I want a house

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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.



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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...

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

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)

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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....

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!

Created by OnePlusYou

A day from hell

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.

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.

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!

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