Martini Momma

Cold Feet

The weekend has been busy and full of cold feet every which way.  I was very nervous about getting my cards read but the outcome was WOW!  I am not sure I can share the fate of my cards on a blog but it left me shaken, excited, sad, happy and a believer.  There were things that connected beyond that what you could tell rom a wedding ring or my clothes and mannerisms.  I had cold feet and went in skeptic and out a believer.

The rest of the weekend we kept cozy with ordering in Wasabi (or how do I love thee), hockey games and hot tea, holiday baking, a sleepover with our neighbour's kids which had us driving 4 glassy eyed kids through CanaInns Winter Wonderland to Christmas carols and timbits.  Kirby and I watched this movie - you will not be able to make it through without bawling if you have kids (that might even extend to boys)

Today, despite cold feet and weather  - Brandi and I delivered our record number of hampers to date for the Christmas Cheer Board and warmed the hearts of TEN WInnipeg families.  The car was warm, we sipped Vanilla Roobios Misto's laced with Eggnog and discussed life and we offered each of those families a small dose of warmth of their own.  The warmth that comes from knowing that at least there will be food for a few weeks to get by the holidays.  I recommend it.  Nothing warms your heart more:)

Today kicks off three nights of celebrating with many of the amazing women in my life:)  I can not wait!

 

 

Pop, pop luck.

Last night Brent and I sat together drinking hot toddies...

• 1 cup of decaf tea
• 1 ounce spiced rum
• fresh squeezed lemon
• 1 dollop of honey

and while we sat, I chowed down 3/4 of a bag of Rocky Pop Carmel Corn.  It was so delicious.  Many times, I thought to myself: "Stop you little piggy."  But my inner demon said, "Shut it and eat."  These days I would have to run to Brandon and back daily to work off my Christmas calories.

Sadly I am not working out near enough to counter act the amount I have been eating and drinking.  Each morning when my alarm goes off, all I can do is reach over and hit SNOOZE,  But I am OK with that.  Yesterday I had a series of good things come my way...

To start, Gramps and I ventured out in the cold for a cup of joe at Timmies.  He treated and and in exchange I became his chauffeur.  Despite the chillies temps, it's always warm when I am with Gramps.  Also in my day of goodness, I received an Olympic Torch tshirt made from recycled plastic PET bottles - how cool is that?  Then, I was shopping at a local health food store and while catching up an old teacher on my life in vitamin water, I opened sold the manager on vw and opened the account.  Again, tres cool.

Finally, once the babes were in bed, I logged on and started reading blogs...only to discover I had won an online contest.  My first ever.  And at one of my fav spots, Tiber River Naturals.  Who couldn't use a little extra pampering this time of year.

I am thinking maybe my dear friend The Coach needs a little TLC this week... tomorrow she, Crys and I are off to get our cards read.  Maybe Ten Spa is in her future...

One Great Friendship

We caught up with some old friends last night.  They have been in our (mine, especially) lives for as long as I can remember, so many special moments and shared memories.  It gets easier every time for us to sit and visit without interruption from the 6 youngsters that have managed for years to steal the show. 

Elisa and Ty have always been inseparable and we have often said that it would be great if they would just grow up and get married so we could call ourselves family and not just friends.  They still travel as a unit and now with them sharing their kindergarten experience, they just get closer. 

Our middle girls, Anna and Mags, have a love/hate relationship that has been brewing since their birth.  They laugh, they cry, they share, they hoard, they giggle, then tattle.  We adore watching the dynamic shift as the power changes hands throughout the night.  No tears last night from the 3 year olds, I’d say we’re making progress.

The babes, the babes, not so much anymore.  Shrieks and toddles abound.  I only saw one toy stolen from the other and Sadie darted into the living room before poor Dominic knew what hit him. 

Friendships that span time are immeasurable.  While falling asleep last night, I knew why I love their company.  It is comfortable and familiar and even though we have not seen enough of each other this fall, the night was like putting on your comfiest pj’s.  You can pick at the dessert on the table without judgement and continue to eat appetizers even after dinner ends. 

Countless years of friendships, 3 lost parents, 6 new babes, 3 maternity leaves, 4 thrush battles, at least 100 pairs of compression stockings, numerous parenting phone calls, ENDLESS recipe swaps, 4 new homes, 4 family weddings, 2 Italian cooking lessons, more wine than I can remember, 5 pairs of traditional pajama swaps, 1 road that seperates our families.  Wow, it all makes for one lifelong friendship and a pretty great story.

Thank you for a wonderful evening.

Deliver Some Cheer this Year!

This Sunday (Dec 13)  Brandi and I are delivering hampers for our annual tradition - the Christmas Cheer Board.

We want you all to join us:)

Pair up with a friend or two and deliver a few hampers and cheer! (12-3pm)  All you do is show up at Cheer Board headquarters ready to drive hampers...no planning required. Ps.  It is early in the delivers so we can avoid the really sketchy routes (at least that is how I avoid my anxiety:))

Meet us for a drink and snack after at Earl's lounge (Polo Park).  If you aren't delivering cheer but want to come for a drink you better be prepared to buy a few turkey dinners for Siloam Mission.

(3-5pm)

Do it - A great way to catch up with friends and do something good.

Hope to see all the Martini Momma's we can!

The Green Light

For months, I have been hiding a little a secret deep in my heart.  It's a secret that has been growing and growing in both anticipation and size.  I AM EXPECTING!  A niece or a nephew, that is.  My sis gave me the green light just moments ago that I can finally share my excitement with the world.  I was there to confirm the first, second and third peed on sticks and saw the disbelief in both hers and my brother in-laws faces.  They were planning a babe but who ever expects it so fast.  Blessed are us, Giesbrecht girls, with easy fertility.  I am ecstatic, I cannot wait.  I know I am done with babies but the very thought of adding a niece or nephew to our little brood brings a joy I cannot express.  My sister will be phenomenal mother.  She has practiced for years on my little ones and nothing fazes her anymore.  She changes the diapers, kisses the wounds, soothes the temperamental and she spoils.  The roles are about to be turned on end, I don't have to discipline hers; I just have to love and now...spoil.  Finally the celebrating can get underway, now that the first 12 weeks are behind us and now that she has heard the little heartbeat strong and sure.  I am over-the-moon excited and will be counting down days until the baby arrives.  I am already referring to the baby as "our" baby just like her wedding was "our" wedding. I can't wait to share every joy and pain of pregnancy and every tiny detail of motherhood with her. Congratulations, Katie and Jared and welcome to an excitement filled world of parenthood. 

On a different note, Kal, a day for celebrating in your house, too, I'm sure.  A beautiful art show under your belt and finally a day with no pressure and no deadlines.  As I said to you last night, the talent you possess is hard for me to fathom, being able to take a blank canvas and transform it into a masterpiece.  It is truly amazing.  What a classy event from the delightful new wine, Yali Cabernet Carmenere (found at our own MLCC for a steal of only $11.75) right down to the fine feathered friends.    Thank you for sharing your work with us and Congratulations!

I got my wings.

 

Last night there must have been a flutter of wings flapping all throughout downtown Winnipeg for the lovely and powerful Kal who hosted an art show like no other.

Kath and I - whom I have miss, miss, missed - had dinner here with our husbands.  It was non-stop chatter, as always about business, life and perspective.  Kirb and Kath are so much fresh air in our life.  They exude real and I we love every minute with them.

From pasta (pronounced paw-sta) to malbec we had a truly fab dinner.  And then... it was off for us four to find our wings.  For me, I love and appreciated Kal until last night.  For yesterday was my first show of the infamous Kal Barteski and it was an honor to witness the gamut of her talent - live.  In a room that was eerie with all of her birds, speaking to me.

Truth be told, I fell a little in love with an old, manly pelican whom I wished to take home.  Art is so very personal and so it is hard to make a purchase as a couple because Brent and I heard different birds speaking in our ears.  We haven't yet bought anything but are talking herons and pelicans. 

One things can be said for soulful nights with good wine and great friends and fabulous art - is that it really does give you wings.  Last night was a quiet reflection of just how grateful I am for my million dollar friend and they way this life is panning out.  Today, I shall fly.

Caution, this video is going to LIFT your holidays spirits!

 

 

Tonight I saw the fat man.

Well the festivities have definitely begun for this momma.  Last night I had the pleasure of spending the evening with my mom, Crys & Gracie and the boys.   We had a Baileys and Coffee, GF Butter Tarts and Timbits for the kids.  We piled into the van and headed off to see The Winter Wonderland.

We sang Christmas carols and explained what exactly 'He's making a list' means.  We saw reindeer, fish leaping from ponds, gingerbread men and even a swamp monster.  The kids called out new finds and we laughed at their excitement.  When the lights finally wished us a good night, we - not - ready to go home, headed to Shelmerdine's to tour their tree display...

The kids were excellent...right up until the last 15 minutes when they starting hitting one another, using 'bathroom words' and shrieking at the top of their lungs.  I hope the fat man has that on tape.  I mean really, what?  You think it's our fault for jacking them up with sugar and then locking them in the van?  Interesting perspective.

Just before we left, we stopped in to peak at the birds (real and ornamental) - seeing these beautiful red feathered friends below made me feel like flying...right to Kal's Art Show.  Yeah.  It's finally here.  It is going to be spectacularr!

  
 
 

 

THANKS JUDY!

 

My mom's cousin is Judy (one of our very insightful commenters).  She is incredibly thoughtful, kind and I admire so much her love of family.

Yesterday, I got home to this in the mail (snail mail!).  Thanks Jude.  You are so sweet!

People of the Year

 
I am so intrigued about Matt Lauer's upcoming NBC Thanksgiving (US) Special about about people who share 'Stories of Redemption to Candid Personal Reflection, How Their Lives Changed in 2009".

In fact, seeing the ad on TV really got me thinking.  Although this year is still one plus month from over, it is a time for reflection.  I would have to say for me that 2009 has been my best year yet.  When I turned 30, and people asked me how I was feeling about such a milestone, I always replied, "Great!  I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the tea in the world.  My life gets richer each day that I live."  And you know how much I like tea.

Ironically and maybe it's not, this year I have witnessed many people in my life make GREAT STRIDES IN THEIR LIFE JOURNEYS, dramatic changes to their worlds.  I have watched people make life altering career and family transformations which have dawned new beginnings.

I have seen beautiful people in my life, reach deep inside beyond their pride to find ways to support others.  Magically (to coin Mol Cats) I have watched some friendships of my own reach new levels of intimacy as I witnessed STRONG women in my life battle the ability to have babies and others who have found the strength required to close doors.

Equally cool, I have met a TON of new people through the blog, the new role I have at vw and my new writing gigs.  Each person I meet adds a bit more richness to the tapestry of my life.  So, thanks.  Heck, my sis Jen (I think) has even started reading my blog and that makes my heart smile.

Naturally I cannot hep but wonder if all of the people in my life are moving in the same direction that I am?  Or more logically, am I succeeding at altering my perspective so I that appreciate what others are bringing to the table.  Either way, I am blessed and very fortunate to have so much richness in this life. 

My question to you is, who in your world is worthy of "People of the Year"?  Before you answer that, here is a cool little bit of inspiration.