Tales from the hardware store

Over the past few years, Brent and I have become very familiar with our local hardware stores. After shopping at all of them, Rona has become our least favorite. We actually avoid going there whenever possible. Unfortunately for us, it's the closest to our house, and when you have a small child, sometimes convenience over rules.

Last year we replaced our BBQ, Brent's patio caddy finally gave out and he treated himself to the BBQ of his choice. (We did not buy it at Rona). The other day, we stopped in at Rona, and they had our BBQ on display. Now it comes in fancy new colors, I guess that's the new thing in BBQ's! Brent opened up the grill of our model and inside was a note from an obviously disgruntled customer. It read:

Last Year's Price: $899
This Year's Price: $1099
RONA'S RECESSION GIFT TO YOU!!!!!!!

We had a chuckle, and could relate to how that person felt. Brent shut the lid and left the note for the next person to find.

The next day, Brent went back to return something (not a fun process at Rona). They had lifted the tops of all of their display BBQ's so that people could see the inside. Being as smart as they are, they left the note there, now on display for everyone to read!! This just confirms how ridiculous this store is...yet, I'm sorry to say that I'm sure we'll go back.

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to our dads. We love you xoxo

Party Time

It was Eli and his cousin Evelyn's birthday party on Saturday. We had a joint party for both of them since they are only 2 days apart in age. We did a disney theme, and I think the kids had lots of fun. Eli crashed right after cake so Evie enjoyed opening presents on her own! I don't think I've ever had a birthday party that big in my whole life, they sure are starting out with a bang. Thanks to everyone who came!!

Cake time


First bite


Evie checking out her new baby

Happy 1st Birthday Eli!

Just a quick second to pop by and say Happy Birthday to Eli! What an amazing year we have had. I'm so proud to be your mom. xoxoxo

A little different

We bought a new shed and have yet to assemble it. I was skimming through the instruction manual and I noticed that this manual seemed different than any other I've read. I enjoyed some of the introduction since it really put things into perspective. We are often in a rush to get things done which causes frustration. This is by far no Ikea manual!

A few outtakes:

- " The first step is simple... RELAX! You have made a great purchase, but Rome was not built in a day. Plan to spend a good part of your weekend putting together your fine Garden Shed." Our philosophy is if it comes together quickly and easily, it surely will come apart quickly and easily!"

- " Grab a friend to join in on the fun! This is not a one-person endeavor. (Brent needs to read this!) We have found that not only will things go smoother if you have two or more people participating in the construction of the shed, but it will go quicker as well. So, the more the merrier!"

- "Now that you're ready to begin the construction of your wonderful new Garden Shed, step back, take a deep breath, get yourself a large cold beverage and enjoy yourself. We guarantee that after spending the right amount of time building your shed, you will be able to enjoy it for years to come."

Copy cat

Eli is really into copying sounds that we make. It's especially handy entertainment in the car. Here he is with dad, with his latest sound.

Sledding in June

We kicked off June 1st with some sledding in the yard. Eli loved it! The things you come up with to be outside when your yard is under construction. I found this little sled at our community used toy and clothing sale on the weekend and I have a feeling it's going to be worth every penny. Plus it came in handy to cart around my other purchases at the sale. That place was worse than Costco, if you didn't buy something that caught your eye the minute you saw it, it was gone!

Sod day!

I am very behind on my landscaping posts. Brent has been working like a madman on the yard and he's doing an amazing job. He's my superhero! - with a tan I might add, even a farmer tan is pretty good for May. The new fence is in (just waiting on gates), yard is cleared out, rototilled and graded, dog run is built and filled with rocks, deck base is built, benches are started, stairs are in, trees are planted and tomorrow is sod day. Phew!!!!!!

We decided on an Ohio Buckeye tree for the front, and a maple and lilac for the back. I'm very happy with our choices. We went to Beaver Dam nursery and it was excellent. It's just outside of Okotoks. They were very helpful, had everything we wanted (in pots) and the prices were great. The lilac that we wanted at Spruce it up was $175 on sale for $115, and we got it at Beaver Dam for $78. Pretty good.

I don't want to post pictures until everything is done, but here is a sneak peak at the fence before and after.