Some advice...

Hey...all of you out there...We are going to be decorating our xmas tree tomorrow and I am wanting to download some xmas carols for the occasion. Whats your fav festive cd?? Help a woman out here....

Thanks!! V2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CRAZY MOM!!

Just wanted to wish my bestest buddy a happy thirty-something birthday. She has been my bff since about kindergarten. Weird. I was always the tallest kid in the class, she was always one of the smaller ones. I was one of the most perverted in highschool, she was the "sweet one" (little did they know, hey??!!). After all these years (and distance) she has been a great friend. She was my best woman (maid of honor) and I was hers. (She was way way way better at it than I). She now has five kids(I know...thats why the title...and I think she would have more!!) and I get advice from her....let me rephrase that...GOOD parenting advice from her (and her mom sometimes). She has been my ROCK. Have a great day, crazy mom!!! (And a shout out to her very handsome twin bro!!) Love ya.

HELP ME!!

DH had his first sled ride today! He said the snow was steeped...no I mean sweet!! He also told me he plans on buying me a matching outfit to his. Cant wait to walk hand in hand down the mall together and sit beside him in the truck!!

oh yeah...we're gonna get the boys matching outfits too!!

Man..I love this small town livin'

Parlez vous, frenchy?

Ok..I am definitely not french. But we are in homework mode now..so I am learning and I am really bad. R-dog is good, he is trying to be patient with his mama.

We are preparing for his Dictee (spelling test for all you non bilinguals). Ten words each week. This weeks words...Remi, tomate, tete, Rita, avec, rue, tulipe, patate, petit, rame.

The only words I knew were the names - Remi and Rita and avec. (You know the song..sing it with me...)

Tested him tonight-7/10....test in two days...one more day of homework. There was a homework "pack" provided for the parents. 15 minutes of dictee/night and 15 minutes of math or vocabulary. Also included in the pack are parents homework to help their children.

Maybe I need a nice young tutor????

WE'RE SNOWED IN..

Today it has snowed non-stop. We are supposed to have 10 cms by the end of tonight. DH has shovelled twice today, doesnt look like the driveway has been touched. By wednesday the forecast is to have 20cms.

The new ski-doo will be put to the test the first week he's got it out. Bought a matching helmet today....god I hope he doesnt get a matching ski-doo suit....

Next, I might have some dead thing hanging off my wall.

BIGGEST LOST UPDATE

MONDAY. Weigh-in day. Have your prayers worked?

I lost 3, DH stayed the same. I'm worried...that man can drop 5 pounds every time he blinks...gotta stay on track. I am going to win that prize. (Although I cant tell you what that prize is...wink wink...nudge nudge!!)

Think I'll order him a pizza tomorrow when we're at hockey (I'll stay with my carrot sticks!! tee hee)

CHRISTMAS CARDS, ANYONE?

Tis the season to be jolly...fa la la la la la....you know the rest.

I was just thinking - only one month til the big day and -AGAIN- I am at a crossroads..Do I send out the *@!#* xmas cards or not. First, we dont have a pic ready (again), second I still havent sent out the thank yous for our wedding yet (Sorry mom and dad...), and third I am pretty busy (boo hoo!!) Ok...I will probably do them and it will be on a generic letter...and it might be a picture from two years ago...still have a lot of those...(just add a few more wrinkles and a few less hairs for us and add six inches for the kids..we're basically the same)..

Also...the damn baking!!! Who is this for anyway??? I bake it, I eat it....even if I hide it in the freezer I find it...or the kids find it. Or...I give it away...fine...nice...dandy....but then we get some from somebody else....or chocolate (my alltime fav!!!) Please keep your baking, my ass will thank you.

ps...thanks for the wedding gifts...really we really really loved them all!!

MOURNING THE LOSS

Had hockey pictures bright and early this morning.

After a long day at the rink yesterday, C-man was totally exhausted and fell asleep on the way home, leaving his ice tea basically untouched.

Jumps in the car this morning and sadly announces that his "ice tea has frozen to death."

Poor Lipton, it will take days for my poor boy to recover....

FIRSTS

YAHOO!! R-Dogs first tourney of the year and it was a good one! (Besides the -29 with the wind chill) Sent him along with another kid on the team, so I could stay with C-man his game, then off we went to see game 2 and 3. Thanks to L'n'B for coming to watch him...he was pretty pumped and made sure I went to tell them his number and his last name. First game we played the home team and won 8-0. Second game we played a city team (tier 3) and won 9-3. R-dog got a goal in each. Third game was the A final against another team from our home town. (We spent 6 hours at the rink watching other teams....yaawwnn) We ended up winning the game and capturing the gold....They were pretty pumped!

R-dog was most excited about getting his FIRST PENALTY...dad was sooo proud. It was a slashing penalty and he had huge grin on his face as he went to the box. Also in the same game he got his FIRST HATTRICK (in Novice). Pretty exciting for him. It was a long day and overall wouldnt have missed it for anything....great day.

Thanks L'n' B for keeping Chase company and letting him elbow you and teaching you what bodily functions keep him amused!!!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Ok...I was just told that my last few posts were depressing. So here is a question that C-man asked today that not only made me smile, it also made me think. Here it is..

"Mom, does everything have boobs? Even animals, like cats?"

"Yep" (trying not to make a big deal out of it)

"How about dogs? Do dogs have boobs?"

"Yep"

"Why are girl boobs big and boy boobs little?"

hmmm......anyone got a good answer for that one???? I didnt know how to respond...so I asked what he wanted for lunch. Macaroni. Good, reflected that question pretty easily. Not so sure what I will tell him when he asks a little more.

DOES IS REALLY MATTER?

Unfortunately, had a funeral to attend yesterday in my home town. At one point in my life, I used to be pretty good friends with his sons and daughters. I was fortunate enough to be best friends with a girl who has 5 brothers and she used to invite me on the hockey roadtrips with her to watch the tournaments. Got to have some great times and this man was a big part of those road trips...good memories.

I did get "ribbed" a little for not coming home enough and people not recognizing me. (Guess the extra 40 pounds could have something to do with that!) So, I got to thinking. Does it really matter that you have housecleaning to do, instead of visiting? Does it really matter that you have gained weight, or lost some hair? Does it really matter that your clothes be name brand or that you drive the fancy cars. Nope....it doesnt.

I had a talk with my crazy cuz and we both made a pact to visit more....even if it is my email. Have to make that effort. There were a lot of people there yesterday who I used to consider close friends and with time now have become "old friends". I am going to make an effort to keep in better contact and not worry about that stack of laundry piled up. So, with that said, please stop by, give us a shout, or email me....I am going to be harrassing you now as well.

Take care....

REPORT CARD DAY

I used to love...love...love report card day when I was in school!

R-dog got his grade 1, term 1 report card on tuesday. He did awesome! High mark of 99 and one low of 73. His average in 8 subjects was an 89%. DH almost dropped over and told him that he couldnt be his kid...he had to get his brains from his mom....hardly.....but we were both pretty proud.

Now we are dreaming of a very high paying job so he can support his parents!!

MY LIL DEVIL IS BACK

Yahoo!! My little hellion (sp?) is back on the loose!! This morning ate his normal two bowls of cereal and a banana and is staarrrving already. He has been singing loudly on the toilet, running around tackling anything that moves and not watching tv....he's baacckk..

Went to the Dr and she informs me that whatever "bug" has hit town its been affecting kids anywhere from 3-6 weeks.(Crazee!!) All test results were negative...whew!

On another side note..I did something very uncharacteristic of me yesterday. I agreed to go in to "the building" and work mondays and wednesdays from 9-3:30 until Christmas time. I dont know what I was thinking.....I love working from home.....must have been a weak moment.

Biggest loser competition...DH has lost 5, I've lost 3....the race is on....

Healthy and happy

Finally, C-man has his appetite back. 3 bowls of Cheerios and a granola bar later he was off to preschool this morning. He was smiling, laughing and giving his brother a hard time....so he must be on the healthy road. Should have test results back tomorrow.

R-dog had his last game of three yesterday. This time he played defence the whole game and did pretty good. They won 8-0. Next is a tourney in Biggar....this should be interesting. The team is set to leave at 7am (about an hour before anyone is even moving around here!!). I will be sending him with the team as C-man has an 8:45 game in town...then we will leave to catch the rest of the games. (Supposed to be -20 so it could be an interesting drive...also for make for a chilly Vanier Cup)

DH and I didnt start the bathroom...that will be todays project....also started a fun "Biggest Loser" contest for the two of us. Runs for one month and winner gets to pick the prize/punishment....did weigh-ins this morning.......Wish me luck!!

Long week ahead. Mon-volleyball, Tuesday-dr appt and hockey practise, Weds-funeral and hockey tournament meeting, Thursday hockey practise and second canteen time (same time!), and Friday-parent teacher interview (the kids have no school).

Could be ordering pizza 5 nights straight!

Marriage tester....

Today we have decided that after hockey we are going to attempt to do some minor repairs to our bathroom. There is some water damage and the paint has started to peel....from too many water fights when the boys bathed together.

Please say a prayer for our marriage....hanging wall border in 1997 was the last time we attempted any home improvements together.

Anti-Martha

BYE BYE GOALIE!

Yeah!!...I think the goalie phase is done....possibly.....maybe....

Friday nights game we won 7-4. R-dog played pretty good, saved some breakaways from their top player. After that game he asked to be goalie again for saturday. He was pretty pumped. The coaches decided that he would play again saturday against the Leafs (probably the strongest team in our division)

Well Saturdays game started out pretty good..he had some great saves (and some lucky ones!) and we were tied 6-6 with about 2 minutes left. Thats when our team seemed to break down. R-dog had at least 3 breakaways and a couple of 2-0's and let three more in. Final score 9-6. After the game, he took the equipment off as fast as he could and handed it over to the next goalie. I asked him how he felt after losing..."not bad" he said. I asked him how it felt to win "not bad". "You know, mom, its just a game" Good answer little man. I was pretty proud of him for saying that.

Todays game is late this afternoon (during the Grey Cup, of course) and I asked if he could score me some goals.....much easier to watch them score....than have them be scored on......

Later....

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

Almost makes you want to start singing xmas carols, eh?
DH is very very pumped...there is a ski-doo in the back of his truck. He is going to get it tuned up for the season and take 'er for a rip....if all goes well he will have another toy! (This is -apparently - a big reason for us to move to a smaller centre...man toys!) Ever since, I politely suggested he sell his last sled, he has been itching to get another. Now, he says, we'll be able to go ice fishing and take the kids skating on the lake ....its a family toy. (Hmmmm....we'll see how this goes) If only the snow would stop melting!!

On the hockey note,R-dog makes his goalie debut tonight at the "big rink" where the Junior team plays. He keeps asking how many hours away is it...wish us luck! Tonight is the first of three games on the weekend and if C-man is feeling better he'll have a couple of games as well. Life of the rink rats.

Hope G'n'D are having a blast at Grey Cup celebrations...(we're still mourning the Rider loss)....talk to you when you get back!

ps..Grandma Tractor has escaped and is feeling better at home!! Glad your back

NOW 3 BAD THINGS...

ok...did the post about three good things...now today...we have the 3 bad things..

1) Grandma Tractor has still not got out of the hospital (she is detoxing from no computer/no smokes/no caffeine...at least thats V1's theory)

2) C-man had drs appt. Then we spent 2 hours at the hospital for testing. Chest x-rays and blood-work. (His first needle was not pleasant...he was tough little guy and battled through it) We should know what the heck is going on next week.

3) Our dog- Syd - had major malfunction in the junction last night/this morning. DH scrubbed for two hours to get rid of the foulest poo in the world!! So glad its "his" dog.

Ok...maybe they come in 4's cause

4) New washing machine-good. Old hoses-not good! Water everywhere man, in the basement, good thing DH was home for that one!! cause (this must be #5) I had canteen time...yaaawwwnnn

Tomorrow will be better....Grandma Tractor says she is "escaping" if they dont let her out!!!

OH NO...NOT A GOALIE!!???

Just got home from the rink. Had people tell me I missed a good game on Sunday. That R-dog had three goals and played really good defense. That was great....then he got the nerve up to ask the coach if he could practise as goalie. (Good, lets get it out of his system, take lots of shots to the melon and he wont mention it again, Right???)

After practise, the goalie coach commented on how fast he caught on, how quick his hands were and how good he did at practise, great. NOOOOOOO (can you hear me screaming)..I told the coach that was enough. That was all R-dog talked about all the way home (100mph!!) totally pumped. Now, if you practise during the week you have to play the game on the weekend. What I didnt know was that we play Fri/Sat/Sun...so he will probably play two of the games. We have two more chances for him to get shell shocked or bored....we're keeping our fingers crossed!!!!

Anyone have any good stock tips?

Grandma Tractor is on the mend..

Been a few days since I put a word or two in the blog. Had to run to Saskatoon to babysit Grandma Tractor. City Hospital did a good job of putting up with us "hicks" and if all goes well, mom should be out later today. Took dad to Earls--that was an experience for us small town folks. His caesar was spicey enough for bloodshot eyes on the first sip....had a few laughs and was nice to have a little visit. By the end of moms stay, she knew just about everybody on the ward and had she been in any longer, probably would have known their extended families as well.

Thank goodness for my DH who was able to take a day off work to watch the boys while I went in to the city. (Also to my boss for my flex time!!) Had two days of mild stress and big time cheating on the dress diet. (Thanks G'n'D for the couch and the beer!!)

Tonight - off to the rink for R-dogs hockey practise, DH off to Wilkie for a game....tomorrow Dr appts for kids, and our first canteen time (yeah!). Oh yeah...gotta find time to do some work.

Take care...

Cant sit......

Ok...still trying to fit the dress. I started the video I havent even looked at since before summer. Invited a friend over (to force me to do it). After the 45 minutes was up,I felt really really good. The day after, is a different story. I got up feeling good and started my normal routine. Unfortunately, I stopped at the toilet----couldnt get off of it!! Too many squats and lunges...my poor legs couldnt handle the shock. Two full days of agony and I am about to try it again. I am a glutton for punishment.

I have been up and down the stairs approx 8 times with clean laundry (hallelujiah!) and only have about another 8 loads to do. Definitely recommend the super capacity washer/dryer....love them!

Hockey this afternoon for R-dog. He is playing his first 2 hour game. He is very excited. C-man didnt go to his game this morning (again) as the nasty cold/flu bug is giving him trouble AGAIN.

Later....

My 3 things..

They say good things come in threes. Today we had all three.

#1 C-man is feeling better (and was able to go to a birthday party at the North Star game)
#2 Washer and dryer were delivered on time (and havent paid for them yet!!)
#3 Got a phone call from a great friend...Newfie! Miss her a ton! We have lived vicariously through her for years. Quit a govt job, travelled the world on her own, working, backpacking, adventuring (is that even a word?) So wonderful to hear from her. She is travelling around on her motorbike, just finished her nursing diploma and has a new - very promising- man. Great to hear from you!!!

Hope you all had good days as well.

Another Anti-Martha Day!!

Ok..I know that I'm not a "homemaker" by any stretch, so here is another prime example.

The boys name plates are needing to be sewn on their hockey jerseys. C-man was the first to ask (about 10 minutes before he had to leave for his game) So I did my best. Hmmm...halfway through the warm-up there is something "flowing" off the back of his jersey. One coach made a comment on how my DH sews!! I had to admit it was me. I told him I did it on purpose to make him a stand out!! Ok, 2nd coach makes a comment....now I am starting to feel red. The third coach didnt dare make a comment (its my DH)...but by the end of the game it was all but falling off.

R-dog gave me plenty of time. No problem I say. Wait for everyone to head off to bed, have my needle, thread, scissors and band-aids ready. I got 3/4 complete and held up the jersey to admire my handy work. Not too crooked, thought it looked pretty good. Then I turn the jersey around and realize that I have sewn the name plate through the entire jersey......guess he couldnt get it over his head that way. Had to start over. By the time the entire process was over, I was done in approx 1 1/2 hours! Not too bad!!

Now for tonights project....C-man will be playing this weekend and I have to get that sewn back on.....just to prove to the coaches that I can actually do it.

I wonder if Fabricland is open tonight???

I've redeemed myself

Ok...just so you all know..this is a post in response to what is known as "the incident". I did thanksgiving supper at my house this year. Just a small intimate supper. But, probably the best one I have ever made. These pictures are proof of two things. One, that I actually cooked (with a lot of help from my mother in law!) and two, that my desserts are edible!!! Took picture of smiling guests, one licking her plate...after they ate home made apple pie (with apple crisp topping) and home made pumpkin pie (even mashed from my own pumpkin!).

Things I hate more than dieting

In no particular order..
1. Mice (really any wild animal)
2. Sicks kids
3. Bad drivers
4. Budgeting
5. Cellulite
6. Bad commercials
7. Skinny broads who dont have to diet

Think that about covers it...

TAKE A HIKE FLU BUG!!

This is the color of C-man today. Since about 1am he has been throwing up about this same color. Oh yes...and since we dont have a washer/dryer until Thursday there is a special aroma about. Handwashing sheets sucks! The rounds of advil started and he hasnt ate much today/tonight, but he hasnt been sick either....think he will miss preschool again tomorrow.

Oh yeah..and thinking of stench...the laundry pile has taken over the house. It started coming from the basement and has now taken over my main floor. And another lovely scent added to the house...DH had to have beer and chicken wings after hockey last night. This all added to the winter scent of hockey bags x 3. Aaahhhh the smell of winter!

2nd day on dress diet. Snuck 2 halloween candies (better than the usual two handfuls) Rode bike this am. Went aquasizing tonight (DH was home - now he's gone again....got to have a romantic kiss at the door and off he went).

I am thinking I will get a lot of excercise thursday when the washer arrives...That should be equivalent to about 1 hr on the treadmill!! Looking forward to it.

later...

MONDAY NIGHT VOLLEYBALL

Tonight was battle royale at the Alex Dillaubaugh centre. Castaways vs. Diamondbacks. Dont ask the score. Played a hard fought match, came out on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

Went to the lounge afterwards-had a diet coke and not one juicy deep fried treat that came on the team platter....damn dress!! At least day one is over...and I faired pretty well. DH and I did our measurements and weight and now the challenge is on.

We will have to come up with the prize...hmmmm....can almost feel that new diamond bracelet...

Oh yeah...for those expecting xmas presents this year...tough luck...just had to buy a new washer/dryer...ours died a slow painful death....and now I am staring back at a pile of laundry that can only get washed on thursday delivery date.....aarrgghhhh

Later!!

THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW...

Tomorrow is doomsday....I am only writing this so maybe it will hold me accountable. Oh yeah...and anyone who reads this!

I MUST lose minimum of 10 pounds before the dreaded "bridesmaid dress". I have 3 1/2 months. This means, I must hide the halloween candy...or throw it out....ok throw it out. Lets say 14 weeks, give or take, that makes approx 1 pound/week. This seems reasonable, doesnt it? When losing weight..reason is not in my vocabulary.. I know I know its supposed to be a lifestyle (can you hear my moan?) I just gotta get my head wrapped around it...

Ok here goes...

I am going to get up at 7am (this is EARLY for me) If any of you are up at this time..feel free to phone me and remind me!!

I am going to ride my bike from 7:15-7:45. By this time the kids should be up and at em

I am going to figure out what we are having for lunch and supper (healthy foods) ahead of time so that I am not scrambling when I am starving!!

I am going to walk the dog.

There...I said it....now here goes......wish me luck!!!!

LIFE OF A RAILROADER....

Aaahhh...the life of the wife of a railroader....

Had to miss my "hall of fame induction" last night. DH got called to work and was gone all night (and still not home)...so had to miss my big ceremony. Part of me is sad...the other part of me is glad that the boys didnt miss hockey today.

Youngest got the "star of the game award". He was so proud!! They told him he worked very hard today.

Oldest had his first game of the season and had an AMAZING, Gretzky-esque pass from behind the net to set up a goal. WOW! Very glad I didnt miss that.

Some things happen for a reason...and I guess because my sports career has ended, its time for me to enjoy theirs. Hopefully, I can attend their hall of fame nominations....

HOCKEY HOCKEY HOCKEY

Tis the season!! Both the boys have started hockey now (Pre-conditioning started end of September). Youngest is on the "Predators", Oldest is a "Hawk". Good group of kids and parents, so far....we will have to wait and see as there is rumors flying like crazy about one particular group.....I have been told to "calm down" and "wait and see".....so I am hiding my anxieties now....(I'm learning to be good at hiding these feelings...then drinking lots of wine!!!)

Youngest has had three games...he has had two goals and some great saves in net. Oldest hasn't started games yet, but cant wait for the fun to start.

Canteen times start early next week....CANT WAIT!!!! (Can you hear the sarcasm???)

We love it at the rink...

Later....

Well...for this virgin blogger....here goes...

I went to my first concert since 1990 (yes, I said 1990..still had big hair) last night with my seester, mother and father in law. WOW WOW WOW I can honestly say that this group was very talented. They used different instruments every song, sang for the full two hours with no breaks, and had the audience captivated the whole time. I thought I would go there and scream and holler and dance all night, but instead found myself "in a shell", not believing I was seeing them in person. At last count, I cried 8 times!!! Even in the most unlikely of places. I have to say that even the ridiculously drunk lady swinging her hips in our faces did not even distract me from the music!!

Big thanks out to our driver who (thank god for 4x4's) went over cement curbs and drove towards oncoming traffic to get us there on time!!

Had a great time...woke up late with a huge headache and an even bigger smile on my face!!!!

Later.....