the lucky ones - and not

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKpdW3Su1rQ

Many of you know my opinions about the "cancer industry", but I have to tell you that when you see and hear what people have been through, there is no way not to be touched, scared, grateful, saddened, hopeful. This video is filled with people I don't know but I felt like after I watched I knew a little about them. I urge you to watch. It is not about all things pink or yellow wristbands. It is about life and the loss of it. If no one you care about has been afflicted, consider yourself lucky and grateful. If cancer has come into your life in some way I pray for you and the ones you love (and you know I don't do that lightly).
This video is long - 8 minutes. Grab a drink, sit down and be moved.
I was.

Let's Go, Sterling! Let's Go!

Courtesy of Craig, a wonderful video montage of #12. The team superstar - if I may say so myself! Keep your eyes on the white sleeves (black uniforms).

Having said that, we lost 51-0. Ouch.

Tech decks and my son is 87

*click on picture for bigger image

The newest obsession is here. Tech Decks. Let me re-phrase. The semi-new obsession is back. The boys were really into these finger skateboards sometime last year and now they are back to them. They have spent every cent they have collecting these things and as far as I'm concerned it is money well spent. They have spent hours playing with them and have built ramps out of games and books as well as doing tricks off the outdoor chairs. They are doing '360's', 'ollies' and myriad of other tricks that while they amaze me, I have no idea what they are called.

They have just invited the neighbors over for movies and popcorn and so they are all downstairs having fun. They are 8 and 7 and absolutely darling. Lucas knocks on the front window rather than the door when he wants the boys to come and play.

Sterling got fitted for orthotics today. He's 87. He desperately needs them so we have ordered them and they will be ready next week. Between glasses, braces and orthotics, the kid is falling apart. Poor bugger. I think I'll have to go out tomorrow and get him a cane, Hush Puppies, and a new toothbrush.

The things you do for your kids

Another crazy morning. It is 11am and I have already had another full day. Got up with Craig at 6 - yuk and Sterling joined me at 6:30. Kaedo got up at 7:10. The plan for the morning was to go for breakfast (payday), pick up some stuff for their lunches, and get money for their Terry Fox Walk donation.

Let me begin at the beginning (?). A few weeks ago Sterling told me/showed me about a new binder that he wanted. It is call a Zwipe. It has a file thing inside and you can write notes on it (girl's phone numbers) with a special pen and I think it also allows you to put your teacher in a long-term trance to get you out of doing math. Apparently ALL of his friends have one and so he MUST get one too. We went up to Wal-Mart and they had them on sale for $4. Small problem - Sterling didn't have $4. We work on a money system here for chores - yes, I know you aren't supposed to do that, but we all do it when we work and get a paycheque, right? I told Sterling if he saved up his money, I would take him to get one.

Today we were out the door at 7:30, on our way to Barnaby's for the best breakfast in town. Yum! While there, Sterling SUGGESTED that we go up to Wal-Mart to get the food for their lunches and he could POSSIBLY look for the Zwipe. So, of course, because I am Queen Sucker Mom, up we went.

Sadness struck when we saw that obviously a whole bunch of kids had the same idea and there were none left. A small crying jag ensued and then all was OK.

"Mom, can you check at the big Wal-Mart?"

"If I have time, I will"

So, what did I do?

I dropped them off at school,

drove to Zellers - no luck

drove to Wal-Mart - no luck

drove to other Zellers - no luck

drove to Staples - LUCK!

I am so dumb!

So what did I do then, you may ask?

I wrote a cute little note on the cover, went to the school, asked that Sterling be pulled from class (probably thought he was in trouble), and presented him with his new binder.

Yes, I know I am dumb - but the look on his face and his beautiful smile turned me to mush and was well worth the $10 in gas, the cruise through two cities and having to ask the secretary to call him down.

Now all I have to do is think of something cool to do for Kaedo. It's on my list for today. Hmm, what could it be? Any suggestions?

You'll never guess...

...what happened to me today. It started off busy and went downhill from there. (and it's only 1pm).
Where to start?
As you know, the boys are riding their bikes to school - sigh. This morning Kaedo had Harrier at 8:15am. He wanted to ride his bike, as did Sterling, so they were up bright and early off to school. Sterling planned to just play b-ball while waiting for me. Kaeden wants me to come to Harrier and watch - zzzz - so I do, of course. Where it got screwy is that Sterling had an Ortho appt at 9:15 and wasn't going to school this morning. So, he went to school an hour early just so he could ride his bike.
At 8:45, Kaedo rushed over to tell me he had forgotten his rocks for rock day. He was panicked as he has been waiting for this for weeks. I called Craig (he was coming to the Ortho) and asked him to get over to the school with the rocks. We got them to Kaed then rushed off to the appt.
We got to the appt and waited for our turn. Going in I was sure the Dr. was going to start with pulling teeth and waiting for the tracks. I was in for a surprise when he told us he wanted to start immediately. I was SO impressed with Sterling. He had numerous questions and had the opportunity to ask them. The doc was very impressed with him and I was proud.
Talk about fast - Dr. Pong said they were going to put the spacers in today and we would start next week. On the 2nd he gets his back teeth bands and on the 9th he gets his upper tracks. Yikes. If you can believe it, Sterling was just happy he didn't have to have teeth pulled. He was very nervous about the gas, as he really doesn't like it.
Had to sign my life away for the braces and for the next two years we won't be able to eat. Had to put down a big deposit in order to keep the monthlies lower, but that's what you do for your kids.
I think the worst for Sterling was explaining that he can't have any gum, caramels, marshmallows, etc. He was not happy and had me promise that the day he gets his braces off he can have two bags of caramels.
What's next?
Kaeden had a small speech planned today about Ketchup. His teacher gave him permission to bring Ketchup. At 11:50. At 12:20, Kaedo called me wondering where I was. Yikes!!! I had totally forgotten. Can you believe it? Oh, I feel terrible. I broke land speed records getting to the school and showed off the dog. Kaed said his speech, took questions and had Ketch shake a paw. Then the children virtually swarmed the dog. I have to say that I was proud of Kaedo and the dog. Ketch kept his cool and Kaeden kept everyone organized, having each kid pet him one at a time.

Now I am home and feel like I need a beer. It's 5pm somewhere.
Brava, anyone?

2.8 kms

That's how far they went without me. The boys rode their bikes to school this morning - BY THEMSELVES! Talk about heart attack. They have been so wanting to do this. The last few days I have been following them in the van, and keeping their backpacks, but today was the solo journey. I think I mentioned that we got both of them cell phones. This is so that when they walk to Zellers, Busy Bee, the library, etc, they have their own phones and I don't have to worry about them dropping my crackberry (or blueberry, as Em would say). Let me tell you that the phones (hand me downs) and minutes (pay as you go) have already paid for themselves just from hearing Kaedo this morning.
"Mom, we're at school"
"How was it?"
"GRRREAT!"

I am now going to curl up in the fetal position and cry, knowing that my boys may have moved up from being 'medium boys' to 'large boys'.

interview with a 9 year old

Favorite part of being a Kid

I get to play lots

Worst part of being a Kid

being beat up by my brother sometimes (when he can catch me)

Favorite Color

pink

Favorite Sport

soccer

Favorite TV Show

Suite Life of Zack and Cody

Best Friends(s)

Sterling, Noah, Andrew

Favorite Food

pizza, popcorn, candy and chips

Favorite thing to do

play with Ketchup

Something you can't live without

Sterling

When I grow up I want to be

haven't thought of it yet

An interview with a 10 year old

Favorite part of being a kid

everyone thinks I'm cute

Worst part of being a kid

homework

Favorite Color

orange

Favorite Sport

football

Favorite TV Show

Suite Life of Zack and Cody

Best Friend(s)

Kaeden, Noah and Sam

Favorite Food

pizza

Favorite Thing To Do

play with my brother

Something I can't live without

Kaeden

When I grow up I want to be

car designer/mechanic (there is nothing else he is ever wanted to be - "car fixer" were one of his first words

biker babes

Big Day! The boys rode their bikes to school. Can you believe it? Let me start off by saying that they didn't go by themselves. I followed/went ahead of them in the van. Here's what happened. Earlier in the week, Laura invited the boys over for after school today. She wanted them to bring their bikes so they could ride with N. Well, that got the wheels turning in Sterling's mind. Next thing I know I am being bombarded with pleas allowing bike riding to school. So, you know me - I gave in. With conditions. I had to come too, I got to lay down all the rules, I would bring their backpacks, I got to take as many pictures as I wanted and if they didn't follow my rules exactly, it would never happen again. Off we went. I drove ahead a little ways then pulled over with my hazards on and waited for them. Once they caught I took some pictures/videos and then starting going again. This went on all the way to school. They did so awesome. Man, am I proud of those guys. Now I am going to spend the weekend deciding if they can go on their own. If the weather is good on Monday, I might just let them. We'll see.

Now that we have all this independence thing going, I simultaneously raveled and unraveled the cord I have tied to them. Unraveled = letting them ride their bikes to school. Raveled = got them each a cell phone.

let's go, jersey, let's go!

Last night was JERSEY night. Finally, they got their personalized jerseys. Sterling was stoked. They had to wait until the end of practice and then the coach handed them out. He looks so great. Much better than the rest of the kids. Not biased at all. The boy in the first picture is 7. He is about 1.5 heads shorter that Sterling. He really seems to like Sterling as I always seem to see him trailing around after him. He's cute but very small. I'm thankful Sterling doesn't have to tackle him, or if he does in practice he doesn't crush him. Craig was the only one with the camera and he got some awesome shots. Is he not gorgeous???? Man, oh, man...I am in so much trouble. He is doing so well. He is running the ball, protecting the QB and all that other cool stuff he is supposed to do. The best part? HE LOVES IT!

home sweet home

Aaahhh, to be back at home. 'Tis a wonderful thing. Got back at 10pm on Sunday night and was so glad to see everyone. Kept mom and dad up until about midnight talking their ears off. Craig had snuck upstairs as he had already heard my stories in the van.

Had a nice surprise on my arrival home. Craig was late, although to his credit I did breeze through customs (no line), picked up my luggage no problem, and their was a lot of rain and wind for his drive.

Throughout the weekend we had gone back and forth about having the boys come to the airport. Craig had said repeatedly that it was too late and that they were going to stay home with amma (ammy for Kaedo) and baba. Sterling apparently made a deal with Craig that they would put on their PJs, brush their teeth and sleep all the way to and from the airport. Ya! He brought them. When we opened the back gate their little faces were sticking out, cheering for me. It was great. No sooner did they say hi, did Kaedo ask for the Jonas Brothers CD I had promised him. Now I know where his priorities are. I am one second above the Jonas Brothers. Hmmm.

Do I have to tell you that we listened to the CD most of the way home? Finally I turned around, saw they were both sleeping and Craig shut it off. Thank god. I must be getting old.

Mom and dad were home holding down the fort and babysitting Ketchup (ha), and I was so happy to see them. This is their last few days here and we won't see them again until February so I am trying to get in a little more time before they fly home to their other more bratty but just as lovable grandchild (biased much?)

Back to work today (so why am I doing this?). I noticed that Craig did not post through the weekend so the three of you who read this must have been in withdrawal. Not.

That's it for now. Will try to think of something witty for tomorrow.

later

*** Craig must be having a heart attack over all the parenthesis I have used

some of you know

Whenever the boys go past a vending machine or a phone booth they always check for money. Weird, I know. They did this on their holidays with Amma and Baba and Baba told them that they should be careful because maybe someone will have stuck poop in the hole and they would have someone/things poop all over them. Seems like they are willing to take the chance as at soccer sign-up they were checking all the vending machines and lo and behold, Kaedo found $1. Of course he did. He finds everything. If there is a treasure to be found, he finds it. He is happy if it is even a penny.

So, I thought that while I am sure that other kids do this, it is not a regular occurrence.

This morning I stopped at a convenience store to get a lottery ticket for tonight (which I am going to win!) and guess what I see? A 30+ year old man checking the payphones.

I wonder if he ever got shit on his hand.

guess where..

...I'm going?

That's right! Mall of America - The largest mall in the USA. Why am I going, you may ask?

Scrapfest! The largest consumer show in North America. Boy is it busy. Over the weekend I will speak to about 2000 women who all belong to the same cult - scrapbooking! I am dead on my feet by the time the event is over, but have a blast doing it. I will also be teaching five classes and am so looking forward to that. I am in my element doing that. So great. I only get the chance to teach a few times a year, so I just can't wait.

The Mall of America is quite something. You can check it out at http://mallofamerica.com. There is a Lego store, a huge amusement park, almost any shop you can think of and NO drug store - What the Hell? I don't get it, but whatever. If my memory serves me right, there is NO bookstore, either. What the Hell?

It is a lot of fun and in the past I have been able to pick up a few Christmas presents.

Anyway, I leave on Thursday morning. September 11th. The irony does not escape me, simply creeps me out a bit.

Season Opener

6-57

We got massacred! All I can say is that I am glad they finally took down the other teams' score. We were crying in the stands. The team gelled more in the 2nd half but we just don't have the skills. Sterling played 2 "plays" in the first half and then played all the 2nd half. I was so proud of him. For a kid who hadn't practiced in 2 months he really pulled his weight. He was attentive, on the ball, in the play and very positive. He also LOVED it! That is really all that matters. No use asking me what position he plays because I have no idea. I'll get back to you on that.

On another note - Kaedo got back to TKD this week, and has really gotten a workout. Old Ma'am has been teaching and she has been kicking their asses. He is tired when he is finished. Today was a 1.5hr class and when he got home he laid on the couch for about the same amount of time. I am registering him for soccer this week as he really wants to play. Just another thing to add to our schedule.

Sterling started bowling today. His scores were awesome. Going in today, his average was 86, at the end today it was 106. Very impressive. He started the season with a strike on his first ball. His team seems very nice.

Kaedo is enjoying M. Avarell and once again has homework.

me: "Kaedo - why aren't you finishing this in class?"

Kaedo: "I'm just thinking, mom, of what I should write".

me: "Kaed, you have to get on it - you don't want to have homework every night, do you?"

Kaedo: "No, but what I write has to be good".

Please, son, I'm begging you - PICK UP THE PACE!

Schools Back!

Well, back to school. Both boys were nervous. Kaedo especially so as he was sure that none of his friends were in his class. He had a pleasant surprise when finding out that lots of them were. Sterling also had a lot of his friends in his class, including Samuel, his best buddy. New backpacks and lunchboxes, some new t-shirts, haircuts and they were ready to go. We met Sterling's teachers yesterday morning to talk about his epipens and we were very happy with their response to our information. He loved his teachers and we are so happy about that. He has an English homeroom teacher and a French secondary teacher. He goes 50/50 this year - french /English. He also got glasses! They look great. Very studious. I haven't got a picture of them, but will try and do that tonight.

Kaedo gets to be in a portable this year and for some odd reason, he is thrilled. Crazy kid. He has the teacher Sterling had last year, and really liked him. It is his first year with a male teacher. I really liked him with Sterling so I really think Kaedo will do well. He is the only kid I know who can get behind on the first day of school and have homework. So it begins again - pokey! Hopefully he will move up from snail pace to turtle pace. He really enjoyed his class.

I'm so thrilled that both of them are happy with their teachers. That makes going to school and getting homework done much easier.

I am also so lucky as the backyardigans have moved directly across the street from the school (boo) and Laura has graciously given me the opportunity to park in their driveway to drop off and pick up the kids. You have no idea how happy that makes me!

Our schedule moves back into full swing this week with footballx2, TKDx3, bowlingx1 and football for Craig. We have a reprieve from Sterling's football games as we have 2 bye weeks, but after that we will be at footballx3. I'm happy mom and dad are here to help me get my timing organized. Dad is always happy to shuttle whoever, so that takes a load off.

Sterling goes for his braces impressions tomorrow - boy is he thrilled. "Mom, with glasses and braces I'm going to look like a loser". He will always look awesome to me.

Practising his dimples for the girls!

Sterling's new favorite pose!

Holy Crap, man!