I’m trying the Chop’s sister’s pulled pork recipe for the first time… it called for a slow cooker and I’m employing an oven, so we’ll see how that works. I’m hopeful, with a side of wait-and-see. The Chop was instructed to bring home rolls and dill pickle slices from the store and instead he brought home rolls and hot & spicy pickle & pepper slices. WTH? He hates pickles anyway, so it’s not like he’s going to eat them… his thought process? Those pickles you liked when my sister made them were spicy. No they weren’t, they were Bubbies. Sigh.

Which I can’t find around here, so that makes me sad.

In other news, we’ve had crazy wind today and one of our trees broke in half and landed in the street. I’m a little concerned that we’ll get home after game night tonight and find a tree through our living room. The Chop assures me this won’t be the case, but seeing as how he isn’t an engineer or in any way interested in the outside, his opinion doesn’t hold much weight in this arena. 😛

My family left this afternoon, flying back to their homes on the west coast… one of the last times my parents will be able to say that. In just a couple of months their home will be here, just shy of five hours from us. We vacillate between joy and terror, but are mainly square in the joy camp. Regular babysitters, regular trips to hang out at their place on the lake (complete with hot tub, fishing, snowmobiles in the winter, etc.) and the wonderful savings of not flying across the country every year = win for us.

It’s going to be really wonderful to have people who love him as much as we do nearby – my mom already has a little kid motorized Jeep picked out for him (oh it only goes five miles an hour honey!).

Fingers crossed that we’ve found a house for my parents. After literally hours of looking at houses for two days, we finally came upon one that we all agree would work. It’s not perfect and the price will need to be negotiated, but it’s a great place right on a lake.

And it has a gorgeous view.

So far my favorite part of house hunting is walking out on frozen lakes. My sister and her boyfriend are just as game as I, so we ventured onto every frozen lake we encountered.

I think my next house will need to be on a lake or pond that freezes, because walking on water is quite a rush.

We’re planning to see a couple of more places tomorrow, but I’m not sure we’ll find what they’re looking for. On the water, gorgeous house, enough space, etc., etc. It’s proving to be difficult, as they each value different things – and the area isn’t exactly rife with homes for sale.

My awesome husband made pancakes this morning. Then he put the Peanut down for a nap and went to take one himself, sending the rest of us off north.

We broke up the five hour drive with an awesome lunch of poutine and peanut butter frosted cupcakes (super healthy), then after dinner with my dad’s new CEO, we surprised him with a german chocolate cake and whiskey to celebrate his 60th birthday.

So far this trip is going to cost five pounds, lol.

My dad turns 60 today, a number that seems light years away for me, but I know is only around the corner. He’s always wanted to go to Thailand, and I think that should be a goal. Next year, we go to Thailand.

2011 was an incredible year of firsts for me… or rather, for the Peanut. First words, first steps, first birthday, first non-family vacation, first wedding, first road trip, first time in the ocean, first time meeting the Easter Bunny, first time crying on Santa’s lap, first time meeting his cousins, first, first, first.

They say that having a child takes you back to being a child, and I can’t say I ever understood that until the Peanut came along.

He is absolutely the best thing we have ever done and the most fun we have ever had.

8 years ago I spent my first Thanksgiving away from family. I never imagined how awesome it would be to spend it with my family.

Without Steve Jobs, I would not have my current job.

I wouldn’t have started a blog; I wouldn’t be typing on this MacBook Pro. I wouldn’t have met my husband, who wouldn’t have been able to move here and work remotely.

I wouldn’t be able to work from home, spending part of my day being entertained by my son. I wouldn’t be able to use an iPad to Skype his Grammy whenever he wants or to watch Yo Gabba Gabba! in the car on long rides.

I am only one of many whose lives have been changed because of Steve Jobs.

The Jobs Effect. RIP.

My baby turned one yesterday. It’s hard to believe a year has already passed since we brought him home. It doesn’t seem like just yesterday, but maybe six months ago? Certainly not four seasons.

We had an awesome party, replete with an elephant cake, balloons, close friends and family and a very happy and exhausted birthday boy.

Sadly this morning he had to go in for his one year appointment – three vaccinations and a tiny vial of blood for tests was not well received. By baby or mommy.