Welcome 2010

Happy New Year!

Time for celebrating...reflection...and plans for the future.

Celebrating...we're off to share this holiday with my family in my little hometown. I'm really quite looking forward to it as it's been ages since I've been home....long overdue.

Reflection....I'm okay with saying farewell to 2009...this was a year of learning and perseverance in regards to advocating for my sons...lessons in the need for self care...loss of friends...pride in awareness work for Epilepsy and Cancer....lots of laughter and antics from the boys...etc, etc.

Future Plans...well, firstly, our little weekend get-away to Las Vegas. Woot! Woot!

Plans for self-care...even joining a weight loss competition at work (ack! what was I thinking!!)...hair re-growth...organizing a girls' night in on a regular basis....and more importantly plans for more positive thoughts, laughter and enjoying my life..the little things...cause really, that's what it's all about.

So, 2010, bring us all peace, prosperity, and good health. The basics. That's what we need. Bring it on!

May the turning of the calendar be a time of peace and joy for you.

See you next year!

Mrs. M

PS: "See you next year" I clearly remember sobbing as a little girl when my father said this to me as he & my mom left for a New Year's celebration. I was devestated! Cause I really thought it would be a whole year!

Welcome 2010

Happy New Year!

Time for celebrating...reflection...and plans for the future.

Celebrating...we're off to share this holiday with my family in my little hometown. I'm really quite looking forward to it as it's been ages since I've been home....long overdue.

Reflection....I'm okay with saying farewell to 2009...this was a year of learning and perseverance in regards to advocating for my sons...lessons in the need for self care...loss of friends...pride in awareness work for Epilepsy and Cancer....lots of laughter and antics from the boys...etc, etc.

Future Plans...well, firstly, our little weekend get-away to Las Vegas. Woot! Woot!

Plans for self-care...even joining a weight loss competition at work (ack! what was I thinking!!)...hair re-growth...organizing a girls' night in on a regular basis....and more importantly plans for more positive thoughts, laughter and enjoying my life..the little things...cause really, that's what it's all about.

So, 2010, bring us all peace, prosperity, and good health. The basics. That's what we need. Bring it on!

May the turning of the calendar be a time of peace and joy for you.

See you next year!

Mrs. M

PS: "See you next year" I clearly remember sobbing as a little girl when my father said this to me as he & my mom left for a New Year's celebration. I was devestated! Cause I really thought it would be a whole year!

An RWB Christmas

Merry! Merry! To you all. I do imagine that the festivities are still continuing today and hope you are with friends and family.
We celebrated with our chosen family (dear, dear friends) on Christmas Eve and enjoyed their tradition of Chinese Food take out...mmmm. There was laughter and gifts and chatting and munching and hugs and a few broken items ...ahem! my boys....and then time to go home to watch Home Alone, set out popcorn and fruit for Santy as well as reindeer food for his crew....and then wrap presents until 2am!
It was so fun to share this Christmas with W as he's the prefect age for innocent believing and excitement. Bup is still to young but he definitely gets the whole present thing. "Presents! Presents!" W was thrilled when he woke up to see presents under the tree and immediately ran upstairs to tell us and then it was all we could do to hold him back from opening them all. Poor Bup had to be woken up so that he could join in the merriment.
Christmas Day brought my husband's side of the family, food and more food...we ate ALL DAY. Dips, spreads, schmears, fruit, turkey, sweet potatoes and even a few green veggies as well. Even Coconut (vegan) Ice Cream. Mmmm! I'm sure we could have fed a small village!
Throughout the food frenzy there were gifts and Hungry Hippo games, picture taking (in which I bribed the boys to be in the picture by offering them a contraband sugar free chocolate!....gasp!...I KNOW! but I had to do something...and it worked...they're in the pictures...not to compliant and smiley,but they're there!).... and playing with lego, augers, trucks and other favorite gifts.
The little boys did awesome amongst all the hoopla...peaceful, fun, happy, agreeable. It was fabulous! And of course short lived 'cause today they are CRANKY and already in bed for naps.
Today...Boxing Day...quiet time for me as I'm working and then we're off to our family tradition of the Zoo Lights. Simply magical.
May your Christmas and Boxing Day be one of peace and happiness....regardless of how you celebrate or with whom....may there be peace in your heart and turkey in your tummy!

An RWB Christmas

Merry! Merry! To you all. I do imagine that the festivities are still continuing today and hope you are with friends and family.
We celebrated with our chosen family (dear, dear friends) on Christmas Eve and enjoyed their tradition of Chinese Food take out...mmmm. There was laughter and gifts and chatting and munching and hugs and a few broken items ...ahem! my boys....and then time to go home to watch Home Alone, set out popcorn and fruit for Santy as well as reindeer food for his crew....and then wrap presents until 2am!
It was so fun to share this Christmas with W as he's the prefect age for innocent believing and excitement. Bup is still to young but he definitely gets the whole present thing. "Presents! Presents!" W was thrilled when he woke up to see presents under the tree and immediately ran upstairs to tell us and then it was all we could do to hold him back from opening them all. Poor Bup had to be woken up so that he could join in the merriment.
Christmas Day brought my husband's side of the family, food and more food...we ate ALL DAY. Dips, spreads, schmears, fruit, turkey, sweet potatoes and even a few green veggies as well. Even Coconut (vegan) Ice Cream. Mmmm! I'm sure we could have fed a small village!
Throughout the food frenzy there were gifts and Hungry Hippo games, picture taking (in which I bribed the boys to be in the picture by offering them a contraband sugar free chocolate!....gasp!...I KNOW! but I had to do something...and it worked...they're in the pictures...not to compliant and smiley,but they're there!).... and playing with lego, augers, trucks and other favorite gifts.
The little boys did awesome amongst all the hoopla...peaceful, fun, happy, agreeable. It was fabulous! And of course short lived 'cause today they are CRANKY and already in bed for naps.
Today...Boxing Day...quiet time for me as I'm working and then we're off to our family tradition of the Zoo Lights. Simply magical.
May your Christmas and Boxing Day be one of peace and happiness....regardless of how you celebrate or with whom....may there be peace in your heart and turkey in your tummy!

KCCO

For my dear friend Mrs. Mittens....myself...and the rest of the world. Here is my Christmas message to you!

I first saw this just recently on a lovely rid tin sign with white writing and instantly told my husband "I NEED that!" and that is my mantra and have even been reciting it to my 4yr old when he gets frustrated. And now Mrs. Mittens has reminded me of it's importance...so here's to you, me and everyone else who is in need of a little peace!

KCCO

For my dear friend Mrs. Mittens....myself...and the rest of the world. Here is my Christmas message to you!

I first saw this just recently on a lovely rid tin sign with white writing and instantly told my husband "I NEED that!" and that is my mantra and have even been reciting it to my 4yr old when he gets frustrated. And now Mrs. Mittens has reminded me of it's importance...so here's to you, me and everyone else who is in need of a little peace!

Christmas Shirts

A little Christmas crafting has taken place in the RWB household.

Cheater crafting.

Easy crafting.

Cause I'm all about quick and easy. More like assembling that true crafting or sewing.

These shirts are going to two of my great-nieces....yes I have great-nieces, 3 of them!...they're not quite finished. I'm going to stitch around the perimeter of the letter/number with a contrasting embroidery thread. I purchased inexpensive t-shirts, used fabric quarters, heat & bond, and downloaded templates off the net. My inspiration came from Sassafrass. She was at a local Christmas Market and I loved her designs, but didn't know what sizes I needed and thought..."I can do that!" So here they are.

Christmas Shirts

A little Christmas crafting has taken place in the RWB household.

Cheater crafting.

Easy crafting.

Cause I'm all about quick and easy. More like assembling that true crafting or sewing.

These shirts are going to two of my great-nieces....yes I have great-nieces, 3 of them!...they're not quite finished. I'm going to stitch around the perimeter of the letter/number with a contrasting embroidery thread. I purchased inexpensive t-shirts, used fabric quarters, heat & bond, and downloaded templates off the net. My inspiration came from Sassafrass. She was at a local Christmas Market and I loved her designs, but didn't know what sizes I needed and thought..."I can do that!" So here they are.

Merry Mini Men

"Cheese!"

Bup is our little model. He loves to flash his little toothy cheese pose.

"Mommy! Come see my rocket ship! "

Our resident engineer, W. He's the maker of all things and today it was rocket ship day. Off to Mars and other planets where he saw space aliens. I'm sure they went to Jupiter too as that is his favorite planet.

Now, these two little turkeys ought to be served up at Christmas dinner! After a challenging morning...that's a whole other post....I gave myself a time-out in my room. Which is always dangerous but in the long run better for everyone. Anyway...these two little climbers were dancing on Bup's dresser, happy as can be, and the rest of the room was a disaster...the floor was unseen and the change table was empty. Busy, merry boys!

W is fascinated by candles. Which is slightly scary. So today I managed to have one lit for...oh, two minutes...before he snuffed it out.

And that was our day...Merry Boys keeping their mother guessing as to what is next.

Merry Mini Men

"Cheese!"

Bup is our little model. He loves to flash his little toothy cheese pose.

"Mommy! Come see my rocket ship! "

Our resident engineer, W. He's the maker of all things and today it was rocket ship day. Off to Mars and other planets where he saw space aliens. I'm sure they went to Jupiter too as that is his favorite planet.

Now, these two little turkeys ought to be served up at Christmas dinner! After a challenging morning...that's a whole other post....I gave myself a time-out in my room. Which is always dangerous but in the long run better for everyone. Anyway...these two little climbers were dancing on Bup's dresser, happy as can be, and the rest of the room was a disaster...the floor was unseen and the change table was empty. Busy, merry boys!

W is fascinated by candles. Which is slightly scary. So today I managed to have one lit for...oh, two minutes...before he snuffed it out.

And that was our day...Merry Boys keeping their mother guessing as to what is next.

Thoughts Before Christmas...

This may seem controversial to you...and maybe it is, but it just struck me in a way that made me want to share...not judge....just share. As I'm just as guilty as everyone else as forgetting the real reason for Christmas. I found this somewhere along my web travels. May you have a happy Christmas season and have the true Christmas touch your heart in some small way.

*Twas the week before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me..*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,not Happy Holiday

Thoughts Before Christmas...

This may seem controversial to you...and maybe it is, but it just struck me in a way that made me want to share...not judge....just share. As I'm just as guilty as everyone else as forgetting the real reason for Christmas. I found this somewhere along my web travels. May you have a happy Christmas season and have the true Christmas touch your heart in some small way.

*Twas the week before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me..*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,not Happy Holiday

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

We're not singing this carol about the house...as the boys tell me to "Stop it." or "Stop that noise" when I sing. Huh! Can you imagine?!

The decorations are all up...almost.

The baking has been thought about, but not attempted. Honestly I'm a little nervous about Free Eating Christmas baking. GF means crumbly!

The little tree is the Blessing Table for the boys. They're welcome to touch, play, rearrange and they do. In fact today there was an industrial hook of sorts hanging from it and the baby Christmas bear is often moved about or travelling throughout the house.

Do you like our cone trees? Hats as the boys call them. No I didn't make them but certainly admire those that are handmade.

What's your favorite decoration this season?

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

We're not singing this carol about the house...as the boys tell me to "Stop it." or "Stop that noise" when I sing. Huh! Can you imagine?!

The decorations are all up...almost.

The baking has been thought about, but not attempted. Honestly I'm a little nervous about Free Eating Christmas baking. GF means crumbly!

The little tree is the Blessing Table for the boys. They're welcome to touch, play, rearrange and they do. In fact today there was an industrial hook of sorts hanging from it and the baby Christmas bear is often moved about or travelling throughout the house.

Do you like our cone trees? Hats as the boys call them. No I didn't make them but certainly admire those that are handmade.

What's your favorite decoration this season?

ADHD Rant

Today I'm feeling the hate and frustration towards ADHD.
Why did it chose my child?
It's so...not...fair!
I feel for him. The struggles he will have within society, school, etc. Being accepted for who he is. Seen as himself, not just the ADHD label. It's already there....these struggles.
Yesterday was W's pre-school Christmas concert. Which I had to miss as needed to be at the hospital with Bup. Thankfully Favorite Husband took the day to spend with W, who was thrilled! Back to the concert....our little boy was the only one who could not sit still, was hitting the pom pom on the child in front of him, would not shake his bells, and had to leave the group to sit in the audience....where the challenges continued.
How does this make me feel? Mad at W for these behaviors?
Nope.
Sad. Sad that he has to go through this. Sad that parents would have been judging him. Hopeful that the teachers were not as the KNOW. Sad that he wasn't able to participate like his peers.
At bedtime W & I often have "pillow talk". It's lovely. He opens up. So last night I asked what happened at the concert....why wasn't he able to sit through his songs....too many people there? Too excited?
"Too much noise Mommy."
Ahhhh....the sensory issues come into play too. Double whammy. I wish I had thought about that and prepared him for it. An additional aspect effecting W was food. He wouldn't eat his lunch so would have been fairly hungry....blood sugars crashing...and that equals increased fidgets, inability to listen, etc.
So, what's the point of all my rambling and explaining??? Venting. That I FEEL for our son. That sometimes I HATE ADHD (sometimes I see it as a gift because W is such a special little guy, but other times I hate what it does to him). That we have some big decisions to make surrounding school.
Here Kindergarten registration starts at the beginning of January. January 4th for some private schools. January 11th for all the public schools. Where do we choose for W? Public? He'll get lost in the system. Everywhere else requires driving. I need to think of Bup's lifestyle too and future education as it would be lovely to have them in the same school. It would be lovely to have them schooled in our community....to be a part of our neighborhood. Is that the best choice though, support-wise? Private = driving, time, and expenses. I am stumped, stumped, stumped....sort of. In my heart I believe that the public regular school is not the way to go....so now where do we choose? Where do we go? Besides the pretend compound I would like to live on and our homeschool classroom!
So, there. There it is. My vent and heartache for the day. Thank goodness for this outlet or who knows what I would be doing...probably searching the cupboards for a bottle of rum, I mean vanilla!

ADHD Rant

Today I'm feeling the hate and frustration towards ADHD.
Why did it chose my child?
It's so...not...fair!
I feel for him. The struggles he will have within society, school, etc. Being accepted for who he is. Seen as himself, not just the ADHD label. It's already there....these struggles.
Yesterday was W's pre-school Christmas concert. Which I had to miss as needed to be at the hospital with Bup. Thankfully Favorite Husband took the day to spend with W, who was thrilled! Back to the concert....our little boy was the only one who could not sit still, was hitting the pom pom on the child in front of him, would not shake his bells, and had to leave the group to sit in the audience....where the challenges continued.
How does this make me feel? Mad at W for these behaviors?
Nope.
Sad. Sad that he has to go through this. Sad that parents would have been judging him. Hopeful that the teachers were not as the KNOW. Sad that he wasn't able to participate like his peers.
At bedtime W & I often have "pillow talk". It's lovely. He opens up. So last night I asked what happened at the concert....why wasn't he able to sit through his songs....too many people there? Too excited?
"Too much noise Mommy."
Ahhhh....the sensory issues come into play too. Double whammy. I wish I had thought about that and prepared him for it. An additional aspect effecting W was food. He wouldn't eat his lunch so would have been fairly hungry....blood sugars crashing...and that equals increased fidgets, inability to listen, etc.
So, what's the point of all my rambling and explaining??? Venting. That I FEEL for our son. That sometimes I HATE ADHD (sometimes I see it as a gift because W is such a special little guy, but other times I hate what it does to him). That we have some big decisions to make surrounding school.
Here Kindergarten registration starts at the beginning of January. January 4th for some private schools. January 11th for all the public schools. Where do we choose for W? Public? He'll get lost in the system. Everywhere else requires driving. I need to think of Bup's lifestyle too and future education as it would be lovely to have them in the same school. It would be lovely to have them schooled in our community....to be a part of our neighborhood. Is that the best choice though, support-wise? Private = driving, time, and expenses. I am stumped, stumped, stumped....sort of. In my heart I believe that the public regular school is not the way to go....so now where do we choose? Where do we go? Besides the pretend compound I would like to live on and our homeschool classroom!
So, there. There it is. My vent and heartache for the day. Thank goodness for this outlet or who knows what I would be doing...probably searching the cupboards for a bottle of rum, I mean vanilla!

Tuberous Sclerosis - Neuro & Clinical Genetics Updates

We've been busy attending appointments in Neurology and Clinical Genetics these past few days. Both were follow ups for Bup...not embarking on anything new. Whew!
Clinical Genetics - reviewing all the tests conducted to determine if Favorite Husband, W, or myself have TSC. We do NOT!! The MRI's were all "pristine"! Abdominal Ultrasounds...W's clear, while FH and I each have a small, no-need-to-worry-or-act finding; "tiny" kidney cyst and probable teeny-tiny liver "tumor". Woods Lamp...W has two non-pigmented spots & one pigmented, B & me are clear. Lastly a Opthamology appointment is still pending, but is fully expected to have zero findings as well. And all that is considered...pristine! Which puts our Bup in the genetic mutation cause of TSC and gives us a %2 chance of having more children with TSC. Do we know if this is considered TSC1 or TSC2? No. That particular genetic test has not been done...is not being funded (funding, funding, funding! Argh! Dr. Neuro shared that "they" are not funding anything right now....very frustrating on so many levels...but another post for the future...) right now due to financial cutbacks and is deemed unnecessary as the results will not change Bup's quality of life and he's not about to start having children anytime soon.
Which we will not be doing as our little family is capped! Capped I say. Although...who doesn't love a snugly baby and want one? Hmmmm...but then they turn into moving munchkins who tell you such things as "GoWay! No, Mommy, no follow me!"

Neurology - it had been over a year since Bup had seen Dr. Neuro...definately time. Dr. Neuro was thrilled with R's development & basic Neuro tests. Bup was a typical two yr old throughout the visit...trying to escape, to climb on the bed & use the ottoscope, cuddled in my arms snuggling with his "keekee" (blanket...which was actually my scarf as I forgot his little blanket at home...it worked though, the scarf), crying & struggling through the exams. Gone is my content little patient. Long Gone!
Dr. Neuro increased Keppra because a couple of breakthrough seizures were seen recently. Ugh. I hate seizures. I hate increasing meds. The risk of side effects. With Keppra the concern is mood & behavior affect...which we will watch closely. A repeat of tests with Cardiology and Nephrology were ordered...just to make sure the tumors haven't grown. Even if they have, which I hope not, it's not a huge worry at this point because R isn't having any side effects in regards to his kidneys or heart.
Dr. Neuro still brought up surgery. How if one day it becomes a necessity that surgery really does wonders. I know he's just putting me at ease because this once was a strong consideration. I know from others that it's effective and life-saving...but I still hope we never have to go there and am grateful that right now we do not.
Having said all that, all is well with our little man....and what could be a better holiday gift than this?

Tuberous Sclerosis - Neuro & Clinical Genetics Updates

We've been busy attending appointments in Neurology and Clinical Genetics these past few days. Both were follow ups for Bup...not embarking on anything new. Whew!
Clinical Genetics - reviewing all the tests conducted to determine if Favorite Husband, W, or myself have TSC. We do NOT!! The MRI's were all "pristine"! Abdominal Ultrasounds...W's clear, while FH and I each have a small, no-need-to-worry-or-act finding; "tiny" kidney cyst and probable teeny-tiny liver "tumor". Woods Lamp...W has two non-pigmented spots & one pigmented, B & me are clear. Lastly a Opthamology appointment is still pending, but is fully expected to have zero findings as well. And all that is considered...pristine! Which puts our Bup in the genetic mutation cause of TSC and gives us a %2 chance of having more children with TSC. Do we know if this is considered TSC1 or TSC2? No. That particular genetic test has not been done...is not being funded (funding, funding, funding! Argh! Dr. Neuro shared that "they" are not funding anything right now....very frustrating on so many levels...but another post for the future...) right now due to financial cutbacks and is deemed unnecessary as the results will not change Bup's quality of life and he's not about to start having children anytime soon.
Which we will not be doing as our little family is capped! Capped I say. Although...who doesn't love a snugly baby and want one? Hmmmm...but then they turn into moving munchkins who tell you such things as "GoWay! No, Mommy, no follow me!"

Neurology - it had been over a year since Bup had seen Dr. Neuro...definately time. Dr. Neuro was thrilled with R's development & basic Neuro tests. Bup was a typical two yr old throughout the visit...trying to escape, to climb on the bed & use the ottoscope, cuddled in my arms snuggling with his "keekee" (blanket...which was actually my scarf as I forgot his little blanket at home...it worked though, the scarf), crying & struggling through the exams. Gone is my content little patient. Long Gone!
Dr. Neuro increased Keppra because a couple of breakthrough seizures were seen recently. Ugh. I hate seizures. I hate increasing meds. The risk of side effects. With Keppra the concern is mood & behavior affect...which we will watch closely. A repeat of tests with Cardiology and Nephrology were ordered...just to make sure the tumors haven't grown. Even if they have, which I hope not, it's not a huge worry at this point because R isn't having any side effects in regards to his kidneys or heart.
Dr. Neuro still brought up surgery. How if one day it becomes a necessity that surgery really does wonders. I know he's just putting me at ease because this once was a strong consideration. I know from others that it's effective and life-saving...but I still hope we never have to go there and am grateful that right now we do not.
Having said all that, all is well with our little man....and what could be a better holiday gift than this?

Winter-ings

Bups funny hat-hair! I love it!

The boys Christmas letters to Santa. I wrote them of course, but W's was quoted verbatum.

Winter-ings

Bups funny hat-hair! I love it!

The boys Christmas letters to Santa. I wrote them of course, but W's was quoted verbatum.

Festive Weekend

Friday....why can't I even remember Friday?
Oh yes! Friday! We spent the day at Alberta Children's Hospital in the Clinical Genetics Department. More later....
Saturday....a day on my own Christmas shopping, getting my nose pierced, a fun, chatty dinner with a super friend and then taking in the A Time For Christmas production. Christmas pageant's, concerts, plays, etc....are just the best!
Sunday....
Choir Christmas concert. It went really well! Despite the freezing weather (-30), people actually attended. One of them was my Favorite Husband! Thanks to a sweet friend who happily took our children, FH and I were able to have a Christmas date. Funnily enough I was on stage and B was sitting in the audience, but it was a date just the same.

Afterwards, we visited with my sister and her family before they head east for the holidays. It was quite hilarious as Bup was overtired and giddy. He's hilarious when over tired...all sleepy-drunkenness. Too cute!

And now it's Monday....a much calmer, saner Monday than last week's. Even though it's icy cold, button up your overcoat cold, wishing for a crocus or daffodil cold....stay warm and stay happy...cause it's winter solstice which means longer days, more sunlight and the promise of warmer weather....4 months from now, but warmer just the same.

Festive Weekend

Friday....why can't I even remember Friday?
Oh yes! Friday! We spent the day at Alberta Children's Hospital in the Clinical Genetics Department. More later....
Saturday....a day on my own Christmas shopping, getting my nose pierced, a fun, chatty dinner with a super friend and then taking in the A Time For Christmas production. Christmas pageant's, concerts, plays, etc....are just the best!
Sunday....
Choir Christmas concert. It went really well! Despite the freezing weather (-30), people actually attended. One of them was my Favorite Husband! Thanks to a sweet friend who happily took our children, FH and I were able to have a Christmas date. Funnily enough I was on stage and B was sitting in the audience, but it was a date just the same.

Afterwards, we visited with my sister and her family before they head east for the holidays. It was quite hilarious as Bup was overtired and giddy. He's hilarious when over tired...all sleepy-drunkenness. Too cute!

And now it's Monday....a much calmer, saner Monday than last week's. Even though it's icy cold, button up your overcoat cold, wishing for a crocus or daffodil cold....stay warm and stay happy...cause it's winter solstice which means longer days, more sunlight and the promise of warmer weather....4 months from now, but warmer just the same.

A Pleasantville Christmas

Last night was absolutely idyllic. Picture a winter scene on the front of a Christmas card in which people are riding in a wagon pulled by a dappled grey team of work horses, singing carols, snow is falling, houses draped in Christmas lights....and that was our night. It was lovely...simply lovely.

Favorite Husband, the boys and I attended our community Christmas open house. It was so fun to walk there in the falling snows with the boys traipsing through the snow drifts looking hilarious and adorable all bundled in snow pants and parkas. Bup is too cute in all his winter gear. Especially when he starts to run!

After a quick visit with Santa, at which W held my hand and took me to talk to Santa for him. He wasn't interested in sitting on his knee, talking to him, or a candy cane but he was determined that I would tell Santa what is on his Christmas list. So we knelt in front of the friendly fellow and I explained that W wants Rudolph to have a good day and a hot wheels race track! Mean while Bup is exploring the area wearing a fireman's' hat. Too cute! And then it was outside for the horse drawn wagon ride. No Christmas crafting for us!

It was a lovely evening. Family oriented. Content and happy. Cold wind. Falling snow. Wet bums. Oh! That was B & me from sitting on the straw bales. Red cheeks. Hot chocolate. Christmas lights. Kids singing Jingle Bells. Not mine though. If I tried to sing, I received a swat!

Unfortunately, I didn't have the wear-with-all to bring my camera...so no pictures to document the idyllic evening. Ah well...you'll have to take my word for it!

A Pleasantville Christmas

Last night was absolutely idyllic. Picture a winter scene on the front of a Christmas card in which people are riding in a wagon pulled by a dappled grey team of work horses, singing carols, snow is falling, houses draped in Christmas lights....and that was our night. It was lovely...simply lovely.

Favorite Husband, the boys and I attended our community Christmas open house. It was so fun to walk there in the falling snows with the boys traipsing through the snow drifts looking hilarious and adorable all bundled in snow pants and parkas. Bup is too cute in all his winter gear. Especially when he starts to run!

After a quick visit with Santa, at which W held my hand and took me to talk to Santa for him. He wasn't interested in sitting on his knee, talking to him, or a candy cane but he was determined that I would tell Santa what is on his Christmas list. So we knelt in front of the friendly fellow and I explained that W wants Rudolph to have a good day and a hot wheels race track! Mean while Bup is exploring the area wearing a fireman's' hat. Too cute! And then it was outside for the horse drawn wagon ride. No Christmas crafting for us!

It was a lovely evening. Family oriented. Content and happy. Cold wind. Falling snow. Wet bums. Oh! That was B & me from sitting on the straw bales. Red cheeks. Hot chocolate. Christmas lights. Kids singing Jingle Bells. Not mine though. If I tried to sing, I received a swat!

Unfortunately, I didn't have the wear-with-all to bring my camera...so no pictures to document the idyllic evening. Ah well...you'll have to take my word for it!

Easy Sewing

Upon searching the net for some easy sewing ideas as I have some men's shirts I would like to repurpose.
I found this. Easy and modest sewing.
I know I jested in my previous post about changing my image and such, but a snood to match my modest skirt? Do you think it's me?

Easy Sewing

Upon searching the net for some easy sewing ideas as I have some men's shirts I would like to repurpose.
I found this. Easy and modest sewing.
I know I jested in my previous post about changing my image and such, but a snood to match my modest skirt? Do you think it's me?

Don't you hate it when....

...you can finally leave the house on your own...only to find your vehicle has a flat tire.

....it's -25.

...while dropping off your 4 yr old at preschool you lock the car with the keys in it, the car is running and your 2 yr old is inside.

....it's 1 hr and 25 min before AMA will even call you back.

...you can only find your angry eyes.

....the wonderful firefighters, EMS staff and police are exceptionally kind and you can only hang your head in shame after apologizing and thanking them profusely.

....you don't have spare diapers with you.

....you get stuck in the snow beside a parked car because an oncoming car will not move over and then the van behind you just backs up, drives past and doesn't offer to help.

.....the parked car beside you is only inches away.

....you have nothing to offer other than a heartfelt "Thank you!" to the kind men who stopped to push your car out after at least three cars drove by without a second glance.

....you finally get home and the garage door is wide open and will not shut.

....you feed your kids ham & mustard sandwiches for dinner using contraband bread.

....you have to wait until the kids are in bed to open the wine.

"Just another manic monday...."This song is rolling through my head over & over again.

After all that in just one day, I've decided never to leave the house again unless I can walk to wherever I'm going and will homeschool my children and grow my hair down to my ample bottom and throw out my cosmetics and live a simple, happy, life. So there.

Now....to break it to my husband!