I'm almost glad to be going back to work tomorrow! On second thought...nah.
We had a wedding this past weekend - my cousin Stephen got married and it was a beautiful small wedding. Lots of nice moments, funny moments, and great company.
I don't think I'm the only one who loves to watch the kids dance their little butts off! I have such fond memories of wedding dances as a kid... Ella and Sari honestly danced for an hour straight. They would hold hands and "dance" in a circle. If Ella got distracted or if someone else tried to join in, Sari would have none of it! She, and only she, could dance with Ella. It was so cute to watch her take charge! Ben was being a maniac, flitting from here to there, we could barely keep track of him. It was a very late night, coming to a close near midnight, when Ben spilled his 7-up all over himself and losing his head over it. Oy.
On Sunday we decided that since we were so close to the International Peace Gardens, we would go take a look around. It was really nice - we took the scenic drives around the Canadian loop and the US loop. Just a few minutes into the Canadian drive, we saw a fox lying in a ditch. I was worried that he was hurt, but no, he was just relaxing! He wandered off after a couple of minutes. The kids thought it was pretty cool to see him up close. We checked out the Peace Tower, the 9-11 memorial, the flower clock, and some classic cars that were on display.
After the gardens, we headed to Deloraine for my grandpa's 85th birthday tea. Lots of people showed up, not that the kids cared! They were taking advantage of a beautifully sunny day, playing frisbee and lawn darts, playing with trucks and other random toys, eating cake and drinking lemonade. I think Grandpa was enjoying himself though - everyone was making a fuss over him!
Gord finally got our lawn mowed today...but it was really tense for a while as the lawn mower wouldn't start. We figured out that it was bad gas (that's been a good joke all day..."I've never had bad gas before!" etc., etc.) and he was able to thresh down the knee-high grass. Gord, always looking for the silver lining, announced that at least the lawn is really healthy!
Those are the highlights of our long weekend. I have some pics from the birthday party, but I want to get them shrunk down so that uploading them doesn't take so long!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A hum-drum Wednesday
We’re still recovering from vacation…suitcases remain mostly packed, except for the essentials. Supper last night was frozen pizza. Tonight will probably be pasta with sauce, maybe peanut sauce, maybe tomato sauce. Depends on what I think the kids will actually eat. I should also do some laundry. And sort out the rest of the stuff we bought at IKEA. And wash our duvet cover because holy heck there’s a lot of cat hair on it!
I’m trying to get myself organized for our weekend – one of my cousins is getting hitched on Saturday, and then on Sunday we’re having a birthday celebration for my grandpa, who is going to be 85 years old. Although, I think I should say 85 years YOUNG because he’s got a repaired ticker and new eyes, so he’s good for another 20 years at least! It will be a lot of fun for the kids to hang out with that side of my family (my mom’s side) - we don’t get to see them all that often! The wedding and birthday party are back in the area where I grew up, so we’ll be driving out there, about 3 hours or so, on Saturday. I’m so glad that Monday is a holiday, so we don’t have to rush back on Sunday.
The kids both need haircuts. I need to find Ben something to wear to the wedding. I did find some shoes for Ella's dress this weekend, but I desperately wanted these instead. Gord will need to figure out what he’s going to wear. I need to call the kennel. I really hope that the finale of the Bachelorette recorded on the Tivo…uh-oh! Now I’m really wondering…
It's a good thing I got an extra shot in my coffee this morning!
I’m trying to get myself organized for our weekend – one of my cousins is getting hitched on Saturday, and then on Sunday we’re having a birthday celebration for my grandpa, who is going to be 85 years old. Although, I think I should say 85 years YOUNG because he’s got a repaired ticker and new eyes, so he’s good for another 20 years at least! It will be a lot of fun for the kids to hang out with that side of my family (my mom’s side) - we don’t get to see them all that often! The wedding and birthday party are back in the area where I grew up, so we’ll be driving out there, about 3 hours or so, on Saturday. I’m so glad that Monday is a holiday, so we don’t have to rush back on Sunday.
The kids both need haircuts. I need to find Ben something to wear to the wedding. I did find some shoes for Ella's dress this weekend, but I desperately wanted these instead. Gord will need to figure out what he’s going to wear. I need to call the kennel. I really hope that the finale of the Bachelorette recorded on the Tivo…uh-oh! Now I’m really wondering…
It's a good thing I got an extra shot in my coffee this morning!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ottawa was…
A wee bit muggy.
A little bit busy.
Quite wet.
Sometimes quiet.
A lot of times loud.
And all fun!
Pics to come (though I did forget the camera a few times...)
A little bit busy.
Quite wet.
Sometimes quiet.
A lot of times loud.
And all fun!
Pics to come (though I did forget the camera a few times...)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Deja vu.
Why can't I ever get around to blogging???? Work has been insane - we've been a couple people down, and I've been covering for all of them! But we've filled those positions, and now I'm on vacation for a week! Wahoo!
We're off to Ottawa tomorrow morning, bright and early. We can not wait to see the K and the G and the R and the F! Gord's friends Garth and Jill had a baby boy back in March, so we get to meet him. And Liz, another of Gord's friends, who lives in Cambridge Ontario, is also visiting in Ottawa, so we get to see her too! It's going to be a fun-filled week, for sure. Lots of cousin time! Lots of friend time! Some sightseeing, probably some IKEA shopping, and definitely a beaver tail!
I won't promise to post while we're there, but I'll be taking lots of pictures! I'll post some when we get back.
Why can't I ever get around to blogging???? Work has been insane - we've been a couple people down, and I've been covering for all of them! But we've filled those positions, and now I'm on vacation for a week! Wahoo!
We're off to Ottawa tomorrow morning, bright and early. We can not wait to see the K and the G and the R and the F! Gord's friends Garth and Jill had a baby boy back in March, so we get to meet him. And Liz, another of Gord's friends, who lives in Cambridge Ontario, is also visiting in Ottawa, so we get to see her too! It's going to be a fun-filled week, for sure. Lots of cousin time! Lots of friend time! Some sightseeing, probably some IKEA shopping, and definitely a beaver tail!
I won't promise to post while we're there, but I'll be taking lots of pictures! I'll post some when we get back.
Monday, June 08, 2009
This weekend...
...was an exercise in patience. And I have run out.
Friday night was enjoyable enough – we went to the mall to eat supper (I know, fan-cay!) and then to see “Up”. (Highly recommended, BTW.) Ben was stressed out the whole movie – he’s sensitive (I don’t know where he gets that from) – and he carried on about how scary the movie was, all in his regular voice. I’m surprised the people around us weren’t pelting him with popcorn. But it was hard to stay mad at him for being noisy when you watched him cry throughout the movie. And he’d cry over silly things (which I can’t tell you about or I’d ruin the story). It’s heartbreaking to watch him try to control his emotions sometimes… Anyways, it was overall a great night, a great birthday night!
Saturday and Sunday went downhill (see “exercise in patience” above). Ella seriously peed her pants six times this weekend. And Ben was moody and belligerent and just ignored any request we made of him. But he’s fighting the sniffles, so I’m hoping that that’s the reason behind his behavior. As for Ella…I hope it’s a phase…there was a full moon, after all.
On the bright side, the week can’t get worse! Uh-oh, was that lightning that just struck me?
Friday night was enjoyable enough – we went to the mall to eat supper (I know, fan-cay!) and then to see “Up”. (Highly recommended, BTW.) Ben was stressed out the whole movie – he’s sensitive (I don’t know where he gets that from) – and he carried on about how scary the movie was, all in his regular voice. I’m surprised the people around us weren’t pelting him with popcorn. But it was hard to stay mad at him for being noisy when you watched him cry throughout the movie. And he’d cry over silly things (which I can’t tell you about or I’d ruin the story). It’s heartbreaking to watch him try to control his emotions sometimes… Anyways, it was overall a great night, a great birthday night!
Saturday and Sunday went downhill (see “exercise in patience” above). Ella seriously peed her pants six times this weekend. And Ben was moody and belligerent and just ignored any request we made of him. But he’s fighting the sniffles, so I’m hoping that that’s the reason behind his behavior. As for Ella…I hope it’s a phase…there was a full moon, after all.
On the bright side, the week can’t get worse! Uh-oh, was that lightning that just struck me?
Monday, June 01, 2009
A visit with GG
Sunday, we took a little road trip to Morden. We owed my parents a visit, and GG (my Grandma Lil) was there. Since we don’t see her very often, we try to jump at the chance to see her whenever it presents itself.
I think it’s really important for the kids to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. I have snippets of memories from visits to my great-grandma’s house. The smell, that of an old person’s home. Her ceramics. Playing in her yard.
Ben is always happy to bestow hugs and kisses on GG, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve last seen her. He is so outgoing and friendly and loving. He was on her lap and they were taking turns blowing into each other’s ears. Ben was giggling, and so was GG. They were so stinkin’ cute together.
Ella, on the other hand, likes to play shy with GG. Part of the reason she does this is to drive us crazy; she’s the second child you know, and she’s three and stubborn and moody – she tests us non-stop. Before we left home that morning, Gord asked Ella if she was going to give GG a hug when we got there, and she said “No. I’m going to be shy with GG.” Seriously people, she’s got attitude. Sure enough, she wouldn’t even look at GG when we got there, but after a while she was fine. I know that GG pushing her on the swing is what cleared it all up – push Ella on the swing and she’s your friend for life. And after supper, when it was time to go, Ella did give GG a hug and a kiss.
Hopefully, next time we see GG, Ella will remember that she pushed her on the swing and will be ready to shower her with hugs and kisses, like Ben does. I know that it means the world to GG. And to me.
I think it’s really important for the kids to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. I have snippets of memories from visits to my great-grandma’s house. The smell, that of an old person’s home. Her ceramics. Playing in her yard.
Ben is always happy to bestow hugs and kisses on GG, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve last seen her. He is so outgoing and friendly and loving. He was on her lap and they were taking turns blowing into each other’s ears. Ben was giggling, and so was GG. They were so stinkin’ cute together.
Ella, on the other hand, likes to play shy with GG. Part of the reason she does this is to drive us crazy; she’s the second child you know, and she’s three and stubborn and moody – she tests us non-stop. Before we left home that morning, Gord asked Ella if she was going to give GG a hug when we got there, and she said “No. I’m going to be shy with GG.” Seriously people, she’s got attitude. Sure enough, she wouldn’t even look at GG when we got there, but after a while she was fine. I know that GG pushing her on the swing is what cleared it all up – push Ella on the swing and she’s your friend for life. And after supper, when it was time to go, Ella did give GG a hug and a kiss.
Hopefully, next time we see GG, Ella will remember that she pushed her on the swing and will be ready to shower her with hugs and kisses, like Ben does. I know that it means the world to GG. And to me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Reading
So Ben is making headway on the reading front. It is hard to teach him when I don't even remember what the rules are...but every once in a while, my memory kicks in and I can explain why a letter makes the sound it does. Although, I often feel like I'm talking out of my a$$.
However, I wonder if Ben has a photographic memory - I bought him a Cars easy reader book almost 2 weeks ago. We read through it once (1/2 one night, 1/2 the next). I suggested we read that one last night, and he read almost all of it by memory. Seriously, is that normal? Could you tell already if he has a photographic memory?
I find it so frustrating because it's hard to teach him phonics when he just looks at the picture and spouts the words from memory. Gord suggested that I just accept the fact that maybe he won't learn phonics and will learn by recognition. I suppose he's right...much as I hate to admit it. But I still want to get Ben to learn phonics - and he does know all the letter sounds and he does a super job sounding out words. Last night, when he would recall the words from memory, I would then track my finger along the words and we'd say them/sound them out together.
Anyways, all this to say that Ben is doing great on the reading front and we're so proud of him (despite my small amount of frustration)!
However, I wonder if Ben has a photographic memory - I bought him a Cars easy reader book almost 2 weeks ago. We read through it once (1/2 one night, 1/2 the next). I suggested we read that one last night, and he read almost all of it by memory. Seriously, is that normal? Could you tell already if he has a photographic memory?
I find it so frustrating because it's hard to teach him phonics when he just looks at the picture and spouts the words from memory. Gord suggested that I just accept the fact that maybe he won't learn phonics and will learn by recognition. I suppose he's right...much as I hate to admit it. But I still want to get Ben to learn phonics - and he does know all the letter sounds and he does a super job sounding out words. Last night, when he would recall the words from memory, I would then track my finger along the words and we'd say them/sound them out together.
Anyways, all this to say that Ben is doing great on the reading front and we're so proud of him (despite my small amount of frustration)!
Bolt love
Gosh, do the kids love the movie Bolt! They ask to watch it every day, seriously. EVERY DARN DAY. As much as I love John Travolta, I dislike Miley Cyrus - she just grates on every last one of my nerves...
Anyways, this morning, I hear Ella in our room, on our bed (I guess I was really asleep!), talking to Simon (one of our cats):
"Come here, boy! Come here!"
"Such a good boy!"
"You saved me again Bolt!"
She's reenacting the movie, with the cat. Very, very cute (even though I hate Miley Cyrus)!
Anyways, this morning, I hear Ella in our room, on our bed (I guess I was really asleep!), talking to Simon (one of our cats):
"Come here, boy! Come here!"
"Such a good boy!"
"You saved me again Bolt!"
She's reenacting the movie, with the cat. Very, very cute (even though I hate Miley Cyrus)!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Disney in pictures
Just a few of the 800+ pictures we took on our Disney trip...
We stumbled upon Stitch as soon as we got to Epcot on Day 1
Ben and Bruce (Ella would not even go in this room - and she STILL talks about not wanting to see Bruce!)
Ben vs. the fountain at the Moroccan pavilion - I go inside for one minute, and come out to a soaking wet kid! He still says that this is his favorite part of the trip, although he was a little upset at first...
Taking a round out of the drums in the World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival was on - every character you can think of, made out of flowers/plants
The centrepiece of Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's castle!
Aladdin & Jasmine in Magic Kingdom; Ella was so cute - she would not let go of Jasmine's hand, even while she was autographing her book!
HUGE carousel
There were big hugs for Buzz & Woody in Hollywood Studio's Pixar Place:
Lightning & Mater at Hollywood Studios
Hugging Mickey at Donald's Safari Breakfast (in Animal Kingdom)
Hanging with a band outside of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom:
At Lilo & Stitch's character breakfast
Meeting Snow White - Ben was so shy, he wouldn't even look at her. (Gord liked looking at her though!)
Waiting in line...
We stumbled upon Stitch as soon as we got to Epcot on Day 1
Ben and Bruce (Ella would not even go in this room - and she STILL talks about not wanting to see Bruce!)
Ben vs. the fountain at the Moroccan pavilion - I go inside for one minute, and come out to a soaking wet kid! He still says that this is his favorite part of the trip, although he was a little upset at first...
Taking a round out of the drums in the World Showcase at Epcot
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival was on - every character you can think of, made out of flowers/plants
The centrepiece of Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's castle!
Aladdin & Jasmine in Magic Kingdom; Ella was so cute - she would not let go of Jasmine's hand, even while she was autographing her book!
HUGE carousel
There were big hugs for Buzz & Woody in Hollywood Studio's Pixar Place:
Lightning & Mater at Hollywood Studios
Hugging Mickey at Donald's Safari Breakfast (in Animal Kingdom)
Hanging with a band outside of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom:
At Lilo & Stitch's character breakfast
Meeting Snow White - Ben was so shy, he wouldn't even look at her. (Gord liked looking at her though!)
Waiting in line...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sigh.
My gosh, the world can be depressing. I've been feeling a little bit down this week, and then I see this on Oprah's site. And this (which includes a video) on Huffington Post. Sad. Depressing. Makes me want to ramp up my green habits a little bit more.
Seriously, whales with breast cancer?
I need to buy some more cloth bags...
Seriously, whales with breast cancer?
I need to buy some more cloth bags...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Where does the time go?
Ruby & Fiona are 3 today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY you sweet, smart, funny girls! We will call you later today because we want to hear about all the fun you had today!
We miss you all terribly - we are so overdue for a visit, aren't we?
We miss you all terribly - we are so overdue for a visit, aren't we?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tales from the toilette
If you were standing outside our bathroom this morning, you would have heard the following:
“Ben, get your hands out of your pants!”
“But Mom, I like to scratch my BUTT!”
“Ben, get your hands out of your pants!”
“But Mom, I like to scratch my BUTT!”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Repenting
What can I say? I keep meaning to blog…lots of stuff to blog about…but I am never in the mood when I get home at night, and now there’s just so much to write about that I can’t motivate myself. Where do I start? How do I remember all the details? Aaaaaahhhhh!
Baby steps…baby steps…one thing at a time…this could get random and messy…maybe I’ll do separate blog posts…here they come!
Baby steps…baby steps…one thing at a time…this could get random and messy…maybe I’ll do separate blog posts…here they come!
A visit to the zoo!
During the warm weather we had a few weeks ago, the zoo called to us…little did we know how incredibly enjoyable the zoo can be in the winter! The animals were active – the monkeys were crazy, the leopards and tigers were prowling, the squirrels and lemurs were out and about, the snakes were slithering up and down the trees, the crocodiles actually MOVED… The camels were enjoying the weather too – and the zoo staff took one of them for a walk! Unfortunately, Ben and I missed it, as we were taking a bathroom break, but Gord, Ella and Grandma Susan got to see it! And they had a better view than the poor staff member following the camel, carrying a huge shovel!
And although this is a family-friendly blog, I do have to report that quite a few animals were very…uh…affectionate? frisky? carnal?...during our visit. What it is about us that brings this out in them, I don’t know. But you’ve gotta wonder… tortoises and guinea pigs getting busy (not with each other)…a goat that wanted to make out with my hand, complete with weird sounds…a spraying male leopard…monkeys and gibbons showing me their “parts”…why us?
It was just a glorious visit to the zoo – both animal-wise (not the animal sex part though) and weather-wise – the kids wore their snow gear, and were great sports about it – they climbed snow piles and played at the playground. But I didn’t even wear mittens! That’s the way to enjoy the zoo in the winter!
THE guinea pigs:
And although this is a family-friendly blog, I do have to report that quite a few animals were very…uh…affectionate? frisky? carnal?...during our visit. What it is about us that brings this out in them, I don’t know. But you’ve gotta wonder… tortoises and guinea pigs getting busy (not with each other)…a goat that wanted to make out with my hand, complete with weird sounds…a spraying male leopard…monkeys and gibbons showing me their “parts”…why us?
It was just a glorious visit to the zoo – both animal-wise (not the animal sex part though) and weather-wise – the kids wore their snow gear, and were great sports about it – they climbed snow piles and played at the playground. But I didn’t even wear mittens! That’s the way to enjoy the zoo in the winter!
THE guinea pigs:
The Big 5
What to say about Ben’s 5th birthday…I don’t know where to start. Ben was very excited about his birthday – excited to have cake and open presents. I was up early on his birthday to make him pancakes (his favorite) and bacon. He went to daycare as usual, and when we got home that night, I told him he could have whatever he wanted for supper. His choice? Peanut butter & jam. Yep, he REALLY went out on a limb with that one! Ben got a Nintendo DS for his birthday and a game for it, as well as some great gifts from Ottawa (thanks K, G, R & F!).
Saturday, the 14th, was his birthday party – and he had requested a secret agent party! So I did invitations with the text reversed, so you had to read it in a mirror. And we set up a scavenger hunt, and did a fingerprinting game. The kids had a really good time, and most importantly, so did Ben! Although it was touch and go when he didn’t win the scavenger hunt…he calmed down though, and loved opening up all the presents he was given! A Webkinz, a Build-A-Bear, remote control cars, games, books, clothes, a watch…it was great, and a big thank you to everyone!
Saturday, the 14th, was his birthday party – and he had requested a secret agent party! So I did invitations with the text reversed, so you had to read it in a mirror. And we set up a scavenger hunt, and did a fingerprinting game. The kids had a really good time, and most importantly, so did Ben! Although it was touch and go when he didn’t win the scavenger hunt…he calmed down though, and loved opening up all the presents he was given! A Webkinz, a Build-A-Bear, remote control cars, games, books, clothes, a watch…it was great, and a big thank you to everyone!
Disney on Ice!
We went to see Disney on Ice last week – it was a great show! Ben is in skating lessons, so I thought it would be great for him to see all the skaters. Of course, I teared up a little bit when Mickey and Minnie came out. The kids were in awe, and the show was great – from Mickey & Minnie to Mulan to Pinocchio to Aladdin to The Incredibles!
One of the funniest things of the whole night was the woman dressed as Dory (from Finding Nemo). Dory's eyes were right on the woman's chest...see? (photo by Dan Harper)
One of the funniest things of the whole night was the woman dressed as Dory (from Finding Nemo). Dory's eyes were right on the woman's chest...see? (photo by Dan Harper)
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