I'm a MIT

So, just a little post to update everyone on my new job! I am a Manager In Training at Anthropologie at West Ed and am loving it! With that comes increased hours and as a result, Isla in a day home. I work Mondays from 1-6, Thursdays from 7-2, Fridays from 7-3 and Saturdays from 2-11. Luckily, my mother in law is looking after Isla Monday afternoons and for the month of July, my mom is with her every Friday. I am very grateful for loving grandmas who are willing to watch her. It's such a blessing. Today was her first day at the day home and I am relieved that I was not given the assignment of dropping her off. After mine and Cam's prayer this morning (followed by a major tear fest from me), I left for work. The 'drop-off' did not go well and Cam informed me that it broke his little heart in two. Isla was reaching for him in amongst fits of tears (Nancy - our day home lady - informed me at pick up that after this incident, she went to the front door and layed on the welcome mat with her tiny, teary face buried in her husband's shoes = SAD). Having said all that, I picked her up and was quite pleased! She had 2 naps, ate a delicious lunch, played lots and was blowing Nancy and all the other kids kisses. I guess after some major snuggle time with Nancy, Isla warmed right up! Peace now resonates in my heart. I did not know it would be that hard to say goodbye to 2 of my days with Isla. However, I am really loving this job and the opportunity it is bringing for me by allowing me to contribute to my family financially and do something different that I thoroughly enjoy. Not to mention that I work with incredible, inspiring women and am surrounded by beautiful things. Life is good.

Happy Father's Day!

So, today is Father's Day! And what can I say? Isla loves her dad more than anything else on planet earth. She really does. She lights up whenever he comes home and snuggles with him until it MUST come to an end. She giggles SO much whenever she is around him and looks at him with complete awe and adoration. He is an incredibly amazing father and Isla is so blessed and privileged to call him 'Dad'. Here is a photo montage of Cam being the best daddy ever and loving his daughter more than words (and pictures) can express.

Love Them.

Isla Pictures

It has been over a month since my last post. Craziness. I am ashamed.

In order to redeem myself, I am posting a large amount of recent Isla photos. She is the cutest, most darling, most funny, most outgoing, most amazing child on planet earth (yes, I am biased)! I love her. To pieces. Enjoy.

Isla and Daddy snuggling in her housecoat (Thanks Journey!)

 exploring her new, soft housecoat

 taking in the sights at Fort Edmonton Park

 waiting for the train

 perfect window on the train to see the horses

Livi, Isla and miscellaneous pelt in the tipi at Fort Ed Park

 Isla and Me.

Popi and Isla enjoying some cuddles

 Isla and Wrennie about to go for a walk

 Isla all dressed up for N&A's wedding

Isla at Whiterock, just tickled pink.

In Jasper, on a stump.

 just hugging a totem pole.

 the Schellenbergs.

A dead crab.

Six.

So, today is our 6th Wedding Anniversary. Really? These past six years have been quite the journey... it leaves me wondering what the next 6 will bring, and then the next 6 and so on. A few things I know now as a result of 6 years:

1. I am MUCH better looking now than I was then (this point is number one on purpose).
2. Cam is too.
3. Marriage is hard work. Never ending, all encompassing work.
4. Expect moments from heaven. Expect moments from hell.
5. Surround yourself with good, supportive and encouraging friends. Both couple friends and separate friends too.
6. Find a way to communicate that works for you... letters, a private journal, weekly chats.
7. Never stop growing and finding new ways to be better for each other.
8. Laugh lots.

Vegas.... Girly Styles.

Well, not much to say really. Other than that I really did have the time of my life. We spent 3 magical days laughing, catching up, eating, shopping and trying to soak up the sun, despite the pitiful weather. These ladies are truly 2 of the most wonderful, amazing, loving and funny people I have ever met and I feel lucky to have been able to spend 3 incredible days with 2 of my most favorites.
Enjoy the photo journey.

'One Day'.

Based on a recommendation from a friend, I decided to read 'One Day' by David Nicholls. I heard nothing about it nor had I heard of it before she mentioned it.

Having said that, this is truly one of the best books I have ever read. And the word 'best' doesn't even begin to describe it. Magnificent. Moving. Elegant. Tragic. Hilarious. Debilitating. Stoic. Heartbreaking... and the list goes on. Never before have I been so involved in the lives of these characters, Dex & Em, Em & Dex. I laughed when they laughed, I cried when they cried, I mourned when they mourned. David does such an incredible job at getting his readers to instantly fall in love with both main characters. Despite decisions made, character flaws, mistakes happening and tragedy ensuing, the love for both Dexter and Emma is unwavering. I feel strongly that his depiction of friendship, falling in love and relationships is both accurate and convicting. He does not 'hollywood-ize' or romanticize either one of these people. There is nothing breathtaking about Emma or incredibly endearing about Dexter but something about the combination of these two together is nothing less than magical. The premise of the book follows these 2 on the anniversary of the day they met, July 15th, 1988... St. Swithin's Day. Each consecutive chapter finds us engrossed in their lives on this exact day, one year later. Please read it. Please love it. Please cry. Please laugh. Please let me know what you think.

This book has been made into a movie starring the adorable Anne Hathaway and the absolutely delicious Jim Sturgess (yum). The movie is set to be released in July (although don't quote me on that). I expect nothing but brilliance and am beyond eager to see it.

The Many Faces of Isla...

*surprise*

*showing off her impressive drool face*

*happy*

*na na na naaaaa na*

*drunk*

*satisfied*