Random Acts of Reality

No sexy here!

2010-10-21T16:31:00.002-02:30

I was going through some hand me down clothes today (from my 10 year old niece to Abby) and decided to be pissed off. There were so many cute, brand name items in the bag but almost everything had SEXY written on it. When did it become ok for our little girls to wear this crap? I tossed the $50 tshirts back into my very own giveaway bag so some other parent, or really tiny adult skank, can have a go at it.
My child wears leggings almost all the time. I have bought jeans...the cutest apple bottoms in size 6x and skinny jeans because they just look darn cute on tiny people...but when she sits and all I see is butt crack....they too get tossed in the giveaway bag.
I'm thinking that my child might have to be the unfashionable one wearing track pants to school....I'll probably have to remove the bedazzled sweetheart, angel and hot stuff from the rear of those too but at least they'll cover her ass.

Color Challenge!

2010-09-17T19:32:00.004-02:30

Argh!!!! I am the go to person whenever a friend or family member needs decor advice....and people actually listen to me...and like my ideas. Why then, is it so freaking hard for me to decide on colors for myself? My mom/seamstress wants to get started on my window treatments before the holiday rush...so I have to buy fabric. No problem. I found, and bought, 2 that I like and will find coordinating fabric later...perhaps to match the walls? lol. I fell in love with a sofa that is so neutral, it will allow me to change a room simply by changing a few cushions. Today I found an awesome chair and ottoman (fabric is yet to be decided) and an adorable table that I plan on painting...yellow (maybe). The problem is the wall color. My living room isnt very big....18x20 with 2 giant churchlike windows on one wall. The ceilings are 18ft high and the upstairs hallway is open to the living room below. So, look at the collage....make suggestions, offer up brilliant ideas and lets see if we can relieve some of this stress.

* just because I bought both fabrics doesnt mean I need to use both....I just love them and I collect birdcages so the bird print was a must have.

A slightly different To Do List

2010-06-07T20:20:00.002-02:30

This one has no chores! No repairs! Nothing but fun stuff. I am loving this blog and all of its wonderful ideas. We decided that since hubby will be busy pretty much every day this summer with his day job, plus house building, we needed to find things to do. We hit dollarama today for some poster board and made this summer list. So far we just have a few outings planned at places the kids have been before. Hopefully as the weeks go by, they will get a little more creative. Eric added make coffee can ice cream to the list a few minutes ago...see, they'll have a full, fun list in no time. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how excited I'm getting about it all. =o)

From a hole in the ground...

2010-06-05T21:32:00.002-02:30

That's all we have so far....a hole...a very very large hole. We do have a whole lot of legwork done so we just wait. The foundation should be poured next week and hubby can start framing. He expects to have the framing, roof/shingles, siding, windows and stone done in 4-6 weeks...less if he gets help but this is the part he wants to do himself. Most of the tradespeople are lined up for the interior work. I am still hoping/praying to be in by October but will be ok if we arent...I HAVE to be in by Christmas though. I already have the place decorated in my head.

This rental is still a hell hole. I think the raid has been working because we dont see as many insects but they're not all gone. The basement apartment has just been rented and I hate having to be quiet...it seems like I'm constantly hushing someone. I need my house! Luckily, hubby feels the same way so he might just work faster.

Kids are all good. I cant believe my baby will be 6 in a few short weeks. I still havent gotten them all together for a photo shoot but its on my list of things to do...soon.

20 days until school is out. I'm not sure if I'm happy about that. This house is way too small for everyone to be in all day long. There will be many outings this summer. =o)

Purgatory

2010-03-20T23:25:00.002-02:30

We are here....in the rental we are forced to live in while our dream home gets built. It is a sad, sad little place. The bathroom is hideous...seriously. I should take pics but I fear people will either vomit upon seeing them, or laugh and call me a freaking moron for forking over $900 a month to rent this place. The kitchen counter is..are you ready for this??? Sponge painted!!! Yes, dark green paint with a lighter teal-ish blob shaped splotch repeated a million times. The light fixtures...we discovered this today...are cheapos that hold one max 40w bulb. I cant see a damn thing but thats probably a good thing. I know what you're thinking..just plug in a few lamps. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Tried that but most of the outlets in this place dont work. I keep trying to go to my happy place but its hard.
I can now see why people live in places like this though..they move in and they're too damn tired to even think of moving again.

*I feel bad that I havent posted pics of the kids in forever. I will take some, soon. Maybe over Easter break. =o)

Progress

2010-02-28T09:49:00.002-03:30

Now it feels real. The house plans have been submitted to building supply centers in the surrounding area for materials quotes. The trusses are being designed....because I need that design to have an engineer design a tall wall ($$$ extra expense but I am not giving up my 2 storey living room). The land has been measured and survey is Mon. or Tues. All building permit applications are filled out and waiting on the survey. We are ordering windows in the next few weeks because there's a big window sale. =o) So far, I'm lovin' it. I roamed around Home Depot yesterday looking at tubs and tiles and kitchen cabinets...there was some drooling. =o) I cant wait until I am allowed to start buying this stuff!

We still have a lot to do with the current house. No actual papers have been signed yet. Everything is falling into place but we need a water sample and 'maybe' a new survey..depends on the buyers lawyer. I have some stuff packed but no idea where we'll live and I dont really want to find and commit to something until this house sale is a done deal. We did look at one rental yesterday and I was a little freaked out. $900 a month and it wouldnt have been out of place at all if I had seen rats and roaches in the place.

Thats it for an update. I just realized that I have pictures on my camera from months ago. I havent taken or posted anything in ages...I think the xmas pics are still on my camera. =o) Will work on that.

Now..where was I?

2010-02-17T13:15:00.002-03:30

Getting back to the goals I was 'supposed' to be working on in Feb. Ha! Not really happening....BUT...I have achieved other goals that I was going to put on future lists so thats something.

I havent so much as looked at the wii in over a week.
I havent been watching what I'm eating...in fact, I have been eating what I want, when I want all week....including take out..twice.

I have gone on a date with each kid... Took in a movie with friends....got my hair done AND even bought myself a kickass new outfit. House plans are in our possesion and I have started pricing things but the most important accomplishment this month....WE SOLD THE HOUSE! Now I can work on everything else....huge relief because I thought this place would never sell. We have to find a rental that will most likely be cramped but knowing that from there, we'll move into our dream home..I can handle it!

Epic Fail

2010-01-31T18:33:00.003-03:30

I just went back and read last years New Years Resolutions....wow...I failed big time. In fact, I didnt even realize I failed until I was thinking about this years resolutions and noticed..they're the same as last years! lol

Soooo, this year will be skinny year and I will start scrapbooking again. Last year I was determined to finally go on a honeymoon but life got in the way. I'm ok with it now but its not looking like we'll be vacationing anytime in the near future since this year we'll be *fingers crossed* building a house. I am also doing the monthly goal thing again. This worked last year even if I didnt meet every goal on time.

Feb. goal....keepin' it real. Lose 5lbs.
30 min. daily wii workout.
get our land surveyed
get taxes done. This is a big one for me since in the past I have filed very late...like
August late. I dont know why I do this since I usually have my t4's and everything all
ready to go. I'm just a slacker I guess.
Go on a date with my husband AND each of the kids, seperately.
Everyone needs some one on one time.

Thats it. Nothing major. How hard can it be?

It has begun!

2010-01-25T23:30:00.003-03:30

Ok, nothing has really begun but we did start something and thats pretty damn exciting. House plans are being drawn up right now! We have to go back in a few days to make any changes and then we can offically get started. Woot! Of course, we have to wait for the ground to thaw but I have a good feeling about spring coming early this year.

My plan to make goals each month isnt working out very well. I feel like any goals I make should be home related....declutter something, redecorate a room etc....but since we're leaving this place soon, why bother? I've decided to make different goals...spend more time on ME. Have date nights with my hubby. Dates with the kids and family game nights. I screwed up January so I'll start fresh in Feb. Stay tuned.

My grandchildren...

2010-01-11T23:46:00.003-03:30

Abby: I have 2 children..a boy and a girl.

Me: What are their names?

Abby: I dont know...wait, the girl is Sara...I dont know the boys name yet.

Me: How old are your children?

Abby: Larry, the boy is Larry. They are both 5 but Sara's birthday is first.

Me: Where do they live?

Abby: Alberta. They work there and live in a truck.

Me: Why are they in Alberta?

Abby: To make lots of money for me, the mother, so I can have a dsi.

Gotta love her....but she is NOT getting a dsi for quite some time.

"THE" House

2009-11-30T11:20:00.002-03:30

Finally, after many internet searches, house plan books, doodles/sketches and fights...we have decided on a house plan. Work will begin, hopefully, in March....it all depends on how bad our winter is. Jerry is figuring it can be done in 4 months. **happy dance**

This is the online version...we will be making a few minor changes and it will have a full basement with Em's room, full bath, rec room, entrance, porch and office.

I'm definetly going with stone on the front too...love it.

http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plan-57097HA.asp

It's been too long..

2009-11-24T20:24:00.002-03:30

Far too long since I last blogged.
Life has been busy but its all starting to get back to normal now..as normal as my life can get.
I'm currently decking the halls...way too early...fa la la la la, la la la la. I needed a little pick me up and the best way to do that, in my opinion, is to surround yourself with things that make you smile..so I am. It's kind of sad that some of my favorite things are seasonal items that have to be put away for most of the year...but I guess I would get sick of them if they were out all the time and then wouldnt really be my favorites anymore..right? =o)

A conversation with Abby.
*put on new pink pj's*

Abby: Eric's girlfriend has pink pants like mine.
Me: *intrigued* Really? Eric has a girlfriend...what does she look like?
Abby: *looking at me like I'm a complete moron* Uh, she has pink pants mom.
Me: What color is her hair?
Abby: Yellow, like tinkerbell
Me: What else can you tell me about her?
Abby: She has 2 eyes, a nose, a mouth, lots of hair...oh, and a head.

Love that kid.

Really going to try to do this at blogging thing once a week...shouldnt be hard. I know, I've said that before...but I'm unemployed now so free time is something I have an abundance of...I just need some interesting things to blog about. Screw it, I'll make it all up. ;o) Stay tuned.

Inspiration =o)

2009-09-11T11:16:00.004-02:30

Look what I found! A family member posted this on facebook and I was soooo happy. I have never seen a picture of my father as a child. I have his army picture but he was 16 at the time. Dad is the one on the far left. Eric thinks he looks like him and thinks Dad had the same sneakers as he wears...lol...converse all stars. =o).
This is what inspired me to do a photo book for my sisters, and dad for xmas. I am stoked and cant wait to get started but I'm waiting on everyone to dig out some pics for me. Must start nagging..that always works.

School Days!

2009-09-11T11:14:00.004-02:30

Miss Abby on her first day of school with her ginormous bag. She wanted one like her big brother has and NOT a backpack because they arent as nice. I think I have to go get her a backpack anyway because this one just slides off her little shoulder.

My handsome boy. He's in the 6th grade now....next year, Junior High!

I still havent been able to pin down the teenager. She just started Grade 11, has a nice boyfriend and is currently job hunting. It's about time I round them all up for pics since our fall photo shoot is where I get the best shots.

Wow!

2009-08-30T05:38:00.001-02:30

Has it really been 4 months since my last blog entry? Surely my life isnt that busy. I'll just have to try harder. Since delphi and facebook are no no's at work, blogging might just be the only thing I have left to do online....except for shopping but if I keep doing that from work I'll spend my paycheck before I get it.
I have nothing to blog about so I'll just leave it for a few days...maybe I'll take new pics of the kids or come up with some witty anecdote to share. Either way, I know I've moved back up on Nuclear Mom's blog list and for now, thats good enough.

It's been a while...

2009-04-08T13:55:00.002-02:30

Busy most of the time and really, I have nothing to blog about.

Update.
The house I love is still on the market...this house however, is not. So much to do and so little time but we are plodding away, hoping to put the sign on by the end of this month. Also contemplating building the house we love...we can do it for about 50k less and change a few things to really make it ours...still thinking on that one. Hubby is fed up with construction..understandably..so I'll give it time and see what he wants to do.

Almost Easter! Nothing bought and if I'm going to be hiding chocolate in a few days, I had better get my ass in gear and not only buy some, but move some of the renovation materials that are scattered about the house. Safety first, chocolate highs later.

That is all.

Stuff.

2009-03-19T20:26:00.002-02:30

I want a house and it might just be possible in the near future. We are preparing our current home for the market now....hubby even caved and let me hire some people to help out! This is huge because he is notoriously cheap and will do everything himself whether he knows how or not. With help I'm thinking/hoping we can put a sign on it within a month. I doubt my dream house will still be on the market then, or even my second choice but there are many more houses out there that meet our criteria so I'm not worrying...then again, once we meet with the bank next week we just might be able to put an offer on one of the ones we love. Fingers crossed...and toes.

Abby had her preschool check up today. She had one back in Jan. but failed it. lol. Ok, so they kept us waiting more than an hour past our appt time and then put an eye patch on the child...she was playing pirates and doing nothing else no matter what.
Today she was perfect. She answered every question that was asked, got through the sight and hearing tests, drew the required pictures and when we were ready to leave she insisted on standing on one foot while I counted to 10. This was a part of the first checkup and she couldnt do it for more than 5 seconds so she practiced her little heart out. Even the booster didnt bother her...and they gave her a garfield bandaid which was awesometastic (her word, not mine).

My nephew, who has a host of problems, is having surgery tomorrow to put a shunt in his head. I dont understand how it all works because I refuse to google it...did that with my thyroidectomy and it was just not a good idea. All I know is that it involves a hole drilled in his skull. He has fluid build up and it is damaging his optic nerves and could cause blindness so he kinda needs it...he's getting something done with his ears too because his hearing sucks. Prayers and/or good thoughts please. =o)

Pictures of something soon...not sure what but blogs look kinda boring without the occasional pic so stay tuned.

It's been a while...

2009-03-09T22:00:00.003-02:30

Life hasn't been too busy to blog, I just havent had anything going on worth talking about. We are working on the house like crazy, hoping to have it ready to go on the market by June...then the hunt begins. I really need a new house. I'm willing to sacrifice 5 years...maybe more. I hate subdivisions and swore I'd never live in one...but thats where we plan to live. I need for the kids to be able to just go outside and play with other kids....they dont have that now. Sure they have an awesome yard with every toy imaginable, a river, a gazillion trees to climb but that gets lonely...they need more kids. Em isnt within walking distance of any friends..or civilization for that matter...I hate having to driver her everywhere and her getting a summer job would be so much easier if she could walk to work. We went to a few open houses yesterday to get a feel for the market...yikes...scary prices for houses that arent anywhere near my dream home....in 5 years however, I hope to be in a position to build. Thats the plan.

Abby has almost completed the kinderstart program. She has one more visit but this time she goes alone..which is fine with her. She loves going to school! I had a few concerns with her but the teachers are amazing so now I'm just going to relax and wait for Sept. No worries.

Trying to round up the kids to take more pics...stay tuned.

16th Birthday Dance

2009-02-07T11:59:00.003-03:30

The dance took place last night. I love most of Emma's friends...seriously awesome teenagers. One harrassed me all night..trying to get me to buy birdfeeders from him..he is making and selling them to fund his trip to Belize to build a school. Hooligan. lol. 4 stayed late to help me clean up the hall, one proposed to me and they all managed to have a great time without drugs or alcohol. Then there was the other crowd..the ones who werent invited and decided to show up anyway. I kicked a few out when I saw the beer...kicked a few more out who were noticably drunk and disorderly and the rest I fought all night to not let in. I was spit on and never heard so many swear words in my life. I had to dodge a few beer bottles at one point too...fun times. At least 20 uninvited showed up. I would have let them come in BUT they were drunk and/or stoned and were just plain rude...so outside they stayed, in frigid weather..I think it was -15 with the windchill...for 3 hours! One got in and stole the fire extinguisher ($100 for me to pay) but we later found it, empty (only $20 to refill) behind the building where he had also beat out the palings on the fence. Anyway, when all was said and done it was a pretty decent night...Em had fun, the dj was great, the food was almost all eaten and I got to bed at a decent time. Here are a few pics...there are more on facebook.

Sweet 16!

2009-02-02T13:33:00.002-03:30

Wow. I cannot believe that I am the mother of a 16 year old. I am far too young for this.
Mid-term exams were finished on Friday so Em has no school today. She's had breakfast served in front of the tv, Abby and I made her lunch and she has requested chicken parmesan for supper. I'm sure some family members will drop by throughout the day and hubby is bringing home a dq ice cream cake...a family favorite. Her gift...hair extensions. lol. $180! Not exactly the kind of gift I wanted to give for her sweet 16th but its what she REALLY wanted/needed so thats what she gets. I'll post pics of her with them in when she gets cleaned up. She's having a dance/party on Friday night. We have a hall, a dj, new outfit and still need to get food, decor and bake a gazillion cupcakes for her cake. I'm really looking forward to this...not.
There will be oodles of pics on Sat.

Winter Semi-Formal

2009-01-16T22:24:00.004-03:30

I took Emma to the mall a few nights ago to choose a dress for the winter semi-formal. She took a friend along because all teenagers need reassurance that they look fantabulous in whatever they choose to buy. At first I tagged along, wanting to make sure she didnt end up with something a little too revealing for a school dance...not that my child is an exhibitionist, but fabric is a hard to come by feature in todays fashions. Eric was with us and rather than subject him to a fate worse than death (girly shopping), I hit the games store with him and left Em and her friend on their own. Did I mention Em insisted on paying for this herself with her xmas money? How sweet does she look? She said several teachers commented on how 'classy' she looked and I agree, she does. And...she found the dress (which is taffeta with optional straps) for $20 and the knit shrug for $8. Bargain shopper...love it.

2009

2009-01-14T21:19:00.003-03:30

Wow, 3 weeks since I last blogged. Since then I've had a lovely Christmas and New Years, been through the stomach flu and am currently on regular flu. No major events in my life, no minor ones either....been pretty dull around here.

I know we're 2 weeks into the New Year but I forgot to blog about my resolutions so here goes:

2009 will be my skinny year! I dont care if losing 20lbs means cutting off a freaking leg...I will lose the weight.

Oct. 2009 will be my/our 10th wedding anniversary. We never had a honeymoon due to lack of funds/crazy work schedule and I always said we'd have one on our 10th...if we were still together. lol. I dont care where we go but I need to go somewhere, even for a weekend, just me and my man.

There are more but I'll have to come back and edit as my stomach is doing something nasty and I think I should be closer to the bathroom right now....to be continued.

SCRAPBOOKING! That's the other thing I need to do this year. I have so much money invested in this that I just need to make the time to do it. I also need somewhere to set it up and just leave it so I can sit down and scrap whenever the mood strikes. I also need a new printer. I'm already planning on several xmas gifts for next year that involve scrapbooking supplies so thats my motivation.

Bah Humbug! =o)

2008-12-20T17:58:00.002-03:30

Just a few randoms. I'll get more of the tree and decorations when the house is cleaner. lol. Hubby and I are finishing up house stuff tonight...moldings and moving the computer to another room. I'm off tomorrow and Monday so everything else will be finished in the next 2 days..if it isnt, screw it. Still no sign of the Christmas Spirit for me...perhaps I'll find it in a bottle? Just kidding..when the gifts are wrapped, the gazillion piece dollhouse assembled, entire house is clean and decorated..then I'm sure I'll get into the spirit of the season....maybe...bah humbug!

Where's the bright side?

2008-12-08T11:47:00.002-03:30

I am trying to look on the bright side and cant find one. It seems like whenever I have a few days off in a row, I get sick. Am currently enjoying a week off work...and I have strep. So much to do and my meds are making me sleepy. There is STILL a layer of plaster dust...a much thicker layer...on every surface in the house, the painting isnt done, floor isnt level and the carpet is being put down on Wed. morning...so I have 2 days...and right now I just want to sleep.
Whine over.

I can haz pretties!

2008-12-06T00:14:00.002-03:30

Lookee what I got! I bought this for myself a while back on bidz..first time ever on the site...and it arrived today. Peridot is Eric's birthstone plus I just love green. Now I have to get one with Em's and Abby's birthstones too! It just wouldnt be fair if I didnt.
It sparkles ever so much. I love buying stuff for ME! $11...I'm worth it. =o)

Time off!

2008-12-05T16:51:00.002-03:30

I have decided to take a week off work to get things done. Most of the time off will be spent helping my dad and stepmom who are recovering from recent knee replacements. I also owe my mother, who does all of my sewing and listens to me whine regularly, a good house cleaning....and I volunteered to decorate her house and trim her tree. My week off now seems not quite long enough. The carpet guys are coming on Tuesday...it's Friday and the plastering isnt done yet...tomorrow I have to paint the areas that are to be carpeted, paint the computer desk, reroute all of the wiring for the internet/computer and perhaps get some cleaning done. There is a thin layer of plaster dust on every surface in the house and a gross grimy chalky layer of floor leveling cement on all of the floors. I've swept and swiffered but cant really do much else until the dirty work is done.
Emma and I have a shopping day on Sunday. Hoping to finish up my shopping then...planning another shopping day with hubby some evening next week to finish up what I cant buy with Emma present and thats it. I'd love to be done by mid Dec.
Here are a few pics that I ordered multiple prints of. The first is my sisters horse Mick...I give her a sepia pic every year, framed, of random stuff...kids mostly, her cat once, now its the horses turn. The three of the kids are the best of a whole bunch that I took so grandparents will get framed copies of those. I totally forgot to order copies for myself. duh. Perhaps Santa could bring me a new printer. =o)

Where is it?

2008-11-30T00:18:00.002-03:30

November is what I'm referring to. Holy crap! It seems like it was October, I blinked, and now its just under 4 weeks to the big day!
I'm doing pretty good as far as shopping goes. I always try to get ahead of the game but time and money restraints usually put a stop to that....which leaves me scrambling every year around Dec. 20th with very little done. This year, not gonna happen. I have the majority of the gifts bought and just as soon as I get rid of the kids for a night and remember to buy scotch tape, I'll start wrapping. I'm decorating a room at a time instead of waiting for our little reno project to be over..might as well make the finished rooms look pretty so I have somewhere to hide when I'm tearing my hair out of the mess of gyproc dust everywhere else. I put a birch tree in the family room (just a branch, not a whole tree. lol) and a few little pretties around....the nice living room is next..maybe tomorrow..and for the first time in the history of my children, I'm letting one have a party. Emma wants to invite a few friends up for a holiday party on the 20th and I said yes. Still trying to figure out what she did to make me say yes....something in my drink perhaps? Since we'll have new light colored carpet I decided to let her decorate the apartment and have it there instead of the main part of the house...that way I wont care about the mess because I wont see it. Smart me.
The main hallway is just about done...plaster is finished and I need to paint, then the carpet guys will come and I can decorate everything else. Pictures will be posted.

Bored.to.death

2008-11-14T17:09:00.003-03:30

I'm bored...dreadfully bored. All of the things that I want to do, I cant do because I need hubby to help...except the shopping bit...I dont need him to help with that, I just need his money. He's been working really late the past few days...7am-10pm and I'm getting lonely.
The house is clean, laundry is done, had fun times with the kids outside, its too early to decorate and theres nothing on tv. Blah. I have been sick all week...left work early on Monday, off on Tues, called in sick on Wed and Thurs. Now I'm off til Monday and I'd almost rather be at work.

I was going to drive the kids insane by making them wear fun hats and taking pictures for this years xmas cards but I cant find the hats and I passed my sickness on to Emma..who looks too crappy to be photographed right now.

This sucks. I should be delighted that I have nothing pressing to attend to.

Whine over. I'm going to dirt up a room or something.

Productive Girl

2008-11-06T00:21:00.002-03:30

That's my new superhero name. I have a few days off and am really making the most of it. I usually sit around on the computer waiting for bursts of energy that never come. Not so this time. I've been hauling around furniture, tearing up carpet and floors etc etc and I've only just begun! Tomorrow I'll attack the pantry. It isnt a 'real' pantry...it's a 4x4 (or maybe a bit bigger) closet in the porch. It's not insulated so its cold and where I should be storing my veggies....especially since we get them for free and should be hoarding. I keep coats and boots there too....among other things. So, tomorrow I'd like to put away all things summer, clean and paint the inside, pick up some bins (one for everyone to keep hats/mitts etc in) and some for veggies. Perhaps there'll even be room for some of the things I buy in bulk.
Carpet shopping next week! I'm setting a date/time for installation and that should be motivation enough for hubby to level the floor and get it ready.
Love progress! Love having a few days off in a row to progress! This place will soooooo be ready for Christmas.

Managed to get Em to stay still for 5 minutes for pictures. Still havent pinned the boy down but dammit I will! He cant hide from the camera forever.

Abby's Photo Shoot

2008-10-30T16:05:00.002-02:30

I have many people requesting recent pics of the kids so I figured I'd take some while the weather is nice and yard looks pretty. Emma was too busy and Eric flat out refused...so myself and Abby had a little photo shoot. I am in love with the first pic. I seriously think I might copy Nuclearmom and have it blown up to ginormous (totally a word) and mounted on whatever it is they mount them on. I'd love to have one awesome shot of each kid done the same way. Perhaps I just need to offer the other two money, or use death threats. lol.

Here I am!

2008-10-21T13:13:00.003-02:30

It's been ages since I blogged last..ok, not ages, more like a week.
The living room is DONE! Repainted, cute little cubby w/shelves and lighting is built, fireplace is painted and I bought an electric insert and its clean...really clean. I still have to hang a few things on the walls...I'm hesitant because they look so good with no nail holes. There is no clutter of any kind in there. Awesome feeling.

Next up is the main hallway...level the floor and replace carpet...and paint if I can ever decide on a color. Hubby gets excited when he finishes a project...its a job to get him started but when he sees how good things 'can' look, it motivates him so I dont think it'll take forever. I might have to give up on the master bath before xmas idea though...it's almost November? Where has the time gone?

The kids are good, work is work and nothing new has happened in the past week. Hopefully my next blog entry will be more entertaining. If all else fails, I'll post pics.

Abby (aka-Mr.Wonka)

2008-10-08T12:58:00.003-02:30

You are probably thinking that this is Abby...not so. It's Mr.Willy Wonka. She looks for her hat the minute she opens her eyes in the morning and wears it almost all the time. I pry it off of her head for school (the cane and wonkavision glasses are also necessary accessories). She seriously thinks she is fooling me when she puts this on....I have to address her as Mr.Wonka...if I call her Abby while she is in Wonka mode, she looks around and says Abby isnt here. lol.

Abby funny.

Yesterday I was having supper with the kids.

Abby: Santa Claus is going to bring me a Serious Ming Ming.

Mommy: If you're good he will, bad kids get dirt. (I know, I'm mean)

Abby: I'm a good kid like Charlie Bucket (good kid in Willy Wonka movie..the rest are rotten)
....Eric is a good boy too and you Mommy, you're good.

***phew, good thing because I seriously dont want dirt***

Emma: What about me Abby? Am I a good kid?

Abby: No, you're a mental patient. *laughs hysterically*

I dont know where she gets it! Honest I dont!

Progress!

2008-10-06T09:53:00.002-02:30

The living room is just about done! I know I said it would be done in Sept. but this is close enough. We bought an electric insert for the fireplace that needs to be installed....normal people plug it in, pop it in the hole and voila! instant light/heat. Not us...it can never be that easy. Hubby has decided that the cord cannot be visible and has proceeded to drill through the 10 inch thick concrete hearth so the cord can go to the basement and be plugged in there. Genius? I think not.
In the next few weeks we'll be doing another major project...the main hallway/stairs. I know its not a big area but its a big job. I'll be hauling up the carpet so that hubby can level the floor....then I need to paint...no idea what color...buy new carpet...no idea what color...replace trim...possibly dismantle the computer cubby. I dont want to, hubby does...I am trying to give in on the little things so that I appear nicer. I'd like to replace the front door even though ours is fairly new...I want a 3/4 french because the area is dark and dingy.
After that...the master bath. Hopefully.

I want a house

2008-09-30T21:55:00.002-02:30

I dont want this house anymore. I want a new one. One that is pretty and clean with level floors and doors that open and close with ease. One with no more than 3 different types of flooring and without popcorn or tiled ceilings.
Hubby is sick of renovations...actually, he never wants to hold a hammer again. I love home makeovers but am sick of listening to him bitch and if the truth be known, a little tired of living with chaos. I have excess furniture and building materials all over the house. I'm done now.
House prices need to go down or at least stay put until I'm ready to put mine on the market....at the rate their going we wont be able to afford to leave.

Fed Up

2008-09-26T16:03:00.002-02:30

If I cant get hubby to do the little things, how on earth will I convince him to do the big stuff???? I cleaned the yard today...some of it...and started putting summer toys away in the basement...the basement that he was working on 6 months ago that isnt done yet. Seriously, there is a few hours of work down there to be done and then I'll have a clean, dry, stink free basement. A few freakin' hours! I'm afraid to say anything because the living room furniture is piled up in the middle of the living room and overflow is in the hallway...I would love to get that taken care of first and if I mention basement, he might actually do it. The man only has one job in him so I need to choose wisely. My plan is to spend tomorrow painting the living room. I'm one of those start to finish people so it'll be done....IF I can get him to finish the few little things he needs to do first...BUT...he's working on the oil truck AND in the garden so he isnt home long enough to do anything here. Did I mention that my little red car, that we badly need to use, is still sitting in the driveway, broken. If I suggest garage, he says he'll do it. See my problem? I should just have a drink instead.

Bottom of the List

2008-09-22T13:22:00.003-02:30

I'm only blogging right now because my blog keeps moving down the list that Nuclearmom has on her blog. I wanna be at the top! lol

Not much to blog about lately. Kids are great and loving school. Emma kidnapped a cardboard character from her grade 9 teachers classroom..its about 3ft high and is named Pierre. She created a girlfriend named Brigitte (who is dressed as a french maid) and pulled a Beaver Hat with them. lol. She's my kid for sure. She brought them places, posed them, sent them on a date etc and took many pictures. She created a facebook page for him and is going to send her teacher the link when its done...I think there will be a ransom involved.
Abby loves preschool. I had to pick her up early today because she threw up all over herself...and bad mommy left her change of clothes in the van. She's napping now.
Eric is Eric. He just joined cross country running and bowling and is eagerly awaiting the ripeness of his pumpkins so he can start making some money.
Work is crap. Many issues this week that really made me want to leave but I need to give it some more thought since it has many plusses too.

Projects. Ugh. Hubby has been sooo busy with work and the savory harvesting that nothing is getting done. The master bath hasnt been touched at all. The living room might get done in Sept. as planned...it's been plastered and sanded so all it needs is painting and a few built in shelves.
I'm hoping to get my part done this week....only if he finishes his stuff though.

Thats it. Nothing else going on here....but I'm at the top of the list now so I'm happy.

My Tattoo!

2008-09-09T17:09:00.003-02:30

The stencil thingy....
The tattoo artist, Joe. She'll be back in Newfoundland in 6 months and Jerry doesnt know it yet but he's getting a tattoo then.
The finished product....Celtic knot of motherhood. Looks wonky and unclear because of the vaseline she put on there. There is a pink dot in the top left, green in top right and purple at the bottom....kids birthstones (sort of, deeper versions of them anyway).

Preschool-Day 1

2008-09-08T13:51:00.002-02:30

It went well! No other children were maimed and my little darling was just that...a little darling. This is if the preschool teacher can be believed...and I'm not saying she's a liar, just that maybe she didnt want me to feel bad. lol.
Here she is this morning, all ready to go with her nemo backpack (inside is a pkg of dunkaroos and a chocolate milk). I got one shot of her in the classroom before she sent me on my way.

I spent my time cleaning....one can accomplish quite a bit when there are no wee ones running about. I did 30 min. on the elliptical and took a long, uninterupted shower before I headed out to pick her up. I shall look forward to this time twice weekly.

Happy thoughts

2008-09-04T23:19:00.004-02:30

I had a full body scan back in late July (when the radioactive iodine was done...4 days later in fact). I didnt bother with getting results since I had an appt. for today and I have the patience of a saint. =o) Went to the doctor today and the whole thyroid thing is great....no cancer bits...treatment worked fine. But...there is a suspicious spot on my hip that needs further investigation. No prob, schedule something and let me know. The Doctor didnt seem overly concerned so I expected a typical few months wait. He told me his secretary would call me with the appt time by the end of the day. I got home at 1:45...at 1:55 the phone rings and my appt. is tomorrow morning for an xray and bone density scan. Part of me is thinking how lucky to get such a quick appt....the other part is wondering if there was a reason behind the rush. Fingers crossed/Happy thoughts. I'll be a basket case since the results take 2-3 weeks.

Update- went to my appt. yesterday morning. It was for 9am so I got a sitter and fully expected to be home by 11-11:30. Go to nuclear medicine only to discover I need a shot of something and then have to come back at noon for the scan! I am the worst patient ever. I dont even ask what I'm being injected with...total trust. They know what they're doing. lol. Got the shot and then went for the hip/pelvis xray...then I sat in the van for a while reading until I spotted hubby in the oil truck (he delivers oil to the hospital) so we had a chat for a while. Finally got back in for the scan...which took 30 min. Didnt realize that...again, not a question asker. lol. Lying perfectly still for that long is sooooo hard but I managed to close my eyes and doze a little.
**confession time** I totally stole the scrubs pants I was given for my xray. They were so comfy I just couldnt leave them there all alone in that sad little dressing room.

The First Day of School!

2008-09-04T15:17:00.002-02:30

Woo Hoo! They're gone back to school. Now maybe I can regain my sanity. Here are my darlings all clean and shiny and new. Eric's was taken yesterday, Em's this morning...Miss High School went a day later. Holy crap! High School!
Eric went to grade 5. I'm super proud of the fact that I'm posting pictures and none are of Abby. Some people (not mentioning names but you know who you are) have accused me of favoritism since I mostly post Abby pics. Not today. Emma and Eric only. Abby starts preschool on Monday morning so she'll get her turn then.

__________________________________________________________________

The newest addition to our family, Marbles the hamster (the fish is named Randy...Randy and Marbles...this is funny for those of you who know what I'm talking about)...Abby named both pets. Just had to post a pic of the cage...isnt it cool. Some kid was giving away a hamster at a yard sale...I got it, this cage, several bags of food, shavings, toys etc etc etc for $15! My kids are delighted.

I want a tattoo...no I dont...yes I do...

2008-08-31T00:42:00.002-02:30

Shit...I dont know if I do or not. Jerry's cousin is in Newfoundland (from Toronto) for another week and is doing tats on family members. She does awesome work.
I've always wanted a tattoo....something small and hidden but that was back in the good old days when all of my hidden spots were still skinny and stretch mark free. I hate ankle tattoos, tramp stamps and anything on a womans arms/shoulders/hands. This really limits me. I've decided on the back of my neck..something small. I like these designs....probably play around with the colors a bit. Decisions, decisions.
It doesnt help that I'm still afraid of my mother. I think she'd kick my ass. lol.

To Do List

2008-08-26T23:20:00.002-02:30

Since Nuclear Mom is getting back at her projects I figured I'd do the same. There's no time like the present.
I cut back my hours at work so I now only work 7 days in a pay period (2 wks)...this should give me more time to spend at home getting things done. The kids will be back in school next week and Miss Abby is going to preschool...only for 2 half days per week to start.

The bathroom off the master is a mess. I tore off the pine panelling, removed the built in shelves and medicine cabinet and sink while I was at home radioactive. Hubby has since taken out the toilet and started tearing off gyproc. Nothing has been touched in weeks though. Right outside my kitchen there is a little room where i have been piling stuff. New vanity/sink, pretty accessories, a toilet in a box etc. I am all ready to finish this and it wont cost much...just need to find the time. My goal, by the end of Sept. this will be done.

Next up is my nice living room. It was finished a few years ago and now needs to be touched up (plaster) and repainted and the ceiling needs work because of a leak in the upstairs bath. I'm thinking I might try and do this in Sept. as well, while I wait for hubby to do the plumbing and electrical in the bathroom...but I'll set my goal for Oct. just in case I lack the enthusism that I'm feeling right now.

The main hallway is in desperate need of a paint job since Miss Abby scribbled all over the walls in pencil 2 freaking years ago!!!! It isnt very noticable and I scrubbed most of it but it still looks bad. The carpet in the hallway and up the stairs needs to be replaced too...before I paint...so I'll be generous and set this goal for anytime before Christmas.

There are plenty of other little things that need to be done, smaller paint jobs refreshed, furniture rearranged etc. that I dont need to set goals to do. I know they'll get done in between bigger jobs.
Now, all I need is to get hubby out of the vegetable garden and into the house....and willing to work.

Camping in Hell =o)

2008-08-26T22:55:00.002-02:30

Spent the weekend camping at a nearby campground. If it wasnt for the company, I would have packed up and left the first night. Folks singing kareoke til 4am, as lovely as it was, makes it a little difficult to sleep. Plus they wouldnt let me sing so I was pissed off . =o)
It wasnt all bad...the kids had some fun at the pond and I had a much needed few drinks. I wont take the kids there again but the place is definetly in the running when we plan a Pammy/Tammy/Jo night in the woo!

Here are a few pics...Tammy's boy Christopher and nephew Austin. Chris is on the right.
Abby and Eric playing in the water and Abby with her fish in a bucket. She named the fish Freddy Jones. Cute.

Double Digits!

2008-08-19T18:40:00.002-02:30

My little boy turned 10 yesterday! Ten! Where did the years go?
He is so much like me...very shy and quiet. What??? Quit laughing! Ok, so he's exactly like his dad. I've been told he looks like me though...and he loves to read like his momma. Here he is blowing out his candles and with his bestest present...an air soft pellet bb gun, 2 of 'em actually. He didnt have a party because everyone is off on holidays so we're having a fun day on Saturday while we are camping. More pics then.

Happy 10th Birthday my buddy! Love you lots!

Photo Shoot!

2008-08-19T18:36:00.002-02:30

I saw this cute idea with a picture frame the other day and figured I'd give it a try. My kids are pretty photogenic, just not at the same time. These are the good ones, the others were scrapped...except for a few that were just too funny.

Family Night Out!

2008-08-17T01:02:00.002-02:30

The whole clan went out on Friday night for a family reunion of sorts. It was a simple get together with anyone (aunts, uncles, cousins etc) that wanted to go. The club that we went to was owned by a family member and was the biggest dive I have ever set foot in...and trust me, I've been in some seedy places. After several drinks the squallor was barely noticable.
It was nice to see people I havent seen in years...no one recognized anyone....and I met at least 20 relatives I didnt know I had.
Here's a pic from last night...many were taken...most were deleted.
From left: my sister Jen, Dad, Stepmom, other sister Andrea (she and Jen are twins) and Moi.

Abby-Girl

2008-08-10T01:18:00.002-02:30

Just a few shots that I like. We spent the afternoon in Bowring Park yesterday. I should really start taking pictures of my other kids. lol. Ok, so the next two entries will be Eric and Emma pics...for sure. Stay tuned.

Moi

2008-08-08T00:27:00.002-02:30

Yet another pic of me. Eric took this one today, along with several others. Perhaps I'll get him to take pics more often. So we didnt get Abby and I both smiling but I look ok and thats what counts. Everyone already knows that Abby is adorable...one or two bad pics of her is ok...one or two good ones of me is nothing less than miraculous.

Abby's bedroom...before

2008-08-02T13:08:00.002-02:30

I didnt go with any of the bedding options I posted a while back. After noticing me browsing ebay a coworker mentioned that she had similar bedding that I could have. Never turn down free stuff. This is the only pic I have of her room before it got done..except baby room pics but its changed very much since then.

The girly garden room

2008-08-02T13:03:00.002-02:30

Paint. $25
Bedding. Free
Dollarama accessories. $20 or so.
Curtains. $2 at a yard sale.
Desk chair. $5 at a yard sale.
Abby wall letters. $20 on ebay.
Picket fence. Free

Delighted little girl. Priceless.

Family Room...finally

2008-07-31T16:00:00.002-02:30

It's been finished for a while now but I never did get around to posting pics. I love my purple couch...the fabric is chenille and oh so soft. Got it at a yard sale quite some time ago, reupholstered the cushions and voila. Got the paint free and my mom did the roman blinds...which I love. I am now trying to talk my sister into giving me an old square teak coffee table she has in her basement. The nice thing, the kids dont even mess this room up. They rarely watch tv in it since the living room in the apartment is still set up and all the toys are there..plus they cant eat in here. Will take pics of Abby's completed bedroom and post later today.

Money well spent

2008-07-30T14:53:00.002-02:30

This is summer number 3 for the pool and we have definitely gotten our moneys worth. We'll upgrade to something bigger once Miss Abby learns to swim but for now, its great. Just thought I'd share a few pics because I havent posted any in a while.

Roughing it?

2008-07-28T12:38:00.003-02:30

Ha. Not quite. I spent the weekend camping in my fathers yard. We had planned on going to a campground near his house but he talked us into staying in his yard...to save money and allow everyone to have a few drinks without having to travel. Sure, not problem. We figured we stay in the camper, do our own cooking and not impose. LOL. Woke up Sat. morning to the smell of breakfast cooking. My stepmother actually set the table and served ham, bacon, toutons, eggs, toast and fresh fruit...plus tea, coffee and juice. It was awesome but we had set up our camp kitchen outside for nothing. She promised to let hubby do the Sun. morning breakfast and I was given the task of preparing the Sat. night supper. Too funny. She started cooking Sat. evening...but did allow me to help a little. We had tbones, cedar plank salmon, cheddar smokies, twice baked potatoes, bbq ribs, broccoli, corn on the cob, mushrooms and onions and I think thats all..no wait, fresh rolls and asparagus. Ok, thats it. She was a little upset that no one wanted to eat the cheesecake she had for dessert. A few hours later, while we sat outside by the fire with drinks, out she comes with crab legs, shrimp, nachos and salsa and a tray of cheese, polish sausage and crackers. I'm almost done here...fast forward to Sun. morning where hubby had planned to cook breakfast...she got up before everyone again and made steak and eggs (from the leftover tbones because you know it all didnt get eaten) and then there were other leftovers that needed to be cooked. God forbid you should have half a lb of bacon, or a hunk of unused frying ham in the fridge...and then there was that bit of touton dough that went unused the day before...and wait, whats a Sunday morning breakfast without fresh cinnamon buns?????

I will never be hungry again AND that 12 lb loss from the low iodine diet, is back...and then some.

The return of Radioactive Girl....

2008-07-19T13:52:00.004-02:30

I'm home. Discharged from the hospital yesterday. It was hideously boring. I truly thought I'd enjoy a little break from life. I mean c'mon...48 hours alone, in a quiet room with a ton of new books, movies and portable dvd player...sounds like heaven right? I was bored to tears! Every surface in the room was covered with some sort of plastic backed paper...tables, chair and even the floor. I spent a bit of time doodling...ok, so I totally redecorated the place. I'd sprawl out on the floor and draw pictures, house plans and little notes that prove I almost went insane. NO PEOPLE AND NO SALT MAKE JOEY GO CRAZY! lol. The guy from nuclear medicine thought it was amusing.
Anyhoo. I didnt get sick...just a few hours of nausea and the shakes. Now I have wicked stomach cramps and a sore neck (with a new bruise that just seemed to appear before my eyes) but as long as I'm not vomiting...all is well.

I am staying at home for the weekend since hubby has the kids camping. I'll leave before they return tomorrow...I can come back home on Wednesday for some much needed hugs.

FYI. This superhero thing doesnt seem to be working out. No powers yet. Perhaps I got one of the lame powers....like the ability to vaccuum really good or answer the phone before the first ring. Sucks..I really wanted invisibility.

I am not a potty mouth!

2008-07-19T00:13:00.001-02:30

Created by OnePlusYou

A day from hell

2008-07-14T20:37:00.002-02:30

Woke up at 6am (even though my alarm was set for 7) because I was soaking wet. It seems a wee one woke up sometime during the night because she wet the bed, and since I heard nothing, she crawled in with me and went back to sleep. Got up, stripped the beds, got dressed and rushed to the medical clinic for bloodwork. Rushed into the city for my thyrogen injection only to learn that I'm part of a study and will have to return several times a year for the next five years!!! Just for follow ups but still....I knew it was an experimental drug but not that I was taking part in a study...should totally make them pay for my gas. Anyway, the shot itself burned like hell but that was it. Left there and rushed, again, to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. No rush there....it took 40 min...pure hell. After that I took my computer to the fix it guy...my face was swollen, still numb and I had a wad of gauze in my mouth...I think the guy felt sorry for me because he said he'd have my computer ready tomorrow and he's never that fast. Yay.
I'm having severe face pain now so I'll probably leave work early. Back to the hospital in the morning for another injection and I plan on spending the day with the kids doing fun stuff since I wont see them for 8 days. =o(
Thats gonna be hard.

Viruses suck! and other stories.

2008-07-13T15:51:00.003-02:30

I am without a computer at home for a few days. I have a virus and nothing works. Grrrr. I plan on bringing it to the computer guys in the morning but they never have it ready on the same day...so if all goes well, by Tuesday. After that I dont care as long as its back in the house by Fri. evening when I 'hopefully' return from the hospital.

Tomorrow I have to be at my Dr.'s office by 8am for pregnancy tests...blood and urine. Why cant they just take my word for it? Then off to the hospital for an injection of some sort...then to the dentist for an extraction, then grocery shopping, home for an hour or so, then off to work. Not looking forward to it. I hate being busy. Back to the hospital on Tues. for another injection (note to self: find out what they are injecting me with. lol) and then I'll be admitted on Wed. Not sure how the radioactive iodine is administered.
Got my radioactive time all worked out. Hospital for 2-3 days, home for 2 (Jerry will be camping with the kids) and then off to my sisters for the remainder of my sentence. If I'm sick, she'll leave me alone...if I'm not sick, I can forage through her store and find goodies for me.

***Jay (aka Gertrude), I got your card today! Thanks so much. =o)

Blanche...hope you're feeling better. Try not to miss me too much.

Paloma...I know you'll miss me terribly. Hope you can survive during my absence.

Worried, me? Nah.

2008-07-11T00:21:00.002-02:30

Perhaps a little. The teenager caused me some stress this evening. She asked to be dropped off at a friends at noon today and I was to pick her up around supper time. Called on her cell and she asked if she could stay later..sure, no prob. I told her I'd call around 9 as I had to go somewhere and would get her along the way. No answer. Called again and again and, well, you get the idea. She has NEVER not answered her phone...it's her lifeline. Sent hubby out to find her and she wasnt at either of the 3 friends houses she'd said she 'might' be at. Still no answer. So, for a little over an hour I had the pleasure of worrying myself sick....not a nice feeling and I have got to call my mom and apoligize for doing this to her so many times. Finally the little bugger calls...she was swimming at another friends and left the phone somewhere. I'm a tad pissed. I know there will be many many many more nights of worry over the next few years (and according to my mom, forever since the worry never ends) so I might have to start drinking now.

6 days til I go get radioactive. I'm trying to arrange life before I go so that things run smoothly in my absence. This isnt working as well as I had planned. Hubby is working 2 jobs...5am-10pm most days. Trying not to take advantage of the teenager/babysitter but I think we might have to. There'll be big bucks in it for her if she does it without complaint but it's still too much to ask....6 very long days of babysitting. I just realized that the 16th isnt that far away...must get something worked out.

Thats it. Well now, I dont have as much to worry about as I thought. Yay me.

Partay!

2008-07-06T15:12:00.003-02:30

Abby's actual birthday was June 25th but we waited until yesterday to have her party...good thing too because the weather last weekend was horrible and yesterday was perfect. We did a little mini carnival with lots of prizes. There was a fish pond, tattoo parlor, inflatable jumpy castle, trampoline, guess the jellybeans,penny toss game plus regular backyard toys. The kids all seemed to enjoy themselves. Here are a few pics..in random order since I uploaded backwards. lol. The tattoo on Em's leg is drawn on with a sharpie

We're Back!

2008-07-03T10:55:00.003-02:30

Ok, so we actually got back on Monday but I havent had the time, or inclination to blog. I'm here now though. =o)
The weather on our camping trip was horrible....cold and rainy all.the.time. The nights were fun as the rain usually stopped and we could sit around the campfire with marshmallows and weiners....and wine! lol. Daytime was a tad hellish in my opinion. Hubby and the kids had fun...myself and Em holed up in the camper most of the time with books. I did manage one hike and a visit to the marine interpretation center...pics to follow...but it seemed like a waste of gas to me. I got sick on Monday and basically whined until we came home. lol. So thats it. I'm quite busy now with party planning..Abby's bday is on Sat and I havent got a thing done for the party yet. Stay tuned for tons of pics in the next few days.

A camping we will go...

2008-06-27T00:34:00.003-02:30

Off to Terra Nova for the Canada Day weekend. Back late Tues. with a ton of pics to post. =o)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

2008-06-25T23:21:00.003-02:30

My little baby is 4 years old! How can this be? Where on earth did the time go? I swear I just had her. I didnt have time to find and scan pics but I found these few baby pics in my kodak gallery...awwwww. Looking back I remember thinking that was the perfect age, so small and sweet and that baby smell...ahhhhh. I miss it. Right now however, my little 4 year old is at the perfect age. She is a joy to be around (most of the time) and never fails to make my day with kisses and cuddles and hilarious comments that I keep meaning to write down but dont. Must start soon before the funnies run out.
Happy Birthday Baby Girl! Love you all the world and the stars. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Party!

2008-06-23T15:30:00.001-02:30

Went to my niece's bday party the other day. Had to throw in a few shots of the kids, just because. The horse was a bit nervous which in turn made the kids nervous...most were afraid to ride him and the few who did looked terrified in the pics. I wasnt going to let Abby get on but she wouldnt have listened anyway. lol. She went up to the girl who owned the horse and asked...all the way around the garden she went, 3 times...shouting yee haw and whoopee! Obviously scared to death.

Lets just pull up these few rose bushes....

2008-06-23T15:29:00.003-02:30

Seriously, thats what he said. There was a huge cluster of wild roses in the spot under the tractor and I didnt mind the removal of them since they are a pain in the butt...and have thorns, attract bees and spread like wildfire. He started with those and continued to plow down/dig up everything in his path, for several hours. It's a good thing the tractor has headlights as he was out there til after 11pm. What a difference though. We dont really use the north side of our property because its so unkempt...was so unkempt. It's all leveled now and any tree/shrub that didnt tower over the tractor, is gone. So, what started out as 'Lets just pull up these few rose bushes...' has turned into much leveled land AND plans to borrow the tractor again next week, order a few loads of fill and topsoil, plow a path to the river and lord knows what else he has planned.

Headless Bird?

2008-06-23T15:28:00.001-02:30

Funny story. I walked into the spare bedroom the other day and saw this thing at the window. I figured it was a bird but I was making noise and it didnt move at all...which was strange...so I assumed it was dead. There isnt even a ledge out there for it to sit on so it was just odd.....a dead, stuck to the house bird? lol. I went up to the window to get a closer look and the side that you cant see was all red! It looked like a bird with its head chopped off. I'm serious, it creeped me out because it looked so real. I called Em to take a look and she agreed...gross headless bird that wouldnt move when we stomped and made noise at it. She wanted to see the gross red part so she leaned way in close to the window and the little shit popped its head up and scared the bejesus out of her, and me. We are weird. But I still think it looked like it had no head. And the red 'stump' I saw, was feathers...but they were bright red! lol

Love.Him

2008-06-17T13:43:00.004-02:30

My dryer has been acting up these past few days....still working but definetly on its way out. This morning, it passed away. It's wet and foggy out so I took the wet clothes and hung it around the house...there isnt much and its half dry. Tomorrow I planned on putting up a clothesline. Hubby came home for lunch, saw the clothes, ate and went straight out to get me a dryer. =o)
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

For Paloma

2008-06-16T15:38:00.003-02:30

Seriously awesome film. You should rent it. In fact, you should drop everything and run, dont walk, to your nearest video store NOW! hee hee

**ok, so I never actually watched it, just saw it at jumbo and thought of you. =o)**

Happy Daddy's Day

2008-06-15T23:38:00.004-02:30

Abby wished everyone she saw a happy daddy's day today...several times. Eric was up before everyone and was super excited...he couldnt wait to give Jer his Toronto Maple Leafs picnic table condiment holder. =o) We gave him some tools , a toolbox and a kickass supper.
My dad and stepmom came for the kickass supper too...lobster and t-bones...my sisters dropped by afterwards for dessert and coffee. It was a decent evening. After they left, Jerry and Eric watched the old Indiana Jones movie (temple of doom I think), Emma studied and Abby and I did girl stuff. Check out the blue nails. =o)

Seriously Good Cookies!

2008-06-13T21:32:00.002-02:30

I have got to share this recipe! I've been making cookies off and on for a few years now. Sometimes they're good, most often they are not. =o) I like them a little soft and can usually only eat them that way if straight out of the oven or microwaved later. Not so with these...I've made 3 batches this week and O.M.G they are good. Better the next day too which is odd since most cookies harden after a day in the cookie jar (most of the ones i bake anyway). Anyway, here it is, simple and delicious. Try them!

Never Fail Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yields: 24 servings

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups semisweet chocolate
chips
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.
In medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir with fork so all ingredients are mixed.
3.
In large bowl, combine sugars, and butter. Mix until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth and fluffy.
4.
Add 1 cup of dry ingredients at a time to mixture until all is incorporated. Drop cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

**I used half white chocolate and half dark choc. chips**

The Little Things

2008-06-08T02:55:00.005-02:30

Here I sit, it's 3am and I'm at work with nothing better to do but blog.
I left the house tonight feeling great because I had an awesome nap before work...Jerry took the kids to a bbq so the house was peaceful for 2 whole hours. Heaven. That got me thinking....I sometimes do that during the 20 minute drive to work...about all the little things that make me happy.

1. Uninterrupted naps.

deux. A good book, one that I am itching to get back at whenever its not in my hands.

c. A family meal. We rarely eat together anymore...either I'm rushing off to work or hubby isnt home from work yet....the rare times that we are all able to sit and eat together is nice.

1v. Sleeping kids. Not just because they're quiet....they look so sweet when they sleep. Love it!

5. A clean house. This is even more rare than the family meal but when it happens, I have warm fuzzies until it ends. Kinda pathetic huh? lol

six. Weight loss. Any amount is good and the number on the scale sets the tone for the day so loss=yay.

sieben. Picture it. A nice day, on the deck, watching the kids play quietly, a cold drink and a good book. Did this today, got sunburned but who cares...I was relaxed. Aaaahhhh.

8 1/2. Pammy/Tammy/Jo night at work. Never fails to amuse me and it doesnt even bother me that I have to work til 3am.

neuf. Future planning. Lately there have been short term plans like deck building and house renos but we're also looking at bigger long term things like house plans....love that stuff, especially when we agree on the things we want/like.

perfect 10. A romantic night with hubby and wine. nuff said.

Floam

2008-06-06T22:13:00.002-02:30

Love this stuff! I should have taken a video instead of pics because the sound of Abby laughing hysterically was just priceless. Just had to share...no other reason for this entry at all. =o)

Farewell Grade 9

2008-06-05T21:52:00.001-02:30

My little girl is growing up so fast. Here are a few pics from yesterdays grade 9 farewell. She got ready at home and then went to a friends house to meet up with her 'date' and get more pictures. I gave her a list of poses that I wanted and threatened that if she didnt produce, I was going to volunteer to chaperone every.single.high school dance. hee hee. I wouldnt let her take my camera so she had to get friends to take the pics. Now I have to hound them all until they send them to me.
I figure that if one kid is dressed up, might as well clean them all and attempt a group shot. Poor Eric needs a haircut so badly but is refusing until after June 16. They have fun day at school and every year he misses out on the cool hair styles offered by a local hair styling school for 25c. He wants it as long as possible so he can finally have the sought after blue spikes his friends get.
And finally, my little 'lady'. Check out the undies...such class.

Changes

2008-05-23T03:13:00.002-02:30

What a difference a day makes.
Yesterday high winds blew our trampoline into the street and cracked it in two. Hubby wanted to put a rush on the house..getting it on the market asap so we can buy something right away. I cut back my hours at work because he'll be working two jobs this summer and someone needs to be home with the kids.
Today the trampoline is fixed. Yay! Hubby WILL ask his father for land to build on but he doesnt want to rush the house..we'll do the work that needs to be done over the next few months and put it up for sale in the fall. I have a lead on another job. I have to talk to someone first because I cant give up my current job as the other one doesnt have health benefits and I'd like to find a way to do both.

Went to the dr. today. Ugh. I have to get my radioactive iodine treatment on July 16th. I go on the 14th and 15th for injections and get admitted on the 16th. For the 2 weeks prior to treatment I have to go on a low iodine diet...holy shit its a harsh diet! lol. It's one of those diets where the list of things you CAN eat is very very short. The list of what I cant eat almost made me cry. No milk, cheese, eggs, dairy products, seafood, salt or salty snacks, restaurant or asian foods, canned foods (soups, sauces, fruit, veggies etc), pizza, convenience foods, white breads, CHOCOLATE...the list goes on and on and on it seems. I can have meat (beef, pork or chicken) but only 4 oz per day and fresh fruits and veggies...so I wont die but it will be hard, especially since I cant add salt or butter or other good stuff. I have do continue this diet after treatment until my scan...a week later. I hope to God I lose a few lbs..some good has to come of my suffering.
The worst part of this..the part that actually made me tear up in the Doctors office....I have to stay away from small children and pregnant women for 8 days AFTER I get out of the hospital. *sniff* Abby is considered a small child. I dont think I can go that long without my Abby cuddles.

A few days in the life...

2008-05-19T23:53:00.003-02:30

Look...me again! I havent been in this many pictures in my life! Who cares if I'm fat, not me. Actually, I think seeing myself in pics is more helpful when it comes to dieting. Perhaps I should have a bikini photo shoot?? lol, Nah, not ready for that yet. Took the kids (minus the teenager who was left at home raking the yard..her choice) to the beach today. We were hoping the bergs would be in a little closer so we could take better pics but it was not to be. They were way out. The weather was beautiful though so just being outside in the fresh air was a treat.

We spent much of the weekend working on the house. I called in sick for work on Sunday but didnt get much 'work' done at home since I was dying. Sat evening and today were productive though. We need to get this place ready to sell and there is A LOT to do...I think we should say screw it and sell as is but hubby wants to squeeze as much $ as possible out of it so we'll work some more. I found the house I want today. It's not built yet but is in the best possible area and I want it. How do you buy a house when you have a house? I need to check into bridge financing. Buying on the condition that ours sells sounds like a good idea but what if mine doesnt sell and I lose the house of my dreams? I dont think I could handle that kind of loss. lol. Hubby and I are planning on sitting down with some people...realtors and the bank...to see what our options are.

The teenager surprised me today. She was out with friend and came home with a job application from Tim Horton's (a hugely popular coffee/donut place for my 'merican friends). She's only 15 and wants a job? Whats up with that? Not sure how this will work as I work a lot and need her home to watch Eric and Abby quite often, PLUS hubby has taken on another job as a farmer for much of the summer/fall so he'll be gone all the time. I'm cutting back hours at work so that he can do that but cant cut back any more for her to take on a job. Must.Not.Discourage. I'm hoping that should she be hired, she can just give them my monthly schedule and have her schedule work around me and my days off.

And finally...I have to register my baby for kindergarten in a few days. Nooooooo. She's just a baby for God sake! Why must they grow up so fast. =o(

Is it wrong...

2008-05-18T11:34:00.001-02:30

...that while reading the news I skipped over 'Myanamar children near starvation' to read 'Simpson Wentz wedding a fairytale'. I cant handle the bad stuff anymore and there is just so much of it, especially during the past few weeks. Makes me sad.

FYI

2008-05-14T00:34:00.002-02:30

The stupid posts are for my coworker/schedule maker. Dont want any of the 'normal' people to think I've lost my mind. =o)
I'm trying to plan the first camping trip of the year..Canada Day Weekend in Terra Nova..like last year. We're trying to make it a yearly thing. If gas prices continue to go up however, we may have to stay in the yard and stick a Malady Head sign to the clothesline pole. Ok, so I'd have to get a clothesline pole first but you get the idea.

Dear coworker/Paloma/Tammy: I know you are reading this. Please schedule me off. I'll give you a Timmy's coupon and a scratch ticket. Thank you in advance.

My Holiday Haiku

2008-05-14T00:16:00.003-02:30

A provincial park
pretty spot for Canada Day
I will be

Ode to Paloma

2008-05-13T23:23:00.002-02:30

A camping trip is planned
I'm sure you understand
How important it is for you
The schedule you must do
I cannot work those days
I dont care about the pays
You wont be accused of nepotism
Nothing rhymes with that

By. Joanne (who got a C in poetry)

Happy Mommy's Day

2008-05-12T15:12:00.003-02:30

One of these years I will spend Mother's Day how I want. I've been saying it for ages now but it'll happen, I know it will. I slept in and the kids stayed quiet...awesome. Woke up to a clean house and presents on the kitchen table (plus 2 very excited kids sitting at the table). I got a lovely set of outdoor flower pots, Body Shoppe white musk perfume, lotion and bath stuff and a cedar bird feeder (plus bird seed) as well as the traditional made in school gifts. I had my tea and toast at the computer while I played scrabulous on facebook and then it was rush time. I had to get myself and Abby ready, force the boy into the shower, find missing articles of clothing and then head out the door to visit the other moms. First though, we had to go shopping to get them something because God Forbid hubby should get them something while he's out shopping for me. No, that would just be too easy. I already had my moms gift. =o) We went to see my mom, his mom and then his grandmother in the nursing home. By the time we got home I was pooped and since I had to work the overnight shift, I went to bed. Just once I'd like everyone to leave me alone and let me veg on Mother's Day. Its MY day right? I'd eat junk food and watch online episodes of the shows I miss during the week and I wouldnt get dressed. Ahhh. Maybe next year. Here are a few pics of my attempt at being in more pictures. I need my roots done. Emma isnt in any of the pics because she spent the day at her other grandmothers house...she managed to avoid helping out around here with the traditional Mommy's Day clean up but I'll hit her with a chore list later. Gotta be fair.

The last pic I just threw in because its cute. Abby has given up daytime naps but she cant make it through the day without dozing, always at suppertime. Luckily the soup was just about gone this time.

I'll miss this...

2008-05-07T14:44:00.003-02:30

Yesterday was a beautiful day weather wise so I spent a good portion of my afternoon reading on the deck. A litter of young rabbits were having a ball running around my house, into the woods, back out again etc etc. One even came up on the deck and sat near my feet...of course taking a pic was not possible because even the slightest movement caused them to dart away. Abby and I spent some time at the river catching trout in a butterfly net (we promptly released them) and we roamed around the yard looking for birds. We spotted this grouse, well actually I spotted it, it was 3 feet in front of the child and she couldnt find it. lol. After all of the exploration, I went back to reading on the deck, where I fell asleep and got a sunburn on my face...not pretty but it'll tan soon enough. Anyway, this just makes me even more against subdivision living. I need my wildlife.

Arrrggghhh!!!

2008-05-05T17:32:00.003-02:30

Talking to my husband is like talking to a shoe, or a rock..pointless. We are getting our house ready to go on the market...hopefully by July. I would love to build a house rather than buy because...
1. Even though I know I cant build my dream home, it'll be closer to what I want than some cookie cutter house.
2. The building lot I want to build on is a bit bigger than a standard lot so I wont be crammed up against my neighbors.
3. We'll save a lot of $$$$. The lot would be very cheap and since hubby, his dad and mine are all handy, we'll be able to do quite a bit on our own.
Make sense? Back to the building lot. Hubby's dad owns a lot of land...one awesome lot (the much coveted one) is in the area I want to live in. I would like hubby to ask his dad to sell him this land...at the family rate of course...but hubby wont do it. He wont consider it at all. He has no problem living in that area, nothing against building vs. buying and I cant beat any other reason out of him as to why he will not ask. Even worse, I am not allowed to ask either. Huh?
He said something about having to make his own way...great, you are not asking for a handout, you are asking someone to sell you something that will be yours someday anyway.
I am getting very frustrated...not because I'm not getting my way (stomp, pout) but because I make freakin' sense! More sense than he does. Doing it my way will save us around 40k. How is this not the more appealing option?

He is trying to convince me that cookie cutter houses in sardine tin subdivisions are the way to go. Less lawn to mow, less house to clean. Never mind the bratty kids, annoying neighbors and NO privacy whatsoever. Those are all minor issues in his mind.

How do I get him to see the light????? (the light being my way. lol)

I'm so confused!

2008-05-01T15:19:00.002-02:30

I just collected the laundry and only got half a basket. I brought it to the laundry room where there was no laundry on the floor, none in the washer and none in the dryer. This has never happened, ever, seriously. Perhaps I've fallen into another dimension?

Makeover

2008-04-30T15:13:00.002-02:30

Since I have nothing to actually blog about, I figured I'd give the place a makeover. I'll replace the pic with one of myself when I get a chance to take one.

Made me laugh

2008-04-30T14:35:00.002-02:30

This was just too funny to not share.

25 Most baffling toys from around the world...

http://www.cracked.com/article_15670_25-most-baffling-toys-from-around-world.html

6 Things you didnt know you can get addicted to.

http://www.cracked.com/article_16220_6-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-get-addicted.html

Funny stuff no?

Blog Neglect?

2008-04-28T00:29:00.002-02:30

Do neglected blogs just curl up and die?

I've been busy with work, renovations, kids, hubby, facebook, delphi, ebay and everyday housewife/mom stuff. But I'm here now. That counts.
There really hasnt been anything going on worth talking about. My life is pretty dull so instead of trying to come up with some pathetic post for the sake of posting something, I wont. I'll just walk away now and come back in a day or two...or three, hopefully with an interesting anecdote or even a few cute pics.
Til then.

Meeeeeeeeee!

2008-04-06T23:35:00.003-02:30

Not the best pics but its me.... actual real live pics of me! This is huge. I realized today that when I do my picture wall in the family room...of duh! family pictures...I wont be there. lol. I can put up a wedding pic but thats it, there are no more. Since I no longer look anything like I did on my wedding day, I thought it was time to take a few random snaps.

There were several taken and I didnt even delete any! I'm famous for that and it drives hubby insane. Pic is less than flattering...delete, I look fat...delete, I have my eyes closed...delete. Today I didnt and thats a huge step for me. Yay!

Check out the snow! Today was a rare nice sunny day...but it was only about 1 or 2 degrees. See my little red car in the first pic...it's almost ready to emerge from its icy winter sleep. Rain in the forecast for tomorrow so maybe she'll be free! Cross your fingers...its easier on gas.

Can I have a goat???

2008-04-06T23:28:00.003-02:30

The answer has been no for weeks but Emma keeps asking. lol. She spent the weekend at my sisters house..the sister who has a little farm with cows, a horse, pigs and.....baby goats. She fell madly in love with the one in the pic, whose name is Sheila (Em named her) and made me fall in love too. Damn, what a cute little creature. I can admit that its adorable and move on....Emma, Abby and Eric however, all wanted to keep her. Check out the less than happy Abby pic...this is right after Jerry told her that she cant have any animals, period.

Not much to say

2008-04-02T17:30:00.003-02:30

It's been ages since I posting anything worth reading here....and dont get excited because this isnt a comeback. I still have nothing to talk about..nothing new going on here and certainly nothing interesting. I thought I'd share these pics instead. Love the middle one, if only I had thought to brush Abby's hair first. That's a very rare smile on Eric's face and the only reason its there is because Abby farted. lol.

Someday you'll see a pic of me on here...not any time soon mind you but someday. I'm currently dieting...the goal is a 25lb loss by June. How hard can it be? I'm picking up an elliptical this weekend and have been doing ok with other excercising and eating ok...now, if some of those 'enablers' that I work with would behave, I'd be skinny in no time.
_______________________________________________________________
Also need to mention that professional pics will get done soon...for really real. The cute little chinese dress arrived from Shanghai and the bruises have healed nicely. I'm hoping I can do this without an appointment because you know what happens when that appt. gets made. Stay tuned.

Professional Pictures?

2008-03-23T23:58:00.002-02:30

Not gonna happen. She took a tumble over the stairs at my dads today. You cant see the blood all over the other side of her nose.

When moms let kids get dressed....

2008-03-21T23:27:00.003-02:30

...all by themselves, this is the result. Looks like she is pondering what else she can put on. Eric's winter cap, her 'balldrina dress', her 'red best', too big boots from the back of the closet and her wonderpets cape. My little fashionista.

Decisions, decisions....

2008-03-17T22:53:00.006-02:30

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=380006473834&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=025#ebayphotohosting

Help me decide. Abby's room is in desperate need of a makeover. I've been itching to get at it ever since I bought the new bed. I already have a gallon and a half of pale yellow paint that I'll be using....I'm trying to do this on the cheap. I have oodles of accessories (old watering can planters, a picket fence window thing, some framed pics etc) so I'm going with a garden theme. Here are my 3 bedding choices. For some reason I cant save the pic in one so I've added a link. I love all 3. Help me choose!

I've never been so busy....

2008-03-07T14:02:00.002-03:30

Wow. My house is a mess, the kids miss me, I havent seen hubby in 4 days and I'm tired. I dont work any more than I used to, maybe an extra shift or two every 2 weeks but it seems like thats where I spend all of my time. I try to make it to play groups with Abby during the day but its hard to get there when I'm asleep. lol. Plus there is the guilt of taking off for a few hours when the house could really use my attention. Now the weather is getting a little better and I'm going to want to be outside more often, and the house will still be neglected. Maybe I should just say to hell with it and live in squalor, just until I win the lottery or get cloned..whichever comes first.

It's Done!!!

2008-02-29T15:52:00.004-03:30

Em got her head shaved this afternoon. Her grand fundraising total was 1000.00 even...which was her initial goal. She could have done more if there was more time but we are all delighted with this. I'd like to thank everyone who donated to this worthy cause. Everyone was so generous and I was seriously amazed at the number of online friends who donated via paypal! You are all awesome! Thanks soooo much! The local paper came by to interview Em so she'll have a little blurb in it next week (it's a weekly paper)....her 15 minutes of fame.

Enjoy the pics! As you can see they didnt shave the girls completely bald like the guys...the 2 guys are a teacher and the vice principal, the other girl is a friend who Emma roped in at the last minute. Doesnt my girl look gorgeous?! She loves it and everyone is super proud.

Shave for the Brave!

2008-02-20T00:19:00.004-03:30

Emma is doing this! She's raising money for cancer and then having her head shaved in front of the whole school! C'mon, you have to admit that she rocks. 15 year old girls dont shave their heads! Plus...her grade 9 farewell (a sort of mini-grad) is in May...she'll still be pretty bald...and she's ok with that. Love, love, love her. I'm going to help her collect pledges. Her schools goal is $1000 and 2 male teachers are doing it too...her personal goal is $1000. I'm sure she'll do it, maybe more.

http://www.realtimecancer.org/contentpage.asp?PageID=99

Blogging at its finest

2008-02-19T13:06:00.004-03:30

Ha! Not quite quality writing. Just some updates and stuff.

Abby saw me snarfing down chocolate this morning (breakfast of champions dontcha know) and asked for some....but Mommy had already eaten every bit. Besides, who shares lindor chocolates with a child? What a waste. I spotted Eric's box of spongebob chocolates from valentines day and offered her one...."No way, they're Eric's" she said and ran away. Perhaps he beats her when I'm at work? lol. What kind of kid turns down chocolate, especially when its her brothers. Hell, I would have eaten it all when I was a kid then trash some toys and blame it on my sister. Kid has a lot to learn.

I am soooooooooooooooooooooo proud of Emma right now. Will have to update to let everyone know why as it isnt 100% just yet. Let me just say, she rocks.

Yesterday Eric read a book. This is not a surprise but it makes me feel good nonetheless. I took him to chapters where he bought a few and then came home, locked himself in the 'good' living room and read an entire novel in one sitting. He said it was the best book ever. Warm fuzzies.

Anyone looking for professional Abby pics wont see any for a while. Had to cancel the appt as someone fell down and has a few little bruises that will no doubt look ten times worse on film. Will reschedule.

The New Bed

2008-02-14T21:13:00.003-03:30

The new bed! She loves it but her room is just plain sad. We need to paint the walls, clear out some toys and get a window seat cushion and new curtains....and a fish according to Abby. Way over on the shelf is a little fish bowl inside a wooden tv but no fish lives there, yet.
I'm thinking of doing a garden theme...the carpet is sage green so this could work. I want to put something across the window since its just not safe (right now its locked and the handle is removed but still...) so I've been thinking of making a picket fence to go there...with flowers and butterflies and ladybugs. Shoot, now I'm getting all excited and I still havent started the family room. lol.

Back at it

2008-02-12T22:01:00.001-03:30

Lookie what I got! I thought I deserved a little treat. I really shouldnt be spending right now because I ran out of paid leave last week but these are pretty and my collection has been neglected for a while now. For both with shipping was only around $30...I'd spend that on a good feed of Chinese (if I had an appetite) so I dont feel too bad.

I feel like shit. But thats no excuse. My house is a mess and none of the projects that I had planned on doing are getting done. Ok, so the whole hospital thing sort of put a damper on things but I'm back now! There are limits to what I can do right now....no heavy lifting or stretching are the biggies and I'm like a toy with cheap batteries. I can go go go for a short period but then I collapse from exhaustion and have to recharge before I can go again. If I work around these issues there is no reason why I cant get my January project done before the end of February. So...Feb.= Family Room. March=Abby's room. Recuperating is for wimps!

Btw: Abby has an appt. next week for professional pics. Stay tuned!!!

The week in review

2008-02-11T11:10:00.000-03:30

The trip: Emma has returned from her school trip to Quebec and it was a huge success. They didnt lose any kids and a good time was had by all. She brought back a few gifts for everyone...maple syrup and hard rock cafe mugs for the grown ups and cutesy toys and stuff for Abby and Eric. She managed to buy some clothes too....and one awesome sweater that I will wear some day!

The kids: They missed me while I was in the hospital. Eric just a tad but Abby....meltdowns daily. They got to spend some time with my dad and stepmom...a babysitting first and my mother in law spent a day here as well. Things just arent the same when I'm not here so I think everyone is happy that I'm home and everything can get back to normal.

The surgery: Ouch! lol. This one was much more painful than the last and it was just all around very unpleasant. My calcium levels dropped so I was hooked up to the iv many times....plus blood draws every 4 hours by totally incompetent people who have very little training it seems. My veins are not that hard to find....just stop and look....but they preferred the jab repeatedly with a needle until we hit something method. My black, purple and green arms are lovely thankyouverymuch.
On Fri. it was decided that my drainage tubes could come out. I was not looking foward to this but having them in is painful enough...getting them out is a few minutes of excruciating pain and then its over...right? Not so. The nurse got ready, I prepared myself mentally...she pulled...and pulled and nothing. She said that something was wrong..it shouldnt be that hard but maybe its tangled in the other one...lets do that first....pulled, harder...and it came out. Ok, back to the first one. More pulling, me screaming and cursing (a lot of cursing, sailors would blush). I had to ask her to stop at one point because I was very close to passing out from the pain. I'm getting nauseous just typing this. She asked for help (just someone to hold me down really) and gave it another go...this time it came out but I swear to God it was the worst pain I have ever felt. They shot me full of demerol and gravol and I lay on the bed shaking until I slipped into a deep sleep.
Got out on Sat. and am so glad. I feel like shit. Constant nausea, shakes, wooziness etc but I'm home and getting lots of loves from Miss Abby.
I dont go back to the hospital for quite some time...early April I think. I'll have many appointments between now and then but the really hard stuff is over with....the rest should be easy.

15 Years Ago...

2008-02-02T17:29:00.000-03:30

15 years ago today, Emma was born. It was just a few days after my 19th birthday and I was single, broke and scared to death. Being slightly 'wild' back in those days, I figured I wouldnt have what it takes to settle down and be a decent mom....I wasnt the only one who thought this. Of course, no one told me until a few years later when it was clear that I wasnt a total screw up. =o) I think I did pretty damn good. She is an awesome kid with a huge heart. In the past few weeks I've gotten some amazing compliments about what a great job I did raising her. ***warm fuzzies***. I'm super proud and she knows it. In fact, the more I tell her, the better she gets. Must try this with the other 2. Here she is on the day she was born, on her 1st Christmas, on her 4th birthday...threw this in because its the closest to Abby's current age and I wanted to compare. Abby is 3yrs 7months right now. And the last...this past Christmas. She is such a goof...like her mom. She wanted to see what her hand would like like if it was a gingerbread man/hand. She's en route to Quebec now for her school trip. The house is quiet without her...ok, so not that quiet as I still have the other 2 here. She's had 2 stopovers so far and called her mom twice. Awwwwww. She doesnt want me to worry. =o)

Unsuccessful picture day

2008-01-31T17:29:00.000-03:30

Nobody wanted to cooperate. Eric took off when he saw me outside with the camera after school. I managed to guilt him into one shot. Emma laughed most of the time so pretty much every pic has her laughing or being goofy. Abby just didnt want to sit still. Love that shot of her with blackie and the last one, with the funny grin...she looks like a cindy lou who. That grin was because she heard Eric's bus pull up.

I'm going to try this again...maybe tomorrow.

Please forgive my lack of formatting knowledge. I dont know what I clicked to make my pics display this way. Screw it.