Farewell 2008

Happy New Year!

It's here...another year, a fresh start. Welcome!

Whatever your New Year's Eve festivities look like I hope it includes fun, family & friends. Our quiet evening with friends was the perfect end to a busy season and year. There was much laughter at the antics of all three boys, too much tasty food, the right amount of wine and for some people the right score on the hockey game!

How did you spend your last night of 2008?

How will you start 2009?

My new year always starts the same way....breakfast with my new year's birthday sister. It's a lovely way to start the year, which usually includes a lot of laughter. And you know what they say about laughter....it's the best medicine.

So, may the first day of 2009 bring you copious amounts of the best medicine too!

Farewell 2008

Happy New Year!

It's here...another year, a fresh start. Welcome!

Whatever your New Year's Eve festivities look like I hope it includes fun, family & friends. Our quiet evening with friends was the perfect end to a busy season and year. There was much laughter at the antics of all three boys, too much tasty food, the right amount of wine and for some people the right score on the hockey game!

How did you spend your last night of 2008?

How will you start 2009?

My new year always starts the same way....breakfast with my new year's birthday sister. It's a lovely way to start the year, which usually includes a lot of laughter. And you know what they say about laughter....it's the best medicine.

So, may the first day of 2009 bring you copious amounts of the best medicine too!

Christmas 2008

Our family Christmas card pic. Which I have yet to send!:(

Christmas 2008....Whew! So much fun, so little sleep and so much food!


The boys examining the tree before our family xmas on the 23rd.

We had a lovely Christmas with fun friends on Christmas Eve, B's family Christmas & Boxing Day, my family the 27th, lunch at my sisters and then off to our "adopted family" in Strathmore on the 28th and today...a home day. Whew! Thank goodness. We're all exhausted and ready to stay home and play with the new toys.

Brotherly christmas kisses.

With all that visiting did I take pictures? No. Did I drag my camera long? Yes. Ugh.

My favorite husband & his loving momma on christmas day.

So here's a very few pics to represent our busy, busy Christmas.

W thrilled with his new grater.

Hope the season was good to you and that your camera made it out of it's bag.

Bup enjoying the process of unwrapping.

Christmas 2008

Our family Christmas card pic. Which I have yet to send!:(

Christmas 2008....Whew! So much fun, so little sleep and so much food!


The boys examining the tree before our family xmas on the 23rd.

We had a lovely Christmas with fun friends on Christmas Eve, B's family Christmas & Boxing Day, my family the 27th, lunch at my sisters and then off to our "adopted family" in Strathmore on the 28th and today...a home day. Whew! Thank goodness. We're all exhausted and ready to stay home and play with the new toys.

Brotherly christmas kisses.

With all that visiting did I take pictures? No. Did I drag my camera long? Yes. Ugh.

My favorite husband & his loving momma on christmas day.

So here's a very few pics to represent our busy, busy Christmas.

W thrilled with his new grater.

Hope the season was good to you and that your camera made it out of it's bag.

Bup enjoying the process of unwrapping.

Today's Craft & Activity

W & I completed a fun, easy Santa craft today...and you could too! Super easy and fun for the Littles because let's face it, when there is glue involved...it's all good!

You need:

paper plate

white glue

red construction paper

googly eyes (can draw your own)

cotton balls

Simply out line the eyes, nose, beard area, glue in the appropriate items, cut a triangle for a hat, again glue away and voila! Santa!

The activity of the day was somersaults on the couch! Great for W, but not for me. I got stuck in the head down pose and now need a chiropractor/massage therapist. Maybe pass on this.

What about Bup, you ask? Well, he was enjoying his morning Siesta so W and I were able to do some more "grown up" 3 yr old activities.

Today's Craft & Activity

W & I completed a fun, easy Santa craft today...and you could too! Super easy and fun for the Littles because let's face it, when there is glue involved...it's all good!

You need:

paper plate

white glue

red construction paper

googly eyes (can draw your own)

cotton balls

Simply out line the eyes, nose, beard area, glue in the appropriate items, cut a triangle for a hat, again glue away and voila! Santa!

The activity of the day was somersaults on the couch! Great for W, but not for me. I got stuck in the head down pose and now need a chiropractor/massage therapist. Maybe pass on this.

What about Bup, you ask? Well, he was enjoying his morning Siesta so W and I were able to do some more "grown up" 3 yr old activities.

Silent NIght

...holy night.
All is calm. The children are tucked all snug in their beds after hours of gifts and treats ruled the day.
All is bright. Did I mention the boys are asleep? Oh...welll...the tree is lit and the lights are dim.
....hope all is quiet, calm and bright this Christmas night for you & your family.
Merry Christmas.

Silent NIght

...holy night.
All is calm. The children are tucked all snug in their beds after hours of gifts and treats ruled the day.
All is bright. Did I mention the boys are asleep? Oh...welll...the tree is lit and the lights are dim.
....hope all is quiet, calm and bright this Christmas night for you & your family.
Merry Christmas.

New View

This post just happens to coincide with the upcoming new year and new resolutions. However, a "new year" resolution this is not, it's a much needed new view. I have felt uncharacteristically negative these days...weeks...months so it's time to turn that off. Enough. You reap what you sew, fake it 'til you make it, etc, etc, yadda, yadda, yadda which brings me to....
"What I'm Loving Right Now..."
and
"What I Love About You..." updates....stolen from the brilliant Alyson of Alyson's Wonderland.
Ahhhhh...it feels better already to be a little more like Positive Pollyanna rather than Negative Nelly.

What I'm Loving Right Now
1. Our Christmas Tree. It's just beautiful. The best ever! And I love that W and I put it up together and that he protects it and loves it too....and watching R back his little rocking horse up to the tree, sit on it backwards and chat about the ornaments while pointing and oh so wanting to touch. He even leaned in with his cutest kissy face to give the tree a kiss. *heart melting right now!*
2. This on line christmas radio station.
3. Experiencing W's first friend birthday party with him. Seeing W give his little buddy a big hug upon arrival and departure, hugging and kissing the little brother on top of his sweet blonde head...watching all the little boys sitting so patiently at the table, making music with their little hands tapping, clapping & banging while they waited for cake.....the fun of childhood!
4. Gin & pink grapefruit pop. So refreshing!
5. Snuggling up to my favorite husband at the end of a long day, dropping into a deep sleep, and keeping my bare naked noggin warm under the covers.

New View

This post just happens to coincide with the upcoming new year and new resolutions. However, a "new year" resolution this is not, it's a much needed new view. I have felt uncharacteristically negative these days...weeks...months so it's time to turn that off. Enough. You reap what you sew, fake it 'til you make it, etc, etc, yadda, yadda, yadda which brings me to....
"What I'm Loving Right Now..."
and
"What I Love About You..." updates....stolen from the brilliant Alyson of Alyson's Wonderland.
Ahhhhh...it feels better already to be a little more like Positive Pollyanna rather than Negative Nelly.

What I'm Loving Right Now
1. Our Christmas Tree. It's just beautiful. The best ever! And I love that W and I put it up together and that he protects it and loves it too....and watching R back his little rocking horse up to the tree, sit on it backwards and chat about the ornaments while pointing and oh so wanting to touch. He even leaned in with his cutest kissy face to give the tree a kiss. *heart melting right now!*
2. This on line christmas radio station.
3. Experiencing W's first friend birthday party with him. Seeing W give his little buddy a big hug upon arrival and departure, hugging and kissing the little brother on top of his sweet blonde head...watching all the little boys sitting so patiently at the table, making music with their little hands tapping, clapping & banging while they waited for cake.....the fun of childhood!
4. Gin & pink grapefruit pop. So refreshing!
5. Snuggling up to my favorite husband at the end of a long day, dropping into a deep sleep, and keeping my bare naked noggin warm under the covers.

Grey's Anatomy-"Keep the Ankle Biter Under Control"

Did anyone watch Grey's Anatomy tonight? Rerun or not.
The episode with the child running through the unit, his parents in hot pursuit and then he PULLS THE FIRE ALARM.
In a HOSPITAL.
Can I just say that is my life?
Yes.
Months ago, that was me chasing W only to have his little hand pull the alarm in the Emerg of the Children's Hospital.
Ugh.
Slightly funny now. Still not really laughing.
And then there's this episode on GA...almost detailing my experience.
Ugh.

Grey's Anatomy-"Keep the Ankle Biter Under Control"

Did anyone watch Grey's Anatomy tonight? Rerun or not.
The episode with the child running through the unit, his parents in hot pursuit and then he PULLS THE FIRE ALARM.
In a HOSPITAL.
Can I just say that is my life?
Yes.
Months ago, that was me chasing W only to have his little hand pull the alarm in the Emerg of the Children's Hospital.
Ugh.
Slightly funny now. Still not really laughing.
And then there's this episode on GA...almost detailing my experience.
Ugh.

He's Sees You When You're Sleeping, He Knows When You're Awake

The countdown is truly on. Christmas in one week. Are you ready?

Now, really, the question should be "Am I ready?"

Not completely. Today I realized I'm starting to feel overwhelmed too. 98% of the shopping is done as well as the grocery shopping, 3 Cookie Exchanges baked & shared but there is cleaning and organizing and the tree to put up and wrapping and ... and....where's the gin? Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of gin! (I'm giving Coconut Rum a rest...for now...)

Of course, Bup is too young for all the Christmas hype yet we did manage to have the traditional Santa's helper photo taken at the mall, complete with R in tears. It's a sad yet really cute picture. Then there's W, he was excited and agreeable until we stood in front of the bearded magic man. Poor old mall Santa got the worst stink eye ever and then W sat himself on his bottom on the floor and continued to glare daggers at the old gent. Yes, and Santa was taking us as the last child prior to his lunch...he works a 12 hr day...and was famished. So, W received the box of cookies, glared his last stink eye, and walked away holding my hand while telling me "I won't sit on Santa's knee."

There are so many amazing charities and people in need. What do you do for others during the holiday season? Food bank donations? Adopt a Family? Children's gift for Toy Mountain? Baking for others? Childcare? (pick me! pick me! ) We have done a number of different things over the seasons, but this year I've yet to get my act together. Any ideas?

One sweet point is that W thinks this is Christmas, that everyday this month is Christmas. Snow and Christmas lights 'n' decorations and a few treats and THIS is Christmas. He often asks "Mommy, what do you want for Christmas?" And then proceeds to tell me what I can choose...usually a toy, music for dad, toy for Bup, but today I could have a book too! Wuhoo!

So, again....are you ready?

I'm not.

He's Sees You When You're Sleeping, He Knows When You're Awake

The countdown is truly on. Christmas in one week. Are you ready?

Now, really, the question should be "Am I ready?"

Not completely. Today I realized I'm starting to feel overwhelmed too. 98% of the shopping is done as well as the grocery shopping, 3 Cookie Exchanges baked & shared but there is cleaning and organizing and the tree to put up and wrapping and ... and....where's the gin? Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of gin! (I'm giving Coconut Rum a rest...for now...)

Of course, Bup is too young for all the Christmas hype yet we did manage to have the traditional Santa's helper photo taken at the mall, complete with R in tears. It's a sad yet really cute picture. Then there's W, he was excited and agreeable until we stood in front of the bearded magic man. Poor old mall Santa got the worst stink eye ever and then W sat himself on his bottom on the floor and continued to glare daggers at the old gent. Yes, and Santa was taking us as the last child prior to his lunch...he works a 12 hr day...and was famished. So, W received the box of cookies, glared his last stink eye, and walked away holding my hand while telling me "I won't sit on Santa's knee."

There are so many amazing charities and people in need. What do you do for others during the holiday season? Food bank donations? Adopt a Family? Children's gift for Toy Mountain? Baking for others? Childcare? (pick me! pick me! ) We have done a number of different things over the seasons, but this year I've yet to get my act together. Any ideas?

One sweet point is that W thinks this is Christmas, that everyday this month is Christmas. Snow and Christmas lights 'n' decorations and a few treats and THIS is Christmas. He often asks "Mommy, what do you want for Christmas?" And then proceeds to tell me what I can choose...usually a toy, music for dad, toy for Bup, but today I could have a book too! Wuhoo!

So, again....are you ready?

I'm not.

The Bald Couple

We're not "odd".

Just bald.

The Bald Couple

We're not "odd".

Just bald.

Epilepsy Fundrasier - BNN - Bald is Beautiful?

We did it!! Wuhoo! 17 heads of hair and $20 000 dollars later and hopefully people are talking about Epilepsy...coming out of the cold & dark. Sharing, learning and building each other up.

What a fun day! It really was super. Bup was such a trooper spending the lunch hour(s) in a public crowd and not being able to run loose. He amused himself by making funny faces at strangers, and tapping them on the shoulders and trying to eat one bystander's pretzels!

The Shave....well, I was worried that I would get emotional and cry on stage when explaining why I am doing this, but with R in my arms and the smiling faces of my husband and friends in the crowd, I found a strength and calm. Whew! Although, while waiting at the bottom of the stage I was feeling a tad nervous, like I could faint any minute now...come on get this over with! Alas there was no fainting, no tears, just lots of smiles. It was an interesting feeling having all my locks shorn off...by a professional lacrosse cheerleader (I kid you not!), in public, and the razor getting hot on my scalp.....and now it just feels like when you're walking around in the cool air with a wet head. To touch it....feels like the poky side of Velcro!

The whole point.....is to get people talking and more aware of Epilepsy, to financially enhance the education programs at Epilepsy Calgary and we did just that. I'm so excited and hope that the funds raised will go far in enlightening all of us to the world of epilepsy. One more step in eliminating the stigma that goes with seizures.

So, wuhoo to all of YOU who helped with this. And all of you who supported me or other participants whether emotionally or financially....YOU did this so many heartfelt thanks to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Epilepsy Fundrasier - BNN - Bald is Beautiful?

We did it!! Wuhoo! 17 heads of hair and $20 000 dollars later and hopefully people are talking about Epilepsy...coming out of the cold & dark. Sharing, learning and building each other up.

What a fun day! It really was super. Bup was such a trooper spending the lunch hour(s) in a public crowd and not being able to run loose. He amused himself by making funny faces at strangers, and tapping them on the shoulders and trying to eat one bystander's pretzels!

The Shave....well, I was worried that I would get emotional and cry on stage when explaining why I am doing this, but with R in my arms and the smiling faces of my husband and friends in the crowd, I found a strength and calm. Whew! Although, while waiting at the bottom of the stage I was feeling a tad nervous, like I could faint any minute now...come on get this over with! Alas there was no fainting, no tears, just lots of smiles. It was an interesting feeling having all my locks shorn off...by a professional lacrosse cheerleader (I kid you not!), in public, and the razor getting hot on my scalp.....and now it just feels like when you're walking around in the cool air with a wet head. To touch it....feels like the poky side of Velcro!

The whole point.....is to get people talking and more aware of Epilepsy, to financially enhance the education programs at Epilepsy Calgary and we did just that. I'm so excited and hope that the funds raised will go far in enlightening all of us to the world of epilepsy. One more step in eliminating the stigma that goes with seizures.

So, wuhoo to all of YOU who helped with this. And all of you who supported me or other participants whether emotionally or financially....YOU did this so many heartfelt thanks to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This is Not Bald Weather

This is why bald people should not style hair. Poor Bup!

-29 this morning. Winter has set in. Just in time for tomorrow when the Bare Naked Noggins event takes place.

Bald.

Bald & -25. Help!! Where's that bellaclava? In the entrance closet? Find it quick!

If you've some spare time tomorrow come on down to Banker's Hall to witness the Bare Naked Noggins fundraising head shave for Epilepsy. Support us with your presence!

This is Not Bald Weather

This is why bald people should not style hair. Poor Bup!

-29 this morning. Winter has set in. Just in time for tomorrow when the Bare Naked Noggins event takes place.

Bald.

Bald & -25. Help!! Where's that bellaclava? In the entrance closet? Find it quick!

If you've some spare time tomorrow come on down to Banker's Hall to witness the Bare Naked Noggins fundraising head shave for Epilepsy. Support us with your presence!

Parenting is Not for Those with a Weak Stomach

It's been one of those weeks.
Exhausted. No one sleeping through the night.
Runny noses. Coughs.
Grouchiness. Probably me more than the boys.
And more stories to add to the "Urine Journal". We're in a Urine-nation. This week there was an incident in which my foot was peed on....on purpose. There was also a freaking out moment when I caught one little boy peeing in the front load washing machine. Yup. I don't know if we can top that....and he better not try!

Parenting is Not for Those with a Weak Stomach

It's been one of those weeks.
Exhausted. No one sleeping through the night.
Runny noses. Coughs.
Grouchiness. Probably me more than the boys.
And more stories to add to the "Urine Journal". We're in a Urine-nation. This week there was an incident in which my foot was peed on....on purpose. There was also a freaking out moment when I caught one little boy peeing in the front load washing machine. Yup. I don't know if we can top that....and he better not try!

"Cans for Comments"

Check out this blog & LEAVE A COMMENT!
For every comment made a donation will be made by Perspective Eye to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank.
What an easy way to give...for the commenter's anyway!:)
http://perspectiveyeblog.com/index.php?link=67

And a big thanks to Miss CM for enlightening me about Cans for Comments!
Let's hope that this little shout out creates more comments and more cans, less hunger and more hope.

"Cans for Comments"

Check out this blog & LEAVE A COMMENT!
For every comment made a donation will be made by Perspective Eye to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank.
What an easy way to give...for the commenter's anyway!:)
http://perspectiveyeblog.com/index.php?link=67

And a big thanks to Miss CM for enlightening me about Cans for Comments!
Let's hope that this little shout out creates more comments and more cans, less hunger and more hope.

The Donation Box

This is an email I sent to the coordinator of the Bare Naked Noggins event. She needs to hear the good stuff too!

Hi M,
I just wanted to share an amazing example of support in regards to the Bare Naked Noggins Event.
My brother in law, BW, portrays this image of being a bit gruff and a "man's man", but he's really a softie and all heart. Here's why. He works in the oil field as a company man...kinda the boss of the whole rig, if you're not familiar with rig life. Anyway, my husband B was on site working tonight, and in BW's office was this box. The outside of it was labelled "GIVE OR GET OUT" and taped to the desk beside the donation box was a print out of my BNN profile!!! I am just happily stunned and so proud of my brother in law. His support has been tremendous, he loves his nephew without a doubt, but he's really gone above and beyond to help me in my fundraising efforts.
I hope this little story, makes you smile on this snowy, Monday.
One more week to go...wuhoo!
M

The Donation Box

This is an email I sent to the coordinator of the Bare Naked Noggins event. She needs to hear the good stuff too!

Hi M,
I just wanted to share an amazing example of support in regards to the Bare Naked Noggins Event.
My brother in law, BW, portrays this image of being a bit gruff and a "man's man", but he's really a softie and all heart. Here's why. He works in the oil field as a company man...kinda the boss of the whole rig, if you're not familiar with rig life. Anyway, my husband B was on site working tonight, and in BW's office was this box. The outside of it was labelled "GIVE OR GET OUT" and taped to the desk beside the donation box was a print out of my BNN profile!!! I am just happily stunned and so proud of my brother in law. His support has been tremendous, he loves his nephew without a doubt, but he's really gone above and beyond to help me in my fundraising efforts.
I hope this little story, makes you smile on this snowy, Monday.
One more week to go...wuhoo!
M

The Urine Journal

Boys & pee.
It's an interesting relationship.
How is it that they want to pee everywhere and mainly out doors?
Last week there was the incident of attempting to pee on the snow of a friend & AVON customers' front yard. Then yesterday, W was caught in full arc as I was buckling R into his car seat. W was standing in the front drive way on a utility trailer, peeing over the edge towards the neighbors. That's not acceptable in Scottish neighborhoods is it? I hope our Elgin friends forgive us the impromptu liquid fertilizer application.
We gotta keep this boy under wraps. Overalls & snowpants it is!

The Urine Journal

Boys & pee.
It's an interesting relationship.
How is it that they want to pee everywhere and mainly out doors?
Last week there was the incident of attempting to pee on the snow of a friend & AVON customers' front yard. Then yesterday, W was caught in full arc as I was buckling R into his car seat. W was standing in the front drive way on a utility trailer, peeing over the edge towards the neighbors. That's not acceptable in Scottish neighborhoods is it? I hope our Elgin friends forgive us the impromptu liquid fertilizer application.
We gotta keep this boy under wraps. Overalls & snowpants it is!

Parties, Hospital Appts & More....

Saturday Night -Country Christmas Party - My favorite husband's work Christmas party is held at a country farmhouse restaurant near Gleichen and it's such a lovely setting. The proprietor and her family are so warm, the food fantastic traditional Christmas dinner, fun shopping in every room to dream of, and of course, good company with B's colleagues. The surprise of the night was a secret santa gift I received. The CUTEST hat and scarf. I'm not sure who my surprise friend is but I have a feeling it's someone who hails from farther east than Gleichen, let's just call her Ann, Ann with an E. Thank you Anne!

Kids Christmas - 10 littles between the ages of 18mths & 4yrs. So fun! They did great. Very few squabbles or tears, mainly happy happy. The snowman craft was a hit as well as the bouncy house. Picture one boy in particular jumping off the railing over the walls of the house. Aaahhhh! Yeah, guess who....W! I offered all the mom's to leave their littles while they enjoyed three hours to themselves for Christmas shopping, etc....but they all stayed! Lovely ladies!! Thanks for the company & visit!

Did I take any pictures? No! Just what crumbs were left from our feast of snacking.

Santa Clause Parade - B took the boys to the Santa Clause Parade down south. They had a great day! Oh! There was a peeing in the Veterans Park incident there too....we really do have a problem in this area! Other than that, all went well and the three boys enjoyed their special day together.

Speech Therapy - great appt! R did so well. All is as we suspected, not enough words or sounds for his age, so we're on a Q 3 week schedule for therapy and a referral for hearing test, although I have no concerns in this area. He's our little arial ears!

Dishwashing. One of their favorite new past times.

Parties, Hospital Appts & More....

Saturday Night -Country Christmas Party - My favorite husband's work Christmas party is held at a country farmhouse restaurant near Gleichen and it's such a lovely setting. The proprietor and her family are so warm, the food fantastic traditional Christmas dinner, fun shopping in every room to dream of, and of course, good company with B's colleagues. The surprise of the night was a secret santa gift I received. The CUTEST hat and scarf. I'm not sure who my surprise friend is but I have a feeling it's someone who hails from farther east than Gleichen, let's just call her Ann, Ann with an E. Thank you Anne!

Kids Christmas - 10 littles between the ages of 18mths & 4yrs. So fun! They did great. Very few squabbles or tears, mainly happy happy. The snowman craft was a hit as well as the bouncy house. Picture one boy in particular jumping off the railing over the walls of the house. Aaahhhh! Yeah, guess who....W! I offered all the mom's to leave their littles while they enjoyed three hours to themselves for Christmas shopping, etc....but they all stayed! Lovely ladies!! Thanks for the company & visit!

Did I take any pictures? No! Just what crumbs were left from our feast of snacking.

Santa Clause Parade - B took the boys to the Santa Clause Parade down south. They had a great day! Oh! There was a peeing in the Veterans Park incident there too....we really do have a problem in this area! Other than that, all went well and the three boys enjoyed their special day together.

Speech Therapy - great appt! R did so well. All is as we suspected, not enough words or sounds for his age, so we're on a Q 3 week schedule for therapy and a referral for hearing test, although I have no concerns in this area. He's our little arial ears!

Dishwashing. One of their favorite new past times.

December

The month of holly, cookies, shopping, snow, a plethora of decorations, etc.
We started the morning by partially decorating the house in preparation for the Children's Christmas Party - 10 kidlings between the ages of 18 months and 4 yrs. So fun!
W loved decorating. He put every snowman on top of the TV armoire and danced with a sprig of red berries in his hands..."Wave them Mommy, wave them!" Bup enoyed it too. He had lots to say when he woke from his nap to find garland on the fireplace mantle. They're still intact too!
So, the month of festivities begins. May you all enjoy the month of December without pressure, family frustrations, or fear of the buffet table. Enjoy!

December

The month of holly, cookies, shopping, snow, a plethora of decorations, etc.
We started the morning by partially decorating the house in preparation for the Children's Christmas Party - 10 kidlings between the ages of 18 months and 4 yrs. So fun!
W loved decorating. He put every snowman on top of the TV armoire and danced with a sprig of red berries in his hands..."Wave them Mommy, wave them!" Bup enoyed it too. He had lots to say when he woke from his nap to find garland on the fireplace mantle. They're still intact too!
So, the month of festivities begins. May you all enjoy the month of December without pressure, family frustrations, or fear of the buffet table. Enjoy!