Uni-sighting

Okay, let me preface this post by reminding you that I live in the burbs, suburb central, my friend Miss CPO calls my neighborhood "Pleasantville"...if that conjures up any images for you.
So today on my lovely morning out...by myself...sans enfants!....I was driving my fancy '96 Caddy, in burb-land only to see this long, curly haired dude....think Slash ...with a white flag in each hand, riding a unicycle towards the overpass.
A unicycle.
Slash waving his truce flags riding a unicycle.
Hello Pleasantville!
Who says that urban, inner city living is the only neighborhood where cool stuff happens?

Uni-sighting

Okay, let me preface this post by reminding you that I live in the burbs, suburb central, my friend Miss CPO calls my neighborhood "Pleasantville"...if that conjures up any images for you.
So today on my lovely morning out...by myself...sans enfants!....I was driving my fancy '96 Caddy, in burb-land only to see this long, curly haired dude....think Slash ...with a white flag in each hand, riding a unicycle towards the overpass.
A unicycle.
Slash waving his truce flags riding a unicycle.
Hello Pleasantville!
Who says that urban, inner city living is the only neighborhood where cool stuff happens?

Cashew Cheese

The latest creation of our Free Eating kitchen. Sliceable Cashew Cheese. Mmmmmm! And it melts! So will be great for pizza and casseroles, etc. W likes it. B is not so sure as it's a texture issue for him. I love it. It's rich and zesty as I put a lot of pimentos in, but that's just my taste preferences.

Sliceable Cashew Cheese

2 cups water

3 TBS agar flakes - I used Knox Gelatin

1 cup raw cashews - cheapest at Superstore

2 TB pimentos or 1/2 red bell pepper

1 TB lemon juice

1 TB food yeast flakes - used Nutritional Yeast

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1. Boil together the agar/gelatin & water for 1-2 min. Place in blender with all the remaining ingredients & blend for 1-2 min until very smooth.

2. Pour into containers & chill. Slice when firm.

Hints....can be frozen. The pimento colors the cheese..want white? No pimento. It melts! Great for pizzas, toasted melts, etc.

Cashew Cheese

The latest creation of our Free Eating kitchen. Sliceable Cashew Cheese. Mmmmmm! And it melts! So will be great for pizza and casseroles, etc. W likes it. B is not so sure as it's a texture issue for him. I love it. It's rich and zesty as I put a lot of pimentos in, but that's just my taste preferences.

Sliceable Cashew Cheese

2 cups water

3 TBS agar flakes - I used Knox Gelatin

1 cup raw cashews - cheapest at Superstore

2 TB pimentos or 1/2 red bell pepper

1 TB lemon juice

1 TB food yeast flakes - used Nutritional Yeast

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1. Boil together the agar/gelatin & water for 1-2 min. Place in blender with all the remaining ingredients & blend for 1-2 min until very smooth.

2. Pour into containers & chill. Slice when firm.

Hints....can be frozen. The pimento colors the cheese..want white? No pimento. It melts! Great for pizzas, toasted melts, etc.

New Favorite Cookbooks

This whole new "Free Eating" regime has caused a little conflict of the soul in regards to my cookbooks. I have a tonne of them! Many were gifts or have sentimental value. Now what to do with those that don't fit our new style of eating? Yes, I should keep them and just substitute ingredients into the favorite recipes. Yes, yes. That takes some effort though...and there are days when my effort has fizzled.

Alas, I have discovered two wonderful new cookbooks! Wuhoo! Just what my favorite husband wants me to have...another cookbook to add to the collection. He's been known to tell people that I don't need anymore...can you imagine? Anyway....

7 Secrets Cookbook by Neva & Jim Brackett. This is a popular SDA vegetarian cookbook with some super recipes such as Cashew Cheese. Not all the recipes are gluten free, so I'll be substituting flours however there are some great raw recipes and all are vegetarian. Plus there are great tips on what can be pre-made and frozen for convenience. The SDA bookstore in Lacombe AB will ship this. That's how it made it's way to our kitchen.

Raw Kids Recipes. My friend recommended this book. It's an on-line purchase and downloads well. One of the best cookie recipes comes from here, Lemon Cookies. Lemon, coconut...they look like a peanut butter cookie and are divine!

One day soon, I'll post actual recipes. Until then, I'll be reading these new books and making grocery lists and meal plans.

New Favorite Cookbooks

This whole new "Free Eating" regime has caused a little conflict of the soul in regards to my cookbooks. I have a tonne of them! Many were gifts or have sentimental value. Now what to do with those that don't fit our new style of eating? Yes, I should keep them and just substitute ingredients into the favorite recipes. Yes, yes. That takes some effort though...and there are days when my effort has fizzled.

Alas, I have discovered two wonderful new cookbooks! Wuhoo! Just what my favorite husband wants me to have...another cookbook to add to the collection. He's been known to tell people that I don't need anymore...can you imagine? Anyway....

7 Secrets Cookbook by Neva & Jim Brackett. This is a popular SDA vegetarian cookbook with some super recipes such as Cashew Cheese. Not all the recipes are gluten free, so I'll be substituting flours however there are some great raw recipes and all are vegetarian. Plus there are great tips on what can be pre-made and frozen for convenience. The SDA bookstore in Lacombe AB will ship this. That's how it made it's way to our kitchen.

Raw Kids Recipes. My friend recommended this book. It's an on-line purchase and downloads well. One of the best cookie recipes comes from here, Lemon Cookies. Lemon, coconut...they look like a peanut butter cookie and are divine!

One day soon, I'll post actual recipes. Until then, I'll be reading these new books and making grocery lists and meal plans.

Baby Bup 28 months

This sunny little boy loves the great outdoors, whether it's just wandering, camping or playground activities.

He's determined to keep up with other kids, such as his brother. Lately the two of them are playing together more often and it is super cute to hear R's belly laugh as they chase each other. It's not always fun & games though. There are moments of Bup defending himself or just tormenting his older brother. Unfortunately, these moments end with a trip to sit on the steps for time to think. To which Bup sometimes responds with "NO! Tupids!! Stop! Enough!"

"I hate this. Yuk"

"I hate babies"

Huh? Yes, this was dinner conversation with Bup one evening. Why did he come up with that! Especially as he is the lover of babies...with a little high voice, "Aaaawwww. Baby!"

Bup loves.....to read, to run & play, attempt somersaults (he's stuck on his head with his bottom in the air), Little Einsteins (Elmo has become second best), singing, playing cars, balls, coloring on the walls & his body, turning on the bathtub & then leaving the room, flushing the toilet, snuggles, hugs & kisses, food, puppies & kitties, Daddy arriving home from work, etc...

Bup hates....personal hygiene like face washing, hair brushing/washing/cutting, sitting on the toilet, wearing socks, diaper changes, being left behind, leaving W at pre-school, etc...

As for the TSC...well, he's still doing awesome! What a relief. Still seizure free and no other side effects (other than speech) at this time. We're blessed with our Bup. Blessed, blessed, blessed!

Baby Bup 28 months

This sunny little boy loves the great outdoors, whether it's just wandering, camping or playground activities.

He's determined to keep up with other kids, such as his brother. Lately the two of them are playing together more often and it is super cute to hear R's belly laugh as they chase each other. It's not always fun & games though. There are moments of Bup defending himself or just tormenting his older brother. Unfortunately, these moments end with a trip to sit on the steps for time to think. To which Bup sometimes responds with "NO! Tupids!! Stop! Enough!"

"I hate this. Yuk"

"I hate babies"

Huh? Yes, this was dinner conversation with Bup one evening. Why did he come up with that! Especially as he is the lover of babies...with a little high voice, "Aaaawwww. Baby!"

Bup loves.....to read, to run & play, attempt somersaults (he's stuck on his head with his bottom in the air), Little Einsteins (Elmo has become second best), singing, playing cars, balls, coloring on the walls & his body, turning on the bathtub & then leaving the room, flushing the toilet, snuggles, hugs & kisses, food, puppies & kitties, Daddy arriving home from work, etc...

Bup hates....personal hygiene like face washing, hair brushing/washing/cutting, sitting on the toilet, wearing socks, diaper changes, being left behind, leaving W at pre-school, etc...

As for the TSC...well, he's still doing awesome! What a relief. Still seizure free and no other side effects (other than speech) at this time. We're blessed with our Bup. Blessed, blessed, blessed!

Harvest Weekend

Harvest Weekend

OT Assessment

Occupational Therapy Assessment - Sensory Processing Disorder
Posted Sep 17 2009 11:24pm

Today, my eldest son and I spent a couple of hours at a private OT's office for his initial assessment. This was to be a 3 hr assessment, however for an average 4 yr old...that's asking A LOT....let alone for an above-average 4 yr old.
On the 45 min drive to the offices, I just had this feeling of sadness. Pushing that emotion down. Recognizing that I really just felt like crying. W was silent in his car seat. Quietly looking out the window. What's he thinking? I would love to know! Why I was feeling so melancholy for an OT assessment surprised me as it's not an invasive treatment....and we've been through those....it wasn't at the Children's Hospital, which used to be intimidating & not it feels like home....so why the emotion? Sadness. Tired of putting my child through assessment upon assessment. There has been so many over the past 9 months. I feel for him. I want him to feel happy and okay and normal and not judged. I want help for W, so there we were heading to yet another assessment.
W was happy enough. We arrived early and were able to have some outside play which was probably helpful. Get the wiggles out! Enjoy some sunshine this "Indian Summer" is providing. When it was time to go in, W was agreeable, talkative and cooperative. Perfect!
It was amazing to watch and listen as he went through the "rigors" of OT testing for Sensory Processing Disorder. He did so well! W was able to sit at the child sized wooden table, follow directions, never got angry or ran away. Yes, there was some wiggling. Once or twice getting up to come for a hug, but who can resist a hug?! He did so well!!
And then the struggles hit. Breaks my heart. It was all I could do to not scoop him up, take him away, move to an acreage, home school my boys, live off the land, and live happily ever after! (That's my flight syndrome thoughts kicking in when I feel my children are hurting!).
There was one test where W just couldn't do it. It hurt him so. He sat at the table with a blind in front of him and he was to point on the table to the spots that the OT had pointed his fingers to for him. He couldn't do it. If the blind was down and he could see his hands, it was no problem, but not with the blind in place. To see his heart ache...his struggle...his eyes fill with tears, and then the sad cry of "I want to go home"...pulls at a mom's heart. After a few minutes, he collected himself and tried two more times...of his own volition as we had called it a day even though the general motor skills, large muscle mass skills have not been evaluated. W tried but just couldn't do it. He had hit the wall..so to speak. To see him struggle. To see him WANT to complete the task and not be able to and that it hurt his feelings....that was so hard to witness.
We will return next week to finish out the evaluation. The preliminary suggestion is that W has motor mapping challenges. Which cause many "side effects"....coping strategies, that can be misdiagnosed. For example, it would be easy to suggest that W possibly has ODD - Oppositional Defiance Disorder because he avoids things, appears to be not listening even though he can hear you, etc but this is his way of protecting himself because his mind knows what he wants to do, yet is unable to due to the motor mapping problems.
Wuhoo! What a relief! Am I crazy? No. Just grateful that someone is crossing ODD off the list. Thank you Miz OT!
I learned a lot today. I learned gratitude and relief. I learned more SPD and OT information. Most of all, I learned (again and again) that I love my son fiercely and would do anything to make it all better, to protect him and to have him feel loved. That in itself is worth a visit to the Occupational Therapist!

By the way, if you can secure a copy of Building Bridges through Sensory Integration....go for it! It's a wealth of information and great suggestions for making sensory tools that can be used at home.

OT Assessment

Occupational Therapy Assessment - Sensory Processing Disorder
Posted Sep 17 2009 11:24pm

Today, my eldest son and I spent a couple of hours at a private OT's office for his initial assessment. This was to be a 3 hr assessment, however for an average 4 yr old...that's asking A LOT....let alone for an above-average 4 yr old.
On the 45 min drive to the offices, I just had this feeling of sadness. Pushing that emotion down. Recognizing that I really just felt like crying. W was silent in his car seat. Quietly looking out the window. What's he thinking? I would love to know! Why I was feeling so melancholy for an OT assessment surprised me as it's not an invasive treatment....and we've been through those....it wasn't at the Children's Hospital, which used to be intimidating & not it feels like home....so why the emotion? Sadness. Tired of putting my child through assessment upon assessment. There has been so many over the past 9 months. I feel for him. I want him to feel happy and okay and normal and not judged. I want help for W, so there we were heading to yet another assessment.
W was happy enough. We arrived early and were able to have some outside play which was probably helpful. Get the wiggles out! Enjoy some sunshine this "Indian Summer" is providing. When it was time to go in, W was agreeable, talkative and cooperative. Perfect!
It was amazing to watch and listen as he went through the "rigors" of OT testing for Sensory Processing Disorder. He did so well! W was able to sit at the child sized wooden table, follow directions, never got angry or ran away. Yes, there was some wiggling. Once or twice getting up to come for a hug, but who can resist a hug?! He did so well!!
And then the struggles hit. Breaks my heart. It was all I could do to not scoop him up, take him away, move to an acreage, home school my boys, live off the land, and live happily ever after! (That's my flight syndrome thoughts kicking in when I feel my children are hurting!).
There was one test where W just couldn't do it. It hurt him so. He sat at the table with a blind in front of him and he was to point on the table to the spots that the OT had pointed his fingers to for him. He couldn't do it. If the blind was down and he could see his hands, it was no problem, but not with the blind in place. To see his heart ache...his struggle...his eyes fill with tears, and then the sad cry of "I want to go home"...pulls at a mom's heart. After a few minutes, he collected himself and tried two more times...of his own volition as we had called it a day even though the general motor skills, large muscle mass skills have not been evaluated. W tried but just couldn't do it. He had hit the wall..so to speak. To see him struggle. To see him WANT to complete the task and not be able to and that it hurt his feelings....that was so hard to witness.
We will return next week to finish out the evaluation. The preliminary suggestion is that W has motor mapping challenges. Which cause many "side effects"....coping strategies, that can be misdiagnosed. For example, it would be easy to suggest that W possibly has ODD - Oppositional Defiance Disorder because he avoids things, appears to be not listening even though he can hear you, etc but this is his way of protecting himself because his mind knows what he wants to do, yet is unable to due to the motor mapping problems.
Wuhoo! What a relief! Am I crazy? No. Just grateful that someone is crossing ODD off the list. Thank you Miz OT!
I learned a lot today. I learned gratitude and relief. I learned more SPD and OT information. Most of all, I learned (again and again) that I love my son fiercely and would do anything to make it all better, to protect him and to have him feel loved. That in itself is worth a visit to the Occupational Therapist!

By the way, if you can secure a copy of Building Bridges through Sensory Integration....go for it! It's a wealth of information and great suggestions for making sensory tools that can be used at home.

One of Those Weeks...

Is it the weekend yet?
Whew!
It's been so jampacked, that I'm willing to give up our tickets to Stage West Saturday night, just so that I can be home with my family, no commitments, a movie and a bowl of popcorn.
Whatchaya bin doin, Mrs. M?
Weeelllll....
Pre-school - M,W, F....
Groceries
Respite....so that I can get groceries...alone
Choir...well had to miss that due to fav husband's work schedule..sniff, sniff...
Ladies Group
Girlfriend visit - @ her house, out of the city...such a lovely chat'n'drive...late night..
OT Assessment - intense, interesting, more to come...
Respite
Families Matter
Triple P Parenting Program
I'm For Kids Intake Assessment re; Program Unit Funding for school
Baby pics for tiny new girlie-girl
Throw in W having a stye eye, R wondering where his mother is, laundry, housework, meals, etc and tah-dah....I am behind!
How about you? Floating or sinking this week? I think I'm still floating...but it's kinda like the "dead man's float" or maybe the starfish?!
Happy Friday to you all!

One of Those Weeks...

Is it the weekend yet?
Whew!
It's been so jampacked, that I'm willing to give up our tickets to Stage West Saturday night, just so that I can be home with my family, no commitments, a movie and a bowl of popcorn.
Whatchaya bin doin, Mrs. M?
Weeelllll....
Pre-school - M,W, F....
Groceries
Respite....so that I can get groceries...alone
Choir...well had to miss that due to fav husband's work schedule..sniff, sniff...
Ladies Group
Girlfriend visit - @ her house, out of the city...such a lovely chat'n'drive...late night..
OT Assessment - intense, interesting, more to come...
Respite
Families Matter
Triple P Parenting Program
I'm For Kids Intake Assessment re; Program Unit Funding for school
Baby pics for tiny new girlie-girl
Throw in W having a stye eye, R wondering where his mother is, laundry, housework, meals, etc and tah-dah....I am behind!
How about you? Floating or sinking this week? I think I'm still floating...but it's kinda like the "dead man's float" or maybe the starfish?!
Happy Friday to you all!

Bare Naked Noggins Poll

Should I do it? Again?

It's that time of year....to get naked for Epiliepsy & raze awareness. As you all know this cause is close to my heart because of our little Bup...and many other little friends, near & far.

It was super fun and I'm not one bit worried about being bald. Quite liked it actually!

Can I beat last year's fundraising efforts of $5000? That would be awesome!

So, let me know. What do you think? Is there a bare naked noggin in my future?

Bare Naked Noggins Poll

Should I do it? Again?

It's that time of year....to get naked for Epiliepsy & raze awareness. As you all know this cause is close to my heart because of our little Bup...and many other little friends, near & far.

It was super fun and I'm not one bit worried about being bald. Quite liked it actually!

Can I beat last year's fundraising efforts of $5000? That would be awesome!

So, let me know. What do you think? Is there a bare naked noggin in my future?

Calaway Park

A fine summer's Saturday...spent as a family at an amusement park. I was excited to witness this childhood right of passage through the boys' eyes. There is nothing like a new experience with a child. It's breathtaking.

The boys did great. Or maybe the parents did great? Of course, there were some tears throughout the day due to naps being missed (that's the price we pay for a super family outing)and being too short for certain rides...such as the rollercoaster and bumper cars. It was a sad moment. Our W is such a little dare devil and he was willing to attempt any ride. So was Bup! Quietly so, but just as willing. It was so fun watching Bup on the "balloon ride" as he had the biggest smile throughout the whole thing and listening to W bellylaugh.

As we left the park, R was asleep before we located our vehicle in the parking lot and eventually I was the only one awake on the drive home. Even , favorite husband, was asleep!

Definately as sign of a successful day!

Calaway Park

A fine summer's Saturday...spent as a family at an amusement park. I was excited to witness this childhood right of passage through the boys' eyes. There is nothing like a new experience with a child. It's breathtaking.

The boys did great. Or maybe the parents did great? Of course, there were some tears throughout the day due to naps being missed (that's the price we pay for a super family outing)and being too short for certain rides...such as the rollercoaster and bumper cars. It was a sad moment. Our W is such a little dare devil and he was willing to attempt any ride. So was Bup! Quietly so, but just as willing. It was so fun watching Bup on the "balloon ride" as he had the biggest smile throughout the whole thing and listening to W bellylaugh.

As we left the park, R was asleep before we located our vehicle in the parking lot and eventually I was the only one awake on the drive home. Even , favorite husband, was asleep!

Definately as sign of a successful day!

First Day of Preschool

It finally arrived. W's first day of preschool at The Learning Tree. I'm hoping that a fantastic first day is providing a lot of foreshadowing for the year to come.

W was so cute. Chatting up all the other kids while waiting for the doors to open and the first one in the school. After classes, Mrs. J advised he had had a great first day and if W's mood was any indication, it was a spectacular day!

Bup cried his little heart out when we left W at pre-school. "Shoes off! Shoes off!" Bup wanted to stay too and was absolutely heart broken that he couldn't. Poor fella! His time will come soon enough. All too soon.

So now our life is busy. Scheduled. M, W, F preschool. Somewhere in there we will fit all our other appointments, naps, friends, play dates, etc, etc.

By the way, isn't he just one of the most handsome pre-schoolers' you ever did see?!

First Day of Preschool

It finally arrived. W's first day of preschool at The Learning Tree. I'm hoping that a fantastic first day is providing a lot of foreshadowing for the year to come.

W was so cute. Chatting up all the other kids while waiting for the doors to open and the first one in the school. After classes, Mrs. J advised he had had a great first day and if W's mood was any indication, it was a spectacular day!

Bup cried his little heart out when we left W at pre-school. "Shoes off! Shoes off!" Bup wanted to stay too and was absolutely heart broken that he couldn't. Poor fella! His time will come soon enough. All too soon.

So now our life is busy. Scheduled. M, W, F preschool. Somewhere in there we will fit all our other appointments, naps, friends, play dates, etc, etc.

By the way, isn't he just one of the most handsome pre-schoolers' you ever did see?!

Living Without

For all you Free Eating folks, this magazine is quite helpful...if you haven't seen it already. I discovered it this summer...in small town-ruralish AB of all places...and was quite thrilled.

Now, it is published by none other than the infamous Martha Stewart, if you love her...well wuhoo for you, if you don't...don't let it hold you back. It's worth a read!

Living Without

For all you Free Eating folks, this magazine is quite helpful...if you haven't seen it already. I discovered it this summer...in small town-ruralish AB of all places...and was quite thrilled.

Now, it is published by none other than the infamous Martha Stewart, if you love her...well wuhoo for you, if you don't...don't let it hold you back. It's worth a read!

Liar Liar Pants on...

....a lilac bush.

As I snuggled with Bup & sang his lullaby's I could hear W watching TV and playing. Which is our safety routine if I'm alone and tucking the boys in one at a time.
After about 5 minutes, I shut Bup's bedroom door and stood at the top of the stairs. There was Warner at the bottom in his red golf shirt.
"Mommy, I just put my underwear in my room."
"Okay." See, he was on his way to bed, so it's fine that he had started undressing and the fact that he put his underwear in his room...well, wuhoo! W is learning to put things back where they belong. I came down the stairs and W moved towards the center of the kitchen and kinda smirked at me and pointed at the patio doors.
"What?"
Still more smirking and pointing.
"What W? I don't see anything" And then I moved to the door and looked to the right in the direction he was pointing.
AAAhhhh!! "W!"
There on the neighbors lilac bush, over our fence, was a little pair of Cars underwear!
I stomped across the yard, found a plastic hockey stick and fished the undies from the neighbors tree. Then I stomped back in the house, while thinking...I will not laugh!....and had a chat with W about truth and lying.
....pants on fire.

That's the first time...that I am aware of ....that W intentionally did not tell me the truth. Slightly freaks me out. I know it's and age & stage issue...right now anyway. What kid comes up with this stuff? Throw your underwear over the neighbors fence and tell your mom they are in your room.
Give me strength!

Liar Liar Pants on...

....a lilac bush.

As I snuggled with Bup & sang his lullaby's I could hear W watching TV and playing. Which is our safety routine if I'm alone and tucking the boys in one at a time.
After about 5 minutes, I shut Bup's bedroom door and stood at the top of the stairs. There was Warner at the bottom in his red golf shirt.
"Mommy, I just put my underwear in my room."
"Okay." See, he was on his way to bed, so it's fine that he had started undressing and the fact that he put his underwear in his room...well, wuhoo! W is learning to put things back where they belong. I came down the stairs and W moved towards the center of the kitchen and kinda smirked at me and pointed at the patio doors.
"What?"
Still more smirking and pointing.
"What W? I don't see anything" And then I moved to the door and looked to the right in the direction he was pointing.
AAAhhhh!! "W!"
There on the neighbors lilac bush, over our fence, was a little pair of Cars underwear!
I stomped across the yard, found a plastic hockey stick and fished the undies from the neighbors tree. Then I stomped back in the house, while thinking...I will not laugh!....and had a chat with W about truth and lying.
....pants on fire.

That's the first time...that I am aware of ....that W intentionally did not tell me the truth. Slightly freaks me out. I know it's and age & stage issue...right now anyway. What kid comes up with this stuff? Throw your underwear over the neighbors fence and tell your mom they are in your room.
Give me strength!

Happy Birthday BJ

Today is the anniversary of the date my charming little hubby was born. Aren't I lucky!

See, this may be my favorite husband's birthday, but really the gift is all mine. The gift of B. Charming, sweet, honest, loyal, funny, an enjoyer of cheesy things such as Wiggles the Hula Girl, conosuier of my cooking, best hugger of all huggers, beautiful blue eyes, little divot chin, hockey fanatic, Oiler's fan, corvette lover, happy camper, and lover of me. So, really you see, the gift is all mine....my favorite husband.

Thank you for being you. Hopefully I can repay these gifts wholeheartedly.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Happy Birthday BJ

Today is the anniversary of the date my charming little hubby was born. Aren't I lucky!

See, this may be my favorite husband's birthday, but really the gift is all mine. The gift of B. Charming, sweet, honest, loyal, funny, an enjoyer of cheesy things such as Wiggles the Hula Girl, conosuier of my cooking, best hugger of all huggers, beautiful blue eyes, little divot chin, hockey fanatic, Oiler's fan, corvette lover, happy camper, and lover of me. So, really you see, the gift is all mine....my favorite husband.

Thank you for being you. Hopefully I can repay these gifts wholeheartedly.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Pocket Full of Sunshine

This morning as I drove, rather speedily, cruising in the caddy, admiring the fall colors of fields being harvested and the bluest, sunniest sky I was overcome by the sunshine. I just had to break out into song. Loudly. With chair dancing even. Natasha Bedingfield sang to me. To ME! I knew through the radio waves she was begging me to join her in song. After all, those who love to sing,...are singers. I am a singer. Maybe not wedding singer material, but I do love to sing, which is why I have rejoined choir. A whole other paragraph...Anyway, Miss Bedingfield's Pocket Full of Sunshine voice and lyrics spoke to me and I hope they speak to you too, as everyone needs a little sunshine. After Natasha and I finished our duet, these gals encouraged me to sing with them as well. The goosebumps were rising. Both sets of lyrics just fit into my mind and heart these days. So, raise your voice and let the sun shine in!

Pocket Full of Sunshine

This morning as I drove, rather speedily, cruising in the caddy, admiring the fall colors of fields being harvested and the bluest, sunniest sky I was overcome by the sunshine. I just had to break out into song. Loudly. With chair dancing even. Natasha Bedingfield sang to me. To ME! I knew through the radio waves she was begging me to join her in song. After all, those who love to sing,...are singers. I am a singer. Maybe not wedding singer material, but I do love to sing, which is why I have rejoined choir. A whole other paragraph...Anyway, Miss Bedingfield's Pocket Full of Sunshine voice and lyrics spoke to me and I hope they speak to you too, as everyone needs a little sunshine. After Natasha and I finished our duet, these gals encouraged me to sing with them as well. The goosebumps were rising. Both sets of lyrics just fit into my mind and heart these days. So, raise your voice and let the sun shine in!

Happy Birthday Miz Nine!

Belated birthday wishes to the lovely Mrs. Mittens.

"There's something special about you today,

Happy Birthday to you.

You've sure grown out of your baby ways,

Happy Birthday to you.

We wish you health n wealth n friends galore...

something, something, something,

Let's cut the cake and eat some more!

Happy Birthday to you!"

Happy Birthday Miz Nine!

Belated birthday wishes to the lovely Mrs. Mittens.

"There's something special about you today,

Happy Birthday to you.

You've sure grown out of your baby ways,

Happy Birthday to you.

We wish you health n wealth n friends galore...

something, something, something,

Let's cut the cake and eat some more!

Happy Birthday to you!"

Baby Bup - 28 months

This blue-eyed, cheeky little fella is out-growing his babyhood. Seriously growing. Mr. 28 months is wearing a size 4 and size 10 shoe! If he's out of clean pants I can raid W's drawer. Scary.

R has decided that tantrums may work in getting his own way and if that doesn't work there is always the diaper fake out. "Mommy! Poops! Ah poops!" usually sobbed out when he's supposed to be staying in bed or in playgroup....only to have the mommy check and find nothing! Oh, he's good! He knows what works. How to get this mommy's attention and fast!

You'll also find that Bup loves to mimic and follow the big kids in all they do. It's really quite fun to watch and slightly frightening at times when there's high climbing or naughty language (tupids!) involved.

Of course, there's the sweetness! The I love yous, the hug & kiss, the snuggles, the belly laughing and hand holding and letting his big brother wash his face and hands after dinner without a tear or yell. This last one is a miracle in itself because there are screams of terror when Mommy washes his face...or anything else. Bath time is no fun. He's become frightened of it due to having his hair washed. Same reaction with hair cuts, hair combing, diaper changing, etc, etc. The child knows how to work it!

Regardless, I still want to kiss his squishy cheeks and tickle his fluffy tummy, over and over again.

Baby Bup - 28 months

This blue-eyed, cheeky little fella is out-growing his babyhood. Seriously growing. Mr. 28 months is wearing a size 4 and size 10 shoe! If he's out of clean pants I can raid W's drawer. Scary.

R has decided that tantrums may work in getting his own way and if that doesn't work there is always the diaper fake out. "Mommy! Poops! Ah poops!" usually sobbed out when he's supposed to be staying in bed or in playgroup....only to have the mommy check and find nothing! Oh, he's good! He knows what works. How to get this mommy's attention and fast!

You'll also find that Bup loves to mimic and follow the big kids in all they do. It's really quite fun to watch and slightly frightening at times when there's high climbing or naughty language (tupids!) involved.

Of course, there's the sweetness! The I love yous, the hug & kiss, the snuggles, the belly laughing and hand holding and letting his big brother wash his face and hands after dinner without a tear or yell. This last one is a miracle in itself because there are screams of terror when Mommy washes his face...or anything else. Bath time is no fun. He's become frightened of it due to having his hair washed. Same reaction with hair cuts, hair combing, diaper changing, etc, etc. The child knows how to work it!

Regardless, I still want to kiss his squishy cheeks and tickle his fluffy tummy, over and over again.