another week flown by

Yes, another week has gone by already. Another week closer to Christmas though :0)! Yay!! I am really starting to get into the Christmas groove. No decorations up yet and not even sure who, if anyone except Sydney, will be joining us this year. But that is alright. This evening is Newcastle's Santa Claus Parade - Nicholas and I are really looking forward to it. It seems it has become kind of a tradition now that Andrea and Danaka join us for the parade as well...as they will again this year. If we remain in Newcastle, Nicholas will be able to say that he has been to every parade since they began 4 years ago....kind of neat, I think.

Nicholas has been giving alot of thought to his Wish List for Santa. Quite a task picking out 3 items! But, he has told me that this last list is his last revision (say that fast)! So, as of right now, he is wishing for the Matchbox Space Shuttle Mission (which Santa has already found on sale and is hidden away), the WallE laptop and the remote control WallE.

Shane, well, I think he would be quite happy to just share Santa's plate of cookies!!

My wish is that we could all just be healthy together, even for a day or two!! Nicholas and I were both back to the doctor this past week. It turns out he has quite a high tolerance for pain because Dr Ross could not believe that he doesn't complain about his ears hurting. They are both very swollen in there and very red! Double ear infection that we are now fighting with antibiotics. The only thing Nicholas said to me before we went to the doctor is that his ears were asleep! I noticed he wasn't hearing me properly so that prompted me to get him in.

The boys and I have been fighting this nasty cold for weeks now! Just when I thought we were nearing the end, Shane wakes up yesterday morning with a fever. But even though he was feeling like kaka, he still can always give you a sweet smile and giggles here and there. My sweet boy. He woke again this morning the same way but has since lost the fever. Crossing my fingers and toes that he has past it and we can all bundle up and head to the parade together.

Friday was our 'regular' poker night....and I'm happy to say that my honey won the game!!

Yesterday, while Shane was resting with Daddy...I took off for some errands. And one of those was picking out paint for the kitchen! And I see you....some of you....rolling your eyes....Laura is painting again!! Haha...well, yes, I am determined to get the kitchen painted by Friday when Mom and Dad come for a visit. I really can't bear to look at the blue any longer.....so Split Pea (Benjamin Moore) it is! Doesn't sound so nice, does it? Trust me, it's awesome...I love it!

feeling better....touch wood

I don't want to speak too soon BUT I woke up this morning, waiting for the yucky awful way I've been feeling to take over but I'm happy to say that I feel quite a bit better.  Nowhere near 100% but I will take it!!  

So, with this new found feeling, I've been going all morning....and Shane has either been right by my side being my little helper OR right along Nicholas' side watching, playing, learning - there is no doubt that he adores and idolizes his big bro.  It is so cute to watch.

I also want to pick out new paint for the kitchen....but ssshhhh....Johnathon isn't aware of this quite yet!  Hmmm, maybe it would be better if he read about it on here!

Christmas is in the air around here and I'll be taking the boys out a little later today to pick out some new decorations and lights.  Our parade is next weekend and hopefully Nicholas will have his Christmas list for Santa ready.  He is now on revision 4 !!

(couple random pics from the weekend)

trying to catch up

Let's see....what's been going on beside all the sickness not just in our home but others I'm close to as well. Ugh.


Weekend was great (minus Shanes Sat night episode). Friday night, the hold 'em gang was over. Unfortunately, my winning streak ended but sometimes you have to let others win just to keep them happy, ya know ;0). Congrats Shawn and Scott..

Saturday, Mom and Dad made it down....and then a little later on, Krystal and Alex made it in as well. So good to see them and I have to say that I'm so happy for my cousin, Krystal. She seems so happy and in love with Alex and they have taken the step of renting an apartment together at Yonge/Eglinton...VERY exciting....and how great to have another place to crash in TO. Ahem, I don't know if they know that I'm serious about that....lol.


Sunday was my nephew Olivers first birthday party....what a house full and wonderful to see everyone. Unfortunately, the little man was sick and as far as I know, still not 100%. Mom and Dad were over afterwards for another night...and yes, another game of hold 'em. I won't mention who won. Okay, okay....Dad took the pot. Have to give the old guy a game once in a while too...!


Tuesday was another date with my munchkin, Nicholas. We did some Christmas shopping and then out for lunch and then went to see the new Madagascar flick. He was so excited to go to his second movie. He really liked it but I don't think quite as much as Fly Me To The Moon but nonetheless, a wonderful day out and again, what a perfect date he makes!


Now, not only was Tuesday a great day with Nicholas, it was also Remembrance Day as we all know. Nicholas was eager to get his poppy on that he got from school and while we were driving towards Oshawa, I explained to him more about what this day means. He really listened intently (like he does) and then I explained that we were going to pull over the truck at 11:11 and have a couple moments silence in remembrance of our fallen soldiers. Some of you may not know but we live along the corridor of Hwy 401 that has been named the Highway of Heroes http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=1689 so how fitting that we were driving along it at this time. We were driving and while trying to explain to Nicholas, I was in tears with many thoughts of these completely selfless and brave men and women and the absolute incredible sacrifice that they make. True heroes.


We pulled off and although we didn't quite make two minutes, Nicholas did actually stay quiet for a minute. This is very impressive for my little guy....who at the best of times, stays quiet for oh, about maybe 5 seconds at a time. Yes, he definitely has picked up the gift of gab and we all know, that isn't from Mommy (well, okay....maybe some of it)!


There have been times when I know that a fallen soldier will be coming through our hometown that I want to take Nicholas but we went through a little phase a while ago where he was really questioning death and I just didn't think he was ready for that. But now, I'm re-thinking it as he seemed to kind of 'get it' and I just want him to always know and respect these beyond brave heroes. Of course though, I so completely hope that this voyage won't have to be made again..

Okay, I am two hours in from being home from my first 12-hour night shift in about 5 years....time to say night-night. Night-night!

sickies all around

I really don't like falling so behind with my blog....and I'm not really certain why I have. Just alot going on and maybe a little overwhelmed trying to 'blog' it.

First off, 3/4 of the household is sick or has been sick, still sick. Just sick. Late last week, we actually took Nicholas into the hospital, he had us quite scared. Thankfully, our worst suspicion of appendicitis, was over once he threw up five times at the hospital. That morning, he just would not move position in our bed, not even to watch his shows. I knew at this point, something was very wrong! Since then, he has been pretty good except he has a horrible cough and a forever runny nose.

Shane's turn came late Saturday night just as I was sitting down to play some hold 'em with my parents, Krystal and Alex and J-man. He just started screaming and truly, it did not end all night....oh, until about 630 am! We tried EVERYTHING and he would maybe fall asleep for 10 or 20 mins and be back at it again. Ugh....a very trying night and after a big mess in his diaper, he was just fine.....well except for his runny nose and severe cough as well.

And now, it is Mommys turn. I could feel it coming on yesterday while out with Nicholas and then it just progressively became worse. Much worse. My big plan last night was to stay up as late as I could because yes, the day has come and I go in for my first night shift tonight. I really need to sleep, should be sleeping now....but here I sit. At least I'm sitting in my bed typing this and plan to close my eyes in hopes of hours of sound sleep. Ya, right.....in my dreams! Hopefully.

I am bound and determined to fight this and be fit for work....does being all doped up on head cold drugs mean I'm fit for work? I guess we shall see...

you go baby!

This is a post for my hubby....he came home one night late last week and handed me an invitation. I was thinking...hmmm....don't know of anyone getting married, what is this?

This is what he received - (I am having trouble with the size format so if you click on the invite, it should enlarge).

I then jokingly asked him who he was taking? hehehehe! NOT a big fan of these affairs where you don't know any one...BUT I am very proud and very happy to be by his side. You rock honey! This is only the beginning ;o)

So, now, my question is.....What Am I Going To Wear????

the weekend

What a completely fabulous weekend I had!! And I'm topping it all off with a vac day to begin the week. Perfect.





Friday, Halloween, sooo much fun! The boys had such a great time trick or treating and the weather was something to be remembered. Growing up, we all remember Halloween nights that were bitterly cold or snowing and if you were like me, you would just suck it up and still wear that little costume without covering it with your big coat. BBBRRRR. I mean, that was when I was a bit older and venturing out on my own with friends...that coat would be ditched the first opportunity I had (hehe...good thing Mom doesn't read my blog (yet)). But this past Halloween, it was such a perfect and warm evening. No worries about bundling up....and we were off.



Everyone just loved the boys and their costumes. I think some of those women wanted to scoop my boys up as their own! One woman even gave Shane this purple strobe light thingy that he seemed fascinated with. And did Nicholas ever impress us with how well he used his manners. And if Shane didn't make it to every door, Nicholas would let them know that his little brother, Shane, was with him....so they would give Nicholas a treat to give him. He would come right over to Shane and give it to him in the wagon or put it in his Elmo. "Here you go Shane". Such a good big brother.

Saturday was my day/night away with Bonny. We met up around noon and headed to the hotel to leave my vehicle and our bags. We jumped in a cab to the theatre district and went for a quick bite and a glass of wine before the show. To the theatre from there to see Dirty Dancing http://www.dirtydancingtoronto.ca/. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! I have been to quite a few theatre performances and let me tell you, this one is my absolute favourite. If you have not been and have the opportunity, GO. And I'm certain if you have already been, you would go again in a heartbeat.....as Bonny and I are going to do. It was a great day....and we were impressed with our hotel choice (http://www.grandhoteltoronto.com/). Dinner was good and the company awesome. Thanks Bon, looking forward to the next time.



Sunday, back home to my three boys...we took Shane and Nicholas to the clinic to have both their ears checked as Nicholas was complaining of an earache on Saturday and we just weren't sure about Shane and if he had managed to beat his. They were both clear so that is a huge relief!



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On a sad note....Johnathon's Uncle Frenchie passed away this weekend. Mom (Jeanette) has been down in Louisiana to be near him through this. Our hearts are with all of you down there.

Also, what seems to be quite tragic, my Aunt Carolyns former boyfriend and still close friend, died late last week. R.I.P. Bruce.