Wednesday already? Did I say that yesterday? Not too much to tell you but I will do what I can. Windstorm last night - or at least it seemed like one. Recycling day today. Wind + 60 bottles, cans, etc = said bottles, cans, etc become lawn ornaments for everyone in the neighborhood. I'm embarassed to say that I didn't pick them up, only hoped that the Wind Fairy would keep on blowing them off my street. Yeah me! - it worked. Karma is going to come back and bite me in the ass.
Sterling is sick. He went to school today because apparently he had a free period, gym and two indoor recesses. When he got into the van tonight he was bushed. Had to take N and Kaedo to TKD tonight. Sterling fell asleep sitting in the library. Got him back into the van at the end of the class and he fell asleep on the way home. Got home and got in the bath. Dumped it and filled it twice. Now he is lying down in the basement hugging an oat bag. *** mom - he told me to tell you he would text you
What else? Oh ya - Kaedo was taking a lot of time getting out of school tonight and because it was so cold and windy I drove around to the front of the school to pick him up. Well, today he decided to take a different route out of the school and didn't see me parked nor did I see him. He was back on his way into the school when he saw the van. Then he started crying. He thought I was still in Markham, or had forgotten to pick him up. It was heartbreaking. I promised to never move the van again. He is so pitiful when he cries.
Things are getting crazier by the hour right now trying to get everything done for CHA. I leave on Thursday. Ack!
OK - I know I'm missing something but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
talk later,
s
OH ya - pictures are going in the mail tomorrow!
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Tuesday already?
So, I know you don't check the blog 13 times a day waiting to see what I have posted, but I do want to apologize for not posting sooner. Reminds me of someone I know, who shall remain nameless, who hasn't updated their blog since December 29th. For all we know their child could be driving a car by now.
I can't believe it is Tuesday already. Snowboarding on Sunday and it was great. Sterling is just loving it. Kaedo is too but I think he hit the wall on Sunday morning and was so tired that he was not too enthused to spend 90 minutes on the hill. In saying that, he did awesome and even went down the hill three times by himself. Unfortunately I didn't get it on video but will try better next week. Sterling is just cruisin' and going down the hill over and over again. He is doing great and just has to learn to take one more kind of turn and his instructor said he would take him on the chair lift. Oh god!
Yesterday we had tennis and it was good as usual. Kaedo loves to go and watch and would rather come with us than go to TKD. It is nice to have him there. I watch a bit and read magazines or my book. It is in a dome and yesterday it was damn cold in there. I was wishing for my gloves. Once we got home we had supper and then did homework, showers, reading (Sterling) and prepared for our Monday night ritual - American Gladiators. Love that show. The boys love it too. We pick our competitor we are going to cheer for at the beginning and cheer them on right to the end. Kaedo especially can name all the Gladiators and Sterling is quick to name all the events. It really is amazing. The level of fitness and drive and showmanship that goes into this show is excellent. Definitely a family favorite. I know you would love it, dad.
Today is our busy day but I think things may be a little quieter than normal. Sterling isn't feeling too well but, "It's too boring at home. I'd rather go to school". At this point he doesn't think he will stay for Spanish or participate at Basketball tonight. We'll see if he calls. Kaedo has TKD and Laura takes him tonight. It sure helps me and I'm glad we can trade off nights. Tomorrow is my turn.
Ok - that's about it. Hope you have a good day,
talk later,
s
I can't believe it is Tuesday already. Snowboarding on Sunday and it was great. Sterling is just loving it. Kaedo is too but I think he hit the wall on Sunday morning and was so tired that he was not too enthused to spend 90 minutes on the hill. In saying that, he did awesome and even went down the hill three times by himself. Unfortunately I didn't get it on video but will try better next week. Sterling is just cruisin' and going down the hill over and over again. He is doing great and just has to learn to take one more kind of turn and his instructor said he would take him on the chair lift. Oh god!
Yesterday we had tennis and it was good as usual. Kaedo loves to go and watch and would rather come with us than go to TKD. It is nice to have him there. I watch a bit and read magazines or my book. It is in a dome and yesterday it was damn cold in there. I was wishing for my gloves. Once we got home we had supper and then did homework, showers, reading (Sterling) and prepared for our Monday night ritual - American Gladiators. Love that show. The boys love it too. We pick our competitor we are going to cheer for at the beginning and cheer them on right to the end. Kaedo especially can name all the Gladiators and Sterling is quick to name all the events. It really is amazing. The level of fitness and drive and showmanship that goes into this show is excellent. Definitely a family favorite. I know you would love it, dad.
Today is our busy day but I think things may be a little quieter than normal. Sterling isn't feeling too well but, "It's too boring at home. I'd rather go to school". At this point he doesn't think he will stay for Spanish or participate at Basketball tonight. We'll see if he calls. Kaedo has TKD and Laura takes him tonight. It sure helps me and I'm glad we can trade off nights. Tomorrow is my turn.
Ok - that's about it. Hope you have a good day,
talk later,
s
** tried to get video of Sterling to post with no luck. I will try and get Craig to do it later.
Saturday 26 January 2008
7:24 and counting
Sleepover (easy on the sleep) parties are done and all is almost silent here tonight. It had been recorded that Sterling got under 5 hours sleep last night with Kaedo probably having gotten less than that. They had so much fun. Kaedo fell asleep in the car between the party and home and Sterling tried to sleep between the party and bowling but I just wouldn't shut up. They both had a blast and are anxiously waiting for the red light from us to have a party of their own. When I get back from CHA I think we will do it. ugh.
Sterling is in the shower right now, and Kaedo is following shortly, and lights should be out, without too much complaining by 8:15. They need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow for the slopes, so off they go.
Pretty casual day all in all. Just hung out, watched a movie, had supper and played a game.
Have a great rest of the weekend,
s
Sterling is in the shower right now, and Kaedo is following shortly, and lights should be out, without too much complaining by 8:15. They need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow for the slopes, so off they go.
Pretty casual day all in all. Just hung out, watched a movie, had supper and played a game.
Have a great rest of the weekend,
s
Friday 25 January 2008
hit the wall
Rope Walls - that is!
Sterling and his good friend A were very lucky to have the opportunity to participate in a week of wall climbing at the school. What a great thing. I was both amazed at it and how much the kids loved it. I had the opportunity to attend last Friday's session and take some pictures. This takes place in the gym, and there are a whole bunch of stations. Kids just worked with a partner (for the most part) and went for it. They had great instruction and were very confident. The company that does this comes from Montreal, sets up in the gym, supplies everything, and checks every child and their harness every time they prepare for another station. I was just amazed. They get 50 minutes a day for 5 days. Our school rocks!
s
Thursday 24 January 2008
lots
Hi -
Lots to mention so we'll see how it goes:
The boys are going to their first sleepovers this weekend. Eek! Kaedo is going to a school friend's house and Sterling to some good friends. We don't know the family that Kaed is going to stay with so we have been doing a lot of heavy investigating. The child's name has come up almost daily since the beginning of the school year, so at least I knew he was. I phoned and grilled the dad - sounded pretty good. One of the last things he told me was that he was with the local police, SO, Craig phoned them to confirm. Armed with a cell phone, our numbers in his pocket and a stern reminder of the dos and don'ts and we should be OK. As for Sterling - I am not worried at all. In saying that, he is probably the one who will fall down the stairs and break his arm! I guess that means a free night for us. Craig is going to stake out Sterling's party from the street and I am going to do the same for Kaedo's.
Kaeden got his sixth stripe on his orange belt. He has not gone on the grading list yet, but he told me that Sir was going to put him on. The grading will be February 9. He is very excited about that.
Both boys are anxious to get back onto the hill this weekend. I'll be sure to get some video.
OK - so I know there were other things I wanted to mention but now I don't know what they are. Sorry about that,
s
Lots to mention so we'll see how it goes:
The boys are going to their first sleepovers this weekend. Eek! Kaedo is going to a school friend's house and Sterling to some good friends. We don't know the family that Kaed is going to stay with so we have been doing a lot of heavy investigating. The child's name has come up almost daily since the beginning of the school year, so at least I knew he was. I phoned and grilled the dad - sounded pretty good. One of the last things he told me was that he was with the local police, SO, Craig phoned them to confirm. Armed with a cell phone, our numbers in his pocket and a stern reminder of the dos and don'ts and we should be OK. As for Sterling - I am not worried at all. In saying that, he is probably the one who will fall down the stairs and break his arm! I guess that means a free night for us. Craig is going to stake out Sterling's party from the street and I am going to do the same for Kaedo's.
Kaeden got his sixth stripe on his orange belt. He has not gone on the grading list yet, but he told me that Sir was going to put him on. The grading will be February 9. He is very excited about that.
Both boys are anxious to get back onto the hill this weekend. I'll be sure to get some video.
OK - so I know there were other things I wanted to mention but now I don't know what they are. Sorry about that,
s
Tuesday 22 January 2008
sad
So, Heath Ledger died today. He was an Australian actor who I know best from A Knight's Tale and Brokeback Mountain. 28. How sad and scary is that. No one knows for sure what has happened yet, but they think it was an accidental overdose of sleeping pills and that he had pneumonia at the time and all things together, I guess.
These kinds of things make me very sad. In his case, a 2 year old daughter is left behind. Is it good or bad that she won't remember her dad?
Anyway, not much to write about today.
Life is so precious, isn't it?
Gotta hug my kids one extra time today.
These kinds of things make me very sad. In his case, a 2 year old daughter is left behind. Is it good or bad that she won't remember her dad?
Anyway, not much to write about today.
Life is so precious, isn't it?
Gotta hug my kids one extra time today.
Monday 21 January 2008
blah blah blah
January 21 - how can it be?
All is well here. The boys are getting their showers and we are preparing for another night of American Gladiators! Such fun. Aside from movie night this is the only time I watch TV with the boys. This is such a great show. Just love it. In the 80's it was super popular and was one of Craig's favorite shows. I remember watching it, too. It makes me want to sit down with my dad, a bowl of popcorn, and lots of cheering and laughing. Miss you, dad.
So, on to SNOWBOARDING! Let me just say that Sterling KICKED it! He was going all the way down the hill, by HIMSELF without falling. It was amazing to see. Of course I didn't bring my camera as I didn't think there would be this much progress. Boy was I wrong. Needless to say, I will be bringing my camera next week and getting lots of pictures and footage. Kaeden had a great time and did well too. His twig-like physique does not lend to hiking up the hill with his snowboard 20 times in 90 minutes. He was tired and a little nervous about coming down on his own. His instructor helped him a lot and I know next week he will have more confidence. Back to Sterling - OK, the kid has no fear! He wasn't hot dogging it, but was really going for it and was pushing himself to the brink of his skill level. I was so impressed and he was so jazzed. He has great balance, obviously, and I was surprised at how quick he "got it". This has been a wonderful gift and has just opened up a world of possibilities for our family.
Back to tennis tonight and then quickly home to get homework done. It was like pulling teeth tonight. Thank god it is only Monday and we still have a few days until dictees and spelling tests will be taken. Tomorrow is our crazy night. This is our worst day of the week and we all agree, except maybe Craig because he wears his Under Armour under his work clothes in anticipation of his Tuesday night game. We have Spanish, TKD, basketball and football. It wouldn't be so bad if there was no basketball. Sterling really dislikes his coach and is not enjoying it. I won't be registering him for it again next year. He wants to return to soccer. Gag. Another winter in a freezing cold arena listening to asshole parents yell at their kids. Now that's my idea of a fun Saturday afternoon.
Just a bit of business - Kaed's school pictures are in and Sterling is bringing his home tomorrow. Will be getting photos out to everyone shortly. Also, if you have received a card from us recently take a look on the back. You will see that the artwork was created by none other than Kaedo. Isn't it great?
OK - that's about it -
talk later,
s
All is well here. The boys are getting their showers and we are preparing for another night of American Gladiators! Such fun. Aside from movie night this is the only time I watch TV with the boys. This is such a great show. Just love it. In the 80's it was super popular and was one of Craig's favorite shows. I remember watching it, too. It makes me want to sit down with my dad, a bowl of popcorn, and lots of cheering and laughing. Miss you, dad.
So, on to SNOWBOARDING! Let me just say that Sterling KICKED it! He was going all the way down the hill, by HIMSELF without falling. It was amazing to see. Of course I didn't bring my camera as I didn't think there would be this much progress. Boy was I wrong. Needless to say, I will be bringing my camera next week and getting lots of pictures and footage. Kaeden had a great time and did well too. His twig-like physique does not lend to hiking up the hill with his snowboard 20 times in 90 minutes. He was tired and a little nervous about coming down on his own. His instructor helped him a lot and I know next week he will have more confidence. Back to Sterling - OK, the kid has no fear! He wasn't hot dogging it, but was really going for it and was pushing himself to the brink of his skill level. I was so impressed and he was so jazzed. He has great balance, obviously, and I was surprised at how quick he "got it". This has been a wonderful gift and has just opened up a world of possibilities for our family.
Back to tennis tonight and then quickly home to get homework done. It was like pulling teeth tonight. Thank god it is only Monday and we still have a few days until dictees and spelling tests will be taken. Tomorrow is our crazy night. This is our worst day of the week and we all agree, except maybe Craig because he wears his Under Armour under his work clothes in anticipation of his Tuesday night game. We have Spanish, TKD, basketball and football. It wouldn't be so bad if there was no basketball. Sterling really dislikes his coach and is not enjoying it. I won't be registering him for it again next year. He wants to return to soccer. Gag. Another winter in a freezing cold arena listening to asshole parents yell at their kids. Now that's my idea of a fun Saturday afternoon.
Just a bit of business - Kaed's school pictures are in and Sterling is bringing his home tomorrow. Will be getting photos out to everyone shortly. Also, if you have received a card from us recently take a look on the back. You will see that the artwork was created by none other than Kaedo. Isn't it great?
OK - that's about it -
talk later,
s
Saturday 19 January 2008
200
This is my 200th post. Can you believe it? I can't.
All is well in the Kaeling household. Sterling is playing a new PSP game and Kaeden is virtually sitting in his lap trying to watch. Craig has gone to the gym and I have just returned home from a fabulous day of scrapbooking. I made this terrific album. It turned out so well. It was so nice to be out doing something creative where I was not the teacher and could just sit back and do. Back to the real world now.
This morning Sterling had bowling and the three of them went. I was sad to miss but not so sad I was going to miss going to the class! Sterling had an awesome 3 games. He had over 80 on the 1st and 3rd games and 145 on his 2nd. Just awesome. His best game ever. Apparently he got a strike then a spare and then another strike all in a row. Damn kid doesn't do that when I'm there. Maybe his dad will have to take him. Nope, not gonna happen. I love going too much.
The boys are super excited about snowboarding tomorrow. I'm so glad. I was worried about it but they are loving it so far. We are going to head into Peterborough after the lessons and go to The Pizza Factory. Apparently it is awesome and so we want to check it out. We are such a pizza family.
Once we get home from that I will be back to work. I have a project due Monday morning. I will be continuing on with more projects for the show over the coming weeks. I definitely earn my keep on the weeks leading up to a show. I am really excited, actually. My creative juices are flowing after being in a bit of an emotional slump over the last little while. I used to really work well when I was down but things, they are a changin'. Anyway, we have tons of beautiful new stuff coming out and it is fun to get my hands on it. I wish I didn't have to cut out mock-ups but that's the way it goes.
Going to spend the evening with my four boys watching a movie. Then we're going to send the boys to bed and watch the new Jackass movie. The jackass movies are hilarious but the "stunt men" are so insane. The boys have seen it sitting in the tattoo parlour once. They laughed their butts off. Thankfully the volume was off as every second word it F*&^. The closed captioning went by so fast that they couldn't read the swears. Yes, I know, you are thinking...tattoo parlours, Jackass, what will be next? We are trying to raise well rounded children who are aware of the fine art of being jabbed with needles until tears stream down your face, hearing swearing and learning not to repeat it, watching stunt shows and understanding that if they do such a thing I will break their bones myself and walking around with yesterday and today's candy on your face just means you already have a snack when you're hungry. Just lick.
talk later,
s
All is well in the Kaeling household. Sterling is playing a new PSP game and Kaeden is virtually sitting in his lap trying to watch. Craig has gone to the gym and I have just returned home from a fabulous day of scrapbooking. I made this terrific album. It turned out so well. It was so nice to be out doing something creative where I was not the teacher and could just sit back and do. Back to the real world now.
This morning Sterling had bowling and the three of them went. I was sad to miss but not so sad I was going to miss going to the class! Sterling had an awesome 3 games. He had over 80 on the 1st and 3rd games and 145 on his 2nd. Just awesome. His best game ever. Apparently he got a strike then a spare and then another strike all in a row. Damn kid doesn't do that when I'm there. Maybe his dad will have to take him. Nope, not gonna happen. I love going too much.
The boys are super excited about snowboarding tomorrow. I'm so glad. I was worried about it but they are loving it so far. We are going to head into Peterborough after the lessons and go to The Pizza Factory. Apparently it is awesome and so we want to check it out. We are such a pizza family.
Once we get home from that I will be back to work. I have a project due Monday morning. I will be continuing on with more projects for the show over the coming weeks. I definitely earn my keep on the weeks leading up to a show. I am really excited, actually. My creative juices are flowing after being in a bit of an emotional slump over the last little while. I used to really work well when I was down but things, they are a changin'. Anyway, we have tons of beautiful new stuff coming out and it is fun to get my hands on it. I wish I didn't have to cut out mock-ups but that's the way it goes.
Going to spend the evening with my four boys watching a movie. Then we're going to send the boys to bed and watch the new Jackass movie. The jackass movies are hilarious but the "stunt men" are so insane. The boys have seen it sitting in the tattoo parlour once. They laughed their butts off. Thankfully the volume was off as every second word it F*&^. The closed captioning went by so fast that they couldn't read the swears. Yes, I know, you are thinking...tattoo parlours, Jackass, what will be next? We are trying to raise well rounded children who are aware of the fine art of being jabbed with needles until tears stream down your face, hearing swearing and learning not to repeat it, watching stunt shows and understanding that if they do such a thing I will break their bones myself and walking around with yesterday and today's candy on your face just means you already have a snack when you're hungry. Just lick.
talk later,
s
Thursday 17 January 2008
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Tuesday 15 January 2008
quiz
Name: Kaedo
Music: Rock
Color: Pink
Ambition: Boss of car shop
Favorite Memory: Montreal with mom and dad and Sterling
Retreat: Bean Bag chair
Biggest Challenge: none
Perfect day: everyday is pretty much perfect
First Job: chores
Last purchase: "Cars" Car
Movie: Transformers
Inspiration: No one
did you know: I fart when I eat marshmallows
Name: Ster
Music: rap
Color: orange
Ambition: don't know
Childhood Memory: Great Wolf Lodge
Retreat: room
Challenge: peanut allergy
Perfect day: Eggs in bed and no school
Job: Making sure I only eat what I can
Last Purchase: Kaeden's Secret Santa gift
Movie: Eragon
Inspiration: mom (aahhh)
did you know that I can't leave for school without finding something extra to take with me (car, paper airplane, etc)
Music: Rock
Color: Pink
Ambition: Boss of car shop
Favorite Memory: Montreal with mom and dad and Sterling
Retreat: Bean Bag chair
Biggest Challenge: none
Perfect day: everyday is pretty much perfect
First Job: chores
Last purchase: "Cars" Car
Movie: Transformers
Inspiration: No one
did you know: I fart when I eat marshmallows
Name: Ster
Music: rap
Color: orange
Ambition: don't know
Childhood Memory: Great Wolf Lodge
Retreat: room
Challenge: peanut allergy
Perfect day: Eggs in bed and no school
Job: Making sure I only eat what I can
Last Purchase: Kaeden's Secret Santa gift
Movie: Eragon
Inspiration: mom (aahhh)
did you know that I can't leave for school without finding something extra to take with me (car, paper airplane, etc)
Monday 14 January 2008
LONG POST
Hi - wrote this yesterday at the ski hill
Where to start...
It has been a great week for our family. We got Oscar on Monday, started tennis lessons, got back to TKD, started up Spanish again, started indoor football, got back into my Wednesday night outing AND started snowboard lessons. I'm actually sitting in the chalet right now doing this (on paper), watching the boys and taking pics of them.
Football started Tuesday night. Craig plays at either 10-11pm or 11pm-12am. Ahh, for the love of the game. He shredded his knee (again) and so he had to get some tensor "braces" to wear. I told him to stop falling. Apparently that isn't an option.
NOBODY came to stay with us this weekend. We've taken some pictures of him as you can see. We meant to bring him to the ski hill but forgot. Ketchup is probably having him for lunch right now.
I'm writing and watching the boys and they are doing awesome. I thought they may spend the whole lesson on their butts but they have been getting down the hill. I can't tell you how exciting it is. We will definitely have to consider getting a family Seasons Pass next year if the boys continue to love it as much as they seem to right now. It brings back wonderful memories of my childhood. Something has clicked and Sterling is getting down the hill and looking great. Kaedo is doing great as well. It looks like he has some trouble getting his bindings done up but they are making their way down the hill and hiking back up. Good sign they are having fun.
written today
I have taken about 30 pictures and some video so I will post the them so you can see as soon as I go through them.
I have taken about 30 pictures and some video so I will post the them so you can see as soon as I go through them.
Tried to add some video with no luck. I will get Craig to try later.
Well, that's about it. Sorry on the slow posting this weekend. I had a large project due and concentrated my free time on doing that.
talk later,
s
s
Saturday 12 January 2008
where
have the days gone?
Happy Saturday all.
I have so much to blog about but need to get organized before I do. I've got pictures of Oscar, Sterling and Nobody, stuff about bowling, 50/50, tkd, etc etc.
In saying that...
that will all have to be saved for later. I think it is best for me to write everything out so I get it all, then post here.
So -
here is a brief get to know you. Participate - I'd love to see what you have to say
name: Shannon Lavigne
music: James Blunt-ish, Josh Groban-ish with a heavy sprinkling of the spoken word
favorite color: right now green and brown are in a bit of a competition
childhood ambition: to be a teacher
fondest childhood memory: cars at KOA in California, Columbia Ice Fields
soundtrack of my life: I Get Knocked Down - Chumba Wumba
retreat: Chapters
biggest challenge: getting out of bed when my world was crashing down around me
perfect day: Disneyland with my 3 boys
first job: baby sitter
last purchase: Lifesavers for a project I am working on
favorite movie: right now it is Serendipity
inspiration: Craig - oh how I would love to live life oblivious
did you know?: when I set my alarm clock the last two numbers have to add up to the first one. hmmm
Let's see what you have to say,
later,
s
Happy Saturday all.
I have so much to blog about but need to get organized before I do. I've got pictures of Oscar, Sterling and Nobody, stuff about bowling, 50/50, tkd, etc etc.
In saying that...
that will all have to be saved for later. I think it is best for me to write everything out so I get it all, then post here.
So -
here is a brief get to know you. Participate - I'd love to see what you have to say
name: Shannon Lavigne
music: James Blunt-ish, Josh Groban-ish with a heavy sprinkling of the spoken word
favorite color: right now green and brown are in a bit of a competition
childhood ambition: to be a teacher
fondest childhood memory: cars at KOA in California, Columbia Ice Fields
soundtrack of my life: I Get Knocked Down - Chumba Wumba
retreat: Chapters
biggest challenge: getting out of bed when my world was crashing down around me
perfect day: Disneyland with my 3 boys
first job: baby sitter
last purchase: Lifesavers for a project I am working on
favorite movie: right now it is Serendipity
inspiration: Craig - oh how I would love to live life oblivious
did you know?: when I set my alarm clock the last two numbers have to add up to the first one. hmmm
Let's see what you have to say,
later,
s
Thursday 10 January 2008
Thursday already?
Hi everyone -
Thursday - where has the week gone? All is well here. The boys are doing well and they have gotten back into the groove of school and activities. Sterling started tennis again on Monday night and Kaed is back to TKD.
Wanted to mention a cool project that Sterling is a part of with his English teacher. It is called the Nobody Project and you can learn more about it at http://whoisnobody.com/.
His class did this last year, and it was to help a person, place or thing. This year they are working on the environment. What is cool about this project is that each child chooses something they are interested in within the parameters of the project and gets to present it to the class. They also get to take home this "doll", Nobody, and sew, string, staple, tie, something to the doll's body that is a symbol of whatever their cause is. This doll starts off as just a denim "person" with arms and legs, no eyes or anything. Every time a child brings him home they add something to him relating to their cause, and at the end of the project, "it" is a Somebody/Everybody, not a Nobody.
This year Sterling has decided to adopt an acre of the Rain forest. He has chosen Basque El Impossible in El Salvador. There are cool reasons why he chose this area, and it is fun to listen to him speak about it. What we did (following the lead of some kids last year) was write a letter to the students explaining what Sterling was doing and how he wanted to adopt this on behalf of the entire class. He asked for a $1 donation from each child IF they wanted to/could participate. He then explained that through doing chores, etc he would match every dollar that was donated and then Craig and I would match that. One acre is $100. The more the better, I have been told. His class has really stepped up and are very interested, so it should be good. He has a lot of work to do, but I think we can get it done by Feb 15. That's the goal. So what do you think? Pretty cool, eh?
He gets to bring Nobody home tomorrow and he will have to decide what to add to him. I was thinking a snake around his leg, or a tree or something. He would like a Ocelot (endangered) but I haven't quite figured out how to do that. Whatever he wants I will make happen. Last year he made a little book (1.5 x 1") and attached that and a miniature shape-o-toy to Nobody's arm. One of the boys did a whole bunch of recycling and he used the lids from pop bottles to make eyes. Just awesome.
Anyway,
just thought I would pass that on. While Sterling isn't very conscious of turning off the lights in the house, he is quite environmental and granola. He has strong opinions about animal cruelty, Hummers and other gas guzzlers, our environment and how what we do affects everything else. Very astute, for 10 - I think.
Ok - that's it,
talk later,
s
I've read this over 9 times, so if there is a typo don't tell me
edited: amazingly enough - within 5 minutes of posting this Craig called me to tell me about a typo
Thursday - where has the week gone? All is well here. The boys are doing well and they have gotten back into the groove of school and activities. Sterling started tennis again on Monday night and Kaed is back to TKD.
Wanted to mention a cool project that Sterling is a part of with his English teacher. It is called the Nobody Project and you can learn more about it at http://whoisnobody.com/.
His class did this last year, and it was to help a person, place or thing. This year they are working on the environment. What is cool about this project is that each child chooses something they are interested in within the parameters of the project and gets to present it to the class. They also get to take home this "doll", Nobody, and sew, string, staple, tie, something to the doll's body that is a symbol of whatever their cause is. This doll starts off as just a denim "person" with arms and legs, no eyes or anything. Every time a child brings him home they add something to him relating to their cause, and at the end of the project, "it" is a Somebody/Everybody, not a Nobody.
This year Sterling has decided to adopt an acre of the Rain forest. He has chosen Basque El Impossible in El Salvador. There are cool reasons why he chose this area, and it is fun to listen to him speak about it. What we did (following the lead of some kids last year) was write a letter to the students explaining what Sterling was doing and how he wanted to adopt this on behalf of the entire class. He asked for a $1 donation from each child IF they wanted to/could participate. He then explained that through doing chores, etc he would match every dollar that was donated and then Craig and I would match that. One acre is $100. The more the better, I have been told. His class has really stepped up and are very interested, so it should be good. He has a lot of work to do, but I think we can get it done by Feb 15. That's the goal. So what do you think? Pretty cool, eh?
He gets to bring Nobody home tomorrow and he will have to decide what to add to him. I was thinking a snake around his leg, or a tree or something. He would like a Ocelot (endangered) but I haven't quite figured out how to do that. Whatever he wants I will make happen. Last year he made a little book (1.5 x 1") and attached that and a miniature shape-o-toy to Nobody's arm. One of the boys did a whole bunch of recycling and he used the lids from pop bottles to make eyes. Just awesome.
Anyway,
just thought I would pass that on. While Sterling isn't very conscious of turning off the lights in the house, he is quite environmental and granola. He has strong opinions about animal cruelty, Hummers and other gas guzzlers, our environment and how what we do affects everything else. Very astute, for 10 - I think.
Ok - that's it,
talk later,
s
I've read this over 9 times, so if there is a typo don't tell me
edited: amazingly enough - within 5 minutes of posting this Craig called me to tell me about a typo
Wednesday 9 January 2008
duh
You know you are an idiot when...
A kindly middle aged man pulls over to help guide you out of the parking lot at the DMV so your boat is unscathed.
Much to our mother's horror -
you know you're a good mom when your kids have ice cream for breakfast (it's calcium, right?)
A kindly middle aged man pulls over to help guide you out of the parking lot at the DMV so your boat is unscathed.
Much to our mother's horror -
you know you're a good mom when your kids have ice cream for breakfast (it's calcium, right?)
Tuesday 8 January 2008
Dock your boat!
So - first day with the new wheels. Gotta say, that is some big ass van. What is it? 25 feet long? In saying that, it is nice to drive and is very nondiscript - as every other soccer/hockey/tennis/bowling/TKD/swimming/snowboarding mom on the planet seems to have the exact same van.
Today at Wal-Mart, after looking for (what seemed like 10 minutes) the truck, I finally realized we now have a van. Oh, there it is, I thought. Hmmm, the damn remote doesn't work already? What the hell is going on? AAHHH, some other soccer moms van!
The other thing I have realized about driving this van is that I am going to get plenty of exercise. I'm so scared to park the damn thing that I'll be parking on the outskirts of parking lots just so I can have a pull through space.
Was at home talking to my mom this morning when Craig called on my cell. I hung up with mom and answered his call, only to hear him say, "you out crusin'?" Ugh, Yah - 'cause that's what we Bling Bling YoYoMas do! Rockin' the book on CD, wavin' at other van owners, drivin' around the block over and over again just to hear the blinker, and hopin' for some rain so I can use those kick ass wiper blades.
later,
s
Today at Wal-Mart, after looking for (what seemed like 10 minutes) the truck, I finally realized we now have a van. Oh, there it is, I thought. Hmmm, the damn remote doesn't work already? What the hell is going on? AAHHH, some other soccer moms van!
The other thing I have realized about driving this van is that I am going to get plenty of exercise. I'm so scared to park the damn thing that I'll be parking on the outskirts of parking lots just so I can have a pull through space.
Was at home talking to my mom this morning when Craig called on my cell. I hung up with mom and answered his call, only to hear him say, "you out crusin'?" Ugh, Yah - 'cause that's what we Bling Bling YoYoMas do! Rockin' the book on CD, wavin' at other van owners, drivin' around the block over and over again just to hear the blinker, and hopin' for some rain so I can use those kick ass wiper blades.
later,
s
Monday 7 January 2008
interesting observation
Called the dealership today with some last minute questions and guess what?
The Business Manager also:
drives a 2008 Uplander
has a Transponder for the toll road
worked in Markham
has the stain protection in his van
has grey interior
and his spouse also drives a 10 year old vehicle
my god - he is the male version of me
imagine that!
no, I don't think he is just saying those things...why would he? hmmm
The Business Manager also:
drives a 2008 Uplander
has a Transponder for the toll road
worked in Markham
has the stain protection in his van
has grey interior
and his spouse also drives a 10 year old vehicle
my god - he is the male version of me
imagine that!
no, I don't think he is just saying those things...why would he? hmmm
Sunday 6 January 2008
lessons
Went out to the ski hill today for first snowboard lesson
Doesn't start until next week
My bad
Doesn't start until next week
My bad
Friday 4 January 2008
Introducing Oscar
Our new van will come home with us on Monday night. (Kaeden named him - another boy in our already testosterone laden family). We are very excited. 2008 Chevy Uplander. This isn't the color but at least you can see what it looks like. What a way to ring in the New Year. Go hard or go home is what we say.talk later,
s
Friday
Hi All -
Happy Friday to you.
All is well here. Craig is painting the boy's bathroom, the boys are downstairs making the bed (watching TV) and I'm in here doing this. Back to routine tomorrow and adding a new item on our already busy to-do list. Bowling starts back up tomorrow at 11, and TKD is at 11:30. Sunday we get to watch the boys sit on the ski hill for 90 minutes trying to snowboard. Should be fun. I am clearing off my camera so I can take some video to post here.
The boys have been doing some sledding this week, and invited their friend N to come with them yesterday. Can I just say that Craig is a bigger kid than them? They all had fun and naturally, Craig rocks! Everyone came back here for some lunch and an afternoon of play. N went home at 4 and Craig picked him up at 4:40 for TKD. Good day.
As I have already said, I will be glad for the routine to re-start. Sterling is going back to tennis for another session, and while I am writing this I am thinking that I better check if he starts on Monday. We have altered our schedule a bit making it possible for us to have the night off on Friday instead of Monday. The more we get into the Spring, the more the kids all want to be outside and the two families pretty much give them their freedom on Friday nights.
What a change from last year. L and I were talking about it the other day. This time last year we were still supervising them at the school, and this year they are heading off sledding by themselves. Shocking. A and a friend even went to Tim Horton's for a drink the other day. It is cool to see them growing up and getting the freedom as well as the responsibility. I know that we are working hard to give a nice balance between the two.
Have been skulking the blogs watching the drama that is Britney Spears. If you are interested go here. It is very, very sad. Never a kid, kids too young, too much money, family that would sell her to the highest bidder, and while she was never a kid she seems to have never grown up. Very scary. Makes you hope your kids lead a life of mediocrity. I don't mean that in the "never amount to anything" way, just that they have happy, peaceful, good lives, out of close scrutiny, where they can just be themselves. Just my opinion.
OK - enough soapbox for one day. If I don't "talk" to you before Monday, have a great weekend.
talk later,
s
Happy Friday to you.
All is well here. Craig is painting the boy's bathroom, the boys are downstairs making the bed (watching TV) and I'm in here doing this. Back to routine tomorrow and adding a new item on our already busy to-do list. Bowling starts back up tomorrow at 11, and TKD is at 11:30. Sunday we get to watch the boys sit on the ski hill for 90 minutes trying to snowboard. Should be fun. I am clearing off my camera so I can take some video to post here.
The boys have been doing some sledding this week, and invited their friend N to come with them yesterday. Can I just say that Craig is a bigger kid than them? They all had fun and naturally, Craig rocks! Everyone came back here for some lunch and an afternoon of play. N went home at 4 and Craig picked him up at 4:40 for TKD. Good day.
As I have already said, I will be glad for the routine to re-start. Sterling is going back to tennis for another session, and while I am writing this I am thinking that I better check if he starts on Monday. We have altered our schedule a bit making it possible for us to have the night off on Friday instead of Monday. The more we get into the Spring, the more the kids all want to be outside and the two families pretty much give them their freedom on Friday nights.
What a change from last year. L and I were talking about it the other day. This time last year we were still supervising them at the school, and this year they are heading off sledding by themselves. Shocking. A and a friend even went to Tim Horton's for a drink the other day. It is cool to see them growing up and getting the freedom as well as the responsibility. I know that we are working hard to give a nice balance between the two.
Have been skulking the blogs watching the drama that is Britney Spears. If you are interested go here. It is very, very sad. Never a kid, kids too young, too much money, family that would sell her to the highest bidder, and while she was never a kid she seems to have never grown up. Very scary. Makes you hope your kids lead a life of mediocrity. I don't mean that in the "never amount to anything" way, just that they have happy, peaceful, good lives, out of close scrutiny, where they can just be themselves. Just my opinion.
OK - enough soapbox for one day. If I don't "talk" to you before Monday, have a great weekend.
talk later,
s
Thursday 3 January 2008
oops
Out at an appointment this morning
got a call from Craig
"you're dragging the extension cord behind the car"
oops
got a call from Craig
"you're dragging the extension cord behind the car"
oops
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Babylove
OK - it is January 2nd and I need to perk up and return to my real self. Haven't wanted to blog lately and so today I am vowing to smarten up. Did you know that I posted 31 times in December. That's a lot of blabbering. One of my goals for 2008 is to post 20 times a month. Shouldn't be a problem, but we'll see.
Rather than list the things that I am going to do for the New Year, I am going to follow what I saw on another blog, and post what I am not going to do.
1. I am not going to go to bed before 10pm - unless I'm sick
2. I am not going to swear as much
3. I am not going to have a heart attack
4. I am not going to buy another wallet/bag
5. I am not going to eat brussel sprouts
6. I am not going to say no when my kids want to read to me
7. I am not going to say yes just because it will make someone else feel better (and me crappier)
8. I am not going to be too busy to see what my kids want to show me
9. I am not going to fret about things I can't do anything about
10. I am not going to fart at the dinner table
Anyone else have any NOTs they want to share? I'd love to hear them.
On to Kaedo. My lovely, dolly loving boy. Most of you have met Baby, his long time best pal and the master of their domain. Kaeden has had Baby since he was less than a year old. When I started working in the scrapbook store, I bought him for Sterling. Sterling wasn't very interested in him. However, Kaedo loved him right a way. I had given Fuzz to Kaedo and Sterling loved him more, so a switch was made and to this day Sterling still has Fuzz and Kaedo has Baby. Baby has been through the wars, as you can probably see. When he was five (35 in dog years) he was left on top of a lamp that was turned on, almost starting a fire and incinerating his butt. After buying a patch and doing some pretty intense surgery, I was able to recover his butt cheek, and while he will never play the violin again, he has lived quite a normal life. When he was 6 (40 in dog years) he had a run in with another dog, that left him a little worse for wear. He had his nose bitten off 3 times in 1 month. Once again a sterile area was created (kitchen table) and he was put under and surgery was once again performed. This time I needed to be more inventive. A new tool in my arsenal had to be brought out and with nervous hands I was able to reattach the nose using hot glue and thread. It was long and arduous, but worth it to see the look on my boy's face. We quickly learned that this larger and somewhat fiercer dog could not, in fact, reach him if he was left on the back on the couch, so Baby found a new home there during the day and wrapped tightly in Kaedo's arms at night. Baby is now 56 years old and while he is reaching middle age, he is as spry as he was when he was 21. He can still voluntarily throw himself down two flights of stairs, toboggan in a box into the basement, repel off Kaedo's bed in the middle of the night and still get up in the morning to go to school with his best pal, Smoochie. So there you have it. Baby is a wonder dog, a wonderful companion, and is loved by all. We bow to his greatness.
December 2007 (taken with kickin' new camera, I might add!)
talk later,
s
PS - I do remember saying that I would never give my kids a nickname, so I apologize. He is just so Kaedo, I have to call him that.
Rather than list the things that I am going to do for the New Year, I am going to follow what I saw on another blog, and post what I am not going to do.
1. I am not going to go to bed before 10pm - unless I'm sick
2. I am not going to swear as much
3. I am not going to have a heart attack
4. I am not going to buy another wallet/bag
5. I am not going to eat brussel sprouts
6. I am not going to say no when my kids want to read to me
7. I am not going to say yes just because it will make someone else feel better (and me crappier)
8. I am not going to be too busy to see what my kids want to show me
9. I am not going to fret about things I can't do anything about
10. I am not going to fart at the dinner table
Anyone else have any NOTs they want to share? I'd love to hear them.
On to Kaedo. My lovely, dolly loving boy. Most of you have met Baby, his long time best pal and the master of their domain. Kaeden has had Baby since he was less than a year old. When I started working in the scrapbook store, I bought him for Sterling. Sterling wasn't very interested in him. However, Kaedo loved him right a way. I had given Fuzz to Kaedo and Sterling loved him more, so a switch was made and to this day Sterling still has Fuzz and Kaedo has Baby. Baby has been through the wars, as you can probably see. When he was five (35 in dog years) he was left on top of a lamp that was turned on, almost starting a fire and incinerating his butt. After buying a patch and doing some pretty intense surgery, I was able to recover his butt cheek, and while he will never play the violin again, he has lived quite a normal life. When he was 6 (40 in dog years) he had a run in with another dog, that left him a little worse for wear. He had his nose bitten off 3 times in 1 month. Once again a sterile area was created (kitchen table) and he was put under and surgery was once again performed. This time I needed to be more inventive. A new tool in my arsenal had to be brought out and with nervous hands I was able to reattach the nose using hot glue and thread. It was long and arduous, but worth it to see the look on my boy's face. We quickly learned that this larger and somewhat fiercer dog could not, in fact, reach him if he was left on the back on the couch, so Baby found a new home there during the day and wrapped tightly in Kaedo's arms at night. Baby is now 56 years old and while he is reaching middle age, he is as spry as he was when he was 21. He can still voluntarily throw himself down two flights of stairs, toboggan in a box into the basement, repel off Kaedo's bed in the middle of the night and still get up in the morning to go to school with his best pal, Smoochie. So there you have it. Baby is a wonder dog, a wonderful companion, and is loved by all. We bow to his greatness.
December 2007 (taken with kickin' new camera, I might add!)talk later,
s
PS - I do remember saying that I would never give my kids a nickname, so I apologize. He is just so Kaedo, I have to call him that.
Tuesday 1 January 2008
Happy New Year!
Received this picture this morning and had to share. This starts my New Year's off right. God, she's cute. She must be adopted.
Happy New Year everyone.
s
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