Gluten Free Expo

Since going gluten free I haven't noticed a huge difference. Yes, I feel better but I have also cut out all of the crap that I was eating. When you don't eat McDonald's at least twice weekly and start eating more veggies, you tend to feel better. Energy levels are hard to assess because I am still doing shift work and let's be honest, no one feels great at 4 AM or after they wake up from a night shift. 

I have had a few contaminations but have not noticed any side effects. I just have to read labels EVERY time. I checked Doritos and read that they gluten free and then didn't check the next time. That time I was eating an old bag and they contained gluten! I haven't eaten anything with lots of gluten such as bread so I am nervous to find out what will happen if eat something like that. 

The gluten free expo came to Calgary and I had the opportunity to taste test and learn lots!

Dasha Gaiazova is a Canadian Olympian who competed in the Sochi Olympics in cross country skiing. She talked about over coming obstacles when travelling. I really enjoyed her and now know I can travel and stay gluten free. She encouraged to learn the word for gluten, write it down and just ask as many questions as you can once you get there. Also pack something like granola bars, quick oats or bread because you can live off of that for a few days until you figure out what is safe.

Pumped by my haul and all of my discoveries!

Tim has also been really supportive and never tempts me with stuff that I can't have. The hardest times to be gluten free is when you are starving at work or at a friends house. To combat this, I never leave the house with out a granola bar of some kind. 

It also hard when people go through the effort of making something gluten free but then realize they put something in that they had no idea contained gluten. It just isn't fun to say no to all the hard work they put in. 

Overall gluten free has been a success. I have impressed my self by sticking to it. Turns out I have a lot of will power!

Meeting Oliver Evans Scow

On February 17, Oliver Evans Scow was born and weighed in at 7 lbs 1 oz (I hate to brag but I guessed the closest!) I was dying to meet him so in March I made the trek to Idaho with the Dudley's.
We made a pitstop in Welling and my mom talked us into going to zones. It was all fun and games until Mom forgot she was watching Quinny. The UofL gym is just a big circle so it was pretty funny to watch her run all the way around and then realize she was lost.

While packing the car back up I realized I forgot my passport. Somehow this didn't even cross my mind!! Tim is so awesome and met me in Claresholm with the passport. At 4 AM we hit the road and besides and accidental detour we made it in fairly good time. 

After lots of movies, treats and songs we made it in one piece and were greeted by this cute face!

The weather in Idaho was beautiful! Quinn was very confused and kept saying, "Muffy, there is no snow in your backyard!

I discovered the new love of my life: Chick-fil-a!!! They have gluten free options so every day I ate grilled chicken nuggets and large french fries. It had been long time since I have been able to eat french fries. Most fast food places are a no go because they fry chicken strips and french fries in the same oil so the fries become contaminated. If you know me, I LOVE fries and have sorely missed them. 

Mason took a freezie to the face but I can't complain because I got some cuddles. 

While Muffy and Erin power shopped costco, I took these 3 cute monsters and fed them ice cream, hot dogs and pizza. I really impressed myself with how well it went... until the Quinny had to go to the bathroom. I have no idea how mothers of twins manage! 

 We also had a hot dog go down but we followed the 10 second plus photo time rule and it was still good.

We hit up a pretty awesome free museum. They had a cut and paste gallery. I am pretty sure I could have been an artist. 

 Best selfie taking ever!

We also enjoyed watching Denton play basketball and letting the kids run wild.

After the museum we were packing up the car and witnessed this...

Quinn pulled her pants down by a tree on the meridian. Erin tried to stop her but it was too late. She was just going to pee on the tree... I was dying laughing, the lady in the car next to us though it was pretty funny too. I think she has been spending too much time with boy cousins. 

I am definitely the most lucky aunt in the entire world!

Danielle took us to a pinterest party. I was a big doubter but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I think I host a party of my own. Everyone just brings something they made and you pick a present and can steal from the ones already opened. Thanks muff for making our crafts! Erin benefited by getting these lovely mason jar glasses. I got a cake stand but seeing as I received 5 for my wedding and still haven't used one of them yet, I left it in Idaho for muffy. 

The day we drove back was my birthday so we celebrated by going to eat Mexican and then I made a gluten free skor cake!

Denton's birthday is the day after mine so he also got blow out the candles. 

We also managed to squeeze in kiwi loco because that was all Mason could talk about. He thought it was an important part of birthdays. 

Even a quick trip to the mall happened!

Except for a long drive and a wait at the border the drive home was uneventful. 

 I did squeeze into the back to watch frozen fro the first time and it was pretty awesome!

Tim came to Welling to spend some time with me on birthday. He surprised me with stars on ice tickets AND Keith Urban tickets! I am beyond excited for those events. I also got spoiled with Naked Basics 2 eyeshadow and my wonderful mother gave my mascara that makes it look like you have extensions. It is truly amazing. We went to watch more basketball!! Raymond Girls won in a nail biter. Overall it was a fabulous birthday. I really do love my husband for always spoiling me! 

The next morning we went to Magrath for church because Johnny Evans was leaving on a mission. He is a truly wonderful kid and I know he will be a fabulous missionary. 

Happy Birthday Timmy!

Timmy turned the big 28!! I can't believe how fast time flies and how old he is! This lucky boy was surprised by a new set of irons!

Tim was very surprised by this present because I usually never go over the budget. Almost a month prior to his birthday I called up Tyler so he could find me a good deal and a good set of clubs. When we went to Edmonton, Tim kept stressing that he was going to have no birthday present. Little did he know his new clubs were tucked safely away in the Dudley's garage.

Wrigley was really happy that it was Timmy's birthday.

In the evening we went out with the Wright's to Costa Vida. It is one of our favourite places. 

I sure do love this boy. He takes amazing care of my and the puppy! 

Sister Weekend Take 2

The next weekend we brought the party to Calgary. Tim was busy working on his thesis so we had lots of uninterrupted hang out time. 

This little girl is hilarious! She spent a lot of time exercising. 

Unfortunately the park was a little chilly.

Tim gave us a short break so that we could go eat some gluten free poutine! It was basically delicious. 

We ALWAYS have two space heaters and a heated blanket going to take the edge off the frigid temperature of our basement suite.

Seriously got lucky to have sisters!

Scar was in attendance but somehow I didn't take a picture of that super cute face!

You're a wizard!

I have a minor addiction to Harry Potter. I just finished reading all of the books again. I particularly enjoy to listen to the audio books while I am in the car, walking the dog or doing house work. I also enjoy the movies and frequently have them on too. When I realized that the Harry Potter exhibit was coming to Edmonton, I knew that it was a must in my life so at the end of February we went up to visit the Dudley's and attend the exhibit. 

My mom had also planned a trip to Edmonton so for the first day there we enjoyed some shopping and as always caramel apple eating.

This kid is hilarious. I definitely allowed her to put on some lip stick in the makeup store!

My mom was super awesome and volunteered to watch the kids so that we could go on a double date to Harry Potter but we didn't realize how popular it was. The earliest tickets we could get were for later that night so Quinny and Scar got to come. I think Scar was just as excited as me…

This was a chess piece used in Harry Potter 2. 

The biggest highlight for me was being sorted into the Gryffindor! It was really neat to see the sorting and sit on the stool! I also enjoyed looking at all of the costumes and wands used. There was a lot of detail that went into everything! It was crazy to see how little the outfits for Harry, Ron and Hermione were when the movies first started.

The exhibit was a bit "stary" for Quinny but she made it to the end and we all had fun. 

You weren't supposed to take photos but I told Erin that it was just a suggestion :) 

Unfortunately Tannis was working hard while I was there so Erin and I picked up some Wendy's and went for a visit. She is so close to the end!! I am so proud of her sticking with it. She is going to be a super awesome nurse. We also visited the unit that Erin works on. I really enjoyed my tour of the U of A hospital. 

The next morning we were all up bright and early to watch the Canadian men's hockey team take gold in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. We played against Finland and won 3-0!!!

Canada came in 3rd for overall medals. 10 gold, 10 silver, 5 bronze. I am so proud of all the Canadians who competed in the olympics. I spent so much time watching. My PVR was in constant use so that I could maximize olympic coverage. My favourite memory of the olympics would have to be huddled around the computer at work watching the women's hockey team take gold in overtime. It was so intense. By the end of the game we had quite the crowd in the blood gas lab cheering on the women's team. We beat the Americans 3-2 in overtime and had to pull the goalie in the last moments of the 3rd period to score and stay in it! I was seriously on the edge of my seat. Now I just have to wait 2 more years for the summer olympics.