Shake It Off

2012-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

It is really hard to find people who do what they say they are going to do. I hate to give up on people but how many times should a person bail on you and you be OK with it? My new attitude toward this is going to be " call me when you are ready to wear your integrity panties". I am not going to waste my time relying on people who repeatedly let me down.

I understand when it has a valid reason. Like " I can't go to the gym, my baby has big red spots all over him". Absolutely, be with your baby. I would think you were horrible if you didn't!! haha But it is when you say " let's go for a run this day" and you get a yeah sure!! then you get a " I will have to see" and then you get an excuse that they could totally work around. I don't care if you want to sit on your ass and find an excuse for doing anything in life. It isn't my life you are ruining. But don't waste my time by making false promises.

I find these people are hard to find. I'm running out of friends. Am I an asshole??

Try this!!

2012-01-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

A follow up from yesterday. When driving to work or standing in line and the person in front of you doesn't seem to know what they are doing or taking forever to get out of your way, just think to yourself. " They are not doing this on purpose, they just have their own thing going on. Don't take it personally. You don't know what their day has been like and they are not being slow because they want you to be late. They are just un aware.

try it for a day

2012-01-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

Ego, have you ever thought about it? How much does it get in the way of your life every day??

Try for just one day to go with out it. Get up and get ready for your day without dressing in something someone else will like. Wear something you want to wear and something comfortable. With staying in the reasonable allowances for your work or whatever your plans are. IE: If you work in an office and you are supposed to dress business casual. Dress business casual. But if there is a blazer you have been wanting to try with a certain shirt, but not sure of the colours together. Just wear it. You will know if YOU like it by the end of the day.

Go through your day not judging anyone and pay to no mind of people who you feel might be judging you. It doesn't matter.

I read a book a while ago about ego. I have tried this exercise and it is very difficult, BUT very liberating.

Goals

2011-04-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have a few goals that I I need to hit... and I figure I need to put it all down somewhere.. A) Goal weight!!! gotta stop waiting for it to just happen... my diet is getting back to normal but still falling off the wagon... I think I at a whole cup of mini M&Ms yesterday and 1 1/5 cupcakes that I make the previous day with they boys...

B) Need to see my Visa bill at a big ft 0... It has gotten a little up there with a few medical things and the bitter sweetness of having to pick up a few new clothes that fit... and My Vacation...

c) There are a few relationships need to work on.. fortunately the most important one is fantastic ( My marriage) but there are a few out there that I would like to whip in to shape..

Day 1 back on track

2011-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Fell off the wagon the last week and a half.. I went back home for a bit of a holiday. My kids had spring break so we headed to Grandma and Grandpas house.. It was great. My oldest didn't want to come home but the youngest was a little bit home sick. I would have liked to stay a little longer but it was nice to get home.

I did really well as far as hitting the gym every morning. Did not miss one day, even after going out a few late nights... I was wiped when I arrived home and needed a few good nights sleep before I felt caught up.

Didn't eat very well while I was there.. My parents don't have regular dinner routines... they just eat when they are hungry.. so it was tough... but I am only up 3 pounds and I am ok with that.. I had a good week and for the amount of drinks I consumed and the amount of dinners on the run, I say 3 lbs is pretty good... won't take long to get rid of that and then I can focus on the last 5.

I have a couple of new gym buddies that are have goals and focus.. I have workouts planned with them and throw in a yoga class or two, I think I am going to see results quickly... I just have to remember that it is 80% diet.

AS IF!!!

2011-03-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Made a trip to my home town yesterday with my two boys. It was a great drive!! Very uneventful, which is good when you are driving with two kids for 6 hours!! THEN with about 3 minutes to go to get to my parents house I was pulled over. I had an expired licence.
So, he must have just been watching cars go by and plugging in licence plates. Mine was registered to me and I had an expired licence... So, my licence was seized and I couldn't do anything until this morning because all of the registry offices were closed. I was seriously 7 houses away from my parents house... I was tempted to call my Mom and have her come and get the boys but decided to just wait it out... The officer said that he really wasn't supposed to let me drive it but he said he would let me drive the rest of the way but he was going to follow me.. sigh
Nothing like a police chaperone to your parents house

Before and after

2011-03-14T13:51:00.001-07:00

So this was me in the summer. July 30th to be exact. I was forced to take these pictures by a friend of mine who is a personal trainer back home. I did not want to do it. Let alone did I want to show anyone. I think for real, I didn't want to see the reality. Cause I was the only one who didn't know what I looked like.

It started me on a journey of changing my diet habits and my activities. You may not know it but I was relatively active here. I needed to change a lot about what I ate. I knew what to do.. But it was so easy to do nothing.

I remember the moment when I thought.. This isn't me.. I was back home and in the middle of a workout with my personal trainer friend. We were working out side by side and I saw him in the mirror beside me and I saw how perfect his posture was and then I saw me.. even though I was standing up straight I looked sloppy and sad. I said to myself this has got to change.

This was taken today. I am happy to say that this is the last time I will be wearing this swimming suit.. it is way too big.. There is a 35 lbs difference between the two sets of pictures.
I still have about 5 lbs I would like to lose and do some more muscle work but for the most part I am quite happy that my hard work is showing.

vent @ blogspot....

2011-03-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

If I didn't know better, I would say I am PMSing!!! I'm not however so my feelings are genuine unhormonal induced feelings!!!

Tav had his 5th birthday last week YAAAAAY!!! he is growing in to such a sweet, compassionate little boy.. What makes me so angry is that the only member that acknowledged his birthday with a card ( there was money in it too) was the 3rd husband of hubby's paternal Grandmother... he sent Tavish a card on behalf of her. Her health if failing unfortunately and probably wouldn't know what a birthday is!!!

I think it is totally unacceptable. I have politely mentioned the passing of the birthday to members and they have pretty much just replied.. " Oh yeah".. grrrr.... so mad....

Will testing

2010-07-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

I started a boot camp on Monday. No it isn't at a crazy early morning time (it's the first thing people ask). It is at 9 am to 10am. Perfect for getting me and the kids up and ready. Jada is our instructor and she is great!!! We go Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 4 weeks. We have had two classes and I am loving it so far... but this morning I woke up with a sore swollen throat and have gotten more congested through the day... it sucks!!! I always seem to get a cold when I am starting something new... I think it is a test of my will.
I am going to go tomorrow no matter what. Stupid cold. I am currently drinking a neo citran, I have taken some oil or oregano ( it is supposed to be a bacteria killer). I am going to take some more before bed.

updated pics

2010-06-26T21:27:00.001-07:00

Just updating the pics I have of the boys on here.

2010-06-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! it has been a looong time since I have posted. I was angry because of all the spam comments I was getting on here and couldn't delete them.. I tried a few times to clean it up but failed.

I will update with some recent pictures and info on what is up with my life now.

thanks for readin!!

Bad manners

2009-01-01T14:39:00.001-08:00

I have the worst manners. Never invite me over for dinner!!! Especially if you expect proper etiquette.

My mother in law invited us over for a new years day brunch.. It is always a gamble when she is cooking. There have been a few dishes that she has served that were... well... unusual. while waiting for brunch to be ready, my brother in laws girlfriend Natasha ( who is a sweetie by the way) and I were sitting in the living room relaxing when we heard we were having turkey pie and tuna casserole for lunch... I might have made a face and asked Natasha "is that what we are having for lunch??" she replied "I think so" with a sort of similar face that I had made... She also followed with a I am sure it is going to be really good!! Natasha is not the sort of person who says anything negative, bad, derogatory etc... I then followed with a comment about rather having McDonald's breakfast burritos.. I was a tad bit hungover from some new years cheer... Brunch was served and My father in law had said something about the tuna casserole... He had said "how about serving some of that dog food on your plate". I was a little giggly about that for a little bit but decided I was hungry from not having breakfast and started to dig in the salad she had prepared. It was tomatoes, feta cheese, green onions and raw, fresh mushrooms... I thought it was a little strange for a salad but what the heck... I started to scoop some out and put it on my plate when my darling husband had asked me if I was OK... I then realized that I had a look of absolute disgust on my face. I started to giggle uncontrollably... I couldn't stop... My eyes were tearing up and I couldn't stop then from rolling down my face... seriously couldn't stop giggling... I went on for at least 10 minutes... I had excused myself form the table, when I thought I had gotten control over it I would sit down and begin to eat... It would start all over again... finally I had finished my fit and was able to sit down and eat... I am pretty sure it was over 10 minutes...

I am not too sure what had gotten in to me.

Too funny

2008-10-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have laughed so much in the last 24 hours... not just laughing but bent over crying laughing. That doesn't happen as much as I would like.

Simon and I were getting the kids ready for their bath. Both boys were naked and running around the house. Really if you were comfortable doing that around people you totally would. Not exactly sure what happened but Declan came into the bedroom perplexed about something and said " Mommy, Daddy and me are all the boss... Not Tavish". We both kind of smirked and Simon had asked him what was going on... Declan had just said that Tavish wasn't the boss... not sure what it was all about. Simon had then asked " well what about Jango?" Declan says " Well, Jango is the boss of CRAZY!!!" OMG!!! I almost peed my pants. Simon and I couldn't do anything else but laugh for a good 5 minutes...

#2... I just finished watching the rest of forgetting Sarah Marshall. We had started it last night but I fell asleep 1/2 way into it. I found it way funnier than Simon did but there is a certain part where an ex couple were in opposite adjoining rooms... not gonna give it away but it was super funny. Really tears rolling down my cheeks laughing. I love that feeling.

New pets...

2008-09-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I rescued two little salamanders yesterday. I was starting my shift and was one of the first people there. I was walking to a different department to put something away that was out of its place on my desk. Fortunately for me there was no one near cause I let out a really girlie scream when I saw it. There was this little lizard thing crawling across the aisle. I couldn't really tell what it was at this point cause it had so many dust bunnies and so much dirt on it that it was hard to see what it actually was. I walked closer to it and saw that is was a little cute salamander. Not really little in salamander terms cause it is actually about 7 inches long. Sure is cute. I cleaned him off and put him in a bucket with some water and a rock. I also grabbed a bit of greenery for it. Someone later found another one and put them together. They actually snuggled it was cute. I really wasn't sure if I was going to keep them, it was something I had to run by Simon first. And by this time I had a few people interested in keeping them if I didn't. Simon was excited to have some insect eating pets so we got to keep them. One of them is going to another home as soon as she can get a tank together for it. So far no names have been given. We came up with the name Juan for the one I am going to keep but it isn't really set. We did have a little chuckle about calling him Juan Solo. Declan wants to call him Lizard.

Will keep you posted with pictures soon.

Teri and Patrick part two-the reception

2008-08-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Simon and I were the first guests to the reception. We are never early for anything. Our excuse was we were kidless for the weekend. THE WHOLE WEEKEND!!! It was so perfect outside that we grabbed our drinks and sat outside.
The bridal party showed up and the reception began. As we began our dinner the craziest thing happened. We had some really heavy sun showers. As soon as Simon gets the pictures sorted out, I will post those. Not a cloud in the sky but rained cats and dogs. A sign??? There was thunder and everything.
After dinner were the speeches and I think the tears were already shed in the ceremony earlier because there was a whole lot of laughter. However it was time for the bride and groom to say their stuff. Again Patrick had the room in tears with his tribute to Teri's late parents and how Teri has been through so much. Then the big news. They had announced that Teri was 14 weeks pregnant. I thought the room was going to come off the hall. Everyone was so excited for them. I knew a bit before hand and when Teri had told me that they were going to announce it at the wedding I was a little bit worried about how it would be recieved because they are young and Um hello, they just got married. It was awesome!!!

Teri and Patrick

2008-07-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

Or should I say Teri and Pat??? Today we celebrated a wedding. It was the best celebration ever!!! The story starts way back when... Teri was one of my staff when I was assistant manager at a retail store I would say about 7.5 years ago. She was awesome. one of the most responsible kids I had ever known. I say kid in the term that she was 17 when I met her. Anyways she got married today. In the small gathering she had invited me along with my husband.
Teri has had it pretty hard in the last little while. Keep in mind she is 23...
Last January ( 07) so 1.5 years ago she had lost her dad to cancer. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and lasted about 7 months from what I remember. Her mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer not long ago and passed away 3 weeks ago. Very sad, I know. Let the ceremonies begin.
So, two weeks after burying her mom, she was married, the plan was if her mom was still around, they were going to have a private ceremony at the house and get married there with her mom. There was no way she would have been strong enough to leave the house to make it to the church. Then they would head to the church and have a mock ceremony there. Her mom didn't make it so it was all done at the church.
Teri had called last night to see if Simon would take some pictures for them at the ceremony today because in one of their attempts to save some money, they only hired a photographer to take some formals... before the ceremony had started and we were waiting to see the beautiful bride some shenanigans had occurred...
The first... I had notice that there were two corsages by the unity candle... No one claimed them. I had realised that they were for the Mother and Father of the bride. It was a co-incidence I later found out. The flouriest had made a mistake and make one extra of each. Gave them at no charge... Then the first two seats at the front of the church where the parents usually sit were vacant... The family left them vacant... they were for the parents... sad I know... The part of the ceremony where it was obvious that Teri was alone in her journey what walking herself down the Isle... She made it half way... Then Patrick had walked up to her and walked her the rest of the way, not a dry eye in the building... The rest of the evening was truly a celebration.

Whoa! I hope nothing else happens!!

2008-06-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have been at my new job for two months now and already I have not shown up for a shift and now I have told off a customer.
I showed up for work on Tuesday and the people I was working with let me know that I didn't come in for my shift the previous Thursday. OMG!!! No one even phoned me!!! I would have raced down there if I knew I was supposed to be there!!! No one seemed at all concerned about it. I had even spoke to the manager and apologized. He had said not to worry about it and since no one called me it really wasn't my fault. Um O.K.
As soon as I showed up for work today I had a lady yell at me because she had been waiting for help for 15 minutes. She was in a department that is kind of out of the way so we don't go there unless someone needs help there. She had someone page and call our desk but there was no one available to help. There were two other staff members on and one was with a customer putting in an order and the other was on a break I think. So, she comes right up to me and asks me if I was from this department... I said yes and then she yells at me that she has been waiting for 15 minutes and no one has come to help her or even come by to see if she had been helped. I apologized and explained that I just got there and everyone else was busy. I then had said I am sorry, what can I help you with . We were walking to the department and she was shitting on me the whole time about crappy customer service, no one bothered to help her, no one tried to do anything for her blah blah blah. Why was there no one around??? You know the kind of crap you get from someone who probably has her husband wipe her ass at the ring of a bell. Anyways I apologized again and tried to sympathize. Even though we had adequate staff I had said something about there not being enough staff anywhere anymore, blamed it on the economy. She had the freakin nerve to say to me " I don't need to hear your excuses". I stopped dead in my tracks and said to her that I didn't want to help her. I said that if she was going to treat me like crap that I wasn't going to continue to help. She went on complaining that no one even offered to take her name to have some one prepare this item for her so she could come and pick it up later. So then I said that if she wanted me to help her that she had to change her tone and then I asked her " what do you want me to do??" She said that she would like me to help her with this item . I had said O.K. , I will but you have to be kind to me. So, I got everything done and asked her if there was anything else she needed from me and I went back to my department to vent on whomever was not helping someone.
Minutes later I heard a request for a manager on duty. Ah I thought to myself, there she is. Still needing to be heard and is going to complain about me. The manager came over while I was helping someone and I had asked him if he was there to talk to me. He said yes. I asked if it was about the lady. he said yes. I finished with the customer and we went to the back room. We sat down and he said O.K. what happened. I told him and he smiled at me and said there are some people you just can't please. He sent me on my way and told me to try and have a good shift.
I have a month to go and I will be done my probationary period. I hope nothing else happens because regardless of the day I had I do enjoy my new job.
AND!!! I have to send out a Happy Birthday to Justin!!!

Gilford again

2008-06-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Gilford's funeral was a sad ending to his life. When Simon got home from work, we had brought the little fish tank out of Declan's room and called Dex over. Simon had explained to Declan that Gilford was not moving or swimming anymore so that mean that he had died. Declan was kind of confused and had commented on the colour of the fish had changed. The next part was a little bit heart breaking. It came to the time to take the fish out of the tank and flush it. Declan had said that he wanted Gilford to stay in the tank. It was then explained that the fish could not longer stay in the tank because his body was not meant to last in there. It had to be flushed. A tear was shed. I think it was mine. The 3 boys went to the bathroom for the funeral flush. Declan insisted that he do it. Once flushed, the realization of what death meant came to Declan and he needed a hug and a tissue from daddy.
I was glad that Declan understands what death is, it saves from it being an issue when he is older and maybe more saddened by the act. He understands and he knows that life goes on. We had dinner and then rushed out to the pet store for a new fish. He named it Gilford again. Declan picked a fish that looks just like Gilford Sr. Gilford again was officially put in the little tank this morning. The water that I had purified for the tank last night didn't cool off in time to put things together last night so I did it first thing this morning so when Declan woke up Gilford was swimming happily in his tank. Declan even had a morning chat with his new friend. He even insisted that he fed him himself this morning.
All is well.

goodbye gilford

2008-06-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Declan's first pet fish has died. I just found him a few minutes ago. I was a little unsure of how to let him know. Should I just go and find him a new one that looks similar and pretend nothing happened??? Or should we tell him and see how he reacts and do the funeral flush???
I am not a good candidate for moving anything that is dead so after a call to Simon he had suggested fishing him out, explaining to Declan that he has died and then if he wants to replace him we can head out to the pet store and get him a new one. I am waiting for Simon to get home to do the dirty work.
I hope he takes it well.

I wish I brought my camera

2008-05-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Declan's school year end presentation. It was so cute. We of course forgot our camera. The teachers had all the kids up on the stage sitting in chairs. It was pretty much the whole year in review. They sang songs and entertained us. It was so typical with the one girl who kept lifting up her dress to fix her tights, the little boy who sat in the chair and did nothing throughout the entire thing and so on. It was awesome. At the end was a little slide show from through out the year and I couldn't believe how much the kids had changed in just 9 months, they all looked like babies at the beginning. I can't wait for the next year to start. I am actually sad it is over, I have made some friends with some of the moms there and wish I could keep in contact with all of them but I know it won't happen. I have made friends with two of the moms that I know will be around for a while if not forever and I am glad of that.

much needed update from me

2008-04-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Good day glorious readers. I have been a crazy busy woman.
Everything has been plotting on really well with work. I was getting a bit impatient with HD after I had done my initial interview; here is why. ( I have changed the names of the staff)I had my interview and immediately had the second. Seriously. I was asked to wait while they found someone to do my second interview after my first one was done. I heard back from them the following Wednesday that. I was asked to come in for a HR interview to witch they would be handing me a job offer. So I went in the The following Tuesday I think. homer (the HR dude) had said that he has a job for me but not sure where. His exact words were. I do have a spot for you here Amy, I am just not sure where to put you so I can't give you a contract today. I had said O.K. but really what I was thinking was "WHAT!!!". Wednesday I got a call from Lily M (there are 2 Lillie's). She had said that Homer had a contract for me and could I come in anytime to have a look and sign up. I had a Dr. Appt the next day and said that I would see if it were O.K. with my girlfriend ( who was watching the boys), if I were gone for a little bit longer. Amber was fine with that. After getting my thing swabbed I headed over to HD and spoke to Homer who had a contract ready for me. It was a bit comical because the starting day was for April 1( and it was mid April by this time) the date had been scratched off and the days date was put on top. There was a name of Heather that had also been scratched off and my name placed above it. Also the starting wage had been scratched off and my wage was above it ( the other wage was much less than mine was). So I signed on the dotted line.
I started my training last Saturday and it was 6.75 hours of watching videos with a bunch of other new hires. There was a bunch of other training that I had done through the week and I had my first official 4 hours on the floor yesterday. It was tonnes of fun. I think I am really going to like it there. I am working in Home Decor and have lots to learn still even after the 26 hours of videos I had watched in the week.
So, this week I have Declan's 4th birthday party to get ready for. I ordered a pirate party theme for him ( that is what he wants to be when he grows up). I have a few things to pick up this week and I will need to do it when I am Kid free. I am working 4 shift this week and one is a full shift on Saturday WICKED!!! AND my folks are coming up sometime to be here for Declan's party. I have a feeling that this time next week I will be wondering where the week went.
Totally unrelated. A cousin of mine found a picture of me when I was I think 4 or 5 years old. I have always complained that there are no pictures of me when I was little so this was very cool for me to see. My sister always told me it was because I was adopted. Nice. Thanks Carie. Anyhoo if you want to see it, here it is..

That is me in the red, in the yellow is my little cousin Kevin, behind him is my sister Carie, in the plaid is my cousin Ericka and in the stripes is my uncle Steven. How fun is that picture???

wish me luck

2008-04-02T20:01:00.001-07:00

I have a job interview on Friday. I am really excited about it. I have decided to get a part time job and work when Simon is home and can take care of the kids. I wouldn't work in the day and pay a sitter, that would just be dumb. I would probably end up paying someone more to watch my kids than what I would make. Makes no sense to me.
So many reasons I want to work again
1) I want me kids to be as excited to see me when I come home as they are to see Simon. Totally jealous of the welcoming he gets. I get the " hey that lady is here, you know the one who is here ALL THE TIME!! kind of welcoming.
2) I say this and it makes Simon cringe but it is true. I need it to afford myself.
3) I want to make my own money for financial and personal reasons.
4) I can meet a whole new group of people. I meet people all of the time, but it would be a totally different crowd.
5) I get to interact with adults at work, help them and be something else other than mom. I know that being a mom is the most important thing a person can be but I need to be me too.

I am not worried about getting or not getting the job. Everyone is hiring now and you are pretty much guaranteed a job if you have a pulse. I hadn't even dropped off my resume 24 hours before they called me for an interview. I think the odds are in my favor. Hopefully I start soon. YIPPEE!!!

Possibly one of the coolest things I have made

2008-03-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

I was testing out a new technique the other day and came up with these. I am sure I can do some pretty amazing looking things with this but it is a start.

Above is my first attempt at the Dahlia fold.

I had this image in my head. I turned out exactly how I wanted it to.

This was a different and much easier one. I like it but the other is just way cooler.

There you have it.

Seriously....go away

2008-02-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Remember back in October when I was fed up and frustrated with someone who would not get the hint??? Well, still not getting it. I have actually stopped taking her calls after a blow up two weeks ago. You would think that two people who have been in as many arguments as we have would agree to disagree and move on. I am trying, seriously. She calls every few days, no messages just calls and hangs up when the voice mail kicks in. Then she will try my cell.
I went to a silent auction this weekend for a friend who was raising money for a dance competition coming up. It was the same group of friends that I am apparently stealing. She was invited along with another friend of hers that I am not particularly fond of. My feelings for this other woman are well known. Crazy ( her nickname) didn't show up because she had decided to go skiing with her husband ( who also can't stand her, I think). And it starts all over again.
9:20 am this morning she called and left a message saying that she wishes I would call her because she misses talking to me..???!!!! I think she meant that she misses me telling her what an idiot she is. She also called my cell phone and simply said to call. I say No Thanks
4:20 she calls the house again and left a message saying that I am rude to not answer her calls.
she calls back immediately after and I pick up and hang up. She calls back and leaves a message saying that she is quite discouraged because I had spoken to her friend that I don't like on Saturday but I won't talk to her.
I blocked her number. Unfortunately she called from her cell number. It would have been great to block her home number instead. It only works on the last incoming call.
I hadn't really spoken to the said friend on Saturday. I had gotten myself a rye and coke and it tasted like ass. So, I asked the bartender what the chances were that they had run out of coke. I was told that they had run out of brand name coke and could only get a no name brand from wherever they get their stuff from. He had apologised and said that that was all they could do. fine I switched to Alabama slammers. No coke in there.
So anyway I headed back to the table after my conversation with the bartender and explained to everyone at the table about the cola. Then the other friend that I don't like asked me to explain again. So I did. I guess this means that we are best friends now because I talked to her. What was I supposed to do??? Tell her to shut up and go ask him herself in front of all of our mutual Friends??? That would be awkward for everyone and I would look like a bitch. I could not bruise my reputation like that (shut up). Seriously I wasn't going to make everyone uncomfortable, I know how to act like a grown up most of the time...
I accept that I am going to have to deal with her a few more times until I have all her numbers blocked from my house. I say all because she has something like 6 numbers. Two home lines a cell phone at least 2 work lines and a work cell. I will block them all if I have to. Hopefully this discourages her but I don't have high hopes.

Sweet sweet Tavish

2008-02-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

Tavish has a habit now of getting out of bed at least three times before he finally stays in there and falls asleep. He is actually pretty funny about it because he will sneak around and peek over the corner and as soon as he sees that I have seen him, he will laugh and run back into bed and climb under the covers. The other night we had heard him pattering around the hallway. I had said to Simon " just leave him, I think he will just go back to bed". Simon decided to check on him after we had heard nothing for a while. He called me to have a look, I was thinking that he had fallen asleep on the floor or something. I looked in his room and he wasn't there. I turned to look in our room and there he was, tucked warmly in our bed with his little blanket, baby tigger, daddy tigger and molly bunny, the three stuffies he must cuddle with to sleep. It was so sweet you just wanted to squish him from all the cuteness.

kids see everything

2008-02-12T18:15:00.001-08:00

We were stopped at a red light and Declan gives out a little snort and says " I like that tree, it looks like a reindeer". I say " Oh Okay". i had no idea what he was talking about so I looked around thinking I would find a tree trimmed as a reindeer. Then I saw what he was talking about.

below pic, just a cit closer.

Sorry about the light post in the middle of this one but it was a drive by shooting. It is at an intersection and there is really no where to pull over. I am a bit determined to get a perfect shot of it so I may just one day drive, park and walk over. There are no sidewalks really so I would have to take the picture from across the street and I can bet you there will be people wondering just what the heck I am up to.
Neat hey???

I suck

2008-02-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

I went back to the gym today after a 2 month hiatus. My performance sucked!!! I wasn't going to bother with weights or anything like that because I really don't want to bulk up. I have good muscles. Blame it on genetics. I know the whole " you will burn more calories when you also work your muscles" theory. But, I would rather go to the gym and spend it all working on cardio. However, I can run half as long as I could 2 months ago. I suck. I have to start all over again. I would often get a tightness in my ribs after running for a while but I was only able to reach half capacity today. I don't ever remember my lungs hurting before accept when I was a smoker and tried to run.
I have to start all over again. CRAP!!!

scared

2008-01-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

I am so scared that I may not make it through the week without becoming an alcoholic. My kids do not like the cold. They especially don't like to get bundled up for the cold. Anything more than a hat, coat, mitts and boots they cry. Seriously, they don't like to layer. So with the weather being as cold as it is we will be stuck in the house all week.
I will be afraid to drive anywhere to far until some of the snow is gone, I got stuck in a snow drift in a parking lot today taking Declan home from preschool. It wasn't even because he attended it today. I shut up my inner voice this morning telling me to stay home, don't take him today, it is too cold. I took him anyway. I would feel bad for him to not go because I am a baby, he loves preschool so much. So, we got there just to be told they had just noticed a water main break and that there was no school. F**CK! Then leaving we were stuck in a snowdrift. My car sucks in snow. Thank goodness there were two moms having a conversation and notice me stuck. So, they started to push me out, I was ready to call hubby. Then I decided to let the lady drive who was wearing the expensive leather high heel boots. Besides it was my car, I should be doing the hard work. Plus I needed to burn off some frustration. YAY! we got out. We will see what happens Wednesday.
I really don't mind the cold when I am dressed for it but it is hard when you have kids who really don't like it.

Tav's new room

2008-01-17T12:16:00.001-08:00

Here it is, Tavish's new room.
as you walk in.

I tried to get a pic of the whole room but this new camera we have is finicky.

The bed is a convertible loft bed. When he is old enough to sleep in a bunk, you can flip it over. Then there is play space underneath. He actually grabbed all of his stuffies from his room and put them at the end of the bed. There is enough room for them for now so I left them. It is his room after all.

He looks so little in there. He was such a giant in his crib.

He is doing really well. The first nap in his big bed, he climbed out about three times. Simon was on nap watch. At bed time, he only climbed out once and came running into the living room with a very cheerful "HI". We was tucked back in and that has been it for putting him down. He will even wave at you as you walk away from tucking him in. It has been 5 nights since he has been in the new bed.

Resolutions

2007-12-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here it is, my commitment to 2008.
The first thing I am going to do is go back to the gym and get back on my diet. I have gained back most of the weight I lost just before Cuba.
I am going to stop buying crap. I spend a lot of money on stuff, just stuff. That might be why there is so much clutter in my kitchen.
Also I am going to get up early and get ready first thing. I find I get more done when I am up and ready.
So, that is my plan, what is yours???

Prepare yourself. you are going to want to move in

2007-12-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here they are, the pics of our new basement.Above is the stairs heading into the glorious new space. On the left there you can see a tiny bit of wall that still needs some work. That is up to us. It was a add on that we never had in the contract but Phillip covered up some really bad drywall there and we just have to paint it.

The entrance to my scrapbooking room. It is really cluttered because the counter top is late. The laminate that he had ordered was cracked when he went to pick it up. So, this room is not complete but I have really needed to use it for some Christmas projects that I have been working on. The stuff on the left is going. The table end to the right of the closet is going and of course that table will be gone. I plan to have a fold out underneath that window for company.

My temporary workspace until the counter top comes in. Hopefully tomorrow but we are heading south for a few days so I won't really get to enjoy it. Besides I am done my stuff for now.

My storage space and wall cut out. I can watch Simon on the computer through there. that little bit of light you see on the right there through the cut out is Simon's office. I will send out the fished pic when that is done and organized.

The entrance to the laundry/bath room.

That is Simon's little showering space and the rest of the bathroom Oh, and Jango sniffing the garbage. I think he is after my empty coffee cup. He likes lattes too.

This is the start of Simon's office. Everything has been just kind of "placed" in there for now. We are still planning what it is going to look like. We are also going to be putting some bunk beds in there for guests.

That is where I am sitting now. We are hoping to find a desk that will fit all of our stuff on it soon.

The media area. There is a couch behind and to the right of me and the TV is to the left. That little black mark on the coffee table is from a t-light I left burning on there years ago. We plan to cover that table in tiles. It has been around longer than I have.

Then the kids play area.

there is still a lot we have to do before it is complete. As far as filling it with all of the stuff still in the garage and getting functional pieces of furniture. It is a cozy little place for us now. unfortunately we have been too darn busy to enjoy it yet. It is a bit bigger than it is coming through here and the new windows bring in so much light. I sure do like it down here now. You wouldn't get me down here after dark before.
So, when are you going to come and see it for yourself??? I can't wait to have my first basement guests.

Paid forward

2007-12-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Finally I was able to pay it forward this morning. A few months ago I was going through a Second cup drive through and as I was given my order the staff member excitedly told me that the previous lady paid for me. I was touched. I was in such a hurry to catch up to the lady's car that I didn't even think that I could have paid for the person behind me. I did manage to catch up to her at a red light but she didn't look my way. I was about to honk but the light changed and she drove off. I was done with the chase. I have been through the same drive through a few times but no one has ever pulled up behind me. I was pretty excited to see a few cars in the line when I got there. It left a large possibility that there would be enough time for someone to pull in and the fact that it might just be coffee break time. It was my turn to pull up to the window and yet no one behind me. The window lady was a bit slow in getting to the window and for once I was thankful for slow service because just as she was handing me my muffins a gold intrepid pulled up behind me. Then it took a few minutes for my non fat medium butter pecan latte to be ready. I had to ask for another muffin because Declan didn't like the banana nut one, he wanted the apple cinnamon one he heard me order. It was supposed to be for Christine so I gave him hers and got Christine a new one ( We were on our way to her house). Then it was time to pay. I had told her that I wanted to buy the lady behind me a coffee and the window lady must get this often because she was pretty stoic about it. When it happened to me the window lady was so excited to be there.
I was able to get a look at the face of the woman I was buying a coffee for and it was kind of cool, it was like I had just bought my mom a coffee. She was about the same age and same hair color. My mom doesn't drive a gold intrepid, she drives a white 96 Bonneville or a grey classic 76 Lincoln Continental. They are all about the same size though.
It was a load off my back to be able to pay it forward and no longer feel like I was slacking in that department.
I know you are wondering how long it is going to be before we post new pics of the basement. They are coming, I don't know yet how to get the pics off the new camera so as soon as Simon gets that done for me I will post that.

HELLO its me is that you???

2007-12-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

I am finally back online. Our computer was taking a holiday for almost a week and left me feeling like I was stuck in a cave. It really gave me the feeling like life was going on without me. Simon brought home his laptop for me a few times so I can "scratch that itch".
On top of it all I have been battling a pretty serious head cold. Tavish caught it first and I really don't know where it came from. Then it was my turn. Declan caught it on the weekend and seemed to get it the worst. Fortunately he was the first to recover from it. I don't know which I would prefer. If I would have it less severe for twice as long or a serious case for a brief period. I think it would depend on what I had to get done. So far I haven't gotten much done anyway.
We have received so many Christmas cards already and I still have to do mine. I think I will start mine in June next year.
The basement is in limbo for the next few days. The carpet comes on Thursday but we are still waiting for the counter tops for both the bathroom and craft room. They were supposed to be here last week but there has been a delay. We are pretty much just waiting for something to happen.
It is just the beginning to the Christmas shenanigans though. Friday I have a nail appointment in preparations for Simon's Christmas party. I still have to adjust the straps on the new dress I bought for it. I have to figure out how I am going to do my hair. There is also a Christmas open house that afternoon at a friends house. Sunday is the kids Christmas party for Simon's work. Then Sunday night we have plans. That is all I am going to say because it has something to do with Simon's birthday on Tuesday.
Somewhere between now and Christmas we have to get our basement together, and parties out of the way, presents wrapped and travel 5.5 hours south to my folks place. I think I should invest in a whole swack of chocolate covered espresso beans to get me going.
The joy of the holidays :o)

You can almost see it

2007-11-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest of the basement renos.

above is the view of the stairs, my office and on the left at the bottom of the stairs is the storage room that we aren't doing anything to. the other door on the left is the bathroom.

above is going to be the media area. There will be a pretty window there once we get it. The window guy is taking his time getting it to us. This space looks a lot longer and skinnier than it is.

above is my office space. Complete with desk and counter top for scrapbooking. notice the wall cut out so I can keep an eye on what the kids are doing. Also notice the door that I can close to keep the kids out. Muah ha ha.

This it the pretty window in Simon's office. We will have one exactly like it in the media area. Damn window guy.

So there it is. I probably won't send out more pictures until it is done. It won't be changing much now until the carpet is in. DECEMBER 13 WOOOHOOO!!!

borrowed Idea

2007-11-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

I think Simon did this once. I know I have seen it on a few blogs and now I am going to share 10 things about me.

1. I often call my husband to help me with the computer.

2. I can't bring myself to wash the inside back window of my car. It still has nose prints from my dog Farley that we gave away last winter.

3. I still cry when I think about Farley

4. I collect pens. ( It makes my husband crazy)

5. I know how to install siding and eaves trough on a house. I even know how to install soffit and fascia but most people don't know what that is.

6. I would rather clean a toilet than do the dishes by hand.

7. I love to wear heavy eye makeup. I would wear it heavier than I do if I were going out if I knew how to apply it. However, heavy to me is light to some.

8. I will inform a total stranger that their fly is undone, that they have a visible booger or if they have something in their teeth. I mean I would want to know. Wouldn't you???

9. I am afraid of ghosts but think vampires are cool.

10. I broke my pinkie finger 9 years ago. I wiped out when I was roller blading.

There now you know :o)

Cuba pics

2007-11-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting some Cuba pics. In no particular order though cause I don't have that kind of patients.
I call this one first pic "circle of friends". Haha. Get it???

In the pool with my hubby

Topless in the ocean. We were really far away from her so that is how I am sure I was able to take this picture. There were other topless bathers but not at all picture worthy. No, really.

This is my sister and Rui. We were hoping they would hook up but didn't. I know it looks promising in this picture but they are both the gotta get to know them people. They have actually spent some time together since Cuba.

In the pool with Monique. Different Monique that the one talked about in my recent post. I know how many people do you know with two friends named Monique???

I love this picture of Monique and Andre. I think they are going to kiss "snicker"

Girls at the pool. Julie is enjoying her breasts.

James and Kelli. They were the ones who invited Rui.

This is actually the first day in the sun. As I said... No particular order. Notice my un tan. hahaha

My pretty sister and her friend Julie.

On the beach again. A little different colour in the skin from the previous one.

My handsome hubby on the beach

The hermit crab I found.

I just received a CD from Andre with more pictures on it so I will have to have a look and share those ones too.

lets get on with it already...

2007-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am really done with the vacation thing. Yes, we were back last weekend from Cuba but Simon is still on holidays. IT IS SCREWING WITH MY SCHEDULE!!! He will be back from Toronto in a few hours and I am planning to leave him with the kids for a few hours so I can just go away. I don't know how single mothers do it or wives with husbands that are gone for work. I guess they just do it because they have to.
I want my schedule back. I need to get back to the routine that I miss so much. I have gained back8 out if the 16 lbs that I lost but still planned to lose another 10 so that takes me back to 18 lbs. Maybe it will happen before Christmas. That might be ambitious. At least with Simon home I will be actually cooking healthy dinners and not just eating what my kids are having. I will be heading to the gym again which I have not done since the week before Cuba.
Does it sound bad that I want my husband back so he can go back to work???

Sigh

2007-11-11T09:58:00.001-08:00

It is Sunday and I have a tonne of things I want to get done before Tuesday. I have my washer and dryer hooked up only till then, then the drywallers are coming and will be disconnecting them again so they can work in that room. I also have some workshops I need to prepare for for next weekend and one the following weekend. If I want to pull everything out of the corner it is placed in and haul it all up to the kitchen I could do it that way. I prefer to work on it in my soon to be finished basement on a portable table close to where it is being stored. If I want to it this way, I will have to get my ass in gear and do it so I can pack it all up again for Tuesday morning so the workers can do their job. The rest of the house needs to be cleaned. Beds made, dishes done, vacuuming, dusting and so on.
And here I am on the computer...
On the bright side. Granny and grandpa have picked up the boys for a morning coffee and afternoon nap. I really can't get much done with Tav around cause as soon as he sees me getting involved in anything but him he will be sure to do something that will need my attention. Declan is easy. He entertains himself...mostly.
My plan... To get as much done with the boys gone as possible. What I don't get done today I will finish when Simon gets home tomorrow and he can help...
So, here I go... gettin things done...

I'll pull through

2007-11-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Simon is gone... He left yesterday. He is in Toronto for a Guy Gavriel Kay book thing. It has turned into an annual thing. I really think he goes to see Paula more that Guy but oh well...
So far so good. I have mentioned in another post that I am always paranoid that I will fall and crack my head open when Simon is gone from town. I worry cause there will be no one around for days to notice and my kids will be in the house with my dead body fending for themselves until someone notices their teary scared faces in the window . Or Simon comes home. Which ever happens first....
Yesterday I got up and stayed in my PJ's all day. So did the kids. We went no where and did nothing all day. Today when I got up I had breakfast and fed the kids and phoned Christine. I invited her over to play. Christine has a little boy just one month older (and one on the way shhh only about 5 weeks) than Tavish. His name is Jayden and he is almost as cute as Tav is. I phoned and invited them over cause I had the feeling that I would just stay in my PJ's all day again and eat all the leftover Halloween candy if I was left alone to it. So, we shared it. It also gave me incentive to clean up a little since I only made sure the dishes were done yesterday.
So, now all I have to do is figure out what I am going to do for the rest of the weekend and half of Monday. I do at some point need to pick up some groceries. I am officially out of Soy milk and the only vegetables I have in the house are potatoes. I think I might go to the mall and pick up the lulu lemon hoody I have been eyeballing for a few months. I might even head to the carpet place and look around there. It would be a great place to let the kids run wild, they can't really get hurt in a carpet store can they???

PLEASE... just go away

2007-10-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

There is this woman I met in prenatal class when I was pregnant with Declan. We weren't really friends until after Declan was born but before her son was born. She sent me an email just a few weeks before her son was born. Anyways, we never really got together, we would just talk on the phone or chat over email. She seemed pretty normal.
Simon had taken Declan to her son's first birthday. It would have been the first time either one of us had physically seen her since prenatal class. Still, I hadn't actually gotten together with her.
I had gone to HER birthday party when I was about a month from having Tavish. It was 2 years since I had actually seen her in person. Her 2nd son was born just 3 weeks after Tavish and I had taken Tavish in with me to visit her in the hospital. This would have been the 2nd time I had seen her in person.
Needless to say we weren't really great friends. We were acquaintances and it was barely. I had sent along an invite to an open house workshop of mine. She replied that she would come and bring her 2 friends. Both I had met briefly at functions at her house. And oddly one that I had run into during a late night crop night ( a scrap booking term).
I had hit it off with her friends quite well. I had no idea that my life was about to regress a decade. I was accused of stealing her friends. Simply because I had to get orders to them, we started chatting and so on.
One year ago this month I had actually told her to not call me again. I was not going to put up with someone who couldn't get past the high school stage. I have become quite good friends with Christine ( yes the on who has a day home). Christine has had the same problems. But this woman will not go away. The very next day since telling her to not call me, she did. She had called and asked me if I was feeling better because I was a bit grouchy the previous day. I was shocked!!! I couldn't believe that after all I had said to her that she would call me.
So, after all of my efforts to rid myself of this person, she is still in my life. She calls me a few times a week, it will depend on my mood if I answer or not. If I don't answer it just encourages her to call more until she gets me. It is always with the same things. "did you talk to Christine today?? Did she say anything about me?? how many times this week have you talked to her??? who called who???
I know what you are thinking. Just tell her to shut up. Well, I have. I have had the go away, don't call me, I want nothing to do with you conversation with her at least 5 times. If I had said to ANYONE the things I had said to her, they would hate me and never forgive me. Not her. She calls the next day to see if you are still mad at her. Christine's husband actually went to her house and told her and her husband that she is not to call there. She still does.
I don't know what to do with this woman. I just received an email from her on facebook and she was complaining about my profile picture. It is of me and Christine and another friend. It was the three of us out for a ladies night. She had actually shown up after a wedding. In the message she asks if I am trying to taunt her with the photo. I guess she feels like I have nothing else going on but to piss her off. I had told her that I thought she was the one who took the photo with Christine's camera. She comes back with " no I wasn't invited as usual". I just replied that if she sharpened her memory a bit, we actually did a shooter together that night.
No comment back. I will probably get a call from her at 7:30 in the morning asking me what I meant by that comment and that it hurt her feelings.
Well, if you had stuck through this post long enough to get to this sentence, you are a very patient person and I thank you for sticking around. It was the email from her that threw me off the edge. No one to vent to right now but you.
Advice anyone???

Humanitarian

2007-10-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

My Husband is a true humanitarian. He was off early yesterday (don't tell his boss) so he did some productive "stuff" around the house. One of the things on his to do list was the recycling. Once he got back he had told me that there was a line up for the bottle depot and didn't want to wait to do that. So the great and inpatient guy he is, he just gave the bag of mostly juice boxes to someone waiting in line.
He made a point to tell me that he gave the bag to the guys with the most crappiest car.
Doesn't that make you want give him the ol nudge on the shoulder and say "good for you"...

I don't get it...

2007-10-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

I don't get the way some people think when they go to the gym... The first thing i don't get is the race to find the closest parking spot... Um, you are going to work out. Then, there are the people that take the elevator and then go on the treadmill.
I enjoy going to the step classes. The instructors are great. Lots of energy and personality, lots of fun. There are a few ladies that come and take the class but do totally different things than the instructor. It is really distracting. Why come to a class if you are going to do your own thing??? I keep thinking to myself, " If the class isn't good enough for you, why don't you teach it then".
I think my biggest pet peeve is when I go and have a great workout, I leave the gym feeling all good about my self, step out the doors right into a cloud of cigarette smoke. I just don't get it. Why are you working out, trying to look and feel better then leaving to have a cigarette, you just undid all the good stuff you did to your insides...
I know how addicting smoking is, I smoked for 13 years. I am not putting it down or trying to offend anyone but if you could only know how much better you would feel if you didn't do it. However, the problem I have is. I just had a workout, I am going home and I walk into a cloud of cigarette smoke. Can you wait until you are in a more open spot than right at the door, you might as well be blowing it right into my face.
anyway, that is my beef.

A favorite

2007-10-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love Calvin and Hobbes, especially all the snowmen ones that get emailed at Christmas time. The first time I read this one, I really wished I could reach in and give him a hug.

I really hope my kids never feel this way, I am sure they will. I think about this episode when I find I am at my wits end with Declan some days and I always find my patient side. I bet you have the urge to hug your kids after reading this. I do.

I forgot about this

2007-09-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had just remembered that I promised you guys a game of " Who's the biggest pervert". Well, let's get it started.
There is room for 6 players. I will give one week for anyone to give me their email address and then I will explain the set up and rules. So, deadline for sign up is Saturday, October 6.
As promised we will play through direct e-mail and it will be only through game members only. If you have any suggestions please make them to me before "game day".

fun little games...

2007-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was gone for one hour yesterday ONE HOUR. I get home to find a note taped to my door. THE GREN WAS HERE. I am assuming out of most of the people who still read my blog ( even after much negligence on my part) most of you know who the Gren is. I read the note, there was more than just " THE GREN WAS HERE", however, Simon has it somewhere no doubt pressed in a book.
At first I was disappointed that I had missed a visitor. It is a great break in my day as most stay at home moms will know. I was sad thinking that I had missed a visit from someone who lived very far away and made a special attempt to " drop by". Then I was relieved for two reasons. 1) the state of my house at the time 2) I would probably have panicked a bit with a strange man at my door claiming to be " The Gren". I have no idea what "The Gren" looks like. I would have probably been a panicked stricken mother and simply panic that a stranger is at my house who says he knows me and wants to come in. Would that not freak anyone else out???
The fun part about all of it was that he was no where near my house but had met a couple from my city a month back at a wedding. Being the creative man he is, wrote the note and sent it back with instructions to tape it to the door of the said address.
In conclusion, it was some excitement to my day to try and piece together the mystery, and there was some relief that I hadn't missed a visitor from a land far far away. Even though I still looked a bit like an ass, it was probably less that the song and dance I would have done trying to get the stranger to prove to me who he was before inviting him in for tea.
Very good timing as well, actually getting here in the hour that I was gone that day.
Thanks for the fun...

led astray

2007-09-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Since my last posting I have only lost 4 more lbs. I was a bit disappointed since the first week was so great. I half expected the weight to just "fall" off. Still that is 13 lbs in 3 weeks so I will take it. I still don't really notice a difference but Simon has assured me that there is. Thanks Honey :o). However I am not discouraged ( well maybe a bit) but the logical side of me says that it could be a plateau or it could just be leveling out since it happened so fast in the beginning. I still have just under 3 weeks left of the cleanse and then I am not sure what but 6.5 weeks till Cuba!!!!!
On a happier note Tavish has sort of given up the soother. I put him down for a nap without it last week and he didn't really fuss. There was a bit of whining for about five minutes and then he fall asleep. Tavish does seem to miss it, he asks for a bottle at times when he doesn't get one and he has been waking up unusually early like 5:40 am this morning. I think he is waking up looking for it to go back to sleep and once he realizes it isn't there he is upset. Just a bit longer and he will have forgotten it all together it is just getting through till nap time since he is a bit cranky from being up so early.

That can't be right.

2007-08-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

I first became interested in holistic therapy when Tavish had had his second Urinary tract infection by the age of four months. I was in a health food store looking for some baby massage oil that my massage therapist recommended. As I was consulting with the lady managing the store at the time, we got on the topic of Tavish's health. She said go to a naturopathic Dr. So I did. I found my Dr. in the Yellowpages and made the call. I was really happy to find a Doctor who had a son only one week older that Tavish was so was comfortable discussing my sons health with him cause he knew what a baby at that age demanded.
After a few months of Dr.s suggestions and supplements we had taken Tavish to a urologist. We had met her and went over the history and she was surprised that with Tav's history that he had not had another recurrence but since there weren't any we had put all the invasive tests aside, we would do the tests only if there were another occurrence. Haven't been back to see her.
This appointment that I had with the Dr. was the first for me. I had planned to see him a long long long time ago but having the demands of 2 kids delayed it. However I am so glad I had gone in and do wish that I had gone sooner.
Since following the Dr.s advise about diet and supplements I have lost 9lbs in 5 days... It can't be right. I did use his scale both times and that is what it is telling me. I don't notice a difference but hope to soon. I can't wait to see what the next week shows.

10 weeks till holidays

2007-08-19T18:49:00.001-07:00

So again it has been a while since my last posting, I thank all of you for hanging on.
I have been trying to lose 20 lbs for a while now and not doing well. I finally went to see my Naturopath for some help and advice. I was a bit discouraged when he weighed me and my 20 lbs turned to 30. sigh... How can just getting on a scale at 10 lbs.
However he did tell me "scales are for fish" I almost kissed him. I held back for a few reasons... His idea is the same as mine that scales are for tracking your success only, not to determine how you look.
So, starting tomorrow I am detoxifying and cleansing, I will also be taking some suggested supplements for some muscle stress in my foot and shoulder. Apparently those with chronic pain are not all that successful with weight loss. I will also be going in for some acupuncture treatments to help with those.
I know a lot of people who are sceptical with holistic practices but this guy cured Tavish of his Urinary tract infections, hasn't had one since being treated by Dr. Richmond. So I am a believer.
Wish me luck.

How rude of me

2007-08-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

I really must apologise for the lack of postings. Also with the lack of postings comes the lack of reading of other blogs. I will blame it on just being busy. The truth is I still spend a lot of time on facebook. I am at the computer ten times a day you would think I would be able to find something to post about. I simply forget. I have come downstairs a few times to get something or to change loads 0f laundry and I think hmm I will check my messages. I check my messages and forget why I was down here in the first place. Also it is summer time, I am sure when the weather turns cooler there will be more time to spend on facebook oops I mean more time to think about blogging.
I must apologise to the anonymous reader that noticed I had forgotten to spellcheck last post. I do it often and since my fingers can be a bit dyslexic when I type I truly need to check before I post. There are always red underlines all over the place when I finish a post and I think I usually do check. I just get excited to pop out a blog that taking that extra step fails to enter my mind. Also, I don't proofread cause I am lazy. I also don't really care much about sentence structure and grammar and stuff like that because I am not sure if I remember all of the rules. So, for those of you who are into the Art of writing proper sentences and paragraphs good for you, I simply am not.

A drop in the bucket

2007-07-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

We have finally started our home ronovations. It is only a bit of landscaping for now, almost a full retaining wall in the garden is up. But it is just a drop in the bucket.
We have a whole basement that needs to be done. When we first bought our house the basement was concidered partially finished. When we moved in, it became unfinished. We ripped out old shag carpet, swag lamps not to mention wall and wall panelling. So, the first thing we are doing it installing 2 48x24 windows in the basement where there are no windows. Then there will be framing, drywalling, electrical, plumbing, carpeting. We decided to save ourselves some money in the painting department, pretty much the only area we feel we are compitent in. However it will be soooo worth it having the extra living space and some natural light in the basement. AND a place for our guests so they don't have to tent it in the backyard when they visit ( we haven't resorted to that YET). The price tag is hefty but It is like getting a whole other house built on. All of that extra square footage we haven't been using will have actual function. I can't wait.

That don't impress me much

2007-07-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today I took the kids for a walk. It was a great day sunny, no wind, just warm enough not too hot. Behind me I hear a car squeel out onto the street so already I am thinking "idoit". I notice a car slow down bsedie me so I have a look and there are two guys in a shiny new Mustang convertable with really loud music. I get the "how you doin" nod and then they squeel off down the street.
First of all who squeals their tires on purpose thinking it impresses people??? Then there is the loud music.. They are listening to "I like to move it move it". Not a bad song, good base but Declan dances and sings to that song. So, It impressed me as much as if someone was trying to seduce me with the looney tunes theme song. So I think to myself. What is the point?? Here is 30 something woman pushing 2 kids in a stroller in the middle of the afternoon. Chances are I am not available. What would possess two knuckle draggers to slow down enough to get my attention and do the Joey nod???? I just shook my head..

However what did impress me was half a block down. A cute guy on a tractor mower. He sees me coming, smiles at me, stops, turns off the motor, smiles at my kids, waits until we have pass and then starts up his motor and continues on with his work.

If maybe they were in a 66 shiny Mustang convertable, lisening to something that is now on the top 40 stopped to cooo over my kids. Also not to mention driving the speed limit not wasting rubber on the blacktop. I may be thinking a little differently.

Would I have said the same thing a decade ago when "real 2 real" was in the top 40???

2007-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

UPDATED KID PICS

This is actually a bucket for mega blocks Tavish Decided would make a great vehicle

Breakfast at the Frasers

No caption necessary

He was able to get this hands on this cluster of grapes and just picked them off one by one. It was really quite adorable to see.

Interpreter PLEASE!!!

2007-06-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

I love getting comments from fellow blog readers. I like most look forward to people commenting on my life. Really, If I didn't want any comments, I wouldn't have a blog. Apologies for being so far and between posts lately but man, I have lots of stuff to get done.
So, I had a comment of my last post and um well, read for your self.

Oi, achei teu blog pelo google tá bem interessante gostei desse post. Quando der dá uma passada pelo meu blog, é sobre camisetas personalizadas, mostra passo a passo como criar uma camiseta personalizada bem maneira. Até mais.

Can someone please tell me what Rodrigo has said.

I will take full responsibility

2007-06-17T21:31:00.001-07:00

A long time friend of my husbands that I met almost instanly when we were dating. A girl I had just met and thought was adorable. All I did was exchange their email addresses. This is how it ended up or should I say this is how it starting.

Jeff and Michell June 16 2007
Simon had just finished being inappropriate when they took this picture. They were printing off pictures for the guest book at the door.
The bride and groom have their first dance
Me and Char....Not sure what we were doing...

Last pic of the night!!!

I can say that if it weren't for me, it wouldn't of happened. Truly, all I did was bring two people together who deserve eachother. They did all the hard work like taking the risk to trust someone, putting in all the hard work it takes to make a realationship and letting love happen.

To Jeff and Michelle

CHEERS!

Converstations with Dex

2007-06-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Me: I love you
Declan: "big smile"
Me: Do you know what that means??
Declan:"big smile"
Me:It means that you are the most amazing thing in my life
Declan:'Plays with my hair"
Me: give Declan a kiss on the cheek
Declan:I had a slurpee today
Me: yes you sure did

Jango

2007-06-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture that Declan drew of Jango last night.
most impressive I would say.
Since he is 3 and all.

Finally

2007-05-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Finally the day has come where I can take the kids for a walk and not have to worry about wind, rain or cold. What a long time coming it has been.
I took the kids for a lengthy walk this afternoon. I usually will just go to the park or the store, there is usually a destination 'cause I am just not sure how long the weather will hold up. How nice. I really noticed the smells of everything, the trees, freshly cut grass, flower beds, I even smelled the air freshener wafting out of a car parked on the curb. The one thing that surprised me today was a small group of people passed, The kind of group where everyone says "hi" and a comment on how cute your kids are and look how smiley the one in the back is. When they passed I smelled a smell that I hadn't smelled in a long time. American cigarettes. I am an ex smoker, I quit about6 years ago when I met my husband. I didn't quit because he asked me to, I quit almost accidentally. Since Simon is somewhat allergic and just doesn't like the smell or the habit, I was cutting back. I didn't smoke around him, I wouldn't smoke if I were going to see him. I actually remember my last cigarette, I was on my way to work and noticed that it was the last in the pack. Thought I should maybe stop and get a new one. I didn't feel like it I thought well , the next time I want one I will go and get some then. I never did.
However when I caught the whiff of an American cigarette I thought " It probably would have been a lot harder were I an American". Not only that but I love the smell of cigars. I would probably burn a cigar as incense if they were laying around the house.

evil plots for punishing teens

2007-05-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

On the news the other day was a mom who's son had gotten aggressive with a teacher. Enter the proactive mom. We will call her mom the brave. So, mom the brave punished her son by strapping a sign to his back saying something like " I am being punished for a bad decision", and his chore was to clean up trash. The story was, the boy and teacher were goofing around but it got carried away and the teacher ended up in a headlock. The reporter said that the boy was apparently a good kid and no track record of aggression but the school felt the situation needed to be taken seriously and I believe he was suspended for a few days. You could see on his face that he was not impressed.
I am quite impressed at the mothers pro activeness. I think that there is not enough of making kids accountable these days. However I do think the sign was a bit much but the gutter cleaning-AWESOME. I can't wait to put my kids to task when they have been naughty.
I have on my side two friends who work with the local city police and I know if either one of my kids need some kind of reality check, they will be happy to help. We have already discussed a few methods. One being taking them into the cells and seeing what happens to the bad guys. The second was along the lines of a lecture which I think would be less effective.
I like the idea of the chores. Give them chores that no-one wants to do. (1) Cleaning dog poop duty for our home and any0ne else we know who has a dog for one week. (2) mowing the lawns of the neighborhood. (3) helping the Seniors of the neighborhood with household tasks.
However I am thinking way ahead of myself, my kids are angels and always will be.

Neglected

2007-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry all for neglecting my updates. I have some time parasites keeping me away from this duty. One being Facebook. Yep, I ma one of those. I have had the account for some time now but just recently I have been doing the find your lost friends thing.
I moved away from my home town about 7 years ago and never really looked back. I wasn't all that interested in keeping contact with too many people and the ones that I held some importance to me just kind of faded out. So, thanx to facebook, I have found some really cool "old" friends. I am actually sad that I haven't been in contact for so many years cause I do miss them.
Also I am hosting a garage sale here this weekend. It has been a lot of work setting up and the weather isn't really all that favorable but what I don't sell I am bringing over to a Friends garage sale next weekend so I got to be rid of some of it.
Speaking of time parasites, I hate to admit it but Tavish has been glued to me. Especially in the morning. I can't put him down or break physical contact with him without him melt down in front of me. I think it might be a growth spurt since he is having his morning nap at 9:30 instead of 11:30. I hope it ends soon.
thanxs for holding on.

Spring cleaned

2007-05-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

ahhhhh, clean.
Monday, my cleaning lady and I went all out on the kitchen. Cleaned the cupboards in and out, she got my stove sparkling ( and it is an old stove ), anything that was in my kitchen was cleaned. It is so nice. She was supposed to come back yesterday to do the windows and walls but a girlfriend of mine said save yourself some money, I will come over and help you.
So I cancelled the cleaning lady and Christine came over and washed the walls in the dining area, the front entrance, the living room and hallway. I cleaned the windows and tracks. I keep noticing how good my yard looks now that I can see it through my kitchen window. I had to look a few times out the window in the dining area cause it looked like something was missing....... The dirt.
So, now I am going to do some spring sorting to get ready for the garage sale this next weekend. I have never hosted a garage sale before so I am sure I will be annoyed with it by the time it is over and not want to do it again, but for now I am really excited about it.
I love a clean house
I love friends that like to clean
I love my husband for keeping the kids occupied while we cleaned.
It is a beautiful day.

Still blushing

2007-05-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday was hectic. We were getting the house ready for Declans birthday party. Neither of the kids would eat their breakfast. Tavish was whining all morning and would not go down for his nap. Declan started whining because of this or that. He was just hungry but to excited to eat. Tavish was crying in his crib, still not going for a nap. I stated to Simon "I have to leave". He replies " I think that is a good idea". So, not showered cause I didn't have time yet, I get dressed. I had on the oldest clothes I think I have had knowing that I was going to change into something else when I had gotten the shower thing out of the way. I didn't bother with underwear since I felt them superfluous at the time ( an extra few seconds to put them on-not Worth it) put on a baseball cap and left.
I went to pick up stuff for the goody bags. I never do goody bags I find them a waste. Whenever I get them it usually turns into something for the trash unless there is chocolate in it. Then it is just mine. but anyway I went to get stuff or goody bags since I couldn't think of what else to do in my escape.
I was gone for about 1/2 and hour and Tav was still whining in his crib but I got to shop so I felt better. He eventually went to sleep and I started stuffing "things" into the goody bags and felt a draft. I checked, yep, my zipper was down. I felt all of the blood rush to my face and said out loud OMG!!!!! Remember the lack of underwear I was wearing???
I really hope I didn't give anyone a peep. It still makes me blush when I think about it.

all about the pacifier

2007-05-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

After a few comments on a previous post I thought I would give you a bit o info.
Did you know that people have been using pacifiers since before the birth of Christ? Royalty in ancient Egypt would use pacifiers carved out of marble.
Pacifiers calm babies by helping them practice the only known skill they have. Sucking. It is the only instinct that naturally comes to them. That is why they work. They only know how to do one thing when they are born. Crying also helps to soothe babies but they can do that on their own. Pooping is just a body function but I bet that sure helps to soothe a baby too.
Also soothers ( pacifiers) help with digestion. I am not sure how it works but they can help with gas and constipation. It encourages digestion.
I believe the dependence on soothers is different for every baby. I have heard people say that a child has a soother way to long because of the parents. In some cases I agree. I would have totally agreed with this if you were to ask me before we had our dear Tavish. Declan never really used a soother. By 5 months it just became a play thing. Tavish is now 14 months and is still quite dependant on it especially for going to sleep. I wish we could just throw the thing out but it would make for a really long day. That is why I say it is different for each baby. Two kids, same family and they have had a pretty similar babyhood ( did I just make up a new word???) but one child was completely non dependant on a soother and the other is dependant on it.
I do think that when you see a four year old out with a soother in its mouth, that is when you gotta think hmmm do they really need it? or does it just need to be taken away?
I am hoping by 18 months to take it away, I plan to do it gradually. But we will see. I had planned to have him sleeping on his own by 1 and that is not working.

You asked for it

2007-05-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, here are the rest of the pics you requested.

I love this one of Dex, he is such a handsome guy.
classic naked with diaper pose
tee hee
I call this one "The secret" Declan did this all on his own. We were thinking of what other poses to do and he just scooted over and gave Tav a kiss.

pics part 1

2007-05-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of the boys I had done a few weeks ago. There are several different poses so I am not going to show you all on one post. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with their cuteness.The boys together

Tav's 1st year pic

I love feet!

no guilt tonight

2007-05-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the fist time in 10 days that Tavish has gone to bed without crying. Yep, we resorted to the Ferber method again, last resort. The waking in the middle of the night and trying to snuggle a baby that does not stop moving got old. So, for his 2 naps and bedtime he was settled down with a bit of a rock in the gliding rocking chair, with some light humming and finally being placed in the crib with a few back rubs and a good bye.
I am not sure if it is the start of a trend or just luck. I got home from the gym at about 8:30, Simon, Declan and my mother-in-law were all sitting in the living room and I asked if Tav was sleeping. I received a "sounds like it." He had just gone down. So, I peeked in and he was laying in his crib eyes open sucking on his soother. Then he switched soothers. Somewhere in his crib he hid a spare. He can have 80 soothers in his crib if it will keep him from crying himself to sleep. Bed time is the only time he gets a soother so I really don't mind if he has a dependency on it for now.
I checked in on Tav again about 5 minutes later and he was laying down eyes open watching his little crib music thing that straps on the side go around and around. Still switching soothers. Not crying, yay success. 5 minutes later he was out. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let the worst be over. I HATE listening to my poor baby cry.

Maybe I am just insesitive

2007-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

I just finished the book "The time travellers wife" and I was warned that is was a very emotional read. Um not really. I will adjust my filter now because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who plans to read it.
It was an amazing book. I had fallen asleep a few times with book in hand. I didn't want to put it down. The only other books that I have looked forward to going to bed early to read was the Outlander series from Diana Gibaldon - AMAZING.
I don't know if it is because books are something I am reading, consciously I know it is a story that someone had come up with on paper. Same with movies I rarely cry watching movies. I can't remember when I ever have. Accept for Bambi when I was seven, I balled my eyes out and embarrassed my sister. Maybe that is why I don't cry at movies. I will admit however, I am a snotty mess some morning watching the news. So back to my theory that it is because of the whole reality thing. I should find my self a novel based on a true story, maybe then I will get the real feelings that I feel I should out of it.
Oh, I remember the last movie I shed a tear, it was Cars when McQueen pushed The King over the finish line so he could finish his last race. I guess I will throw my whole real theory out the window.

Tav's 1st haircut

2007-04-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tavish got his first haircut today. I figured it would be over the top to video it so I just took some pictures. He did really good, it was just when I was close to him that he wanted me to take him out of that damn chair ( it was actually a tractor that he was sitting in). The cut was done by Audrey, the lady at the local children's hair cutting place. She is the only one I take the kids to.

getting familiar with the clippers
kind of the end results
Enjoying the sucker he received for being such a good boy

Sometimes I just burst out laughing

2007-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I have a random memory that pops into my head. Sometimes it is one that I would love to forget. Sometimes it is one that STILL makes me blush.
I have a memory about a phone call that makes me laugh and it always happens at inconvenient times.
About 7-8 years ago I went on a camping trip. Not too much I can report about that trip accept to say good times were had. The second morning we were there I was building a fire to boil some water and was attempting to break a branch in half by stepping on one end and bending it in the middle. The branch snapped and scratched the whole front of my leg. It wasn't too deep but really wide.
A few days later I was having a phone conversation with someone I may have had a mild crush on. So, the conversation goes on and my leg suddenly itched like a million mosquitoes were at it. I scratched it. The person on the other end noticed he had lost my attention and asked me if I was okay. I said " My scratch it itchy". I heard a caution "whaaaaat?" I repeated "My scratch is itchy" I heard a sigh of relief and and oh, okay. I thought you had said my SNA- - - is itchy.
To this day anytime I hear the word itchy I giggle.
Did that make you laugh too?

poor baby

2007-04-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I let Tavish cry himself to sleep for his afternoon nap. I haven't done that since he was about 5 months old.
When Tav was just 5 months old, he went through some weird phase where he couldn't be held because he was soooo squirmy. But he wouldn't go to sleep if he wasn't rocked. I tried the cry it out method for A WEEK. For every nap (3-4) in the daytime bedtime was not really a problem. I think it was because he had a bedtime routine-dinner,bath,bed. So after a week of listening to him cry for 20 minutes before falling asleep I decided that it definitely wasn't working and how could I put my baby through that any more. It didn't feel natural. However he did become easier to put to sleep. To this day he still needs some rocking before bed. Even his naps. Usually 2-3 minutes is all he needs.
So why the cry it out yesterday??? Tavish woke up in the am around 6am I brought him into bed with me hoping to get some more sleep. He fell asleep however I was up. Then I heard Declans pitter patter in the kitchen then coming down the hall to our room. I got up and met him in the hallway so we didn't wake up "T". Shortly after Declan and I started breakfast I heard Tav waking up. Tavish and I were sitting together on the couch for about 3 minutes when he started snoring. He fell asleep AGAIN. Over all he slept until 8 am. Which is sleeping in since he usually is up around 6am. So, around 1:pm he started to get cranky witch would be about right since his usual is around 11am. We were in his room listening to a babbling brook noise machine and I was rocking him. Tavish decide he was going to stick his finger in my eye, then up my nose. Clearly he was not going to sleep. We played in the living room for about an hour and he was getting cranky again. So the whole routine again to rock him to sleep. Again with the eye and nose poking he was laughing and not going to sleep. So, I had no choice, I put him in his crib and left. after about 15 min with me peeking in every 3 min. he started to fall asleep. the only problem was he was sitting up. He would close his eyes and start to fall back, half way down he would wake up and sit back up. So, I went in laid him down and gave him a little rub and he was out. There has got to be a better way.
I don't like feeling like I am the mom, I should be able to fix, this why can't I.

Just one night

2007-04-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

So, Finally Tavish has gotten over the waking up at 2 am. He has been sleeping through the night for some time but the last few weeks he has been waking up.
Last night as I was falling asleep I was wondering how many winks I would get until I heard the whiny cry to get him. I was soooooo very rudely woken by the f#%&'n train whistle. Why do they have those horrid things anyway??? I could hear it for five freakin minutes. I think at one point I had even said to myself ( not to bother saying anything to my husband cause he would sleep through a hurricaine. ) If that train wakes up the kids I will be over there kicking the shit out of it in a heart beat. I said I was just rudely woken up okay!!!
The train tracks are about 2 kms from our house. I don't even want to know what is going on in the heads of the people who live closer. But WHY???! why do they have to be so freakin loud at 2:30 in the freakin morning. I was miffed.

Birthday club

2007-04-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

We have a group of friends who, whenever it is someones birthday, we all go out for dinner. Monday is Katie's 30th, so we all went out to Red Lobster. Of course we left the kids with the grandparents.
I believe the group started out with Simon's fraternity the Kappa Sigmas. The men are all brothers and of course the ladies are the wives. This is the same group that get together for games night. I did pitch in the idea of playing 'who's the biggest pervert' at the next games night and Steve looked a little worried. I had said don't worry it isn't going to turn into a swing party. Nobody takes their clothes off or is forced to cross any boundaries that may cause some marital problems within the birthday club.
So, we all met at Red Lobster Saturday night for Katie's Birthday and it was a blast. We may have pissed off the manager a bit with needing seating for 13+3kids after we had said about 8-10 guests but oh well, we all sat and ate. We sat at 4:30 and left around 8:00 not really feeling bad that there was a line up out the door. They should have arrived sooner.
I love the group, I couldn't imagine being surrounded by a better bunch. I always leave a gathering feeling like I have become closer with someone. It is also cool that everyone is at different stages and it is fun to follow the progression. couple #1 had recently reconciled after calling off the engagement. Still planning the nuptials in September. Couple #2 Also getting married in September. Couple #3 both work in professional jobs-no kids YET. There was a couple #4 only she was unable to attend but he had the privilege of informing us that he and his misses are eloping NEXT WEEKEND and had nothing to do with her expecting in October. It is quite cool cause it will be a 2nd marriage for both of them and she has 2 children from hubby#1 He has no children. He is sooooo excited.
That was just our table although we were able to briefly visit with the rest of the gang, didn't really get a chance to catch up. Next time, I will sit at their table. It will just give us more to talk about. have I mentioned how much I love our gang???

too cute

2007-04-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Declan and Tavish have been doing some major growing up. Declan's communication skill are HUGE. His language skills are AMAZING he mimicked the word solicitor today and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Tavish had the craziest hair today, I just couldn't stop taking pictures. He actually took a few steps today, unbeknownst to him that he was walking, of course it will take some time but WOW!!! He even has tried to tickle us. It is too sweet. Here are a few pics.

Declan as Mr. Incredible

Tavish and crazy hair pic #1

Tavish and crazy hair pic #2 after finding a piece of chalk to eat.

Self portrait of me and Tav

How cute are we all???

Don't read this if you scare easily

2007-04-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have a huge fear of ghosts. I don't know why, never seen one. I also have a huge fear of plain old evil. I think that is from watching the exorcist when I was way to young. I have dreams that I clearly remember from years ago about evil beings around me.
The first one I remember was from my mid 20's. I was living in a basement suite that I fondly remember, good times were had there. But, this dream started with a doll that I had found. just your typical doll with a soft body and a plastic head. It was quite homely but I kept it. But them something happened, I put it away one day. A few days later it was out. I put it away again, a few days later it was out. I threw it in the garbage. It was back at my door step.
At this point I was getting creeped out ( still remember this is a dream). I had mentioned it to a few Friends I knew and they thought I was crazy. So we all went out and barried it. It came back. So, I took the doll and drove for miles, threw it off a bridge into a deep river and drove away. A few days later it was staring in my window, it was all cleaned off with new clothes and a newly painted face but it looked like a clown. I saw it and noticed it was watching me, it's eyes were following me around. I started yelling at it and ran to the window telling it to leave me alone. I started banging on the window and I broke it and started chasing the doll. I was terrified of me and was running away.
that is when I woke up in a cold sweat.
haven't had that dream again.
just wanted to share a creepy story.

A mom's conundrum

2007-04-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

If you were a mom with a 5 year old boy who insisted on painting his finger and toe nails light pink, who would sneak short skirts and neck scarves out of the house to wear to school and who is obsessed with make-up. Would you support it? Would you let him express his individuality and give him the freedom to make these choices now?
I have a friend who runs a day home and the mom to one of the kids is going through this. She is not worried about raising a boy who will be a homosexual but is worried what kind of effect that what he is doing now will have on him.
Will he be ostracised because the kids will see he is different from the other boys?
Will his self esteem be ruined because of being picked on for being different?
Will other parents refuse their kids as friends to him out of fear he will influence them?
I hope this generation that we are raising is more adaptable than what my (our) generations was. Different was considered "weird". I hope the young people we are raising are more accepting than I was. I think about how I would have been had someone been openly homosexual when I was in school. It would not been well received. It was well after I graduated High school when I found my mind opening up to the alternative lifestyles of the people around me. Maybe because there was not a lot of exposure at that age. I don't know I just hope the kids we are raising are more compassionate than the kids I grew up with.

While the cat was away

2007-04-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I always dread the times Simon leaves town. It is embedded in my mind that that will be the time something bad happens like falling in the shower and cracking my head open leaving my kids to survive on their own until daddy comes home.OR some passer by sees my kids tear streaked in the window and comes to check it out. It also occurs to me that I will not have a break until he gets home.
Sunday night was a very relaxed evening. After Si left, I fed the kids dinner, played a bit then it was bath time. Dex wasn't in the mood for a bath so I didn't worry too much since he was well washed the evening before at Granny's house. Tav loves the tub, no problems there. Shortly after, I get Tav into bed and I get the house cleaned up BEFORE Dex goes down. Declan goes to bed and I have two sleeping children and a clean house.
Monday I get up. We have plans to go visit a friend of mine who has a day home so she is aways ready for company. We get up, have breakfast and leave before the kids have a chance to mess the house. I take my kids to Christine's to make messes there. I think it was 1:00 when I decide we should go home Tav is getting cranky and needs a nap. The kids fall asleep on the way home. The house is still clean since no-one was around to mess it up and the kids are sleeping. YAY!!! I get a couple loads of laundry done and put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher. The kids wake up and we play until dinner time. We have dinner and I decide we need a few groceries and what a great outing it will be. I didn't wear a low cut shirt and a push up bra, I actually had on a heavy grey hoodie since it was f'n freezing. The groceries were done we get home have baths ( both kids this time Dex was willing and didn't have a choice). It was difficult getting Tav to bed, I let him cry (just for a minute) then I go and rock him to sleep. Dex watches TV while I clean up the little mess we made since we were gone all day. Dex goes to bed and I finish tidying up.
Tuesday. Thank god I had the house so tidy the first two days Si was gone because I picked up the stomach bug he had. I feel lousy and I am alone until 7:00 pm how was I going to get through this??? I curse Simon for a) leaving town and b) for giving me this stomach bug that whenever I burp it tastes like I just consumes some kind of carbonated egg beverage. Not pleasant. Simon and I text back and forth a bit and he mentions that he may leave early since he has gotten about as much out of the seminar as he is going to. Another text has gone by and he hasn't left yet, another and another saying that his colleague has just left. I am starting to get really annoyed"just get your ass in the truck and get home. " Of course that was all said in my head, my dear husband would probably stay longer if I were to say it directly to him. Finally I get the message that he is leaving and do the math yep, it will be 7:00 before he gets home.
So, with all the hard work that went into keeping the house clean and keeping it so Si would come home to a clean house was a total waste, it was still dirty when he got home DAMMIT! Well at least I didn't crack my head open in the shower.

a night without kids

2007-04-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

I got home from my step class Saturday morning and the mother in law has requested a sleepover at her house with the kids. Great!! We plan an evening out to dinner and the movies I am thinking maybe a bit of Romance later.
We go to see Wild hogs and we both enjoyed it, I think my favorite part is when they get caught skinny dipping by an unsuspecting family (HILARIOUS). So we get home to a house that was not cleaned up before we left due to lack of time since we had planned to go out for dinner before the movie. I take on the living room putting toys away, and folding blankets. Simon takes on the dishes. We both tackle the laundry. I am folding a putting away the pile on our bed while Simon brings up some fresh out of the dryer and folds it in the kitchen. Put the laundry away and one last look around the house and we hear a mild screech from the smoke alarm. It had made a noise earlier and forgot to take care of the battery then. Simon being the much taller ( by about 7 inches) takes it down to change it. Simon heads to the basement to do some computer stuff, and I head to bed to get a bit further into my book ( The time travellers wife). My eyes get heavy and Simon comes to bed just as I am drifting off. How romantic.
Who would have thought a night without kids would be so exhausting.

its all about the ladies

2007-03-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Simon is the main grocery shopper in our house, I always thought it was cause he has the money to buy them. Or maybe it is because if it were me doing the grocery shopping I would come home with half the store.
The other night, Simon had plans to go for groceries, I had plans to go to the gym. I had asked him if he was planning to go before or after the gym, he was thinking he would just go and take the boys ( He will usually take Declan and leave Tavish with me). I was concerned that he may just be doing it to give me some mom time away so I asked him if he was good with that, I wanted to make sure that it wasn't too much of a handful for him. So he replies that since Dex is older he likes to take Tav with him because Dex no longer gets the cute baby stares from the ladies. Declan is still cute and people admire him, but Tav is baby cute and gets the smiles and stares as well as the adoration from the ladies.
Maybe I will start getting the groceries from now on, wear a really low cut shirt with a push up bra and then we will see who gets the smiles and stares.

Strike

2007-03-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, the comment factory was on strike.

It is up and running now.

Any comments for what to do

can be place here.

What to do

2007-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while I was changing wash loads, Declan came downstairs with his index finger pointing.
Me: Hi Dex
D: Lick it
Me: What is it ( He has his index finger pointing and so close to my face I can't see anything)
D:Mom, lick it
Me: What is it ( trying to focus and can definitely see something on there but it is still blurry)
D: ( starting to get frustrated) Its for you, lick it
So, I look at the situation and do I upset my child by forcing the issue to know what it is before I let him put it in my mouth? Or do I just suck it up and let him have his way? I ask myself if he getting mad because he wants to do something for me and I won't let him or is getting mad because he isn't getting his way? Hmmm. I take a deep breath and let him put his finger in my mouth with the unknown substance on it. I have never been more delighted to taste peanut butter in my life. I give Dex a big hug and thank him. He said "peanut butter" and giggles.

Stuff I think about

2007-03-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was gassing up at a station with all the options. The pump had a pay at the pump option and there I could also buy a car wash for $2.00 cheaper than buying the car wash alone. So, as I finished pumping and the receipt printed, I looked and couldn't find the code I needed to wash Neo ( the name I gave my Matrix). With a moral dilemma of do I take care of it later or do I go in and leave my sleeping kids in the car. I decided on the later. It was planned in my head that I was going to fill and wash all in one trip. With receipt in hand and head down looking at it, I proceed to the doors not paying any attention to the gentleman who held the door open for me. I walk in hearing a "Your welcome" come from the gentleman who held the door open from me. I think a regular person may find it rude that someone wants to be noticed for doing a random act of kindness. I however am usually very grateful when someone does something of the sort for me. I often am the one muffling a "your welcome". So, I take a look at the man and feel bad but with sleeping children in the car I am in a rush. I get to the till and explain that I paid for a car wash but there is no code on my receipt. It gets pointed out to my by the attendant and I feel silly because it was right at the top. I rush back out to the car. Thankfully no one had stolen it and drove off with my precious cargo ( I did lock the doors). I notice the gentleman getting into his Lexus SUV and drive to the car wash. Great! I can go and thank him and apologise for my rudeness. I get behind him and just as I open my door, he pulls into the wash. I am not going to go that far. I notice his licence plate and it is obviously a plate that belongs to a Doctor. So that plate is forever embedded in my mind and If I ever see him again I am sure I will go up to him and ask him if he will accept my apology for being so inconsiderate that day way back when. He will probably look at me and think I am crazy but then it will be one less thing on my conscience. Now, is this what normally goes on in other minds or is it just me?? Am I going too out of my way to right a wrong?? Is it even that big of a deal??

Welcome

2007-03-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. This title comes from my favorite anecdote about a donkey that has fallen down a well. The farmer comes across his sad old donkey making a fuss down an old dried out well, After trying every trick to get the donkey out, he decides it is time to say goodbye to the old fella and starts digging its live grave. He shovels and shovels for a while and has a look hoping he won't see his donkey meeting his maker but what he sees is the donkey half way up the well, Amazed the farmer shovels some more dirt in and watches every spec land on the donkey. He gives a little shake and packs the dirt down underneath him with his hooves bringing him higher and higher to the top. With a new sense of admiration for his old friend, he runs over to his neighbors, explains he needs some help and extra hands. The crew of helpers shovelled and shovelled and before the sun had time to set, the donkey had packed a well full of dirt beneath him and casually walked out of the well. With glorious cheers and endearing pats on the behind the donkey has a drink of water and falls fast asleep in his barn.
So why I love this story so much is because I love the underdog.
If I find myself head in hands over a situation that seems hopeless I think of this story and it enlightens me. I find myself passing this on quite often with the phrase "this too shall pass". I love to give advice.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog.
Amy