Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Feb 6, 2012, 9:31 pm
Meet Lily.  Lily is enjoying day 2.5 of being part of our family.  Yes…we adopted ANOTHER dog already. We meant no disrespect to Callie.  We miss her terribly.   She was such an amazing part of our family for far too short of a time.  We all feel so blessed to have met her and so angry that ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Feb 6, 2012, 6:56 pm
I have mentioned the upcoming 20th Annual Wellness show that starts February 17th at the Vancouver Convention Centre over on WetCoastWomen.  For an idea of just how huge and varied the show is, click here.   I am most keen on the Living Well and Women and Wellness Tracks. As a wife and mother I t...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 30, 2012, 2:57 pm
I have to admit that I tend to stick with the creams I know and don’t venture into unknown territory all that much. However, I am also a HUGE supporter of all things Canadian and am happy to try and talk about Canadian products. George’s Creams are one of those. The first thing that I love a...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 24, 2012, 3:57 pm
photo credit: Ambro This is me right now, but with yoga pants and an Old Navy cardigan.  I have NO energy.   I have been sick with coughs and colds since BEFORE Christmas and I feel WORSE now than I did then.   Tara has been hacking away too.  I did get her on antibiotics and I think they are h...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 23, 2012, 7:50 pm
We love Phineas and Ferb.  It is one of those cartoons that is clever enough for adults, yet safe and entertaining for kids.  The dry humor and crazy song lyrics make for laugh out loud episodes for young and old. Needless to say, we were VERY curious to hear more about a touring LIVE show.     ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 20, 2012, 2:55 pm
Tara is now two and a half.   Time to shop for a big girl bed. We are looking at bunk beds to help with the tight confines of the room she shares with her big sister. But (I suppose) this time the crib won’t be disassembled and stored away until “next time.”  There won’t be a next time, an...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 16, 2012, 1:14 am
After her shocking last breathes in my arms in the back of the car last Thursday, I am not really ready to write about her or what happened.  It is still unreal and simply put..the house is empty without her. Instead..here are a few posts from the blog that have been about her and her part in our ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jan 6, 2012, 4:08 pm
This is for all you parenting “experts” out there. I was WONDERING when I would get a call.  I had been quite bemused in the fall, when Caitlyn told me that her her BFF and her MORTAL ENEMY were being ‘counselled’ on whey they were having trouble getting along.   I thought it was a bit od...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 30, 2011, 6:06 pm
We are about to head out for a year end open house and I am halfway through wrangling kids into looking somewhat respectable.  We have survived the holiday season despite wretched coughs and managed to have fun in a low key savage family sort of way.  Heck we even had GROWN UPS over to visit us th...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 27, 2011, 5:09 pm
The other day, my mom showed me a lovely cocktail dress that she really coveted from Laura.  She sighed and said ‘if only I had a place to wear such a nice dress.’ I felt her pain.  She is retired and so there are no more office Christmas events to get all gussied up for.  Family offers litt...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 20, 2011, 2:27 pm
We are getting to the fingernail biting time of trying to finish your shopping – BUT!  But if you have a few tween and preteen girls on your list and are near a Michael’s, who carry this line, these are good products to grab. We received the Ribbon Barrette Maker and the Friendship Bracelet M...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 15, 2011, 8:02 pm
I honestly can’t think of anything more frustrating. I attended the kids Christmas concert this morning.  Yes, with Tara.  ANYWAY, it was a full program with junior and senior bands, the choir and a few classes all performing some sort of Christmas homage.  Adam was up three times for his choi...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 11, 2011, 9:43 pm
The other day a man who had been watching all the shenanigans with Tara, asked me why I decided to have a third.  This inocuous but vaguely insulting question caused my mom and I to look at each other and I just laughed and said something like ‘I must have been drunk.’ If only he knew.  But...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 8, 2011, 7:41 pm
Adam received a Nano Spiral Starter kit for his birthday in the spring.  It was a HUGE hit. You cannot NOT smile at these busy robo bugs buzzing around jostling each other. Hexbug Nano’s are tiny robotic bugs that ‘vibrate’ and with their little rubbery legs act like real bugs. Innovation F...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Dec 2, 2011, 7:20 pm
Every year I have big ideas and long lists about all the Christmas themed events going on around town. Empty pockets, low energy and no time seem to eat away at these lists and we feel lucky if we get the kids to see Santa at the mall. We have done the Christmas Train in Stanley park in the past, ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 29, 2011, 4:26 pm
Halloween is a big deal at our house.  Mostly for the decorating and MOSTLY when we have the energy.   I am not one for baking and cute Halloween crafts.   That said, we have TOTES filled with Halloween decor that we have collected over the years. The people over at Kodak have some fun tips for ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 25, 2011, 8:07 pm
When we were on the Disney Wonder Alaskan Cruise, one of the shows was their musical version of Toy Story.  It was amazing.  Great songs, great costumes, great effects. They managed to make the story feel special all over again for us.   So I was happy to see that this years Disney on Ice for Van...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 24, 2011, 1:25 am
This was quite a nice and domestic little weekend.  Us ‘rents really just wanted to take a moment to breathe and count our blessings. Patrick had been feeling quite scarily unwell at the beginning of the week and apparently while I was away at Blissdom.  The week then was filled with him trying...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 19, 2011, 3:27 pm
I can’t believe it is the Wednesday after the conference already. I can’t believe I made it, survived and had fun…and now it’s back to reality. Diego is shrieking in the background and the house is the usual mess.  Home sweet home. I love reading post conference wrap ups and analysis, even...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 12, 2011, 9:35 pm
Tomorrow I get up early and head to Toronto for Blissdom Canada. I am quite excited about this.   Anxious too.   I haven’t been away from all my babies since 2008 when I ventured to BlogHer in San Francisco. I am quite anxious about my little Tara not being around me. BlogHer was a bit of a fo...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 10, 2011, 7:49 pm
We decorate for Halloween. We decorate a lot. The fun samples from the Hallmark Halloween Collection have been much appreciated by all. As well as a great selection of Halloween themed cards, Hallmark has a great series of collectibles for all the little ghouls in your family. The Hocus Pocus T...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 9, 2011, 3:47 pm
Edited to add:   As you can see below, the people promoting Wowwee Toys were quick to reach out.  As I should have been to them regarding the INSANE amount of batteries everything needed.   Sorry Scott.  I will say again…these are great toys.   They are worth the batteries.  My son LOVES the...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Oct 1, 2011, 7:49 pm
We love being a Crayola Family.   Caitlyn LOVES art and thanks to Crayola we have had many a fun after school when she and her friends happily try out the new products. The last two have been a HUGE hit. This one in particular. The MESS FREE Colour Wonder set has been a hit for the girls AND me...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Sep 24, 2011, 3:45 pm
Hair is a bit of an issue in this family. There is a lot of it.   Some of us have almost TOO much hair.   Those of you who have met the family in real life have SEEN the hair.    Really, we do try to manage it.  It just doesn’t look that way. Both Caity and Adam have a LOT of hair.  Caity�...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Sep 17, 2011, 7:38 pm
September has been a bit of an odd month so far. This past week was the first full week of school for the kids and it has been a bit of a non event for them both. They both returned to the same teachers and classrooms from last year and just a few kids were shifted around. Caity is devastated...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Sep 6, 2011, 12:47 am
Tomorrow is the first day of school.   However my kids could not care less since they found out that they are only there for 45 minutes.  In their minds they can therefore stay up late as usual and just be tired AFTER they finish up. This is not working for me. While I have loved the hedonistic ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Sep 2, 2011, 12:22 am
Both Vancouver and the Okanagan are lucky enough to have the ever popular and fun Bellies to Babies fair in October. On October 2, 2011, the Croatian Cultural Centre will once be home to some of the best and brightest when it comes to all things baby.   Whatever you need when you are expecting ti...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 29, 2011, 1:25 am
For Danelle Kabush, professional off-road triathlete with the LUNA Pro Team, life is all about balancing family while keeping up the pace of her training.  An active mom of two kids under the age of four, Danelle uses her Chariot Carrier and its multiple conversion kits to work different muscle gro...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 24, 2011, 1:55 pm
I got a little note in my inbox from the daughter of the owners of the De Dutch Pannekoek House on Cambie and 2nd Avenue.  Being a parent herself, she was really feeling the need for more child friendly venues in town and wondered what she could do. Her answer?  To put in a play area! I LOVE De...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 23, 2011, 1:52 pm
This August has been filled with many day trips thanks to our Ford Experience .   It is also filled with the specter of the dreaded SCHOOL DAYS looming ahead (yay!). Mountain Baby Store is filled with solutions for both.  They have a great supply of water bottles, backpacks, lunch kits and more. ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 18, 2011, 1:42 am
I haven’t.  Not in a while anyway.  Our car before the Chrysler was a Ford Focus Wagon.  We bought that due to it working well for a growing family (1 to 2), and was a quick buy after my husbands dear and beloved Honda Civic was trashed while I was the driver. Granted THAT wasn’t my fault. �...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 17, 2011, 1:15 pm
That part alone makes me a bit giddy. Our family watches way too much late night television where we are shown all these magical items that will change our lives! Needless to say, I was thrilled when I was asked to review the ‘Magic Era Washing Ball.’ This magic ball apparently can wash you...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 16, 2011, 12:52 am
ending with mine. Today is my birthday, but my “special” day was all over the weekend thanks to a caring and loving family. Nana babysat while Patrick took me out for a lovely dinner at the Provence Marinaside.  We sat outside and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the Yaletown seawall.    We...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 12, 2011, 10:51 pm
As much as I decry the problems with Vancouver, this city is certainly in its glory when the sun is shining. One of the best places to see that is from Spanish Banks. We headed down there on Thursday after the girls had volunteered at the UBC Child Development Program, helping the students with t...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 9, 2011, 8:02 pm
So in the summer the parenting blogs are FILLED with ideas for activities, camp suggestions, vacation suggestions, etc. An endless list of things to keep your ankle biters engaged and occupied all summer long. And yes. We have done SOME things and we have plans to cram in a few more day trips and...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 8, 2011, 1:54 pm
I am totally behind in my review posts.  Summer is a time of chaos at the House of Crunch.  Crayola was kind enough to send a few more of their great products and the main thing I was thinking about them was all the packaged ‘theme’ products are great for vacations and travel. Things like the...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Aug 3, 2011, 2:24 pm
You may have seen my amazed post on Twitter when the husband brought home an iPad.  The kids are in heaven.     The other day,  the boys were playing on the Xbox downstairs.  I think Tara had my iPhone. I was laying on the bed with Xoom tablet and Caity was laying next to me with the iPad. Cra...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 31, 2011, 3:39 pm
One of the most prevailing traits we find in our family is stubbornness.   Or to be less polite – sheer bloody mindedness.   None of us like to back down and NONE of us like to be wrong. Add in the slightly ‘obsessive’ quality some of us have and things can get a bit hairy around here. My...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 28, 2011, 11:10 am
This is something interesting that got my attention. Classroom Ready and Classroom Interactive is one of the main current events education systems that Canadian teachers have been using in the classroom for ages.   I am sure your kids backpacks have been stuffed with some of the printable sheets on...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 26, 2011, 11:44 pm
Hallmark Canada do a great job of having a variety of cards that cover ALL occasions.   They try to do this with their gift ideas too.  The summer holidays or a special vacation is a special occasion and having a special place to keep t hose photographic memories is a great way to remember those ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 25, 2011, 3:59 pm
Summer here is a time of at home chaos.   Our family doesn’t have a lot of money for summer camps for the kids and the one car thing does tend to limit our day trips too.  Not to mention how crappy the weather has been.   So indeed, summer days have meant me losing my mind once or twice a day a...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 22, 2011, 1:58 pm
When I was helping out  with Vancouvermom.ca’s Top 30 Vancouver Bloggers for 2011, I was impressed with not only the awesome prize donation, but how cool the Chariot line of carriers looked on their website. I will be TOTALLY honest here….I am not a jogger or a biker…but my kids bike a lot a...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 19, 2011, 11:44 pm
I swear, the Wiggles are like the Beatles for the preschooler set.   There are four of them, they both have an enormous library of published music.  Murray even has a mop top and they both have hoards of screaming fans worldwide. The Wiggles will be at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on August 9thf...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 14, 2011, 6:19 pm
The discussion about to pay or not to pay a blogger for mentioning you or your stuff will never die.  There are COUNTLESS posts going on – currently Lorallee (a product and sponsors dream blogger) chimed in with her opinions and the folks behind the Clever Girls Collective have come up with five ...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 14, 2011, 1:49 pm
Did this… Turn into THIS!!?? Despite the horror that was your sleep pattern for sooooo long, you have been an absolute joy to us all.    Watching your personality grow bigger than your shoe size has been sheer pleasure for all around you.  You are a crazy, wild little girl and we all adore yo...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 10, 2011, 9:58 pm
I have to admit that when I first saw the news about Kaboom helping us get a new playground for our community school and that volunteers were required to build it, I was skeptical.  Despite all my years seeing the magic of community building through social media, I had serious doubts that my own ne...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 4, 2011, 1:30 am
On Canada Day, the weather was a bit weird and so as usual, I packed for everything and told the kids to be prepared.  Of course there were CANADA duds…but Caity picked this. That  is the Sun Day Afternoons Play Hat available from Mountain Baby.  It did not leave her head the entire day.  The...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jul 3, 2011, 11:33 pm
People (ok. MOMS) are always interested in hearing about new cleaning products for our clothes, homes, children, etc.  So I assume quite a few out there have been interested in this chance to test a new product and with THAT, earn a chance to win an iPad 2!. Dr. Beckmann’s Stain Devils and other...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jun 27, 2011, 12:32 am
With all the gadgets around the house, the kids have pretty sophisticated tastes when it comes to their electronics.  Trying to keep Tara away from my Xoom and iPhone is a full time job.  Which makes me glad that LeapFrog keeps up with the trends between the Text and Learn, Letter Discoveries , an...
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Kerry S. posted an article on Crunchy Carpets - clean socks are a priviledge, not a right - Jun 23, 2011, 7:23 pm
What goombas couldn’t think about what dates there would be a NEW arrival nine months after conception?  US.  Yes and now all our birthdays line up in a hellish row of planning and overspending.   We start with Patrick in April and then rush into the kids May, June and July, and by the time my ...
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