently after the show there is another mini-movie about some elephant and a dust ball full of 'Whos'. Anyone heard of it? Well I only caught part of it, and it really seemed like this writer/director was on crack, but anywho….). Saturday night I put all the ornaments up, which took forever since I had to tie the strings on each ornament before hanging it. But I think we’re pretty happy with the results.

The Weigh-In

Last night I had some people over for Thanksgiving. Between the 12 of us only 2 were duel citizens, so we made up one American citizen; which we found reason enough to celebrate. Prior to our dinner we had confidential weigh-ins, and after all was done, a weigh-out. All you had to disclose was your difference in weight. Chris, I think won with a gain of 5 pounds. I gained 4.2 pounds after eating the main course, and then another 0.5 after dessert. However, once I went to the bathroom (only #1) I lost that 0.5 of a pound. But by the time I weighed myself again this morning, I was back to normal.

As for the meal, it was delicious. I accidentally bought a stuffed turkey. The turkey was great, but the stuffing was only alright. We also had mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, more stuffing, mom’s broccoli/grape/cauliflower salad (me), homemade buns (me), cranberry sauce, and punch. We also had pumpkin, 2 apple, and harvest fruit pies with ice cream. They were store bought and brought by friends, but they were very tasty! All in all, everything went well, and everyone was happy to celebrate with the Americans.

Advent Follow-Up

Thanks for the suggestions. We ended up buying this cute one we saw at Canadian Tire. It's a stuffed felt like tree with different coloured and shaped buttons all over it. Then there are little wooden decorations with numbers on them that you hang on each button. It looks great. I really need to get organized with my pictures, because I've got lots of decorations up and they need some showing off!

Trees!

Last night we bought our Christmas tree! We weren't sure if we were going to go with a fake tree or a real one. Originally our plan was to get a real one this year, and buy a fake one right after Christmas and get a good sale deal. But then Canadian Tire was having a sale so we got a pretty nice 7 foot blue spruce. We haven't put it up yet, we're planning to tomorrow, and I will definitly post some pictures.

Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving to the Americans!

My Thanksgiving dinner (not until Sunday) is shaping up nicely. Last night I brought out a few decorations. Mostly window stickers because we are babysitting Anderson (Chris’ nephew) tonight and I didn’t want to bring anything else out since our apartment is already very un-child protected!

Chris bought me this poinsettia the other day. Very nice of him as they are one of my favorite flowers/plants.

Suggestions Wanted

I’m starting to get my Christmas decoration organized and set up and I would like to have an Advent Calendar. I don’t have one yet, and I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to make one (preferably not requiring a lot of supplies), or have any cute sayings or poems that would go with it. Any ideas or suggestions, or things you may have seen would be great. Thanks!

More Eating

Today at work we’re having this training session to get some insurance credits for the year. Anyhow, they fed us lunch and since I proudly come from a family that enjoys any talk or thought of food, I’m sharing with you what we had. There was this delicious creamy tomato soup with melted cheese, plus those mini-sandwiches of all varieties (tuna, egg salad, turkey, ham, roast beef). The dessert was my favorite. It was assorted dainties, but I chose the Nanimo Bar. It was so creamy and simply perfect!

Just a heads up, this Sunday I’m having American Thanksgiving at my house, which should also be delicious feast!

Build a Bear

On Monday for FHE we finally did our 'Build a Bear' wedding present. I thought we would be more involved in the process, but really we just stepped on this peddle to make the fluff go in the bear, and that was it. We did add a heart, but not that big of deal. Any who, we dressed out bears at the store, and apparently my dress isn't even made anymore, thats right, it's a collectable!

These are our bears that made friends with a cool rocker bear at the store.

Good Bye Hair

Chris called me at work today warning me of what I will come home too. Apparently when he got his hair cut today it ended up more like a ‘buzz’ cut, which wasn’t what he was going for. He emailed me pictures, I don’t think they look too bad, but we’ll wait and see what the real thing looks like!

Serving Time

On Sunday Chris and I got our first callings in the ward. I’m on the Compassionate Service Committee in the Relief Society and Chris is the Proclaiming the Gospel Chair in the Elders Quorum. I guess all Chris has to do for his calling is teach a lesson once every three months about Preach my Gospel. I’d say if we’re going to get callings, these ones aren’t too bad.

I also found out from Chris there is a guy from Lilydale (the turkey slaughter house) who is in our ward. I haven’t met him yet, but I’m hoping too. I knew that somebody there had to be a member! And he is actually from Ecuador too; I’ll have to find out where.

Pretending to be Crafty

On Saturday I was oh so crafty, and I’m pretty of proud of myself! I went to Diane’s ward’s Relief Society Super Saturday. She had ordered these FHE boards for Jennifer and me to do. I did all the assembling and painting. I think I did pretty well considering I’m not a crafty person at all.

Wedding Bells

We still haven't seen our pictures from Headingley, and I think they are going to be really great. I'm excited to see the ones with the Limo! In the mean time, here's one from Edmonton outside the Temple.

It's been a very busy day at work. In addition to my own work, I've been covering for the receptionist all day. I'm excited for the weekend. I hope you all have a great weekend too!

Wally-World

Last night I entered another dimension, another world, the Wal-Mart SuperCentre. Well, I was only there for a minutes. It just opened up, and is the first in Edmonton. I was looking for these wire cube blocks, so I thought to try Wal-Mart. I hadn’t even realized the new SuperCentre was open. First of all the parking was insane. There were even police cars at the entrance. The only reason I got a spot was cause I waited for a lady to finish loading her goodies in her trunk and then took her spot. When I entered the store it was packed, and the line-ups for a cashier were stretching far and wide. My wire cubes weren’t worth it, so I didn’t even last in this new world. Well…. new to Canada, I know you materialized, consumer driven Americans are already adjusted to it. :)

Alarms and Earphones

When I got to my car this morning to go to work, I put my key in the door to unlock it, and all of a sudden this car alarm goes off. I’m thinking what the heck, we don’t have a car alarm, or even one of those keyless entries where you can press a button to set an alarm off. I look it around, and it’s for sure my car that has the alarm. I tried to start the car and it wouldn’t start. Chris had just left for school at the same time, so I run around to the front of the building to try and catch him, and he’s half way up the block. I’m running and I’m yelling his name like an idiot, but he’s got those stupid head phones in listening to his ipod. I finally catch up with him at the end of the block and tell him what’s happening. He said he heard the alarm, but thought nothing of it since we don’t have a car alarm. By the time we both get back to the car it’s stopped. We try again and the car started with no problem. Cookey! I guess we’ve got some real good security system that even the owners don’t know about it!

Too much of a good thing

Lately we have been eating very well, and probably a little too much! For example, on Sunday we went to the Lamont’s for supper. We had soup and chili in bread bowls which was so delicious that I had a few too many servings and soup and bread is very filling. Then we had ice cream cake celebrating Steve’s, Chris’ brother, birthday. Plus we had Krispy Kreme donuts that Chirs’ sister Pam had brought back from Lethbridge/Calgary. Not to mention the leftover chocolate brownies with chocolate icing that were from a party Chris and I went too Saturday night. Then yesterday the food just kept coming! We’ve been helping our ward missionaries with a Spanish lady and her daughter investigating the church. So we went over to their house to celebrate the daughter’s birthday. We thought we would only be having cake, so we ate dinner first (more delicious soup and bread bowl). When we got there they served us huge pieces of New York Cheesecake with blueberries and cream. Plus ice cream, and these enchiladas and empanadas. Basically we had two dinners in the space of 2 hours. This had better stop or you might not recognize me at Christmas; regardless of how much I exercise!

Sales and Snow

I understand that many would classify this as bragging, but in my defense, what else is a blog for? Plus mom said I should. On Friday the top manager in my office told me that I had led the office sales for the month of October. Meaning I sold the most policies. Pretty good since I’m still new. So in Cutts tradition, we celebrated the only real way to celebrate and went out to eat. We went to the Olive Garden and it was delicious!

Yesterday was the first day of the year that we had snow on the ground that hasn’t melted. A little sad, but then I saw a guy carrying a snowboard which got me excited for winter sports, so its not all bad.

Trick or Treat, Smell my Feet.....

I’ll admit that my trick-or-treating success was not as great as last years, but it still wasn’t a write-off. We headed to Beaumont to Chris’s family and tried taking his nephew Anderson, who is 1.5 yrs old, out, but he didn’t get past one door; maybe next year. Either way, Bamm-Bamm and Pebbles hit up a few doors on the Lamont’s street, and then some family friends. Considering the minimal time we put in we did get a lot back. We haven’t divvyed up the goods yet, but I’m hoping to make some good trades!

All in a Days Work

We had a costume contest at work today. I came to work dressed as Pebbles, and Bamm-Bamm (Chris) will be accompanying me later this evening for trick-or-treating. It was a tight race, but I came third winning a pair of sunglasses retail value $80. with a Millenium Insurance crested case. I lost out to the always classic witch (2nd) and the KISS rock star (1st).

Flash Backs

Chris had a midterm last night, so our pumpkin carving FHE got pushed back till tonight. For me though, the thoughts of pumpkin carving carry images of last year’s pumpkin beer making. I was the one in our group to cut up all our pumpkins and it took at least one hour to cut just one pumpkin! And there were a lot of pumpkins to cut; at least that meant lots of pumpkin seeds to eat. So we’ll see how tonight’s carving goes. Maybe cracking open a bottle of that seasoned pumpkin beverage will ease the whole process……

Nigerian Scam

Some days at work I like to view the craigslist website and look at apartments for rent and such, just for fun. The other day there was a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom new condo for rent for $800. a month, which is an amazing deal. So I emailed the guy just out of interest to find out more details. Well it turns out this guy is a Nigerian Bishop who has left to West Africa on a crusade with his wife and daughter. He claims that he lived in the condo, its fully furnished, and out of the goodness of his heart because he is a trusting man, he will rent it to us with no real contract, just to answer a few questions, some including ‘What is your religion?’ and ‘Are you born again?’

Well, Chris and I go to try and find where this condo is. After double checking the address with him, and going back a second time in the daylight, we find the place. It’s a huge condo complex all under construction. Obviously he wasn’t living there! So we think this guy is trying to scam us into sending him money and then he’ll send us the key! I don’t think so. He also told us he didn’t have anyone in Edmonton he would trust with a key to show us the place. Bologna! Well he won’t be scamming us!!

a bit about my summer

I woke up to snow on my car this morning, but I guess I can't really complain, since Jill's already experienced that, and by 10am it was sunny and all melted.

Either way, I decided that pictures of the summer would help me through this dark and dreary time.

Chris and I spent our honey moon in Jasper. We stayed at the Overlander Mountain Lodge in a little cabin surrounded by mountains. It was beautiful. During our vacation we took a trail ride all through the hills and moutains. The middle picture was taken at the gate into Jasper National Park. We were on our way out. If you look closely you can see a small building up in the trees, that is where we stayed, and all around there is where our trail ride was.

Joining the club

After much personal debate, weighing pros and cons, I've decided to join the club of bloggers in the family and start my own. I'm making no promises on how often and how entertaining my blogs will be, if nothing else, it will just keep me in better contact with everyone, since some individuals in my family have gotten into the habit of questioning who I am and what my relation is to them when I call. So welcome to my blog, comments and suggestions are encouraged!