That's it - a school year in a nutshell. It has been quite a year. Here are some highlights and lo-lights:

• Sterling started Grade 6
• Kaedo started Grade 5
• Shannon started working almost full time
• Craig started working on a special project for his work
• Sterling was diagnosed with Tourette's
• Kaedo lost 5 teeth
• Sterling grew to 5'2.5"
• Kaedo grew to 4'11"
• Kaedo started bowling and Sterling finished bowling
• Craig got a new job
• Shannon applied for a new job
• Sterling graduated to GRADE 7! OMG
• Kaedo graduated to grade 6
• Sterling was diagnosed with ODD
• Kaedo spent almost as many weekends at his buddy's house as he did at ours
• Craig played two seasons of football
• We celebrated 4 birthdays
• We took a dream vacation to Florida
• We took 40 Gnomee pictures plus the extras from while we were away

While it has been a hard "year", it has been a great "year" and I almost wouldn't change anything. Here's hoping to a great summer where the kids are busy, active and having fun. Here's to a mini holiday for me and holidays for Craig and the boys. Here's to a night at the drive in and maybe a trip to Niagara Falls. Here's to helping both boys become the best boys they can. Here's to hoping I get my new job. Here's hoping that everyone stays happy and healthy.

Let the summer begin! Only two weeks to our trip West!!!

Space Project

Special guest blogger alert. Even though Shannon has already posted once today, this is two for the price of one day.

Sterling had a space project due on the second to last day of school. I know crazy since it was the same day they got their report cards. Now its tough enough getting him to do a project when it counts for something so you can only imagine his motivation when it doesn't count at all. On the upside, we convinced him to do it on the space shuttle since we were fortunate enough on our holidays to watch the final night launch. I dutifully spent hours editing the video we made of the event so he could share it with his class. I would have liked to spend more time getting it better but on the night before it was due with a written report still not done, time was limited. Apparently the class thought it was great and even asked to see it a second time. (Man I really rocked grade 6 this year) When I asked what they liked so much Sterling said ' the music'. Now if you've seen my videos before you'll know I always try to set them to appropriate music. In fact Kaedo even said 'you can find a song for any video'. I think it is actually starting to show my age as the songs I find are slowly becoming classics. Since I don't think I got a chance to share the video when we got back, here it is. P.S. Should be obvious, but just so you know, the clip at the beginning is from NASA, we weren't that close ;)

These jokers were putting on a show this morning! Week 40 - That means we have been at this for 9 months. Pretty cool! Can't wait to show a side by side on week 52.

A New Do

My hair has been the bain of my existence for so long I can't even think of a time when I liked it. So, today was the day. I dropped into my closest Great Clips. Can't beat a $13 haircut. I had had a trim by Julie before and she was in today so I thought I would give her another shot. I had 3.5 inches cut off. It feels so much better. I had mentioned to Craig last week that I was going to grow it but it drives me nuts. I hate putting it back but it is sometimes such a hassle that I do. So now, I can't put it back and I am loving it! I remember the days (vaguely) when I spent $200 on a color and $65 on a cut. Those days are long gone. I am no longer coloring my hair - the grey is taking over - and I am no longer going to "the salon". And you know what? I feel just as good with this haircut and I like the lack of pressure to color, buy products, book my next appt so I get in when I want it, that happens at the salon. So, while I like the pampering of someone washing my hair and styling it, I realize that I can and do wash my own hair and they never style it properly anyway.

So, for summer, I have a new do that I am lovin'!

The making of a not so perfect ice cream cake

Usually I have made a chocolate sour cream cake for the birthdays in our house. I love that cake and have been eating it for at least the last 30 years (thanks mom). This year Kaedo decided he wanted an ice cream cake, and of course due to Sterling's allergies a bought one wasn't an option. So, Thursday night, Sterling and I went to Price Chopper to purchase what we thought would be the makings for an ice cream cake. Two flavors of ice cream, chocolate Oreo crumbs, chocolate cookies, chocolate syrup and icing. Friday morning I got up and started creating. When I say creating I mean fumbling around trying to figure out how to make the damn thing.

I pulled out my handy Spring Form pan and made the wafer crust. I then followed that up with some ripple ice cream and then added and layer of crushed FudgeeO type cookies then topped that off with vanilla ice cream. It needed to get into the freezer pronto after all of that as it was starting to defrost. Once I had let it freeze up again I decorated it up (looks very lame) and put it back into the freezer.

Since Kaedo loves ice cream - as does Sterling and Craig, the cake was a big hit. My thighs thanked me for this delicious cake as I am not a fan so had none.

Birthday Part two!

Had a great evening with the kids. We saw Toy Story 3 and LOVED IT!!!! It was so good and funny. The boys all loved it. We went to Pizza Hut and spent the whole time throwing out Toy Story trivia questions for Kaedo to answer. He is the Toy Story Master and was pretty good at answering our questions - even the obscure ones. We got home at about 9:45pm and had Kaedo's ice cream cake. We sang and he blew out his candles - after the one his put out with his fingers. The kids then watched a movie and I made a bracelet for Sacha. I had already made one for Josh and Kaedo and myself (Sterling and Craig didn't want one) and Sacha decided he needed one too.

The picture is one I photoshopped for each of the boys (the faces not blurred, of course) and put in little 3.5 x 5 frames I got at Michaels for .79 ea. Pretty good deal. Made their shirts for them - their favorite Toy Story character and a quote they said from one of the movies. They wore them to the movies and a guy at Pizza Hut though they were part of a baseball team. Ha!

Anyway, Kaedo said he had a great birthday and I'm happy about that. It is very important to me that the boys have great birthdays. Your birthday is such an important day and I want them to have great memories of the parties we threw for them and the things we did.

Sweet 11

Happy 11th to my sweet boy!

I can't believe it! He is so sweet and these pictures are so great. He looks so happy and loves his gifts. Thanks to everyone who pitched in. He was thrilled. He knew what he was getting the DSi and was sure he was getting some games but that didn't take away from how happy he was with his gifts.

Busy day today. I have had about 3 hours sleep and the day started way to early. Kaedo has asked for an ice cream cake, so instead of making the usual I will be learning how to make one of those. Ugh.

I will be picking Josh and Sasha up from school with the boys and they will come over here. We will then be catching the first showing of Toy Story 3, heading out for pizza and coming home for cake. The four of them will then crowd the basement with every blanket and pillow we have and will have a sleepover.

As per the Birthday tradition - one I have implemented with Emma as well, I will be making Toy Story T-shirts for the kids to have today.

Anyways - 11 years. Man has time gone fast. Considering how hard his entry was into this world, you would never suspect how hard is "baby life" was. He is amazing, awesome, great, sweet, kind, loving, and adorable. I love him to bits! Happy Birthday Kaedo!

The latest

Thought I would show some of my latest cards...

Going away card and envelope for a girl on my team

French Father's Day card

French Mother's Day card

Birthday card and envelope

And this is what a $20 card looks like. It is 8x10" and comes with a custom made envelope. This was for a co-worker. His grandmere was turning 80.

Have recently done some more cards for work. They are popular and those at the office that receive them have them proudly displayed on their desk. I keep thinking I should get a stamp for the back of them or make some business cards or something so that I can give people my info in case they want one for someone. Will have to think about it. Thoughts? The boys and I are a trio tonight so we are just watching a movie.(Craig is out to dinner with his team for a going away) Sahara. Don't know if you have seen it before but it is great and the boys will be bringing it out with them so the grandparental units can watch, if they so wish. Work tomorrow day and Craig is coming into the office with me so I won't be listening to my book on my journey. Oh well. Glad to have the company.

Just so you are aware - we had an earthquake here today. I think I read on the National Post website it was a 5.5. Craig felt it at the Contact Centre and the phones were out as well as the cell service. Kaedo says his class felt it at school. I didn't feel it but the way I see it it would have to be more than a 5.5 to move my girth. Anyway - we are all fine. No problems.

week 39

Some family pictures for this father's day. Happy father' day to all the dad's in my life. We love you. Craig - you are the root of our family. You keep us grounded, let us fly, take the time to do silly things with us, tell us when to knock it off and are just plain old great. We love you - Happy Father's Day.

Saturday

Craig is playing football this morning. The championship game. He has been looking forward to playing all week. He is all "UnderArmoured" out and is ready to make the plays. I am hoping for him that his team wins the championship. He plays his heart out.

The boys and I are just hanging out before I go to work and I think Sterling will be making his scale model of the Hubble Telescope. Craig is going to help him build it this afternoon, I think. I have to head into work and am hoping that I don't have too many weekend shifts left. Wouldn't that rock????

Father's Day tomorrow. I think the boys are hoping for a bike ride and I know Sterling would like to head to the zoo. We'll see.

From the Archives

This picture was taken back in 2005 at Tica and Kelly's wedding. This was our first time meeting Emma and now she's 5! Look at those pudgy cheeks. I love this picture of the boys. Especially Sterling. We were at the cottage my mom and dad and Jessica and Em were staying in. We were so happy to all be together. Stan and Shirley, the newlyweds, mom and dad, Jessica and Em and us. We travelled for 3 days to get to the wedding and it was the first long drive we had taken with the boys and I remember them doing great. We drove all the way home in two days. Man, that was a long drive. AND boring. I much prefer travelling through the USA. I love the billboards. I could spend all day reading the billboards. Love them.

Q and A

You didn't ask, but I'm answering. Ha!
I recently saw this interview in one of my magazines and I thought I would answer the questions too. Please play along. I would love to hear what you have to say!

If I could say one thing to myself 20 years ago I would say:
Food is not the answer

My favorite place in the World:
In the office, on the couch, both boys sitting on my lap

The lesson I keep learning over and over:
It all works out

The movie I watch when I want to laugh:
Zoolander

The most scared I have ever been:
When I wasn't sure if being a mom was enough to keep me alive

Book that changed my life:
The Secret Life of Bees

I unwind by:
Reading

What keeps me up at night:
Worrying about Sterling, money, my job, life - what doesn't?

Coffee or Tea:
Starbucks Venti Earl Grey Tea, one tea bag, Splenda and milk

My Dad Always Told Me:
I will break both your arms if I ever catch you doing drugs

I wish I had more time for:
Being with my guys

I am currently reading:
The first Sookie Stackhouse book on my KOBO - can't remember the name - thanks Jessica - I'm hooked!

My most prize possession is:
My external hard drive - my kid's life in photos

My Biggest Fear:
That I won't live long enough to see my sons become the amazing men they will be

Week 38

This week's picture is courtesy of Sterling's new camera. He set it up on the tripod and "framed the shot" and got it done. I love it. It is one of the great ones. It isn't too often that I get a picture where both of them look great. I might have to get him to take it every week!

Kaedo is back to school today after being off since Thursday. He was glad to get back and be with his friends. It was pouring rain this morning so they were happy to have me home today so I could be the to and from chauffeur. It is my pleasure. Love to be with them both.

sorry folks!

When I originally wrote today's post it was set to be posted yesterday so that's why everything is Sunday related. I ended up putting Kaedo's pox up yesterday instead so I am sorry if it sounds all screwy. Craig did play football yesterday - and won - and we did do groceries. We hung out outside, played some cards, visited with my mom and had a nice family day. Look for new Gnomeee picture on Wednesday as well as another from the archives and some other random blathering coming up this week.

***A special thank you to Tica who kindly texted Craig to let him know that the DSis were $30 off at Shoppers Drug Mart today. I went right out and picked up Kaedo's for his birhday. Now we will have more money for the games he wants. Thanks Tica - you rock!

Lots of love to all

Can't Wait!

Spoke with mom on Tuesday evening and was told that they would like to come and visit us in October! What great news. Mom and Dad, Jessica and the girlies are coming to visit. I am so excited. I now have lots of family visiting to look forward to. We will be out west in 5 weeks and in October they will be here. I am still waiting to hear from Stan and Shirley to see if they have made any decisions on coming (wink wink, nudge, nudge) and I 'll let you know. For now I am just happy that I have these family times to look forward to.
Craig is playing football this morning. The season is almost over (boo for him) but his team is in first place, so he is happy about that. This afternoon we will have groceries, a family movie night and some cooking for the week ahead. Not too much going on but we'll be together and that's what matters. Hope you have a great day.

The Pox

My baby has the chicken pox. We went to the doctor on Friday and he confirmed that there is no doubt that's what they are. So, he will be off school until probably Tuesday. He can't go back until the spots have crusted over. Did you know that chicken pox are actually contagious until they have crusted over? I always thought that once they showed up they were no longer contagious. That is not the case. Also, baths are not the best thing for chicken pox. Apparently sitting in the water can cause more problems. A warm shower is better. So, some Calamine, Benadryl, some time lying in our bed watching TV and a weekend stuck at home are all on Kaedo's agenda.

The worst part is that his buddy's birthday party was yesterday and they went to Cedar Park and Kaedo couldn't go. He was devastated.

Oh well - what can you do?

One From The Archives

These pictures were taken in May 2005. He still has those gorgeous eyes but he is now a young man instead of a medium boy. He still makes funny faces, he is still a brat, and he is 100% awesome. I love this guy to bits. He rocks!

Work Life Balance

Some big changes might be coming down the line for us. I have recently applied to be a work@home CSO. I love my job at the Contact Centre and it has been great but I just learned yesterday that due to an audit issue my hours were being cut. When I was hired I was hired as a part time CSO. Part timers can only work a max of 30 hours a week. During a recent audit it came to the auditors attention that I was working 39 hours a week. Needless to say, they advised us that I needed to have my hours decreased. To say I was dismayed is an understatement. We count on my income and the small contribution it makes to our lives and so when I was told I would be losing 20+ hours a month I was heartbroken.
THEN - a new option came available to me. Last year, in our Halifax call centre, qualified CSOs started working at home. They currently have about 30 CSOs doing that. They have recently brought this program to our centre and it has been opened up for applications. Some of the things you need to have is a dedicated office space and be a hard worker. After years of working alone I wasn't sure this would work for me, but after investigating it a little more, talking to the boys, Craig, mom and Jessica, I decided it was worth applying for. My one condition was that I would be able to work while the boys were in school, thus eliminating the weekends and evenings. Last night, Craig helped me with my application and we sent it off. I am hoping to hear more over the next few weeks and if I am accepted, I will hopefully have this in place for the summer. Here's hoping for new and better changes and opportunities for our family. I'll keep you posted.

In the Dog House

One of the things Sterling has recently mentioned to me is that he would really like to spend some one on one time with Craig. He wanted to build something and his first thought was a soapbox derby car. Needless to say, Craig was more than happy to get down to building something. He did suggest they start with something a little easier than a race car and they decided together they would build a dog house for Ketchup. Using leftover wood and $4 worth of nails, they built this great dog house. It took them two whole afternoons and no plan (gasp - sorry Stan) and it turned out AWESOME! Sterling doesn't have grand aspirations that Ketchup will use it but he was happy to build it.

week 37

Week 37 - Love it. Sterling looks much better in this picture, don't you think? I really love how he looks in this one. Gnomeee has certainly seen better days but what can you do. I am starting to make plans for the Gnome Pictures that need to be taken while the boys are away. I have a plan in mind but need to get everyone on board so we can make it happen. Stay tuned!

One from the Archives

Love this picture of Kaedo with his Batman mask. I don't know how many times I asked him to jump off a chair so I could get a good "flying" picture but after about 20 tries I just took a close up and gave up my dream of an actually flying Batman. He was so cute. He is still so cute!

Not too much going on here. Work, school, football. Same old same old. It is shocking that they boys are in the last month of school. Shocking. They are looking forward to being finished and I am looking forward to spending more time with them. They will only be off for 2 weeks before we head out West and we are all looking forward to that. Can't believe it is only 6 weeks away. It is coming fast but time is going slow. Know what I mean?

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

My sweet Emma is 5 today. How can that be? I can't wait to see her and get a big squishy from her. This picture was taken at her first birthday and while I will not be there for her 5th, I will be calling and singing. Jessica is totally opposed to Barbie and guess what Em asked me for for her birthday? Barbie. So, what did I buy her? Barbie! I LOVE being an anti! Now hopefully Avery won't eat all the Barbie shoes I sent along with the Barbies. Did I mention I sent two Barbies? I LOVE being an anti!

Anyway - Happy Birthday Sweet Emma - I love you!

week 36

Week 36 - oy!
Kaedo is reverting back to when he was small and didn't use a soother and Sterling looks like someone has a pitchfork shoved up his ass. This is what happens when we don't get the picture done first thing in the morning. Gnomee looks like he has been dropped a time or two. I promised the boys a replacement on week 53. Hopefully this guy makes it that long!