back to the living

Went a little overboard friday evening after the quick trip to the city.

I - apparently - was celebrating a friends birthday...a bit too hard. Saturday was a complete writeoff. Sunday was still unbearable. Please do not mention the word - booze - or I get a little quesy. So, I apologize for not writing.

C-mans dr appointment went very well...his ears are healed and no more headband!!! yeah.

Big shout out to Grandpa A....hopefully a quick recovery is in the works as we want to take him out golfing soon.

Went up to the lake yesterday, all the snow has melted. Dont necessarily think the waterlevels are too much higher than last year, but the ice hasnt melted yet...so maybe????

DH and his bro are hopefully heading up tomorrow to chop/cut a bunch of trees into pieces before the longweekend.....how many days left now???

Just heading out for a bike ride with the boys - have to wear off DQ as Grandma Tractor spoiled all of us today...(got off from jury duty-yeah!!!)

Talk soon...

ADMINISTRATIVE DAY...

Never really thought about it before...but now I am in admin and my boss (or rather my boss' wife) was very generous...here is my flowers and he took the hubby and me out for lunch....nice.....

DH gets ribbed all the time because I dont receive flowers anymore (right after the i do's actually). BUT to be fair...I have to admit...that I get upset with him if he spends $50 on flowers that I will probably kill in less than 5 days....so there...I said it....its my fault.

But they are nice....so if anyone else wants to buy me flowers that isnt on a budget...please feel free....

Green thumb

The boys and I started a project that I got from xmas this past year. (Right on schedule...i know)

We planted my pot of herbs. (dont get the wrong idea!!) Basil, thyme and something else...cant remember....but the kids are pretty proud as it actually has started to grow...didnt think it would but here it is!!!

I HAVE A SOUL!!!!!

For all the cougars I saw this weekend (and the poor maid in Mexico)....I have a soul!!!

I am sooo excited...went out for lunch today. Excused myself to go to the washroom. Washed my hands and then---MIRACLE OF MIRACLES----I was able to get the towel dispenser to dispense towels by waiving my hand in front of it!!!

Hallelujiah....for a moment there I thought I might have to go through an exorcism.

growing pains

My boys are growing up...and I have had to cry today.

We have been trying to decide whether or not to let R-dog go to school by himself (its about 10 blocks from here).

Today, in a last minute decision we let him ride to school all by himself. I worried all morning, and no phone calls came...so he must have made it to school.

Tonight, I called from work to see how it went....he was soo excited...and I cried (isnt that sad??)

I sorta enjoyed our morning bike ride/walk to school together...waaaaa they dont need me anymore!!!!

dont give me heck!!

Ok..I know I didnt write anything yesterday...its been a little crazy around here since we came back over the weekend.

Worked all day monday, most of tuesday and I am off again for a full day today.

DH also has been working a bit...so this is good...

Had tragic news yesterday....I am going to be paying the govt money on April 30th....almost makes me want to vomit...think thats why I couldnt sleep last night....hopefully DH gets a big refund back to pay for my sins.

Swimming lessons went good last night, definitely should have been in a higher level as he does seem bored...next time

Tonight is parents/coaches night to get the kids ready for ball. I think DH will be working so I guess we will miss out as #1 babysitter now has a job!! I am going to have to venture out to find another....

Take care.....

New fav saying...

WHATS UNDER THE SINK?

THE PIPES!!!!

What a weekend

Friday night - DH actually got home on time to witness me bbqing!! Can you believe it? Ok...I had to phone him to walk me through the process...including starting it....and overall turned out to be over cooked. (like usual)

The pressure was overwhelming because our supper guests are amazing cooks (parents owned a restaurant)...nice....oh well...the wine was good good good (i think thats how many bottles we drank)

Great night and great company....i havent laughed that hard for a long time.

Saturday after a slow morning...we headed off to toon town - just like the Griswalds. Dropped the boys off and did some quick shopping. Then in the evening headed over to Fishys 40th bday!!! Damn he looks good for his age...oh yeah...and his wife does too!!!

Like I was saying earlier, we got to see a ton of people we havent seen in about 10 years. We had a good time...and a great designated driver. Pregnancy has its advantages!

Sunday was Auntie B's retirement partay and we had to eat eat eat (i think thats how many plates we had) and run...boys still had homework and bathtime before it got too late. (We are struggling around here today from lack of sleep!!)

Thanks to everybody who put up with us and fed us....its always good to go "home".

Surrounded by cougars

I was in my element this past weekend. There was a cougar reunion (okay...the cougar hockey team windup)...but man it felt good.

We got to see some friends we haven't seen in years. Some havent changed a bit. Others, I'm afraid have lost their moves.

I have seen our friend - we'll call him Vanilla Ice - in action. At weddings and gatherings he has shown his breakdancing skills with such grace that he was almost in the professional rankings. Well - the poor guy came to a crashing reality check when he tried to do the worm at his brothers wedding. ( I'm sure all of you have heard this story...but too funny not to post!!) I know we have all tried our signature moves at this later stage in life, but none like Vanilla's. His poor arms couldnt hold him and he busted up his lips and teeth.

Sorry Vanilla!!

I'll have more to post later...its late and i have had way too much vino to last me at least three days....talk soon

Laid off??

Its the on again - off again - saga at the railway again.

Yesterday DH was told he was laid off-so he took a weeks holidays. Yeah!! Plans were being made (big mistake) and people were being told (another mistake).

Get a call this morning and he is back to work again. (yeah) Have to call and cancel some plans....again. Tis the life.

I am going to buy the winning lottery ticket.

swimming swimming

Today its R-dogs time for swimming lessons. We are pretty fortunate that the school takes them as part of phys ed (gymnas).

Then, of course, it sets off little brother...."When are MY Lessons?" "How come R gets to go swimming today?" "Its no fair"

Little different from the other day when he had to go to lessons without him...how the tide changes.

Life in general

Ok..today I was informed that DH is going to look for a new job (I'm sure he's only half serious) ...because of this strike thing and back to work legislation...could mean lots of strife for him....we will see.....cant see Mr Loyalty switching???

Poor C-man ....his older brother was invited over to a friends house to play after school and he couldnt tag along because he had swimming lessons. He has been waiting at the end of the driveway for about 1.5 hours waiting for big bro to come home. Wasnt happy I enrolled him in swimming now-cause he says "i'm the best one there already mom!"...Maybe next week will be better when big brother is sitting in the lobby watching him.

I was at work again today...told my boss to double my wage or else fire me...(I too was only half kidding). Next week, when things slow down a bit (yeah right) I am hoping to get my criminal records check and apply for a casual position with the school board as a TA (well as long as I get it done before the end of the school year, i guess).

Take care all of you....hopefully see you soon...am in need for a long long long glass of wine with friends....desperately

typical monday at work

Lately, it seems as though I never quit my old job. The stress levels are the same and the headaches have started to come back. It was supposed to be just admin, but we have been sooo sooo busy that I have been going above and beyond. Hopefully doesnt last too long as work/family balance is starting to suffer.

And today my boss is gone to Edmonton....could be fun....think I will go into the building to work as soon as DH wakes up (he got home around 5 this morning)

On to more fun things...

Yesterday the boys walked up the street to see if their "new friends" were playing street hockey. With nobody there, they started to walk home. On their way they noticed a girl from R-dogs class and started waving and yelling at her....which prompted her to get her mom and the boys got a good talking to. They came home quite upset.

I got to phone over to the girls mom and apologize on behalf of them and talk to them about teasing girls...which the mom seemed to really appreciate. About 10 minutes after that the little girl phoned to talk to R-dog and apologize for calling him bad names....ooohhh the drama...

All was well last night before bed as he was pretty upset and had a sore tummy....my sensitive little guy says..."i really like her because she defends all the other girls at school when we tease them"....young love...???

Things I have learned today

From all this spring cleaning, I have learned a few things.

1) The boys absolutely do not need any more clothes!! (apparently if I keep up with the laundry...their cupboards are full!!!)
2) The two of them love to help their mom when there are bribes involved.
3) I need to earn a lot more money so I can pay somebody to do this!!
4) No matter how many times we clean under the bed, we find enough stuff to fill a garbage bag.
5) When one room is spotless, all the other rooms become messier (how does this work??)
6) Moms know best when it comes to concocting formulas for streak free windows.
7)There is never enough spring in spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning (second round)

Whew....I was the master slave driver today. Woke up and decided to go at spring cleaning again today.

Started with the vehicles. Now, we know where all the toques and mitts were hiding. From the two I was able to get a full load of laundry (and amazingly did not see most of these clothes in there!!) Vaccummed out 1.5 as the shop vac decided not to work for most of my car...this was a task great for the boys...child slave labour again!!

Then, washed the outside of the windows, and swept up the driveway.

Gave my exhausted boys a break for lunch, then took Sydney on a long bike ride so she could find every puddle and mud spot she possibly could. Picked up all her dog poop along the way....gross!!!

Got back and cleaned up the back yard and proceeded to do 4 more loads of laundry and organize my laundry room.

Just got back from grocery shopping and when the kids are in bed, plan to wash the walls and floors.

OMG-WHAT HAS COME OVER ME.....(I guess once every four years doesnt kill a person!!)

Congrats

Big congratulations out to GnD for their beautiful hole.

Nice.....

Spring is here!!

Actually saw the sun out today for the first time in a week...and no wind!!

But the true sign that spring is here....GARAGE SALES start tomorrow!!! There is three listed on powerflyers...I dont think I'll be able to sleep tonight, the excitement is unbearable. Even the boys are asking "can we go? can we go?!!!"

Oh yeah...and hockey playoffs are on...I wont have access to my "girl shows" for at least two months!!! Guess I'll have to fill my tv void with beautiful second hand goods.

Wish me luck tomorrow...the crowds could be nasty.

Questions????

I dont know if any of you have travelled with my boys before. If you havent, its quite an experience.

They are non-stop talkers. Mostly questions. At about age 3 both boys were very very inquisitive (I was told by more than one mom that it will more than likely be a phase....) Now they are 7 and 5 and basically asking more questions and tougher ones...here is a tidbit of our car ride to toon town.

"Do all towns have names?" yes
"What if they dont have names?"
"Where would the people say they are from?"
"How come some names are funny and some arent?" ok...boys look at those deer!!

"How many boyfriends did you ever have?" lots...(dont want to go there!!)
"About 20 or 2000?" yep....look more deer!!

"How come those deer run from the road?"
"Where do deer sleep at night?"
"How come there are dead deer in the ditch?"

aaaarrrgghhhh.....love those boys...but I think they are going to have to be in the newspaper industry as they have the who what where when and why going on......

Housing market

This is nuts...nuts...nuts....(my boys fav topic lately, by the way)

Both in NB and Stoon the housing market is crazee.

Today we were (in a round about way) offered a ridiculous sum of money for our house...which got us thinking what it would be like to live in Mexico....hmmm....dont think our Spanish is up to snuff....

But it does make you think about all the things you could be buying (new cars, boats, boobs, other properties)

I'll keep dreaming...

working girl

At this point, it might be easier to be a real "working girl". This working for a living really stinks. Its been crazy crazy busy around here....and I could really use a massage.....

I notice that when I'm stressed, I eat more...anyone interested in doing another competition? Let me know...must get willpower back...and throw the damn chocolate out!!

DH is supposed to hear tonight if he is back on strike..or whatever the hell else this crazy job brings...who knows??

Heading to toon town tomorrow and bringing the boys to visit GrandpaB and GrandmaC...I have a computer training course and a motivational speaker (thank heaven for free drinks and poopoos!!) The boyz havent seen them in awhile, so it should be interesting.

Gettin' Jiggy with it

I learned a lot about my nieces this weekend.

1) DD is a great dancer and showed me all of her moves.
2) KK is a great dancer and learns a lot from her older sister.
3) They are both beautiful inside and out.
4) Can you spell Diva? How about drama?....
5) They are wonderful companions for the boys.
6) DD tells funny funny jokes.
7) KK tells story after story (some true...some wonderfully made up)
8)We definitely dont get together enough.

Miss you girls!!! Love your cuzns from the nort.

Easter - ahhhh- chocolate!!

Hoppy Easter everybody!!! Hope all is well with y'all!!

Since DH was working...the boys and I headed south to visit Grandma and Grandpa Tractor. It was great to see Velvis and Bear, and Auntie Not the V, Uncle Freddy, Danie Duff and Wylie Kylie.....

Got to meet the two new puppies at the farm-B.J. and Spots...they were a highlight....then the boys wanted to meet some new calves (I was hiding in the shop while taking the pictures)....good thing Uncle Freddy was there to protect them....didnt get too close.

Then, we all over dosed on turkey, ham, veggies, buns ...and CHOCOLATE...ummm....chocolate. Great weekend.

It was a GOOD Friday

Well, DH got called back to work this past weekend. Murphys law. Easter week coming up and kids off school, therefore he cant take holidays. Oh well.

We made the best of it friday before he went to work, and headed up to the lake for the day. Holy cr...was there snow!! Take a look at the pictures!!!

It took us at least 2 hours to get rid of the snow on the deck. It was at least 3 feet deep and packed solid!! Child labor is the best!! Uncle P thinks we had to have at least a few good days of melting too...so imagine what it was like before!! We couldnt pull the truck in to our lot...too much snow!! (And too much deer poop!!) Oh yeah...saw a ton of rabbits and they were mostly still white...not a good sign!!!

It was great to see Auntie J and Uncle P...even if it was just for the day.....

Get away

Ok...for the first time, in a very long time. DH and I will have holidays at the same time. (sort of)

So, we are planning a "mini" vacation with the Fujis.

August 21st we are leaving for the Calgary zoo for the day. Staying overnight, then when we wake up are heading over to Calaway park (much much better than the NB exhibition). Once that is over we our heading back through Drumheller for the dinosaurs!!

I think our kids will have a blast. Unfortunately, I am not.

There was a "great deal" posted on the Calaway Park website. Went to book it and was told that the deal is only on weekends. We are planning on going on a tuesday. I can not seem to find any "deals". Now I have to be a travel agent....which I am not very good at.

If anyone has any suggestions on where to stay for cheap...or where we can get major gift certs...please let us know. Thank you thank you thank you....

DH is Martha....

Yahooey...DH painted the biffy on monday and painted my basement today! Wowzers...I'm impressed. And only a tiny bit of nagging...

Now - after a long days work myself (another 7 hour day!!) - I am going to do the second coat.

Just the boys rooms left and that might have to wait awhile...I think I have pushed all the buttons I can for now.

ham bam thank you ma'am

Holy man...3 days in a row...ham and cheese sandwich for after school snack. Whew...I dont think its a phase...our little skinny kid might like protein after all.

Today, I worked an incredible 8 hour day. OMG...can not believe it!! Pooped...I think I will be working at least another hour tonight....tomorrow trying to get DH to paint again. (by the by, he did an awesome job of the bathroom) Then I'll try to squeeze work in the afternoon.

Got sooo busy that neither of us noticed we missed C-mans first swimming lesson!!! whoops...guess there is always next week.

The boys made some new friends this past weekend and luckily enough they live right behind us and love love love playing street hockey after school...AMAZING!! Right up my alley...ship em off right after not having seen them all day!!! perrrrfect

GnD had their ultrasound today--great news all is well with the baby...but man I dont know if I can wait to know the sex. The shy little thing wouldnt spread its legs....takes after his/her auntie already!!! (i know too much info)

Hope all is well out there...take care.....cougar mama

Turning over a new leaf

I think R-dog might just be a meat eater after all!!

This past weekend, we had to stop for supper on the way out of town, didnt want fast food, and the kids usually wont eat subs or sandwiches of anykind. Stopped at a great place where they have veggies and fruit and sandwiches. Much to our surprise they asked for ham cheese and lettuce (salad).

R-dog ate his sandwich and half his brothers....almost fell over (really hard to do while driving!!)

Next night, got invited to sub-way - much to our surprise he ate a ham and cheese and pickle sub....was done before everybody and asked for another!!! I am pretty sure he is in a growth spurt as tonight he ate 1.5 hamburgers, potatoes, carrots and two bowls of strawberries and ice cream!!!

I am pretty sure I will need two jobs when they are teenagers as the food is flying out of the house.....now I know why Grandma C used to hide any food they ordered in when the boys werent home....there wouldnt be any left!!!

Might have to get a cow for the back yard (got any extra dad??)

What a weekend

Travelled to Toon Town this weekend for a big hockey tourney. DH played in the "Montreal Canadiens fan club tourney" and it was a doozy!!

Really..I have no idea as I was visiting most of the time, but the kids had fun. They kept asking their dad if he was gonna score any goals....Alas, poor daddy had none. Oh well...good time was had by all.

Got to visit a teeny weeny bit with GnD and Dilly. Got to see their new ride. Calling it the mafia car...too cool!! Now I am even more jealous. New car, new house, new furniture and a new baby....whew!! I am exhausted just thinking about new things....I get pretty excited!

Also got to visit with the grandparents (minus one) and the fuji's...and an old friend from work. (who, by the way, I am still needing to get set up with Bubba!!) But she'll only agree with a group function....golf anyone?

Got home to a house ready for paint and spackle...we'll see if I can get DH motivated!! Wish me luck.