week 14

Week 14 and the final gnome picture of 2010. Kaedo is a little blurry. That's what happens when I get Craig to take the picture! Ha!

Stan and Shirley left today so that was sad. We had a wonderful visit with all the Klassen's and were so happy that Stan and Shirley opted to spend a few more days with us. Now it is back to the four of us. Craig is on holidays for another few days and the boys don't go back until late next week. It is only me having to go back this week and I wish I was spending time with the men in my life. Oh well, what can you do?

Christmas Morning

We got up around 7:45 and the boys were anxious to open their stockings. Even though they don't believe, we still did stocking for them. Yes, I know - we're suckers. The big gifts this year, a laptop for Sterling and an XBox 360 for Kaedo were the hits of the day. So glad we don't have to give Santa credit any longer. The boys received many wonderful gifts. Computer accessories, pajamas, clothes, video games, money and many other things. The best part of it all was that we had a traditional family Christmas. We had a turkey supper with all the fixings, all different kinds of pies, family around to laugh and joke with and just a wonderful day had by all. I myself was quite blessed this year. Craig gave me a twin size heating blanket for my side of the bed. It is wonderful. I am always cold, so this was perfect. He also bought me a spa package and a lot of lotions from Bath and Body Works. I was thrilled. As always mom and dad were very generous and we are contemplating a day at Tar-jay to spend out Christmas money. Stan and Shirley were so generous with the boys and they got a lot of great presents. Kelly and Tica gave the boys video games they had been coveting and Anti gave them snuggies among other things.

We got the chance to speak with mom and dad and Jessica and my sweet Em and finished off the night travelling to Bowmanville to see the Christmas lights. It truly was a great day.

I hope you had a wonderful day and wish you all the best.

Christmas

Christmas eve was filled with fun here at our house. We had a chocolate 'fundue', opened our Secret Santa gifts and sprinkled our reindeer food. We had a lot of laughs and just a wonderful time all together. The little ones were just so much fun. We laughed and played with them and taught Jacob how to become Ketchup's best friend (pizza crust and milk bones).

Circa 2008

Christmas 2008 - two long haired hippie kids AND a long haired hippie husband!

The Klassen's arrive today. We are anxiously waiting to see them. The boys can't wait and either can we. We are as ready as we'll ever be! Bring on Christmas!

week 13 and my new favourite picture!

Week 13 and the second last gnome picture of 2010. I can't believe it. The boys are still loving doing this and have never whined once in the 65 weeks we have been doing this. 65 weeks! Now if only I could stick with a diet the way I have stuck with this!

My new favourite picture. My 3 best guys celebrating Craig's birthday. This was taken right after he blew out his candles. Man, I love them.

Craig had a nice birthday (or so he says). We finished our Christmas shopping, got everything wrapped, went out for lunch and supper (oh my!), watched football, had chocolate sour cream cake, got lots of calls and great gifts and got lots of hugs and kisses from the three of us. I loved spending the day with him (a birthday gift for me even though it wasn't my birthday!) and we had a lot of laughs and a great time. Now I know why we are not just husband and wife but great friends as well. Once again, happy birthday my love! I love you!

Circa 2007

Christmas 2007. Kaedo was into WebKinz, and got 10 of them, I think. Sterling was into bowling and got his own bowling balls. I can't believe how young they look. My beautiful boys. Soon we will be making Christmas 2010 memories. I can't believe it!

Happy 38!

Today my gorgeous husband is 38. Happy birthday to a sweet, kind and wonderful man. You are such a bright spot in my life and I love you so much. You are the best dad to the boys, you are a great husband, you're sweet and good and plain old awesome! I look forward to spending the day with you and having time to just be with you for the day and celebrate you. I love you!

overwhelmed

Seriously, I am overwhelmed. To the point of crying. Pitiful, really. My poor husband. Everything is fine and will be fine but with the countdown to Christmas and everything that needs to be done for that I feel like I am sinking. We are anxiously awaiting our family who are coming to spend the holidays with us but as we have never hosted a Christmas in the 15 years we have been married, we are a little out of our element.
At the beginning of the month we bought Kaedo's big gift - an XBOX 360 Kinect. He will be over the moon. We were anxious to purchase it as we thought it may be "the gift" this year and as it was the only thing on his wish list, we had to get it. Check that off my list. As of Friday we had yet to buy Sterling's gift - a laptop. My Visa is still whimpering. That was a given as it was the only thing on his wish list. We have added all the accessories for both the laptop and the XBOX and Stan and Shirley and Jessica have kindly just handed over the money they wanted to spend and allowed us to purchase what we thought would be best.
So, Friday I was overwhelmed, Sterling had had his last appt with his therapist (maternity leave), I had 5 gingerbread houses to make for Sterling's class, Craig's cake, shopping for his birthday (LOVE what I got him), 2 more days of work this week, shopping to be done and I was getting a cold. By 9:45am I was in tears and by 7pm I was insisting that Craig and I go out and get our shopping finished. I think the capper on the day was Craig saying "stop freaking out". Needless to say there were a few tense moments in the car.
So now Sunday has come. I have two days off, Craig made the gingerbread (all I have to do is get it rolled out, cut and cooked), MOST of the shopping is done, the cake will get made and Craig is on holidays so much of the cleaning and organizing will be left in his capable hands. So, a sigh of relief, a thank you that I have 4 more days of work then four days off, and the season is upon us and I need to be merry.

Sorry I have not been posting but this week will be filled with posts - I promise!

week 12

Week 12! Oh My! Was a little late in getting the photo this week as Kaedo has been home sick for two days and it's been really cold out. I didn't want him outside yesterday to get the picture. This morning everyone was feeling good so we got the picture before school.

The boys are anxiously awaiting Christmas and the advent calendar is slowly showing more opened boxes than closed ones. We are awaiting the arrival of the gang and the boys are so excited to have everyone here. I can't believe Christmas is next week already. This year sure has flown by.

Circa 2006

For Christmas 2006 we decided to surprise the boys with a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We got up and opened our gifts then presented them each with an envelope with money inside and a brochure. Within the hour we were on our way. We spent three days playing in the water park, visiting the Falls, sightseeing and having a blast. It was a wonderful Christmas and great surprise for them. They had been bugging us to go so I was so happy we were able to do it. I think it cost about the same as going to Disney but it was worth it.

Sicko

My baby is sick at home today. He has a running nose and a cough and I am certain he picked it up from Craig. Craig never seems to get sick but over the last few weeks has been attacked by a cold and the flu. I think Kaedo might have picked it up that way. Today being my day off Kaedo and I had the opportunity to lie in our bed and watch TV all morning. Handy Manny, MickeyMouse TreeHouse, Little Bear, Suite Life, etc etc etc. We snuggled and giggled and hung out and it was awesome. He is picking up now and is downstairs playing Wii. I had a list a mile long of things to accomplish today but being with my boy became number one on my list. So here I am completing what I can and later will get out and finish up what needs to be done today before the work week starts tomorrow.

Window Shopping

Saturdays are spent with my boys. The three of us usually end up at the mall, looking around and hanging out. With Craig playing football on Saturday mornings, this is my opportunity to be with them and have some fun. Today we are heading to Pickering Towne Centre (remember that mall, mom, Jessica?). They have never been and I thought it would be fun to go and see the decorations and something different than OC. Sterling still has his secret Santa to buy for and we are looking for things for Craig. We may only window shop but one things for sure - the kids will convince me that nothing tastes better than mall food. So much for my diet!

2 years

Boy has time flown by. It is two years today that I started with the bank. Can you believe it?
I remember the shock of being downsized from my previous job and being so scared that we wouldn't be able to make it. Craig said he had heard they were hiring at the bank and kindly helped me write my resume which he delivered to a friend who had an in with the hiring dept.
He dropped off my resume on the Wednesday and Wednesday afternoon I got a call to set up an appointment for a phone interview. On Thursday I had my phone interview. On Friday I had the practical testing - (can you answer the phone and chew gum at the same time kind of thing) and Monday I had a face to face interview. I got a call Monday saying I got the job and Tuesday I started.
We were so scared. The boys were going to have to take the bus, I was going to be working every night, Craig was going to have to be responsible for suppers, showers, bedtime, homework. Would we be able to handle it??
Two years later, what started off as a part time job, has turned into a full time career and while I don't always love my job I am happy to have one that keeps me busy, brings money into the house and I am home to spend time with my family in the evenings.
The kids no longer have to take the bus and Craig is no longer responsible for supper and we have made it as a unit because we love each other and can make anything work.

Here's to many more years!

week 11

Week 11 - I know I always say it, but man, are those some handsome boys. All decked out in their winter gear as the snow and cold has come to us. It's only about -3, so we can't complain but I would be happier at +3. Monday we ended up going to get gloves, boots for Sterling, insoles for last years boots for Kaedo and a toque that covers Sterling's ears. Man are adult boots expensive. I almost choked.
The Christmas season is upon us and the gifts are starting to show up under the tree. The boys are almost finished their shopping and I have barely begun. I keep telling myself I still have lots of time. Ha! Only two weeks before the boys are done school for the holidays. This year their holidays start on a Thursday and they go back on the Thursday. Don't' know what made the school board set up that but whatever. They are looking forward to their holidays, Christmas, having all the Klassens come to visit.

Circa 2005

This weeks flashback is Christmas 2005. The boys look so young. The gifts look so big! You know you have a tweenager and a teenager when their toys don't make squawking sounds unless they are plugged into a TV. Neither the dinosaur or the car was used much and years later we sold them in a garage sale. Craig and I were talking about the best gift we ever gave them and hands down it is the iPods they got in 2008. To this day they always carry them, take them to school, play with them in bed. Sterling doesn't leave home without it.

O' Christmas Tree

Well, Sunday was or annual tree decorating and as you can see our tree looks as eclectic as ever. A fine mix of new and old, bought and handmade, beautiful and comical... perfect for us. Mother Nature decided it was Christmas as well and decided to provide a healthy dose of snow to accompany us. Our angel which has served as our tree topper ever since Sterling made it in pre-school has survived yet another Christmas and will continue the tradition even though Kaedo wanted to use a different one... has the kid no sense of tradition?

We thought Winter was coming as so many people told us about all their snow and cold weather. We have been blessed with a beautiful Fall, but on Wednesday the snow came. Big, beautiful flakes cascaded down and I thought a blizzard may be coming. It lasted about an hour and within about 15 minutes of it stopping all the sidewalks and driveways were clear and no shoveling was necessary. Let me tell you I was glad about that. I still hadn't broken it to the boys that shoveling was going to become their chore this winter. Kaedo took full advantage of the soft sticky snow to get outside and build a mini fort and snowman. Our first of the year. I love it.

Now there is a little skiff of snow that has turned crunchy but I was still able to wear my sandals with no socks today. Don't think that will last too much longer. I am hoping for a minimal snow year as I am not one of those people that has to see the white stuff to get into the season. Who knows, maybe Stan and Shirley will bring their crappy weather with them. They better not or they'll be getting coal for Christmas.

Hockey Night in Canada

Craig and Kaedo were lucky enough to have the opportunity to take in the Leafs vs Oilers game last night at the ACC. They had a blast. The Oilers won - much to Craig's delight and Kaedo's disappointment, but Kaedo was quick to say this morning that it was "fantastic". One thing Kaedo was adamant about in going to the game was that he was going to have a pretzel. So they pigged out on junk food, watched the game, cheered on their teams and had a blast. They got home about 11:30pm and were up this morning heading to school and work just like normal.

Craig said the tickets were awesome, Row 16 at the blue line. That probably makes sense to you, not me. Now each of the boys can claim they have been to an NHL game - although they have both been to two. Sterling when he was about 16 months and Kaedo while I was pregnant with him.

Hope your Friday finds you well and you have a great weekend. We have football, work, soccer and tree decorating and are looking forward to spending some time together as a family. I'll post pictures of the tree Sunday or Monday. Happy Weekend.

Week 10

Week 10 and the weather is rainy. The boys are wearing their ski jackets but mostly for the waterproof fabric. Kaedo decided G-Nome should have his Santa hat on ("tis the season, mom"). I really like this picture, especially of Sterling. My guys sure are handsome.

Our Christmas tree is going up this weekend and the boys are very excited. I'm going to have to pull out my pictures from last year to see who put the angel up. Love our angel - toilet paper roll with wings. Very special.

The boys actually play soccer back to back this week. Out of 26 weeks I think this only happens twice. I can't decide which is worse - two hours in a row in the arena or having to go back and forth twice. Oh well, as long as they love it.

And so it begins...

With Christmas just around the corner - or so it seems, it is time for our first tradition to be brought out. Years ago I made this advent calendar for the boys and today being December 1st, we got started. Aside from Kaedo's Santa hat this is the first sign of the Christmas season. While many advent calendars are filled with candy or little toys, I put money in ours. They don't need the little toys or the candy and the money is a good way for them to have a little extra as they purchase their Christmas gifts. I'm sure it goes against the reason for an Advent Calendar but it works for us and the kids love it (duh).

Hep B Shots

Today is the day grade 7s get their first Hep B shot. In previous years when Sterling has had a flu shot it was been drama drama drama. He cries and fusses and complains and basically makes life miserable for everyone in his immediate vicinity. Today however, he has to have his Hep B shot with his entire class. Man, would I like to be a fly on the wall today. You can guarantee there will be no fussing, drama or anything else. He did however try to bribe me to let him stay home. Needless to say, he's in school.

Tis the season

Since Christmas seems to be right around the corner, I thought I would start every week posting some pictures from Christmas past. In 2003, our first year in Ontario, we returned to Saskatchewan and Alberta for the holidays. In 2004 we had our first stay at home Christmas. It was the first time in my life I hadn't been with my family. That was the year we started some of our own traditions. Here is a picture from Christmas morning 2004 that I thought was hilarious. The boys would kill me if they knew I posted this. Thankfully they don't read the blog. That year the big gifts were GT SnowRacers and Rescue Heroes. This year it's an XBOX and a laptop. The funny thing is that those gifts probably wont be much more than the piles of little ones I have ended up buying in years past. We're looking forward to having the Klassens here for Christmas and the boys are excited to be playing with their cousins. Will miss my family as I always do, but after a tough year, I am glad Jessica, the girls and mom and dad will all be together.

What's on your agenda?

Today is the first day of my weekend and I am looking forward to spending the day with the fam. Craig was kind enough to take Kaedo to soccer this morning for his 9am game as I was still in bed (there are benefits to working until midnight). We are heading out shortly to see the new Harry Potter movie - love SCENE points! - and then Sterling plays at 4pm. Grey Cup is on this evening so the boys and I will be upstairs watching tv in our room while Craig cheers on his team downstairs.
In other news, my hunky husband's team won his football championship. He also won MVP and another honor. So happy for him. He looks a little worn out today but I know he will be back to playing pick-up ball next Saturday morning. I was thrilled for him and I know he deserves all the honors he got.
I can't believe Christmas is less than a month away. Kaedo has purchased his Secret Santa gift and I have as well. That's about as far as I've gotten. I have lists and lists and hope to make my first large purchase on Thursday night.
Thursday is an exciting day here as Craig was given two tickets to see the Oilers vs. Leafs play in Toronto. He and Kaedo will be joining the 1000's of other people flocking to the arena for a night of fun. Kaedo is super excited and anyone who knows Craig knows he's excited but doesn't show it. Kaedo will be sporting his Leafs Blue and Craig will be decked out in his Oilers gear. I'm thrilled that both of them are getting the chance to go.

Happy Sunday everyone.

A few weeks ago we sat down and played Dominoes. We had a lot of fun. We have a set that gives instructions on how to pay a whole bunch of games but as we are 'instructions challenged' we ended up playing straight Dominoes and Chicken Legs, a game Sterling taught us. I thought I had pictures of Chicken Legs but I guess not. It was a fun game and we enjoyed spending the evening playing games together instead of watching TV. I know Stan and Shirley spend time playing card games with friends and family and have taught Craig and I to play some. Sterling loves to play games and must get that from his grandparents.

15 years

For 15 years we have worn these rings. I love these rings. When we chose them way back in 1995 we knew they were the ones. I love that I have never seen another quite like them. I love that after all these years Craig still wears his and I wear mine. I love to look at my ring and remember our wedding and the vows we made to each other (I remember repeating those vows looking at the justice of the peace - ha). What I know for sure is that I love Craig and the life we have built together. Through our hard times and good times we have stuck together and have made the best of every situation. Thank you Craig, for standing by me throughout these years. I love you.

week 9

Week 9 and the weather calls for ski jackets. While it isn't really cold, the boys wore their ski jackets yesterday. I worked in the centre as I had an event to attend and the boys were adamant that they were not going to take the bus. They hate the bus. So they decided they would walk home. Needless to say they were bundled up in their ski jackets, had their toques and gloves and after school walked home. I got home around 8pm and was able to spend some time with the family before everyone headed to bed. I am so happy not to have to make the drive 5 days a week.

From the Archives

As we spent two hours in our freezing cold arena yesterday watching the boys play soccer I thought it would be fun to post a picture from way back in the day. I believe this was Kaedo's first or second year of soccer. He was only 4 or 5. Funny how things work out, isn't it? After starting both the boys in soccer, and with a few detours into other sports, we are back to soccer and the boys love it. While the arena is cold, it is better than rain and bugs.
Sterling played great yesterday, really getting into the game and making some excellent plays. Kaedo had two assists and really enjoyed himself. He played terrifically (is that a word??).

Ortho for Sterling this morning and off to school for both in the pouring rain. I am sitting in my office listening to the rain pounding down on the skylights, thanking my lucky stars I can hear rain instead of seeing snow.

Saturday

Hello All - Happy Saturday to you, whatever you are doing. All is well here. The boys are hanging out, Craig is at football and I doing this before spending a couple of hours with Sterling then work. 4-midnight today.

Kaedo is going to his friend's house of an epic Nerf Gun Battle. He is all kitted out and has got all his guns, ammo and "army gear". He has been looking forward to this for days. I remember the days when I said my kids would never have guns. Ha! How's that for eating crow? I truly believe it is in boy's DNA. You may disagree but anyone who knows me knows I have never suggested the purchase of guns or encouraged it yet both my guys love them.

Tomorrow we have soccer at 11am and 6pm and I am hoping that maybe Craig and I have time for a little date. We are trying to go out just the two of us for an hour or so on Sundays. Hopefully it will work out. If not, there is always next week.

Looking forward to a couple of days off - love having them in a row. I have cards to make (9) and want to get that done tomorrow or Monday. I am working at the centre on Tuesday so I am trying to get my kiss ass (not kick ass) holiday cards done for the bigwigs.

Hope you have a great Saturday, whatever you plan to do.

A Laugh

Last night we sat down and watched Two and a Half Men. In the episode Charlie got a replacement housekeeper for Berta who was away at a family reunion. At one point in the show Esmerelda (replacement) folded his toilet paper end into a point. Charlie thought this was fantastic.
This morning as I was finishing up in the washroom I looked down to see the toilet paper folded into a point. Ha!
Made my day.

Week 8

Week 8 and my boys just keep getting more handsome. The weather is great here. Knock on wood. We have been blessed with a glorious Fall.
Had the opportunity to speak with Shirley on Monday about our Christmas. This will be the first year in 15 we have ever hosted a Christmas. Granted, Shirley will be doing the cooking, everyone will be in our house. We are looking so forward to having everyone visit. Thinking about Christmas and our non-traditional traditions made me think of how much we have made Christmas our own. It will be fun sharing some of those traditions with the Klassen clan. Little kids in the house on Christmas will be fun. I'm looking forward to seeing those two cuties and their faces lighting up at the magic that is Christmas. My sweet boys still love everything that Christmas means but it's not quite the same as having little ones around.
Stay tuned for some Christmas tradition posts coming in December.

Joyride 150

Here are a couple of videos of Sterling at Joyride. He had so much fun and his bike has been such a wonderful gift. Thanks to gramma & grampa and amma & baba who made that happen. This is such a great facility for biking enthusiasts and Sterling and his buddies had a blast - again. Sterling hasn't mentioned his next trip yet but I know he is thinking about it. I can't believe biking season is over now for the outdoor bike parks. It is mid-November, so I suppose it makes sense!

Sterling had a great day. He loved going to Joyride (see video coming tomorrow) and got home from his adventure at about 7:15pm. He was spoiled by his two friends who went with him, as they each gave him $30. We sat down had supper and cake and then spent the rest of the night watching some shows and hanging out. He loved that Kaedo and I had taken the time to decorate the house and was thrilled with all the attention. Today they had eye appointments and then we went to the bank and he deposited his money and then ended up spending half of it on a video game. I guess that's what you're supposed to do with birthday money.