One more time!!

This time it was R-dogs turn. The two of us headed down to Speedy Creek and he ended up in the A-final. They played two of the best games I have seen them play...and one of the worst.

It was a great time, even though I couldnt "indulge" because of the heavy medication I am on. (Still not rid of that dang cold). But he had a BLAST!!

updates

C-man had a hockey tourney this past weekend in the stomping ground of Uncle G and Auntie D....it was great to see them, and the grandparents!! Although I dont think they played their very best, they did end up winning the A-side. Pretty pumped!!

Retzky, however, did not fair so well. They ended up losing 4-3 to a team that they should have easily handled. Not sure whats happening there...but they need to figure it out, and turn it around. This weekend we are off to Swift for a three dayer (nothing like a long tourney right before the holidays....yippeee)

Not sure whats happening with the youngest yet - DH is in charge of that...

ps...thanks to everyone who bought a ham from us...appreciate it!!

My boy...

As usual, we had hockey this weekend. The youngest was sorta all over the map, while my oldest was in town for a double header.

The first game was kinda a blow out. Not sure what happened...but we really didnt show up. The team we played has one of those kids on the team, that you know if they really wanted, someday they would be playing a very good calibre of hockey. The bigger the ice surface, the better for him.. I noticed some banter going on between the boys, so I asked him after the game what some of the chatter was about. He does tell me a lot of the time whats being said, and even though I have been known to use some choice words, the things these boys say - sometimes makes me blush. But, not MY BOY. He says to me....(I hope he doesnt read this) ...this is what I said mom.

They matched up in the face off circle and Retzky says to him " Hey...your grandma lives just down the street from me!"

Amazing kid says "UH, HUH?"

So, my boys says again.....slower this time " Hey...your grandma lives just right down the street from me"...

AARRRGGHHH...no killer instinct, no rough and tough...gotta win...big game.

But-trying to make a new friend. YIKES!!

ps....second day, we came back from a 4 lead deficiet in the third to tie it up. Retzky made up for it, with a nice goal. (Dont think he chatted it up with him that game!!)

Happy Birthday KK!!

Happy Birthday Niecey....wonderful spunky girl who had the best line of the summer. "So, this is what you do when the boat runs out of gas??!!"

Where does my money go, you ask?

Hee hee...well - I dont know either. But its gone, all gone. Ok, I might have the slightest idea. Enormous amounts of gas, sporting fees, hotel rooms, eating out on the road, groceries groceries and self medication. (aka, wine)

This is how the weekend went. Two hockey tourneys. One in town, one in AB. Started friday at 11 (had to take the day off work) to work my first shift. R-dog had his first game and won a close one 5-4.

Saturday up at the crack of dawn to send C-man off with a friend to his tourney as DH was on the road. I had to be at the rink shortly after that to work my second shift. Second shift was at a different rink than the one R-dog played, sounded like a good game, but they lost that one.

Later that day, I met up with an old college friend - it was great to see him. And - he actually recognized me...wow! That NEVER happens anymore!!

C-man won 1 and lost one on saturday. Got to waterslide and mini stick and be a general hooligan....without any folks there..

Saturday night was a tough one for R-dog. He played a team, which on probably any other day, would have whooped them...but they just didnt show up. Lost a tough one - a win would have put them in the B final. He took it real hard and had a good life lesson. The results you put in, are the results you get out. Needless to say it was a long night.

Sunday am, DH pulls in early - real early and decides maybe not the best idea for him to be travelling with such little sleep. So, i jumped in my car, travelled to AB to watch C-man play his last two games. (And also ran into an old college friend and two lifelong family friends)

R-dogs team won the c-final handily (8-3) and according to his dad played very well.

I got to watch C-mans team make it into the A-final. They lost a real close battle with Lacombe. We were up, then they were...in the end it was 3-2. Good battle.

Then, just cause, I took a small detour over to the border city to watch my lake friend curl in a grand slam event (i think?) Great curling, but better company.

Needless to say it was a long weekend full of hockey, friends, shifts, driving and more. We may just do it again - real soon....

(and soooo sorry girls for not being able to make it out....sounds like i missed a great time!!!!)

Report cards...

Report card time!! Which means...parent teacher interview time. Oh, what joy. Nothing I would rather do. Or should I say, I nothing I would rather do less of. Either way...they are both done.

R-dog was last week. His marks are quite good. Pretty impressed. Hopefully this means that the last years marks were just a reflection of the teacher/or the teacher student relationship.

C-man was tonight. Really glad we made the decision to move him. His english skills were definitely lagging behind when we moved him, but the teacher said he puts in solid effort every day and she has noticed a substantial improvement. YAHOO!!

Only one of them had some choice language/words that I was notified about. You will have to guess which one it was. And, it wasnt the one that got me breakfast in bed this morning!! (true story!!)

Hockey updates

Someday, instead of hockey updates here, I will have my world travel updates. Or my amazing tricks updates...but for now....here goes.

C-mans team had two games this weekend. Both at home. The first game we started out slow and came back to win 8-3. He played really well with a goal and an assist.

His second game was the opposite. We started out strong (3-0 lead) then ended up losing. He did not play his best, and took the loss pretty hard.

R-dog didnt have hockey at all, so he picked up a couple of reffing gigs for some spending money and I got some house work done. YAH >>>right!!! hahahah...

This week there are a couple of practises...then the youngest is off to Wainwright, while the oldest hosts his tournament here in town. Because I have to work at it, will be sending the little one with a buddy. Here it goes....wish us luck!!

My Tom Selleck....

He gave it a shot....Movember ....it wasnt a whole month...but a couple of weeks worth before it started driving him around the bend.

I had bugged him for a long time to try to grow a gote...now I think i like my baby - clean faced.

This and that...

Well, C-man and I decided on a couple of songs. His choice - "Bad to the Bone", mine - something by John Cougar. (cant remember which one I narrowed it down to) and the third song, we asked our guitar teacher to surprise us with one.

Its definitely getting harder - and harder to find the time to practise. But its still fun nonetheless.

R-dogs hockey team is at .500 again after this weekend. 1 win, 1 loss. We now have the weekend "off", so he picked up a couple of reffing gigs.

C-man plays at home both saturday and sunday.

Between the two we have practises 5 times this week. They are having fun - breaking expensive sticks - watching us taxi them around - and selling a bunch of shtuff on their behalf.

soon, dear boys, it will be our turn!!

ps...and I learned a good lesson today. Bribery still works! I promised chinese food if they did some tidying up....and the house looked dang good. Dusted, cleaned, polished....whew....

All dressed up

This year Retzky decided he was too old for Halloween. C-man decided that he was going to get as much candy as possibly - despite the ear problems. And, they both accomplished what they set out to.

Although I did catch Retzky dressing up to hand out treats with me....Here is a pic of the youngin.....and the oldie ready for a hockey game....

Preteen angst...

My oldest is 12 today!! Wow!! How time flies. He has gone from the skinny little kid, to the skinny little preteen...haha!! He has grown up right before my eyes.

Some things that havent changed in the years:

1) He still doesnt sleep.

2) He still loves the sweets.

3) He still looks over his little brother and little cousins, and drives them crazy!

4) He still is very mischievous....

Some that have

1) He is always talking about girls...girls....and more girls...

2) He is thinking ("thinking") about saving money!!

3) He is putting some thought into the first job!!??

4) He is very worried about his appearance....especially his hair...

Love you buddy!!!!

Whats been going on? Whats been goin on...

Well, it hasnt gotten any quieter, thats for sure!!

This week was full of visits from Gma and Gpa Tractor, hockey practises, first reffing gig, blown ear drums, sickness and first road trip.

Firstly, C-man had a crazy nasty ear blowout again...seems to be on the mend, but had to miss his first hockey game. He did try to make an appearance sunday, but in hindsight, probably shouldnt have. They did end up winning both of their games.

Retzky and I left town for his first road trip of the year. Melfort/Tisdale - ****warning-if you are not a grandparent you may not want to read the rest, as it will be blatant bragging********** I thought it was some of the best hockey he has played. I believe 3 goals and 2 assists in two games. One of them was a no-look, behind the back pass, right to the tape of his lineman...it was sweet. Great passing....but unfortunately he also sat in the box quite a bit. (20 minutes or so....yikes!) They ended up winning both games to improve their record to 3-4. We're getting there...

Thanks ma and pa for being on standby again....might have to have you on speed dial this year!!

Happy Halloween....been too busy to even remember.....just pulled out the old rubbermaid today....may even have to go buy some candy!!

Short week, i think...

So this week was all in all, pretty short. At least I think it was-because it flew by!

Monday -volleyball for me...yeah!! Tuesday - fright night Weds - canteen duty Thurs-hockey practise Fri- hockey game (which...was awesome and then AWFUL. Retzkys team had a 5-2 lead going into the third and then we lost ...yep....lost. AWFUL....hopefully a life lesson learned and we turn things around for our first road trip next weekend)

Saturday hockey practise in the morning, and then I was able to sneak off to the city to enjoy two old friends birthday partays....G was surprised a bit - which is always fun. I had to be a good girl and drive home the same night, but it was so good to visit. Once we were back in the city, I stopped in at Mike's 40th. Great bunch of people there and again, too short of a visit....but a lot of fun none the less.

I managed to stay awake up until about 10 minutes out of town, when I had to do the car-circling at full speed.....and that helped me to last the last part of the trip. Even DH was shocked when I made it home. Of course, the train always puts a damper on things and I had to make it back to get the youngin off to his practise.

Today, the house has been empty. Both have managed to escape chores, yet again. One is at a b'day party which I had chosen to forget about (ha!...along with the magazine sales, the spelling bee cash derby, the pictures....) and the other has been at a friends all afternoon.

That has freed me up for laundry, guitar practise (i know two chords now...Eminor and Emajor...) and organizing the canteen money. Now I should be alright to manage two days of no school. I should manage - not so sure my house will!

Hope everyone else has had a great week....talk to ya soon!!

Margaritaville, how we miss you...

Ok, we really miss the lake friends, but the margaritaville is a close second. These pics are from the maiden voyage ....and it was a gooder. In fact, I think we may have run out of ingredients.

Yes, we are in the back of the truck. Yes, we might be from a small town. Yes, we did move the truck around to optimize the sun.

We also leg-wrestled. (no pics, will keep those in my private stash) Redecorated - well I stood by in amazement (the creative juices were flowing). And two stepped. Dont forget the two stepping!!

Mondays almost over...

Forgot to mention about R-dogs hockey this weekend. Two big losses, but there are signs of improvement...just wait until we hit our mid season form, baby!!

Tonight I got to do a "me time" activity..and its been a very long time. I have been asked to join a rec volleyball team (very rec), with a bunch of great girls. I am sadly out of shape and not nearly as good as I remember. But, the most challenging part was to keep in all the bodily fluids when I try to exert some energy. Kegels will become a top priority again. look it up

The vertical was about 4 inches. Really....from my heel to my tip toes, I'm sure its 4 inches.

Tomorrow could be interesting as this rec doesnt have much for warm ups, or cool downs - unless you consider a quick bevvy at the local watering hole.

Good thing I am working from home tomorrrow.

Then its tuesday and we are off for lesson # 3. This week was E, F, G. And all the family heard was e- 2, 3, 4 g- 2, 3, 4 f-2, 3, 4

The other two cannot wait for a few new notes, and possibly a chord or two....look out Judds....here we come!!

They are growing up too fast

There have been too many tragic incidents lately. Big headlines, and people that havent made the headlines, people we know. At what age do you start talking about these things to your children?

The hockey players, the young children and the friends of friends. Today we heard of another. And the kids dont miss much. Its a horrifying tragedy that no family, no person should have to deal with. And what can we do to stop it?

They did ask me a few months back what suicide was. What it meant. It has been something that has been on their mind, and I dont know if I have addressed it properly.

We have tried our best not to ever lie to the kids, but to give them enough information to satisfy the question. When they ask "but WHY did they do it?" I'm not sure what answer will comfort them, what answer will make it alright. I havent come up with one yet.

It breaks my heart that we have to talk about these things, but in saying that, if I dont talk about it....who will? And when is the right time? Is there a right time?

This parenting gig is the toughest gig I got. I just pray that something they hear, something i say- sinks in. When you need help - ask for it. Hopefully we can avoid even one more tragedy.

:( Hug your loved ones, talk to them, squeeze them tight.

Anyone got a few minutes to spare?

I sure could!! But, if we werent running around, what would I be doing? Laundry? nah....Cleaning?.....nah..Baking?? nahanahnahnahnahhh

So, instead I will gladly put my chauffer hat on. Yesterday soccer til 5. Football from 6-9. Football is almost done, and man do they love it! There is talk of the older one quitting baseball to play spring tackle football. I will have to do my best to bulk the boy up. If you see a cow grazing off my back yard, thats why!

Today. Dentist (which has been wayyyy too long! Bring back the school program!!) Birthday party til 6, hockey at 7. C-man and I have a date on the couch to practise our notes. Oh yeah baby...well on our way to an xmas duet!!

Tomorrow, Retzkys first road trip to my old - sorta - stomping ground. Sending C for a sleepover as he will be on the road at 645 for hockey himself.....

and we're off!!

1-1

Retzky had his first two league games this weekend. Guess someone didnt want us to have any turkey!!

The first game was a LASHING. Worst loss ever. But, in our defense, they had only one practise and one exhibition game. The team we played has been on the ice for a long time and had some tournaments etc etc....so I am sure we can turn things around. PLUS - to forget about the game, Regs had his Camaro out on the town and took all the boys for a cruise....big big HIT. It was great to see their family and catch up.

The second game, we won. After all was said and done, I believe the score was 6-3.

Retzky had one goal and one assist for the weekend....and quite a few hits.

After the hockey, Auntie Velvis and Uncle Bear, graciously hosted us for the Rider game in Edmonton. Possibly the worst CFL game I have ever witnessed. Even the opposition was saying it .....BUT, we got to visit.

Once, I figure out how to get the pics off my new phone...I will show them to you!!

Fright Night

I used to watch a great show on the cooking channel, but I have forgotten the name. The "jist" of it was that she organized meals for busy families. I loved it. And one day, i will remember her name and buy her cookbooks. But, until that day comes....

Anywhoo....she always said that families had one crazy ridiculous night of the week (some of us more than that)...she liked to call it Fright Night. Tuesdays is ours.

My tuesday went nicely, working from home. Not too busy, so was able to get a lot of stuff done. Quickly grabbed C-man and went to our 1st guitar lesson. Went well. (tried to text and call 47 people to help me out with R-dog since his cross country practise was at the same time, but to no avail). Got him picked up a little late, came home to make a quick supper.

As I was cooking supper, I was trying to finish a multitude of things (laundry/cleaning) when the fire alarm went off. Successfully burning half of supper. And, on another positive note, I can no longer smell that awful smell in the kitchen that I have been trying to locate for two days. Now, it just smells like burnt. yes, thats what i said, it smells like burnt.

Then, off to the first official hockey practise of the year. This was the one to "corral" us parents into "volunteering" for our first of many jobs. Mine tonight was to organize the canteen shifts, which start friday. Not too bad.

We will see what the second meeting tomorrow night brings!!

Fright night is now officially over....we will move on to horrifying hump day, downright insane night and its -alright-i - know - my - hair is -falling out night....we will survive.

I hope you do too!!

Fisherman Joe

We really dont get out fishing much, so the boys have to make due. This year, he caught one with his bear hands and stored it in a cooler to have as a pet.

I know, i know. He really loves all animals (much to my horror) and he hasnt been allowed one to have in the home yet.

This is obviously, the next best thing.

2 Happy Little Dudes, and 2 broke parents

Its official. We are now turning our paycheques over to minor hockey. What would we ever do with that money anyway?

C has now made his Atom AA Tier 1 team. Tryouts were finished this weekend and his comment was "Already this hockey season is way better than last year" He is pretty pumped as he is going to be playing with a lot of his friends.

We are going to be travelling to a town near you (where ever you may be) ...so keep a spare room open!!

Here is his schedule link
http://www.battlefordsminorhockey.ca/team.aspx?lgid=0&did=1389&tid=13292&sid=460&p=schedule

Music...

Cant live without it. Nope, sure cant. Its such a mood changer. After a very long very long week, I sat down tonight and put on the ipod. Jimmy Buffet was my mood lifter. Oh, there are others. Many many others ....thank you Garth Brooks, John Cougar, Dixie Chicks....well the list is endless. Makes ya wanna get up and dance....or sing really badly at the top of your lungs!!

Which reminded me of a summer story....on our way to the lake, belting out tunes, C decided to take on an old classic. "Cat scratch Fever" by Ted Nugent....he decided he heard the lyrics "cant scratch beavers".

HAHAHAHAHA....missing the lake and our lake buddies now....back to the tunes!!
good night yall

One Happy little man

After the final rose ceremony, he made it!! He is super excited to be on the AA Tier 1 team. (And well, he has some proud parents as well)

Its going to be his toughest year yet, but should be a lot of fun. A lot of bus rides and hotel rooms. And, cant forget the fundraising, canteen shifts and bingos!!

You can see his schedule here...

http://www.battlefordsminorhockey.ca/team.aspx?lgid=0&did=1389&tid=13349&sid=460&p=schedule

On the road again....just cant wait to get on the road again....

Hang on! Tis the season...

The cast is off! (Well, the cast was yanked off the night before it was supposed to, cause they couldnt get it to fit in his hockey glove....but we wont talk about that!) X-rays came back good, healed properly and tryouts were a success. He has made the first two rounds of cuts. Practise weds, where I believe a few more cuts will be made. He is pretty excited and nervous at the same time.

So, now that they are both in full swing, our week is full of cross country practise, soccer game, two football games, a Terry Fox walk, two picture days, two different cross country meets (one in Biggar and one in Spiritwood)...then hockey tryouts for the youngin'

Is it any wonder why the vino flows?

Baseball season

This year, both boys decided to play provincial ball. The beginning of the season was full of rain outs - especially for the younger boys.

Towards the end of the season, the weather was great and we saw them both improve a ton. Got to see the city grandparents a few times as there were more tournaments there.

Scratching off the bucket list!!!

After months of exhaustive searching C-man and I have found a guitar teacher!! He is apparently willing to teach us both. (he hasnt met us yet!)

I am so excited!! C is too. He says he is going to "kick butt" and then dad will have to buy him an electric guitar after that!

I am more of the thought process of - lets get through the first month and see how it goes!!

Wish us luck....there could be carols at xmas and songs around the campfire!!

Summer lovin'

I took a lot of pics at the lake this year, and these are just a few. I am sure there will be more dug up as I go....but for now here are a couple....

My boys love their cousins!

1st ever....

So, here it is. The first ever cast for Retzky. As far as breaks go, it really wasnt that bad. Initially I wasnt planning on even taking him in. It happened at school playing football and I wasnt called. Usually if its a scratch, I get a call a work to come pick him up. He made it home at the end of the day. In a bit of pain, but mostly swollen. It took him about 20 minutes to finally convince me to take him.

After a nice wait in the ER. (man i feel bad for those workers...it was a madhouse!) We got an x-ray. Shows a break in the pinky finger and originally thought we would just splint it. Once we got in there, though, the gentleman told us that it was a "hair" away from the growth plate near his knuckle. (?)

If it got bumped, or pushed....we could have been gone to the city for surgery....hence, the cast.

He thought he was pretty cool the first day, but now all he is worried about is hockey tryouts next week.....we will see what happens. Appt on the 23rd to revisit the cast...keep your fingers crossed!!

I will post pics of the cast tomorrow,

Nope, the cast is not from this. I'm sure it will cause some broken bones. Thanks Uncle Mur. It sure looks good in our garage....and as soon as the kids arent looking, it will be returned to yours!! lol

finally!! x2

I had a blast watching them try new things!!

Finally!!

Ok, the tube still comes out in poor conditions, and its still fun....but at least this year,

There was skiing .....

and Wakeboarding!!

Beautiful day for a kayak....

Even had my beautiful nieces come for a quick visit. Its great to see them as we dont get to see them as often as we would like to.

Best line of the day..."So, this is what you do when your boat runs out of gas?"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Summer Fun

aaahhhh...manual labour?? where is the quad??

YAY!! A new toy to drive...everyone takes their turn...

Thats the game face. Its on, like donkey kong!!

Theres the quad...but how did Retzky get on it before me???

Summer Storms

Just a few pics from the downed trees of 2011 crazy wind storms. Thankfully we werent there to witness this one, but unfortunately there were lots of friends and family that were there.

I dont know how they escaped with no injuries and very little damage....but they did. The beautiful hot weather, kept the skies busy at night. They called this one a plow wind....but not sure. There were about 14 or so trees on out lot that came down. The moms kept the kids entertained with no power for 24+ hours and managed to keep their cool. Brave women!!

There was more than one storm that hit this summer-winds, hail and crazy skies - but we managed through it.

With the help of our INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL neighbors - they helped us get the trees down to safety and now more work to be done. There is at least one of the pictures that they were thinking "ok, quick, cut and run!!"

Freakin hot out there!!

WOW. Amazing summer weather. Too bad we are FULL on into FALL activities to fully enjoy it!! But DH and his bro did.

I bet you cant guess what they did....c'mon....I dare ya!!

They took full advantage of the 33 degrees and SHINGLED the freakin cabin!! Pretty sure they lost about 30 pounds each....drank every last drop of liquid (even the non alcoholic type!!) and got it done.

I dont have pictures yet....have barely been able to talk about it. Pretty sensitive.

Dont get me wrong, there is still work to be done. (like taking the shingles to the dump, lots of tree splitting) So, if you thought you missed out.....you didnt!!

Now, he is off to the rink for hockey. Cool down mode. I'm making ice for a different kind of cool down.

few more pics from the wedding