Saturday Blues

The start of a 3 day weekend. Yuck. I hate the lack of routine, not knowing where to put myself. I think part of it is that I am so looking forward to seeing mom and dad on Thursday. It's always worse right before you get together.

The boys took another trip to the dollar store today. Sterling was so excited he could barely stand it. He just can't believe that we trust him enough to go. I did arm him with a Swiss Army knife and a cellphone. He proceeded to call us twice to talk about things he was looking at in the store. I have no idea where he gets his gift of gab. They got $15 from GG and it is quickly diminishing. Junk Junk and more Junk. Ah well - so much fun.

Not too much else to tell you. We have nothing going on again tomorrow. Maybe a walk or a bike ride or some scrapbooking.

Hope you have a good rest of the day.

s

First day of Summer (Break)

Hi All -
Busy day today. How was yours?
Had a great time visiting with GG today. Got to her place at 11:30am. She crowned Kaed the "king of the day" (birthday thing). She had all the chairs set up and the seating plan organized. She then told Kaed that she wanted to give him money for his birthday but that he was going to have to work for it. She proceeded to have him fill out his own cheque which she signed. She had some other treats like peppermints and some cool paper. She then asked Sterling if he would like his birthday money today, and she started the routine over again. The boys LOVED it. We then went to McDonald's for lunch. Every time we go she asks how much is a good tip. Makes me laugh. We returned to the manor and went to a Canada Day celebration. I have never seen so many old people in one place. It was kind of creepy, actually. I think the collective age was about 10,231. Have you ever heard 100 old people sing Oh Canada? I couldn't understand them either. GG wanted to leave part way through so we had to go all the way to the front, around the performers and down the aisle. "It'll take half an hour to get an elevator if we wait til the end". You know, because she has so much to do.
We left about 2:45pm and headed up to the bank so the boys could deposit (read cash) their cheques. I have been talking to them about wanting to walk down to 99 cent depot and getting a slushie - by themselves - ever since Laura told me she is letting her kids do it. Kaedo was all for it even going so far as to say he would like to go on his own. Not bloody likely! We came to an agreement since Kaed wanted to go both ways and Sterling wasn't sure, that they would only walk home. So off we went to the store where they pulled out their newly received $5 and bought a slushie and a piece of junk. I then explained to them very carefully how to get home, "yaya mom, we know", and let them go. They didn't even say goodbye.
When they got home I asked them how it was and they said, "Great". This freedom thing is hard but good. I trust them, so I guess it is time to spread their wings a little.
Craig came home early tonight so movie night it is. I am just finishing off a design team layout and will post it tomorrow - if I remember. Hope you are all well and have lots of fun this weekend. Enjoy your Canada Day.
s

Soccer Star

Well, three hours later my masterpiece is finally complete. This is why I don't take much video of the kids, it takes too damn long to make a mini movie. Actually, I wouldn't have felt the need to be so elaborate if it wasn't for Kelly posting so much video to his blog and making me look bad. Show him how to do it and he just goes crazy, well here you go bro, top this!

This video was taken at Sterling's last soccer game. He played goal in the first half and you can see some of the awesome saves he made and then tore it up on forward in the second half. No goals this game but lots of good chances. If you look carefully you may also notice Kaeden working the sideline flag... took his job very seriously when he wasn't distracted by other kids, action on the other fields or the wind blowing, but oh well, that's Kaeden.

Anyway, I'm tired, enjoy the movie!

Craig (the sometimes blogger)

Field Trip

This is why my kids don't take the bus.

8

Hi -
What a day we had! It was great. The morning started with kaed playing with his DS from about 6am. I think he slept holding it. We got up and he opened his kicking paddle from Kelly, Tica and Jacob. He then proceeded to kick my hand 3 times before connecting with the damn paddle. I think he broke my pinkie.
One of the most important things to kaed was the fact that he no longer had to use his booster. God, that was hard on my heart. No more baby. Well, he's still my baby, but you know what I mean. He tossed that thing out of the car so fast I heard it bounce. Off to school where I dropped off his treats for his class (ice cream cone cupcakes). His class sang to him in french and then again in English in his English class. The principal also said his name in the announcements. He was over the moon!
After school we went and picked up Craig at the train station and headed out to Outback where we proceeded to pig out on Coconut shrimp, bloomin' onion, sandwiches and steak. The boys just loved the shrimp and kaed loved the onion. They split a steak (rare - definitely my kids) and fries. Everyone was stuffed. We sang to Kaed and he loved it. He opened his gifts from Stan and Shirley - love the pjs - he wore them too bed. Thrilled with the cheque - adding it to his stash. He also opened his gift from Sterling. A zoingo boingo - sort of like a pogo stick.
AFTER that we still had a soccer game to attend, in which my medium large boy did FANTASTIC!!!! He was awesome. He played in net for one half and just rocked it. We finally made it home at 9pm. The kids screwed around until 10:20 when I shut their lights off and then Craig had to kick them in the butt when he finally went to bed. Up this morning with no problems but no breakfast. Both said they were still too full from supper. Wish that happened to me.
Report card day today along with TKD - with the Backyardigan - Laura - I'm driving.
Then hopefully a quiet night at home.
Oh - by the way. Craig and his team lost the championship game - Craig was the only one with his head in the game (not that I'm biased) but they did win the season championship. Yeah Craig!
Here are some pix for you. Kaed's cake, the loot bags and Kaed sitting in his car seat (in front of the garage). God, he's gorgeous. You won't believe them when you see them!

Talk soon,
s

I LOVE this!!!

If you're like this now, you'll be cryin' by bedtime

Hi All -
Well the party is over - thank God. The kids had a great time. They spent an hour playing floor hockey and soccer then came to the party room for pizza, potato chips, pop and pixie sticks. Much pizza was eaten, many chips scarfed down, and much pixie dust found in drinks and poured onto pizza.
Let me tell you - I was all for having girls at the party - but not anymore. Good god, they are CRAZY. The next time Kaed can have girls to a party is when he plans to make out with them. That way I won't have to listen to all their shrieking and giggling.
Kaed got terrific gifts, including $75 and $65 in Walmart gift cards. He also got two sets of Pokemon (three if you include Kelly and Tica's set), candy (a favorite), 2 Pirakhas (scary lego-like monsters) a transformers cell phone, and a make your own gummy bugs - then eat them!
The loot bags were a hit and the kids sang their hearts out.
Spent the rest of the afternoon at the Backyardigan's so the kids could play in the pool. So much fun. What a wonderful day.
Kaed has opened all his presents except for Kelly and Tica's and Stan and Shirleys. He loves everything and will be calling. ***talking to Jessica right now
Hope you had a good day. Eight years ago tomorrow at 5:47am you had a new grandbaby and nephew.

Tomorrow morning we are having a booster seat burning party. If you see on the news that a house in Courtice burned down,it was ours.
Sorry I can't post pictures or video. Forgot to get permission from other parents.

Shannon

ugh

This was me when I got up this morning.
Oh no, sorry, my mistake, this was Craig.

Take a look at Sterling doing jumps at the local "BMX" track. Craig took a header over his handlebars. Too bad he didn't tape that too.

did you know

"that holding hands with your hubby can alleviate stress? A recent study of happily married couples proved the simple gesture has immediate calming effects"

Does this include twisting his arm behind his back to get him to do what I want? Keeps me calm.

Don't forget to scroll down for the Kaeden's Birthday happy mail contest.

Bad Day

You know it's going to be a bad day when while in the shower you put your "Blackhead Eliminating Face Scrub" in your hair. Twice.

party pooper

So - if you've read Craig's last comment you know he putzed out on the time factor. Ya, he'll get happy mail - not! So he put up a new challenge - how much did Kaed weigh? Shirley has already "weighed in" at 6lbs 8oz. Any guesses? Closest gets happy mail from me. Craig - keep your typing fingers quiet!

Contest closes Monday June 25 at midnight est. (said in gravelly announcer voice)

s

EDITED: CLOSEST WITHOUT GOING OVER. THINK PRICE IS RIGHT.

take a guess

Hi -
the first person to guess Kaeden's time of birth without going over will get some happy mail from me. No peeking in baby books (Shirley). Take a guess.

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Shannon

Hello

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining,
the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing,
and the lawn mower is broken.
— James Dent

Hi All - how are you?
Thanks mom for the great post. I love to here from you. All is well here. The boys are in school and are bored but I have to work so they have to stay there.
Craig was back at the courthouse yesterday and once again got dismissed. He may have to go back on Tuesday for one last time. I think he's disappointed he hasn't been chosen.

Sterling is supremely excited for school to end and to get on with his holidays. When I asked him what he was going to do, he said, "camp,camp,camp". I think there was a "ride bikes" and "eat marshmallows" in there somewhere. The countdown has begun, two weeks today.
They will just get back and Stan and Shirley will be here. She scratches their backs to get them asleep, so they are in love her. Stan is out there from sun up to sun down watching and participating in all their crazy antics. Such fun.

Kaed was cute this morning. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he said,"I know you're not going to get it for me - it starts with an N". He is really hoping for a Nintendo DS and will not be disappointed. Thanks mom and dad. It has already been bought and when we were talking about all the colors of the DSs he said he wanted a pink one.(which I already knew) Craig is worried he will get teased down the road. I told Kaed and he said,"mom, don't you know by now - I don't care what other people think". Love it! Pink it is.
Sterling and I are going book shopping tonight. I put little coupons in their lunches once a week, and Sterling's coupon was for a book of his choice. Hopefully he doesn't choose an encyclopedia!
Well, I'm going to finish this off with a cute picture of my niece and one of my nephew. Check out her toothy grin and his long lashes.

Talk soon,
Shannon

good morning

Hmmm, what to write about? Same old drivel I guess. Craig didn't get chosen for Jury Duty yesterday but has to go back on Wed. for his last try. They have to give three days then they are free. Today he has gone to Markham (just around the corner from my office) to present one of the projects he has been working hard on. He is getting used to this sleeping in. He doesn't get up until 7 - 7:30 now which is much better that 5:40. Back to the old grind Thursday.
Sterling had soccer last night. He was disappointed with his teams performance but was happy with his own. He had a killer assist, so that is good. He's a great player but I wonder if he is getting sick of it. This is his 5th year and 3rd year playing year round. He really wants to take up basketball, so I may steer him in that direction for the fall. He is also lucky because this year he will be able to tryout for the school teams.
Kaed had TKD last night. His buddy got another stripe! Yeah Backyardigan!
I worked - I know - shocking. Not too motivated right now, so that is why I m doing this.
Well, enough of the boring blabbing.
Hope everyone is well.
Talk soon,
Shannon

Happy Monday???

Hello - Good Morning!
How was your Sunday? Good I hope. Ours was very laid back with three burnt to a crisp individuals and one case of sun stroke. Ahhh, a lovely father's day. Capped off with the healthy "popcorn" supper, it really ranks high among the rest of the days of the week.
The boys spent some time on their (Kaed's) slip and slide. Flooded the backyard, and had a good time giggling and daring each other to create more and more death defying slides. Craig played football in the morning - the perfect father's day/any day for him. They have won their end of the semis and will proceed to the finals on Saturday. They will also party it up afterwards. This means that I shall be taking the boys to the movies solo on Saturday.
School is almost finished. All but the playing and time wasting. Sterling is at Pioneer Village today and Kaed is off to Darlington park tomorrow. Both have been very excited about their adventures. TKD tonight, as well as s 7:15 game for Sterling. Sterling wasn't feeling too well this morning, so hopefully he makes it tonight. The only reason he didn't stay home is because he loves to go on the bus.
Craig is at Jury Duty again today. I think he secretly wants to be called for duty. I hope he gets his wish. That would get him home from work before dusk. :) (don't you just hate it when people add those stupid things?)
Relativley casual week this week. 2 x soccer, 3 x tkd, 1 x football and party.
Sunday is another story. Kaedo's party! We are planning a good day for him and he is very excited. We have rented the gym at our leisure centre and a party room. The gym time comes with a counsellor who will plan a whole bunch of games. We'll have pizza, a cake and choc. chip cookies (let Noah know, Laura). I made his invitations - he wanted a ying yang. While they weren't my best effort he was thrilled with them. We ordered a ying yang cake from our local PEANUT FREE bakery. He asked for it to be half white and half chocolate. Smart kid, eh?

Well - blah blah blah - I know I've said enough. Would love to hear if you have anything you would like to see me write about.

Have a good Monday -
S

HELLO!

Yes - a big "shout out" to everyone. What a good day so far. The boys have just had so much fun, so in turn we have too. Kaed played with a new friend on the street this morning, and then Sterling had a split play date with a new friend on his soccer team. I dropped him off about 11:15 and Ethan's mom came and dropped them here about 1:45. At Ethan's, they played in the pool and on the trampoline and had lunch, and then when they got here they went on one of Craig's adventure bike rides for 1.5 hours. They have just ended up here a few minutes ago and are going to cop a treat at Busy Bee and then Craig will take Ethan home. They have had so much fun.

Kaed is absolutely obsessed with our local ice cream parlor (what isn't he obsessed with these days?) so he really wanted to go for a waffle cone. Needless to say I selflessly took one for the team and took him. I know, I know, I am so giving. Aahhh, that's just who I am.

Kaed has a party at 6 in Pickering, so we will be heading out for that shortly.

Father's Day tomorrow. Maybe Craig will cook a big breakfast then go get his nose pierced.

Hey Bebe

Hi All -

Happy Friday! I had a great day!!! Hope you all had a good one too. All is well here, and supper is in the oven - baked hotdogs! Thanks Laura for the heads up on that one! Movie night tonight. The Mummy. That Brendan Fraser - he is so on my list. The boys are great and so happy that the weekend is here. Kaedo is going to a bday party tomorrow night and they are going to a recording studio to play instruments and record a demo. Where do parents find stuff like that? They do that, Laura has a theater in her basement, another friend had a reptile farm come. Us, "here come to the gym...YAH!". Oh well, the kid is happy, so we are happy!

So - I just went to check on my hotdogs - and guess what? When you don't turn them over enough you get the grill line. Sort of like the ones the hotdogs get when dad cooks them. I guess that's why they say "charbroiled".

Sterling is going to a new friend's house tomorrow. He is on Sterling's soccer team and is a total sweetie. His mom is a doll, so I'm glad Sterling is going to go and hang out. Fun.

We don't have much else going on tomorrow. Maybe some TKD in the morning. Sunday Craig is playing a playoff game for football. Perfect way to spend Father's Day.

Well - that's it for now. Have a great weekend.

s

o gorgeous one

Hi All -

Happy Thursday. Good but busy day today. In Markham all day. Craig was home so I avoided the house. The boys are good aside from a broken blood vessel in Sterling's eye. We were going to have it checked tonight, but the boys got invited to go swimming at the Backyardigan's house. Needless to say, the doctor got put on the back burner. What a good mom I am.

Sterling - the gorgeous one, is doing good. He is naturally very emotional, but has been a little more so lately. He is so sweet and kind and good that I hate to see him suffer. He is so looking forward to summer. I'm glad he is just going to be able to be carefree, riding his bike, building fires, playing with kids, staying up late and lovin' life. With a holiday with amma and baba and a visit from gramma and grampa, he will have a special two months.

I guess I wanted to write about Sterling for two reasons: 1) Laura told me to, 2) I think she was silently telling me that I spend more time talking about Kaed (which I do) and 3) I love him so much my heart hurts.

How do you talk about someone who is so like you that you want to both hold him and throttle him? How do you write about someone who wears their emotions like a badge of honor and a scarlet letter? How do you write about someone who has the biggest heart and the hardest head? I guess all I can say is that he is my first true love. When I hold him, everything else disappears.

There are so many things to love about him, but I think the thing I love the most is that he still wants to hold my hand.

hmmm

So this is what our children find on the Pokemon website when we aren't supervising them.

Club sandwiches not seals

hmmmm

I want a man who is kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire?
- Zsa Zsa Gabor

Welcome Back (sung to Welcome Back Kotter theme music)

Hello -

lets give this a try again, shall we? All is well here in the whirling dervish we call home. The boys are doing great and the countdown to summer has officially begun (12 days, I was told). Busy weekend for us last weekend. The big news on campus was that Kaedo got his orange belt in TKD. Can you hear the pride? He did very well, and even broke a board! He says it was awesome. The testing was 2.75 hours and you could tell the students had worked out hard during the class. Kaed was so thrilled that he actually did his "pump the fist" movement when walking back to his space after getting his belt. Craig caught it on video and I will get him to show me how to upload it (read get him to upload it). We had a celebratory evening after the grading and were hoping for a night on the town. When we asked the boys what they wanted to do, they said, "McDonalds"! Good god! Cheap dates, I suppose. We followed that up with a movie night at home. Needless to say, Craig and I were hoping for a restaurant you didn't have to use a tray to get your food to the table. We were also kind of hoping for a movie - maybe a good cartoon we could neck to. Aaahhh. Gone are the days.

Sunday the boys found themselves on a 9.7km bike ride out to who knows where. They had a blast, as always. They are fearless and the more mud and water they have to go through the better.

Busy night last night. Kaed had TKD at 5 and Sterling had soccer at 6. Booted to TKD, met Craig to drop Sterling, took Kaed's friend home, booted back to Bville for Soccer and finally got in at 7:30pm. Never been so happy to see my dog before!

Work work work are the words of the day for the next little while. I am once again preparing for a show and that will keep me busy for now. Craig is busy at work and with football. With 2 nights of soccer and 3 nights of TKD a week, we are kept active. I'm sure that when I had kids I promised to lock them in a dark cellar and only feed them bread and water so they didn't ruin my oh-so-exciting life. What the hell? Ah well, to late to turn back now.

Hope you are all well, and will come back to see what we're up to,

s