Irvine Family Life

Irvine family vacation

2011-03-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

So my last post talked about preparing the best way possible for a vacation for my family. Well let me tell you something I learned....You can make all the preparations in the world, but sometimes there are not preparations for certain things that happen in life. That was actually a big lesson for me.
I had 2 good days when we got there. We stayed in this gorgeous resort. We were exhausted when we got there but the kids traveled so well:)
We found the closest ward to visit and went to sacrament the next day. Then on Monday I started feeling crappy. Nothing that a bit of salt water up the nose can't fix right? So I went ahead with my plans to take surfing lessons with Natasha. So glad I did. We had a fab day, surfing, eating and shopping.
Then it hit. I was so sick I was in bed for a couple of days. Thank goodness my wonderful in laws were there to cook meals for us. I LOVE my father in laws cooking. Thank you DAVID!!
Then Monkey got worse and him and I went to the doctors for prescriptions for our ear and sinus infections. Then little princess and Mr. B got sick. They had fevers for 5 days and Mr. B ended up in hospital with RSV. All this time Natasha was sick too but not as sick as everyone else. As each child got better they did day trips with grandparents or Caleb. I looked out the window of our resort and could see them playing on the beach or one of the many pools with water slides and waterfalls. I couldn't smell the tropical flowers or breeze as my nose was plugged. I couldn't hear the tropical birds singing as my ears were plugged. I couldn't taste my POG or many other delicacies. I couldn't feel the sand in my toes. I stayed in and watched my sick babies:(
That was not a good week for me.
Then we got on a plane and flew to Maui. Everyone's ears were bad at this point. The next day Caleb, Monkey and grandparents snorkeled Molikini which was a blast for them. The day after that, I stared feeling better!!!! Natasha and I went out for lunch and shopped in Wailea. Such a relief to get out:)
Then Mr. B wasn't getting any better and couldn't keep any food down so we took him to Maui hospital. They did xrays and found nothing in his lungs thank goodness. He just had to wait it out and we had to give him Tylenol suppositories, poor baby:(
He finally got better by the day before we left, which was the day we had our beautiful family pictures done. Caleb and princess also went to the doctors that week and were treated for sinus ear as well. Caleb had perforated his ear drum diving, and to this day it is still in rough shape.
The last four days of our trip were quite fantastic. Most of us were feeling better and we had a good 2 days with all of us at the beach. Natasha and the Monkey did some boogie boarding and Princess and I did some swimming in the ocean. It was awesome. One night Caleb and I were able to go out and celebrate our anniversary. We drove to Lahaina and went to dinner at Kimo's. They make the most amazing fresh fish I have ever had. Also if you ever go make sure you have the "Hula Pie" soooooooooo good. Then we watched the sunset from our table and listened to live Hawaiian Music. On the way home we pulled over and watched this crazy lightning storm. I have never seen lightning like this. It was like worms in the sky, pretty cool and it always flashed right behind the volcanic crater.
Monkey also got to drive up Haleakala, which was on my bucket list, so maybe next time. He climbed 1000 feet into the crater. Pretty cool. He also did Pearl Harbour with his grandparents. I am glad he got to see that. The kids went and toured the Dole Plantation which they really enjoyed especially the Dole whip desserts and the train ride. My in laws went to the Polynesian Cultural Centre which we did last time and I believe they really enjoyed that.
O and I should mention our photographer. Tamiz photography. She was amazing. Very impressed with her pictures. If you ever go to Maui and want family pictures done, you need to call her.
All in all it was a great vacay, if we hadn't been sick it would have been amazing.
I am already planning to go back next year sometime, but without kids. We have never had a honey moon and I think its about darn time we do.:):)
http://www.tamizphotography.blogspot.com/

Hawaii Vacation Planning Tips

2011-01-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

(Hanging with the Fijians at the PCC)

So I have been in the process of planning a vacation for a couple of years now. That's just how I am. I think I should have been a travel agent or vacation planner if I wanted to be in the working world. I enjoy planning so much I would probably do it for free for people.
I spend a lot of time looking for good deals and trying to fly with points. Lets face it, if you have a bigger family then 4, you can no longer stay in hotel rooms unless your loaded.
So I love to look on VRBO, for great deals but nice places. I have made the mistake ONCE before of picking the cheapest place I could find one night in Sea-Tac while waiting for a flight to Disneyland. Needless to say it was a horrifying experience that I will NEVER forget and I didn't sleep a wink. So it needs to be affordable but nice enough that I feel like I am not going to contract some life-threatening disease.
So we are going to Oahu for one week, and Maui for the second.
Last time we were in Oahu we were suckered into a time share presentation (who hasn't been at one point) and we didn't buy it, we just bought a week to come back to the Ko-Olina Marriot Resort at a later time. We then tried to cancel and get our money back, and they said no, but they would upgrade our package so we could bring extended family to help offset the cost. So we are still sucked into going to this beautiful place:)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlko-marriotts-ko-olina-beach-club/
Then I found a private condo owner on VRBO for Maui. I did alot of searching as Maui is quite expensive. This condo is reasonably priced and lovely.
http://www.vrbo.com/111086
We have an Alaska Airmiles credit card that we put all of our purchases on to accumulate points for travel and we have gone on a couple of vacations with half our airfare paid like this.
Then I subscribe to Groupon in Hawaii like 6 months beforehand and I got surfing lessons for me and Natasha.
Last time we went, I bought an entertainment book for Hawaii really cheap before and we got one free admission to the PCC. (Polynesian Cultural Centre) This is a must see for anyone that goes there for the first time. Expensive, but worth it for what you get. All day admission, tour of Laie, Imax, dinner Luau, Lei greeting, night show. So awesome!
http://www.polynesia.com/
I am also on the look out for Groupon to some nice restaurants as eating out in Hawaii can also be very expensive.
That is why we get a condo, so we can cook most of our own meals, and since grocery shopping is also expensive because they have to ship everything in, we bring all our non perishables in our suitcase from home. Yes it takes up a lot of space, but as we consume it, the space opens up in our luggage for all the loot we bring home. Chocolate covered macadamia nuts for one!
(Yes I am a major tourist)
Which brings us to packing. Since we are staying in condos, we have washing facilities, so I am a major packing Nazi. 3 outfits ONLY. I have a teenager that would bring her whole room if she could. We can wash as often as we need to, and we never end up wearing all our stuff because we have to go to Target!!! I love Target.
We are only bringing 4 suitcases for 6 of us, and I am even packing diapers! We have to pay for each suitcase now, and I was going to bring the play pen for baby to sleep in but I found out its going to be cheaper to rent it than to bring it on the plane. You can rent anything these days. The Marriot will provide high chair, crib and bed rails, and after much searching I found a great place in Maui to rent all that stuff. They will even go buy some of our groceries and have everything delivered and set up for free when we arrive. I was quite pleasantly surprised by this.
You can still bring carry on for free, so we just bring the biggest carryons we can. We also weigh all of our luggage before we leave and make sure its not over 50 pounds. Just shuffle things around a bit.
All you really need beside baby stuff, is a great pair of sunglasses, bathing suit, flip flops and sunscreen. I recommend doing a month of tanning before. Regardless of what anyone says, this is still the best option if you are planning on exposing yourself to the sun at all. Just remember it doesn't REPLACE sunscreen, it just helps. I can safely say I am an expert in this area personally and professionally.
I also do a lot of searching on the web for great beaches, snorkeling spots and all the great historic and scenic must sees on the islands. You must buy shave ice and you must have seafood. They are both the best on the islands.
We plan on taking a trip to the temple while we are there and attending church on Sunday. I love Polynesian Mormons. they are so friendly and such an awesome people. Church there is a little different than here and it is a great cultural experience. Lat time we were there, the YW invited Natasha to their activity. She wasn't able to go, but they are just that friendly. Its probably one of the only places Caleb can get away with wearing flip flops to church:)
Last time I went, Caleb was sick for a few days and I did a lot of driving the kids around on my own. I kept getting lost which is pretty hard on Oahu as its a small island, but I would take a turnoff and then I would see the ocean,but It would be the wrong side of the island. This time I am taking my GPS. I have all the places written down that we will go to, so no more wasted time getting lost. the only good thing about getting lost is the scenery. Really, getting lost in Hawaii is never a bad experience. I love "Hawaii Five-0", but it is nothing like the show. I have never felt unsafe anywhere there.
I think its a good idea to make a list of what you are taking a long time before you go. I am already packing and it is still month away. I found out that Caleb's only pair of flipflpos are frozen int he backyard under a foot of snow, also I have to order Mr. B's formula and it will take a week or two. He is on lactose free and I like to use ready to feed on the plane. So I have my reasons...lol
I was also unlucky enough once to have my luggage lost, so now I always bring one carry on with a swimsuit, flip flops and one change of clothes for everyone in the family. Just in case.
I also did a lot of searching for affordable car rentals. It has to be a minivan and we went with 2 different places on each island, sometimes if you search months in advance, you can find some great deals. we are going with Alamo for Oahu and Thrifty for Maui. If you are vacationing on Maui with just your spouse and no kids? I recommend renting a convertible mustang and doing the road to Hana, its awesome! Not good with car sick kids though:(
This will hopefully be a more relaxing affordable trip than the last. Last time, everyone wanted to do something big. I went swimming with the sharks, Natasha with the dolphins and monkey wanted hi surfing lessons. Caleb got to do it all:) We also did the PCC and we don't need to do that this time. We did book a family photo shoot while we are there. I thought we will all be nice and tanned and relaxed by the end of our vacay, why not?
http://www.tamizphotography.com/#/maui-photographer/
And last but MOST important, get your passport months in advance. You can't go without it. If you are travelling with kids and only one biological parent, also make sure you have a notarized permission letter from the other parent. I am always asked for this. I give it to my ex husband like 6 months in advance and he usually doesn't get around to signing it until a week before and then couriers it to me, this is totally nerve racking cause I end up getting it the day before we leave....Yes I am still waiting for it.

I haven't even talked about all the beaches and places I like etc.. There is so much to see and do on the islands. They are def. my favourite places to be. So if you want anymore personal info, just ask me and PLEEZ...if you have any advice for me or you have gone to a great restaurant or beach you would like to share with me, I am still in the planning stages so let me know:)

Mahalo!!

PS my daughter and her Friends laugh at me cause I collect ketchup packets and take them with me to the condo. Its lighter than a bottle and cheaper too! Don't hate me cause my kids love ketchup!!

You must also have a Pina Colada. Make sure to ask for a virgin, or not if you are so inclined.

Our Christmas traditions from around the globe

2010-12-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year! I had Natasha and the monkey for the first time in a couple of years on Christmas, so that was extra special, especially as this is our first Christmas as a complete family:)
Christmas Eve was spent at my brother Robert's house. We have traditional European fare. In Czecho, they always have fish on the Christmas Eve, as that is what Mary and Joseph are said to have eaten. So traditionally when we were young there would be a live Carp swimming in our bathtub at home before Christmas. We never knew where it came from but it just always appeared and then my dad would make Carp stew. Is this a Czech delicasy? I know not, maybe just a Kadlec thing, but nevertheless, it was our tradition.
So there was no Carp this year, but there were roll mops, caviar, crackers and cheeses, homemade potatoe salad, cod livers, oysters, shrimp, homemade Quiche, and baked goods. Most of which is very yummy (I will not eat the rollmops) but Stephanie who is new to our family this year, was more or less tricked into eating it:) ha ha
We then do the Nativity which is everyones favourite part.
Then we open presents from eachother. This was a wonderful evening. I LOVE my family:)
Then on Christmas Day, after the kids get up, we have family prayer and open our gifts to Jesus.( Mormon tradition)
Then we opened our stockings. Imagine my surprise when I found things in my stocking that surprised me!
Then Caleb picked up his parents at the airport and I prepared the gobble gobble.
We then opened up the rest of our gifts to eachother.
Then the rest of my family comes over for our feast, of turkey and trimmings and my favourite dessert English Trifle. (British traditions on Christmas Day)
We open the Christmas crackers and dig in.
Then we eat all day and all night and play Trivial Pursuit in which I never win, and Crokinole- which is more of an Eastern Canada/Maritime tradition.
I am truly blesssed to have such a wonderful family that loves eachother and gets along so well.

New Modest is Hottest Blog

2010-12-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

I started a new blog so I can keep my business separate from my family stuff. So if you are interested its here...
http://modestishottestcanada.blogspot.com/
I will be talking about mostly superficial things like clothing:)
Nothing serious, sad, funny or spectacular. Not many people know this, but I actually have a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I never used it, I was too busy making a family, and its a very well hidden secret especially if you see me during the week. I wear sweats. Love em, they usually have spit up all over them, so its fun to actually get dressed up sometimes.
I am also very outdoorsy, not in the winter much but fancy clothes don't work so well on a river or up a mountain, but I still have a secret girly inside of me that likes to look good:)

Modest is Hottest Calgary

2010-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

So If you haven't been bombarded yet with my message about my new business, here goes:)
While I have been sick the last couple of weeks, I have also been very busy setting up my new business.I am sorry if you got the message more than once. I have been trying to get the message out of what I am doing as many of my friends have said they did not get the message. I don't know if facebook isn't working or if its just to hard to keep up with all the changes on your facebook page, so here is a blog post about it.
So in Lethbridge, there is a nice lady named Arlene. She started her own company ordering clothes from these great stores in the U.S. You can actually go shop at these stores, but then you would have to travel down there. Or you can order directly from them, but the shipping prices stink, and you can't try them on first. So she has a rep in Edmonton, and one here in Calgary...(ME)
I love these clothes and I have bought so many, when the last girl told me she would be quitting, I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to have fun and make some extra money at the same time.
So for the last week I have been getting things together and doing inventory, ordering business cards and all the fun stuff that goes along with starting things up. I am pretty good to go now. I have a shop set up in my basement where people can come and browse and try on clothes. I have lots of samples of everything, and if someone wants something I dont have or something in another size I can order it and get it quite quickly. Also if someone wanted to have a party, I can bring the stuff to their house, and they would get clothing credit from the sales at their party.
There are 3 main companies right now that we get our clothes from. Downeast Outfitters is always getting new stuff. Mika Rose, Mod Bod and Diviine ModesTee are clothing lines that only come out with stuff once a year. Then we also carry Hapari and Lime Ricki swimsuits. Shade has closed down now, and will open up in the spring of 2011 with a whole new line.
We have dresses,skirts, blouses, cardigans, denim, shorts, swimsuits, jackets and of course the basics like shirts and wonder tees and camis etc... there is all different sizes and colours to choose from. Sizes range from XS-XXXL
So check out my new fanpage and click "LIKE" so you can keep up with all the new clothes coming in. I will post everytime I get new stuff.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Modest-is-Hottest-Calgary/164375796917431

Tylenol Zombie

2010-11-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Treehouse is so much more enjoyable when you are taking nightitme cold meds.
And, I think my PB toast with banana was looking at me this morning....
Don't worry I won't be operating a motor vehicle today, although I should be banned form the copmuter while taking this stuff, who knows what I might say,
My flu has turned into a full blown ear infection, but don't worry I am not in any pain:):):)

I can't wait to get better, I have so much to do. I am sooo looking forward to next week as I am starting a new job. A little business. I will be selling Modest is Hottest clothes here in Calgary, and I fear I won't make any money as I love buying the stuff too much.

So go check out my fanpage on facebook and check out the new clothes arrriving all the time! Make sure you click "LIKE" so I can keep you in the loop.

http://www.facebook.com/katirvine#!/pages/Modest-is-Hottest-Canada/164375796917431

Au Revoir xoxo

Sooooo Sick:(

2010-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

So this is the reason I dont get the flu shot. Everyone in my family that has ever gotten it gets sick. Lots of friends I have talked to have the same reaction.
Well I just talked to my homeopath and yes this can happen from the pills I took,(see previous posts) rare, but it can happen especially when you are run down and havent been getting enough sleep. Well I took them because I was run down and didnt want to get sick, guess I should have talked to him first...duh!
So monkey is a little sick and Natasha is a little more sick but I was so sick this weekend I couldnt even move. Thank Goodness it was the weekend and Caleb could take care of the babies. But I am on my own today, feeling very crappy but manageable. I was so sick I tried to take Caleb's T3's from last year, you know what they say about taking other people's meds? Well I grabbed the wrong bottle and took Arthrotec instead, didnt help at all. I am such a dolt.
SO at least we know that those homeopathic pills really work like the flu shot, I think if I had chosen to have the shot I would have been way worse. I woudl still try them again, but by myself and when the babies are older and I am not run down....
so if ya got any chicken soup lying around, you know where to send it:) LOL

Rights Rights Baby!

2010-11-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzbXok3KuJM

So Natasha had a criminal justice project to do in school and this video is what the girls came up with. They wrote the lyrics.
They are learning about their rights as juveniles in the criminal justice system.
I find this rather ironic. I remember learning the same thing in grade 9. A police officer came to talk to us and all I can recall from this is that they were basically telling us that we were protected from the law as juveniles and it didnt matter what we did our record would be wiped clean when we turn18. I think it sends the wrong message and there a few delinquents out there that think they can get away with anything. The sad truth is they can, anyhow I hope the curriculum is different these days, and in any case, this video is funny. If you cant hear it at the end, the girls acting as police officers say, "that was a hard days work...lets go get some doughnuts"
Stay tuned... my next post will be about the YW in Excellence program last nigt which was fabulous!

Bach Flower Remedies

2010-11-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

So I have heard about this for a while, but never tried them until last night. I got this bottle for 20 bucks, I figured if it worked, well then haveing a good sleep is sure worth the money.
http://www.rescueremedy.com/
I have issues getting back to sleep at night when the baby or toddler wakes me up. I lay there for an hour or two thinking and my head keeps buzzing with the same thoughts over and over again, and then when I finally get back to sleep, Caleb is waking up to do the early morning seminary drive or the baby is waking up to eat.
So when I read this bottle that said, "Rescue sleep calms your restless mind providing natural relief of occasional sleeplessness cause by stress and repetetive thoughts" I thought that is for me!
So last night it happened and I couldnt get back to sleep. I sprayed it on my tongue, and immediate relief, it was weird. I was still thinking but my thoughts started to calm down and a few minutes later my body felt light and dozy. Pretty cool. Bear in mind I am SUPER sensitive to herbs and any meds I take. I can even smell Tylenol when I take it.
So hopefullly I will get a better nights rest from now on.

Tash and monkey are now taken the Influenzinum (see last post) too, they wanted to try it. Caleb couldnt be bothered. We will see how it works:)

Flu shot or not?

2010-10-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER-
People who know me, are aware that I do not immunize my kids. This is a very personal decision. It is a very hot topic as well. I have met alot of people who do the same, and I have met alot of people who tell me I am stupid etc...
I have done my own research for years. My mother is a holistic therapist. I have seen Naturopaths and Homeopaths for years.In my experience this is the best decision for my family. I won't give you all the reasons why, you can do your own research. I don't suggest this for everyone, I believe there are certain circumstances where you should have vaccinations etc...

There having said that, I found this great way of immunizing myself against the seasonal flu. I will be my own guinea pig this year. I got the flu really bad last year for like a month, and I dont want to get sick again. (Just so you know I would go through that again rather than have the poisons stuck into my body with a needle) my bad, did I say that out loud?

I love homeopathic remedies, they have helped my family and I immensly over the years and I find they work better than most pharmaceutical medicines. I am not totally anti pharma however, I do believe that Tylenol and epidurals are among mans greatest inventions!!!!

anhow this is the stuff:

http://www.naturallyempowered.com/html/products/pharmacy/colds/flushot.html

I found it at Superstore of all places for like 12 bucks. It is the actual virus' circualationg for this season according to the W.H.O. (some of you may actually believe what they say, as far as I am concerned they are multimilliondollar corporation that scams the world population) oops I did it again, so sorry:)

It just doesnt have all the bad stuff in it that the shots do.
So I hope it works, you can laugh and say I told you so if it doesnt... no please dont just come over and bring me some chicken soup:)

Stay tuned... in a few months I will document my yearly detox. I do love that, and the health benefits I get from it.

PS if you are interested in altenative medicine, I love to talk about it. I have learned a ton of stuff over the years, mostly from my mom and I see an excellent homeopathic doctor in our area if you want his number. I am convinced he is the reason why I had 2 very good pregnancies and healthy babies, that and blessings from above:)

My Bucket list 2010 revised...

2010-10-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

So here is my new bucket list. I have crossed 3 things off my list and hope to cross off many more...If I had to pick one, it would probably be the Survivor thing, oh and beat Mantracker, both would be quite satisfying.

Swim with the sharks-done:)

Swift Water Rescue Course-done:)

Be a contestant on Survivor

Beat Mantracker

Scuba Diving Course

Learn Polynesian dancing-learned one dance thanks to Linda:)

Ride a gondola in Venice

Cruise to Antarctica

Safari in Africa

Pyramids in Egypt

Rafting in Fiji

Over the water bungalow in Tahiti

Explore Volcano on Hawaii’s big island

Sunrise at Haleakala

Have lunch with Orson Scott Card

Have dessert with Nie-Nie

Learn to River Kayak

Ruins of Machu Picchu

See piranhas eat something on the Amazon

Climb Mount St. Helen’s

Scuba or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

Be a grandparent-this one obviously depends on my children.

bad parties and good parties...when the cat's away the mice will play

2010-10-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start up my blog again. I liked blogging before, but when I was about to give birth to Mr. B, I thought I wouldn't have time anymore. So here it is. Read at your own risk! Sometimes I want to write about my kids, because they are my life and they are funny. Never a dull moment in my house:) I will refer to them in nicknames, as this blog is open and I don't want to publish their names on line. Natasha will be Natasha. E will be monkey, cause he is one..and M will be princess and then there is just Mr. B.

So not much is new in the Irvine household. We have some crazy neighbours that moved in this summer. They have a hot tub and love to party with the music cranked at 3am every night of the week. we finally called the police after a few sleepless nights and it was quite amusing to watch everything unfold. Now I almost want them to keep it up for our amusement. The police show up and the lady is falling over and stumbling around. She can't even stand up so its a good thing I called them. She could easily fall over and drown herself. She invited the police in her hot tub and was quite upset when they wouldn't join her. Her boyfriend came out the other night aroudn 4 am and told her to turn down the music. They argued and he told her he was packing his bags if she didn't quit. He is gone now because the other night she brought home some dudes from the bar and put on quite the show for them. After that night she got a fine and is being charged. I actually feel quite sad for her. Alcoholism is such a devasting thing for families to deal with. (She has young chidlren at home by the way, which is even worse)

So other than that news, Caleb took Mr. B to Halifax by himself last week for 4 days!!! Crazy huh?
He said the plane trip was so hard with the baby alone, he will never do that again, but he had a great time visiting family. he went to his Cousin's wedding and everyone loved little Mr. B, especially his great grampy who hasn't seen him yet. So I am so glad he got that chance to visit.
While he was away, I took full advantage. Life was easy. I slept. I ate. I read. I watched everything I have PVR'd. I went out to dinner with the rest of the kids and spent one on one time with them. I even had a huge party. I believe there was around 40 people in my house at one point. Ok not as huge as that one party i had in high school when my parents were away,( thats a story for another day) but it was fun to socialize. I had the Modest is hottest lady come with her clothes, and Chris Parker with her jewelry-
http://www.precioussadies.com/index2.php
and Debbie Jo with her Scentsy-
https://debbiejowillard.scentsy.ca/Home
Thanks for everyone who came, i did invite everyone I knew in Calgary and surrounding areas. Don't worry if you missed it, I had so much fun, I will do it again in 6 months. I will just have to send Caleb somewhere closer than Halifax...lol
I guess I should mention that Natasha was my partner in crime. She had her friends over to the party too, and she made ALL the food. Life is definately good with a Natasha in the house:)

PS, I love reading all the blogs of people I know. If you have one, please email it or facebook it to me. I only put links to my friends that have businesses on my sidebar, because I read so many other people's blogs, I wouldn't have room for them. I always become a follower if I read blogs. And feel free to be one of my followers:)

2 days later-I decided to add my reading list to the side as well. Just so all of you can enjoy the blogs I enjoy:)