"There's no better time than the present to be better
than we were
yesterday."

-Gary Kelley


Thursday, July 23, 2009

we are ready!

Soooo ready....for a wonderful, perfect week with our family...the boys, our wonderful Sydney and my Aunt Tootsie will join us for four days as well...at a cottage that we have rented for the week.

And I have to say...I really don't care (okay, I may be over-doing it) if it rains the whole time. I just can't wait to be away with no interruptions whatsoever with our munchkins.

So, I will end that at that. It is going to be fabulous and I'll write when I return.

I do have to end on a sad note....a wonderful, amazingly wonderful woman left us this week. Vicki's Grandma Fran passed earlier this week. She is missed, she is sooooo very loved by so many and I wish Vicki, Susan and their super big, huge family my heartfelt condolences. I am heading out early tomorrow to attend Fran's funeral...I'm sure what will be a beautiful service for a beautiful woman.

(I have a blog post coming about Fran).

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

wondering

Had a great weekend....sun was out and shining for Danaka's party...had a wonderful time seeing everyone there and watching the kids running around. Doug (Danaka's daddy) exceeds being handy and has built this wonderful kids fort/play gym in the yard. Shane took my breath away a couple of times...starting off by us standing guard and guiding him up the stairs to the 'fort' and the big slide. But one time down was all it took and he was up and down, up and down...all by himself and happily, very happily going down that big slide! No fear this kid, I tell ya! Even Sydney enjoyed one of the swings and Nicholas, although claiming boredom a few times (gr!), found himself having fun in the big sandbox underneath.

The older kids all headed to the pond for a swim and although we didn't think to bring suits for the kids, I asked Syd if she wanted Daddy to go home and get hers..and her response was uh, I don't really do ponds. And thereafter, Sue and myself found ourselves laughing and completely agreeing on that point. Andrea filled the kiddy pool and Nicholas surprised me by asking to go in even though he didn't have swimshorts. I suggested he just go in his underwear and he was hesitant, even saying he felt others may find that funny (that shyness comes out sometimes) but after agreement from the other ladies that it's all just good, he was in and enjoying himself.

Now, Sunday morning rolled around...too quickly as usual. We decided to take the family out for breakfast in Bowmanville. So, off we went...had our breakfast and then on our way home, the strangest (scariest) thing happened. A GO bus went by and I happened to read the digital sign (I'm sure there is a proper term by what I mean...escaping me completely) above the front window of the bus and it said - EMERGENCY, CALL POLICE!!!! I told Johnathon what I just saw so he pulled out the cell and called 911. They took all the information...slowly. Way s.l.o.w. To the point where I quietly said, well they are dead now. Not nice, I know...but man, not too quick on the emergency call. We still have no clue if it was a real emergency...have not heard a thing on the news but will be scouring the local paper tomorrow for something...we certainly were not turning around to follow.

I think, sorry I know, that we were thinking back to the horrific bus massacre from months ago. I think we all remember that!

Again, the night has turned long and like alot of work nights, I imagine myself through the day crawling into bed early and reading my book and drifting off to sleep at a nice early hour. Nicholas and I had some nice cuddling this evening though watching the Disney Earth movie....and now, Johnathon and Sydney are doing the same watching some horror movie. Not for me...at all. But I know 100% that the two of them are enjoying themselves...and that simply makes me smile.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

rain, rain go away

The pics posted today were from the past few weeks....just having fun in the backyard with friends and family, including our 4th of July party which, from all accounts, was a success! Lots of fun and we appreciate every one of you coming out!

Sadly, we flew Mom home on Tuesday...but the same evening, Syd flew up and we will have her with us for the month. I have not had the opportunity to take any pics yet of Syd, only because I needed batteries and have since bought some so this weekend, the camera will be working.

I've been off work for the past few days....have been experiencing some anxiety issues but I just want you all to know that I'm starting to feel better and the anxiety is lessening. I think it's really helped to just be with my kids, all three of them.

Weekend has started and what has that brought us....yep, MORE RAIN! I can hear the thunder rolling in and the sky has turned a very dark grey. I'm sure Ms Andrea is not thrilled as it is Danaka's 3rd birthday party today. We are all crossing our fingers that the rain will pass by this afternoon and we can all enjoy an afternoon of birthday fun at Andrea and Dougs gorgeous property.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

the dreaded needles

Yesterday was a day both J and I were dreading....taking BOTH boys for needles! I thought I better start a little early with talking to Nicholas about what his day held in store for him. Needless to say, he was less than pleased about it....and he brought it up several times before we headed out. Like...will it hurt? And I told him, well it will feel like a pinch and it will be super quick! How quick he asks? A second or two. Well, then that led to a whole conversation about units of time..which was fine as it took his mind off of the needle.

Nicholas was very adamant that his brother be subject to this drama first. We were of course reluctant because from what we knew from the last visit, Shane was definitely going to fuss and cry...and really, who can blame the little guy? So, after the boys were all checked out and given a clean bill of health, we thought it best that I take Nicholas for a walk while Shane has his TWO needles. We went to visit Syd in the waiting room and then Nicholas said he wanted to go back so we did...and I'm thinking well, they are sure taking their time because all I could hear was silence. We walk in and there is Shaney looking at me with the most nonchalant look, not a tear in sight and the nurse had just taken the second needle out! In fact Johnathon said Shane actually put his arm up to the nurse for the second needle and pulled his sleeve up!!

So, of course, we are quite impressed and after some loving on the brave boy, it is Nicholas' turn. Our very sensitive 5 year old went and sat on Daddys lap with great hesitance....started flinching and whined a little before the needle even was in...and a couple of seconds later, it was done. Over and done with...Yay!!! No big tears...just a couple wee ones and we were out of there....on our way to promised ice cream for a job well done!

They never cease to amaze, do they?

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th!

We are gearing up to celebrate the 4th of July, Canadian style. A bit of a bash planned for this afternoon, evening, nighttime for those that wish to carry it on!! J and I have been full speed ahead getting prepared and Mother Nature seems to have cooperated with a mostly sunny day ahead, although cool for July...reaching only in the low 70's but in the sunshine, we will take it!!

Shane was up early with us....had some snuggles and some giggles....J took Chrissy and Shane for a morning walk/run at the park. Nicholas is still asleep...really. And I'm having my coffee and then off and running.

All of you, especially to my fabulous family in the US and my good friends there as well....A VERY HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Canada Day!



I know we are all crossing our fingers around here for some nice Canada Day weather today. No big plans here ... after Shanes nap, we will pile in the Explorer and seek out some Canada Day activities and then weather pending, later tonight, we will all head down to the Newcastle beach for the fireworks!

All of you....enjoy....have fun....go celebrate and pay tribute to the greatest nation on this planet!

Oh Canada!