and the time has come...

Well, I walked into my pre-job on Monday and I could just feel it….it was in the air. My shift change notice looming. And yes indeed, that is exactly what I got. Yep, the time has come that I have been dreading and I will begin shift on November 12th. I will say though, I have thought a lot about it before and since and it really won’t be so bad. The cons: – 12 hour days or nights…ugh! I’m really hoping that I can sleep better through the day than I used to on shift. Maybe with the lack of sleep that comes with wee ones, I won’t have that problem. Another con….working 2 out of 5 weekends (5 week rotating schedule). The biggest part I worry about is not seeing the boys for 2 or 3 days at a time BUT with all the extra days off, we head to The pros: only ever working 2 days through the week. Lots of extra days off. More money. 10 day stretches off where you don't have to use any vacation (bonus!)..which includes a 10 day stretch off over Christmas.

Other than that, not a whole lot going on….had a nice weekend with the boys. Anne was over Saturday night for dinner and drinks. Johnathon left us pretty much alone after dinner while we gabbed away. Always a good time…

Sunday was a lazy day until Daddy got home from work and then we went costume hunting from which we turned up with nothing. Nicholas doesn’t really have any idea what he wants to be. He doesn’t identify with any of the superheroes yet and besides that, there is not a lot out there. So, he let us know (because I think he just wanted out of the store), that he will be a pirate again this year. So, a pirate it is! Aargh!

Nicholas’ teacher, Mrs. Deyell, had to leave for mat leave unexpectedly early so Nicholas went to school yesterday with a brand new teacher. He seems fine with it and Mrs. Deyell had written a note to the children explaining why she had to leave early, at least as much as a kindergarten child would understand. She also sent home a separate note for the parents and we are wishing her well with the remainder of her pregnancy. She has five more weeks until full term and needs complete rest until the delivery of her baby twins!
Well, tomorrow is Halloween....and Nicholas is just pumped about their classes Halloween party and parading around the school in their costumes. Fun. And then we will rush home and get our pirate and little stinker (skunk) out for some trick or treating. Can't wait....pics to come! Happy Halloween :0)

dare i say, winter's on its way..

So, this is how my children had to dress this morning to walk to school. All of us up here know this already, waking to freezing temperatures this morning and after the snow (yes, I said snow) we had yesterday. BBRR. But my family and friends in the south wouldn't even have to think this way, for the most part, at all. Yep, October 22nd, and it was below zero this morning. And if that's not bad enough, I had the boys all bundled up, ready to go to daycare and myself to work....I went out to start the truck and yep, you guessed it....NOTHING! No sound at all, just would not turn over. Kaput!

Made a call to Johnathon, hoping he would somehow magically fix things over the phone. No, instead, I was just instructed to call CAA and have them give a boost. Fine. I did that....AFTER I had to call my boss and let know what is going on and that I am trying my best to get to work. This after being sick last week for a few days. You know he is impressed....but hey, at least I get to provide good gossip for my co-workers. I do my best ;0).

So, CAA shows up....I'm hoping to be good to go....but no. Lots of power CAA man tells me but won't turn over, it's probaly your starter. I'm thinking at this point that I'm not making it to daycare or work at all now....even better gossip! Another call to the boss....but hey, such is life. Oh, and yes, CAA man towed my truck to the mechanic.....ugh! This after a $750 bill a couple of weeks ago for our vehicles!

We had a nice, long, ccccccold walk to school this morning....back home with Shane who is now napping. I am very eager to see if he goes for the regular 4 hr nap that he has at daycare....I will bet that it will be a 2 hr nap. I betcha. And that being said, I better get cracking around here....LOTS to do and better take advantage of this extra time.

Oh, and I want to add a little note to let know that Cheryl's sister, Jody, is being induced this morning and expecting a baby girl today!!! VERY exciting!!!

they are home!!

It’s Tuesday and my other two babes are back home safe and sound. I wish I could say Shane is back to 100% but that is not the case. I think he is getting there but will know more once we take him to see the doc after he finishes up his antibiotics tomorrow. And his poor little bum is on fire. Let’s just get this behind us once and for all.

I am happy to say that so far, so good with Nicholas. He did complain he wasn’t feeling well the other day so either he just wanted some extra Mommy attention (not that he didn’t have ALL of it for 5 days) or it has passed (touch wood).

Sydney is doing great….we can’t wait to get her here for Christmas break this year!!!

Unfortunately, Jeanette (Johnathons Mom), did not make the trip back with them as planned. Her brother, Frenchie, is not doing so well and she was called to Louisiana for the time being. We are thinking of them there..

So, last night I waited anxiously for their return….couldn’t wait to see them….they made wonderful timing from the airport. They were home at 9pm so I rushed to the door to scoop up my munchkin and uh…..NOPE, he didn’t want anything to do with me L …boohoo. Only Daddy. Did I say boo-hoo already?? BUT didn’t matter, I took him and held tight. I know that he really was upset because Daddy woke him from a deep sleep so we went up and got him all tucked into his crib in his home and was quite happy to go back to sleep.

I would like to say this morning when I had to wake him, he was full of smiles and arms wide open for Mommy and the cutest part, when he saw Nicholas, he was giggling and so happy to see his big brother.


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My weekend with Nicholas continued to be perfect! Friday, he was able to spend time with Jack which he has been waiting a while to do. Saturday, Apple Fest and then Sunday, we had our ‘date’. First, we did some shopping and searching for a Halloween costume. Then we went out for lunch and then off to a movie….Nicholas’ very first movie in a theatre. He is such good company and we really had a truly fabulous day. He so enjoyed the movie and sat very intently watching. We saw Fly Me To The Moon which we did not know in advance that it was a 3D movie so that was pure bonus. Nicholas is absolutely fascinated by space so this movie was a real treat. I kept looking over at him and he just had such a happy, content face watching the movie with such joy. And then, in the middle of it all, he looks at me and says to me in the very quiet theatre – I love you Mommy…and then snuggles into me. My smile couldn’t be wider.... He was the PERFECT date!

all is finally well...at least i thought

Another gorgeous autumn day. Nicholas and I are back from Apple Fest in B'ville with Shawn and my nephews. It always seems we are away this same weekend every year and miss this festival. We are usually in Georgia and that is exactly where Johnathon and Shane are until Monday visiting with Sydney and family.

I had an extremely difficult time letting Shane go on Thursday afternoon. We have had quite the week with the poor little guy. It seems the double ear infection we thought we had conquered is still there. Off to the clinic to have him looked at as he was pulling his ears and had developed a couple of fevers. While at the clinic, his fever really spiked and the doctor was quite concerned and let us know what to do....which we did and were able to get him to go to sleep after a cool bath, some advil and lots of loving. About an hour after that, he woke up screaming and it turns out, he threw up all over the crib and himself. I have never seen him look so pitiful. All us parents know the complete helplessness we feel when they are so tiny and unable to 'tell' you how they are feeling. Thankfully, after that, he slept through the night. Since then, he has had a couple of low-grade fevers but the medicine helps and he is now battling the ear infections with a new round of antibiotics.

I have talked with Johnathon a few times and it seems Shane is just not himself on this visit and apparently Uncle Bill is the only one that he will really cuddle with besides Daddy. I wish I could just scoop him up and love on him but Johnathon did say that he was starting to run around and get more comfortable so hopefully since this morning when we last spoke, he is back to his happy self.

So, just when I thought we were through the battle (I am feeling much better now myself and will return to work Monday)....I just went in to check on Nicholas who all of a sudden seems very quiet. Well, there he is lying on the couch and tells me he is not feeling very well and that his whole body hurts. Ugh. Pleeeeease let him be alright! Please.

a wonderful day

So, are we all turkeyed out yet?? I know I am not....am actually looking forward to a yummy turkey sandwich after I finish here. And the beautiful thing is that all our leftovers are all put away in the refrigerator all stacked nicely in their containers. Even all the meat has been removed from the bird and in separate containers.....white meat and dark meat. Who does that??? My husband, that is who....and boy, do I love him for it! Sometimes I wish his organizational skills would rub off on me...but then other times, I like to keep things just the way they are ;0) hehehe.

So, yes, we had a fabulous Thanksgiving day and dinner yesterday, just the boys and us. As much as I was hoping Shawn, Cheryl and the boys could have joined us, it was quite nice with the four of us. Nicholas was very sweet when saying what he is thankful for....he is thankful for his wonderful family and as he likes to do, lets us all know how much he loves us. Some days he loves us as much as space, some days it is one hundred million, other days he just can't measure how much. Our precious boy.

Oh, and I guess I should mention that Nicholas actually had some turkey and tried the mashed potatoes. I think most of us knows that he is the pickiest eater.....and well, Shane, is the complete opposite. That child will eat ANYTHING at least once anyway. And truthfully, I think the main reason Nicholas even attempted this was knowing there was apple crisp and ice cream waiting. Shane was in culinary heaven and enjoyed seconds....even thirds I think of some of it. All in all, a fabulous dinner!

And was I thinking right when I booked today off....I even talked Johnathon into going to work late so we could enjoy some peaceful, alone time after he took the boys to daycare this morning. Fabulous...and we will definitely plan more mornings just like this one. But now...after my sandwich, it will be time for me to get busy with my "to do" list. I thought it a perfect opportunity to get some much needed, dare I say it...Organizing done. So, off I go....

OH....and everyone....GO VOTE today!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and hoping you are enjoying time with family and friends. A special day to give thanks but really, isn't every day? It sure is. Just one look at our happy and healthy children.....every second of the day, I am truly thankful :0)

this week

Another week flew by and I didn't get a chance to post....again. Oops!

The boys are doing really well. They are both over their colds and Shane finished up his antibiotics for his double ear infection. He is sleeping better once again and we noticed, his balance is way better....he was taking quite a few tumbles through all of that.

Thursday evening, I had my first photography/camera workshop. It was well worth the time...I learned quite a bit about my particular SLR camera and I can actually tell you what alot of the buttons, switches, doo-hickeys are now! Now, that is an accomplishment. Uh...well, I think I could. I better do some practice today while it's still somewhat fresh in my mind. I will register for part two next month.

For family and friends south of the border, it is our Thanksgiving weekend. This year, we don't have any big plans. I'm trying to reach my brother (somebody pick up the phone up there!!) at Moms in hopes that him and his family will be able to make it here for Thanksgiving dinner on Monday. Otherwise, it's turkey all week! Maybe I should have listened to J-man when he suggested a smaller turkey. I don't know.....I have this thing enbedded in my mind that turkeys are to be big - the bigger the better! But just how much turkey can Johnathon, Shane and myself eat (Nicholas won't touch it)? hehehe....well, I guess we will find out. Recipe suggestions anyone?

So, we started our weekend off with a great day yesterday. Up and out bright and early for Nicholas' first day of skating lessons. I wish I could say that it went really well...but that would be a complete lie. My poor little guy really had a hard time with it and it just breaks my heart BUT it can only get better with more practice. I don't think his new skates are fitting properly and he can't even really walk in them. We are going to take him to a sports shop in B'ville and have them fit him more properly and perhaps trade in these skates. So, yes....that's it. It's not Nicholas, it is the skates. I am going with that ;0)

After skating, we went out for breakfast...something we haven't done in ages. And then, we hit the pumpkin patch. I found a new farm online that sounded full of activity so we headed there. If anyone is interested, it is called http://www.knoxpumpkinfarm.com/ (just north of Mitchell Corners/Taunton Road). We all loved it....there was a barn full of animals and wee baby pigs and calves and baby chicks (CUTE!)....face painting.....corn maze.....pony rides....and the hay ride. We didn't bring our pumpkins home quite yet but Nicholas asked for two wee ones so he now has two new buddies, John and Grasshopper (see pic). I'm not kidding, that is what he has named them...LOL!

keeping my promise

So, here we are....Sunday already! And we had a perfect lazy Sunday....I just love it when there are no plans even though there are one hundred things I know we SHOULD do, we decided instead to laze around and snuggle lots on the kiddies. Now, it is dinner time and I have been shooed out of the kitchen while Johnathon creates a 'masterpiece'. All I know for sure is that he has a pork roast on the rotisserie and there were yummy marinade aromas wafting in the air when I went to grab a diet coke.

So, I am taking this perfect opportunity to write a little and catch up on some other things here. I was thinking to myself how I haven't taken any pics recently of the boys so I just ran around and did just that. I managed to get Nicholas to give me a smile or two for a couple shots even though I was interrupting his new Thomas movie that we bought yesterday. He loves snuggling up in Syds bed to watch a movie. Shane was, shockingly...playing ball! Okay, it's no shocker. This child just LOVES playing ball. That and taking everything he can get his hands on upstairs and throwing it down the stairs. Yes, he gets quite the kick out of that. Mommy....uh, not so much. LOL.

Shane seems to be feeling MUCH better...thank goodness for that! Nicholas' cold is over with too so it looks as if we have a couple of healthy kids at the moment. Yes, I'm touching wood.

Nicholas has school tomorrow and boy, is he looking forward to it. After a slow start with a couple of minor concerns, he is off and running with school. He wishes it was every day, not Mondays, Wednesdays and every other Friday. He tells me how much he loves Mrs. Deyell and that he misses her. Ahhh...sweet, I know. She has sent home a couple of notes this week letting us know how well he's progressing which made me feel much better. We all realize now that Nicholas just needed some time to adjust to something so new for him and also, I'm sure it's hard to adjust from having Mommy home all day to starting a new daycare AND a new school. I know I am still adjusting....ugh!

one more sleep

Okay, I am making a promise to myself to get my blog updated this weekend. We have NO plans except for Nicholas' skating class which begins Saturday morning. And yes, I will have my new camcorder in hand although I still have not figured the thing out quite yet. I do have footage though and will share once able.

Like the title says....ONE MORE SLEEP until Johnathon is home again. Yay!!! He has been away on a management workshop since Sunday....staying at a conference resort on Lake Simcoe near Barrie somewhere. It sounds as if this has been quite a great experience for him and he even was selected to give a presentation with the CEO in attendance...quite a feat! And he did extremely well :0) Go get 'em baby! He was on quite the high from that.

I'd be lying though if I didn't say I was more than excited about him returning home to us tomorrow. It's been quite a week with the boys. Unfortunately, they have been a little under the weather. Nicholas' cold has pretty much faded away but Shane's cough is still quite brutal and after our doctors visit today, we have found that he also has quite an ear infection so he is now on antibiotics and he should be feeling much better in the next couple of days. The past couple of days, he has been quite moody at times and not himself at all. Understandably so...

On top of that, I have been battling these awful headaches.....as I have for many years off an on. Well, it's ON again and it's winning. Ugh. The other day, I can't even explain the pains I was having. I had myself quite worked up and very worried. After talking things over with Dr Ross today, I feel a little better and we are trying out some medication that may or may not help. Let's hope for the MAY. It really has been trying.

Oh, and did I mention that my manager has shipped me off to work in the plant....ya....and I think we all know how I feel about that. I'm not even going to write about it right now as I can feel a headache coming on..... UGH!

On a bright note though, I am next in line for a new position I applied for. So really, it is just a matter of time until everything will fall into place. So, we will continue on....one day at a time....and wait patiently, or at least as patient as I know how..

So, yes....YAY....Daddy will be home tomorrow!!!! The boys will be thrilled....as will I. All except that Nicholas will not be happy giving up his spot beside Mommy every night this week. And honestly, that will be tough for Mommy as well :0)