Better late than never?????

Here is this weeks gnome picture - which was actually only taken today - many days late. This week the boys have coats on, which they didn't have on last week. It is a little cooler here. After waiting for the boys to wake up (10:30 and 11:00am), we headed out for a day of cheap retail therapy. First stop was Costco and some hotdogs. I had to order some prescriptions but the wait time was 5 HOURS. Needless to say, we continued on with our list and returned to Costco late this afternoon. We headed to SportChek for a return and some shopping and browsing for Craig. Next step was Old Navy because Sterling wanted a roll up keyboard and that was where Kaedo had gotten his. When we got there, there were huge signs saying "Buy 1 get one for a loonie". We definitely checked things out. We then headed to the bike shop where the boys were able to score some great deals - Kaedo got scooter wheels and pegs and Sterling got a new helmet. Everything was 25% off and no taxes. The kids were thrilled with their purchases. We returned to Costco, did our groceries and stopped on the way home to pick up Kaedo`s friend. The three of them are now geeking out in front of their computers. In saying that, I guess I should be saying we all are!

We`re Back!!!

Not that we`ve been gone anywhere. I`m using a house full of company as my excuse for not blogging but in reality it was just that there wasn`t any room on the table with all the electronics set up. haha.

We had a wonderful Christmas. There is something to be said about having little ones around at Christmas, however I must admit it was my screaming that was the highlight of the gift opening. I`m sure my neighbors heard me.

Everyone was spoiled and many wonderful gifts were exchanged. Some of the highlights included mom`s Coach purse, dad`s new watch, Jessica`s trip to Florida, Sterling`s iPod, Kaedo`s laptop, Craig`s Michael Chricton book and my BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK!!!!!!!!

The boys had an electronic filled Christmas which included video games, a 23 inch computer monitor, a laptop, an iPod, and wireless headphones along with a year of XBOX live and some movies that only their anti would buy them. They received - we all received - so many wonderful gifts that I don`t know where I would start to describe them all.

OK - enough about the gifts - the family being together was magical. We laughed, we cried, we played lots of rummy. We ate great food - cooked by my mom - we celebrated 2 birthdays, the boys slept at the foot of the Christmas tree for a week, and the girlies brought a new and exciting dynamic to what our Christmas are usually like. They are beautiful, wonderful girls and I just love them to bits.

Everyone left yesterday morning and within the hour the tree was down and the furniture replaced. Nothing like the end of Christmas spirit. It is quiet here now and that is both a good and bad thing. Sterling is off to Joyride with Craig and two buddies to celebrate his birthday. Kaedo and I are hanging out at home and may sneak out for a lunch date. Mom, dad, Jessica and the girlies are slowly making their way to Florida and Craig is on holidays with us for another 10 days. I have so much more to write and photos to share but for now this will have to do. I hope everyone had a magical Christmas.

Craig's birthday

Craig celebrated his birthday on Tuesday with lots of fun. It was a wonderful day to spend together. We got up early in the morning and Craig opened his all his gifts with some extra special guests looking on. Great to have mom and dad here. After the gift opening and picture taking - which I was teased about - wait til Christmas, mom - craig took me to my group and then headed out to get his hair cut. After my group he picked me up and we went out to lunch for our favorite fish and chips meal. We did a little shopping, and then headed home so Craig could drop me off before his massage (must be nice - haha). Once he was done that we sang happy birthday and had a piece of cake. Mom and dad went out for dinner and we took the boys to see the new Mission:Impossible movie. It was fanFREAKIN'tastic. One thing Sterling and I noticed was how much Craig looked like Tom Cruise. Unfortunately for Tom Cruise, he's not quite as good looking as Craig.
All in all it was a wonderful day and I was so glad we got to spend it together.
Happy Birthday again Craig, I love you

weekly gnome

I know, I know, I say it all the time but I LOVE this weeks gnome picture. They are both so beautiful and handsome and charming and wonderful. Can you believe by this picture it is already mid-December? The weather is beautiful, if a little rainy. I will take that every day over the snow. I believe we will have a brown Christmas this year but our house will be full of sounds of laughter and fun. The old and the young, playing and being together. Our first family Christmas. I can't wait.

A Blast from the Past

Found these ads on "OH SO VINTAGE"s blog and had to share them. I remember having a dog slinky. I love the ads, even the sexism. What woman, at any time would have wanted a vaccuum cleaner for Christmas? I just can't see it.

Happy Birthday Craig

Everyone knows I adore my husband. To me, he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. He is the rock within our family and is always there to pick me up when I fall down (literally and figuratively - haha), to be a shoulder to lean on, to be someone to laugh with. He is the best dad - hands on 100%. He backs me up with the boys, handles things when necessary and provides them with the strong influence they need. He guides them, protects them and loves them fiercely.
He is the best looking guy on the planet, has the best laugh and finds the ridiculous funny. I love that.

So Craig, happy 39th my sweet love. I'm looking forward to the next 39.
I love you.
S

week 12

Week 12 and all is wonderful here. It took so long to have this picture taken because we had a couple of sick days and a trip to the ortho delaying everything. Not to mention the rain.

It is pouring buckets here but I don't mind. Anything is better than the snow. I am loving having

mom and dad here and we have spent a lot of time together. The only thing that will make this

Christmas complete is the arrival of Jessica and the girlies next week. We are busy getting ready for

the invasion by buying, wrapping and planning.

As for the picture - I really love this one. The boys look happy and healthy. Kaedo has his huge

dimples out for all to see and even the dog is adorable. Sterling is striking as always.

Blog will be quiet now until next week with Craig's birthday and the gnome picture on Tuesday

and Wednesday. Have a great rest of the week everyone.

All is well

christmas 2006

After a crazy Sunday, mom and dad finally arrived and I couldn't be happier. We have spent a lot of time chatting and hanging out and have really enjoyed being together. It is always so nice when they come and the visits just seem to get better and better. We are now anxiously waiting for Jessica and the girlies. One week. Yay!

The boys are battling having to go to school every day as they would much rather stay and hang out with their amma and baba. I've promised them some extra time off for good behaviour next week once the whole fam is here.

Christmas shopping is well under way. I have Jessica and the girlies finished, mom and dad mostly finished, stockings done and now I just have to get the boys their main gifts. It sure is a lot different then those years we were buying Thomas pieces or RC cars. Now it's iPods and computers. Yikes!

Learned from Shirley that the gifts we sent the Littles have arrived. Glad for that.

Anyway - the blog may be a little scarce aside from the gnome pictures as there is lots going on here and I just want to enjoy every minute of it.

Polar Express Night

Last night, I along with my parent council committee hosted a movie night to see the Polar Express. We had almost 300 people in attendance, 155 kids and lots of great volunteers who gave up their evening to help (my two munchkins included). It took a lot of planning and a very nervous committee chair (me) but it went off without a hitch. It was great. As a surprise we gave each child a bell on a red ribbon. They were thrilled, as were their parents.

Now I can move on to the next things on my list and just be happy for our success and giving the children and their parents an evening to remember.

week 11

Week 11 for these cuties.Both my hippie kiddos are waiting anxiously for their amma and baba to arrive later on this week. I must admit I am very anxious myself. Two weeks from today Jessica and the girlies will be here. I CAN'T WAIT!

falalalala lala la la

I don't usually listen to music. I have enough noise in my head that I never need to listen to music to be entertained. HOWEVER, Christmas is different. I LOVE Christmas music, and with the help of my uber-talented computer genius son, he got me some great tunes. With him being grounded and not able to listen to his iPod, he has been forced to listen to my choice in music (much to his dismay). Right now I have got:

SHE & HIM - a very she & him Christmas,

BONEY M - Christmas with Boney M,

STRAIGHT NO CHASERS - Holiday Spirits (a great a capella band of 10 guys - fabulous)

and

JOSH GROBAN - Noel.

I am loving this music - Boney M is a classic and always sounds amazing, She & Him has a real 60s/70s vibe and her voice is magical. Straight no Chasers is outstanding - what they do with their voices is fabulous. Josh Groban has a voice that gives me goosebumps. I was stressed about not having any Christmas songs but have accumulated a nice little selection (58 songs) with no Bob and Doug or Gramma got run over by a Reindeer to be found. I am at peace with my choices and like they always say - it's my iPod and I can play what I want. Someone might just ask me to stop singing.

Christmas is on its way!

Christmas 2010 decorating party

We are officially in the holiday season. The reason I know that is because wrapping has begun. The boys and I spent some time this weekend wrapping and I can officially say that they have finished their Christmas shopping. If only I was so lucky. I am slowly picking items up here and there but still have a long way to go.

While Christmas shopping is well under way at our house and a big pile of wrapped gifts sits in our basement, there is no sign of Christmas upstairs. Our tree is still packed, our ornaments and decorations still put away. Why, you may ask? Because the girlies are coming! When I was growing up, decorating the tree seemed to be as big an event as Christmas. Music, treats, laughter. Dad stringing the lights then just sitting back and watching us load up the tree with ornaments. I have ornaments that I made when I was 5 years old. I have ornaments from my uncle that died when I was 4. These are treasures to me.

Avery, being only two, has never really had a tree decorating party, so this year we took a vote and are waiting for us all to be together and we will have one massive party that everyone can enjoy. This of course means that our tree won't be done until the 23rd. That's ok though. We don't mind. The hard part will be not taking it down when we wake up on the 26th! Jessica has already advised that the tree must remain standing and decorated until the 28th at least. Can this be one of her Christmas presents?????

hmmmm

I saw this on another blog and it really struck home with me today. There is so much going on in our lives right now. Too much to even write about and it has been a very emotional week. I'm hoping things calm down but in the meantime, I am plodding along, trying to accomplish what I can and trying not to worry too much about the things I can't. I plan to spend a little time with a friend today. I'm looking forward to that. I have had a small setback with my mental health this past week so a little positive outing with a friend may just be what I need. The blog may be a little bare for the next few days but I will certainly be back in time for next weeks gnome picture.

mad skillz

While at the Craft Fair a couple of weeks ago, Kaedo decided he wanted to do some paintball war games pictures. I have a fondness for stick people so I just love these drawings. These are simulation paintball wars and he has added in all the extra landmines etc for effect. Innocent fun for a Sunday afternoon. These are definitely going in his school years book.

week 10

Week 10 and they are posing in the rain. Thankfully that part of the porch is covered or I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to get them outside. Special treat this week - that cute dog of ours just had to get in the picture. We had a couple of outtakes on this one - trying to stop it from looking like Ketchup had eaten Kaedo's head! We finally got a good one and when I looked at it, Gnomee wasn't even in the picture! Needless to say, we had to take another. Kaedo's hair looks brutal but they are both so cute that it doesn't matter.

We are slowly getting organized for Christmas. My desk downstairs has quite a collection of gifts. Many of them small, but all purchased with care. I am looking forward to having a wrapping party with the boys as they have to wrap their own. May use bags for the adults, but the girlies will all get paper. Ripping it off is almost as fun as receiving the gift.

As of now, all our Secret Santa gifts have been bought and the boys have bought for each other and Kaedo has shopped for Craig. It is amazing what even a year does. The boys weren't so panicked this year about staying right to the "mandatory" limit. In all cases they went over and were happy to do so. For those who don't know - the boys spend $20 on each other, completely of their own money money. They also out of their own money spend $10 each on Craig and I and $5 for their Secret Santa gift. Many years we match the $10 and they go in together but this year they seem to have things well in hand. They start counting their pennies in Sept/Oct to make sure they have enough spending money and shopping money.

I know people say Christmas is for little kids but I must say I enjoy it very much with my teenagers. They are involved, fun, excited and don't get up at 5am.

1154

Yup - that's how many posts I have written. Yikes!

All is well here. Yesterday went really well and I was happy with my success and Craig was happy with football, and Kaedo with soccer. Sterling was just bored.

Today has been filled with calls from afar, Christmas shopping, watching football, playing video games and reading books.

The week is shaping up to be another busy one. I have 5 customs to do, a group on Monday, two on Tuesday and one on Thursday. I`ll be grouped out by Friday.

Craig is in the kitchen on a little bit of a tangent about the kids and chores. I totally agree with him but there is no speaking to him right now.

Kaedo is dreading going back to school tomorrow where he must face his nemesis - his science teacher.

Sterling is back talking his dad so he has been invited to go to bed.

As you can see, all is normal in our world.

Calm before the.....

..... hopefully storm. Another show tomorrow. I am participating in a Customer Appreciation event and am hoping to sell some hats. I made 16 this week, so hopefully most will go. Like my mom said - "at least you'll know which ones people don't like". She's absolutely right, if I have hats from last week still left over tomorrow night then I'll know what not to make again.

So, just a few shots of this weeks hats. I promise - not too many more of these posts.

Special thanks to Jessica and Kelly who both passed my Facebook page along to friends and I got some custom orders due to that. You guys rock.

the weekend

The weekend went great. I sold all but 6 of my hats so Kaedo and I were really happy. These pictures are from set-up night on Friday and show the selection of hats I had for sale. As you can imagine, the table looked quite sparse with only six hats left on it. I tried on a lot of hats for people so they could see what they looked like on. We also had mirrors available so people could try them on themselves. I was surprised at how many did that. It was cool to see my hats on other people. All is all it was a lot of fun and definitely something I would do again. Now back to the grind for this weekend.

Sorry the blogging has been sparse but I have been so busy. Thanks for sticking around.

week 9

The weather is beautiful and the sun is shining. We're not missing any of that Alberta wind. The boys are doing well. Sterling had a classmate here yesterday until 8pm working on a project and I think Kaedo is still recovering from his weekend. Back on schedule this week which includes a return to soccer. He is looking forward to that. The weather is still nice enough to be biking so we'll see if Sterling gets his tire pumped up and gets out there. Craig is playing in the "toilet bowl" for the crummy teams in football, on Saturday and I'm doing another craft event. I am furiously crocheting trying to get enough done for the weekend. All my custom orders from the show are complete and sent or delivered, so now it is actual product to sell that needs to be completed. Wish me luck. My hips hurt from sitting so much!

First Day Jitters

Well, day one is over and I can't thank Kaedo enough for all his hard work. He was awesome. After barely sleeping last night, I was up early ready to go. Too early, if truth be told. It was a fun day. It started off slow and that was scary but it picked up and we sold 14 hats and got 2 custom orders and some other possibles. All in all I was happy with our day and hope to do as well tomorrow. Totally bagged now so I will keep this short. Thanks everyone for your kind words and wonderful encouragement.

a smile for you

Something to bring a smile to your face. Kaedo and I found this in a bag of pretzels. We didn`t break any pieces off. It`s a perfect heart. SOOOOO cool.

week 8

The weather is still mild although I hear we may get some snow on Thursday. I`m hoping not. Yuck. It is supposed to be nice for the weekend and the boys are counting on that as they want to spend some serious time at the skate park. I think we may be going back to our hippie family roots if these haircuts are any indication. We measured the kids on Monday night and Sterling is 5`7 and Kaedo is about 5`4. Yikes. Must stop feeding them!

the aftermath

Sterling had a wonderful 14th birthday - thanks to everyone who called and texted - he was thrilled.

He went to school in the morning and I picked him up at lunch and we went for fish and chips. After lunch I took him back to school where he got all his "birthday beats" and "pinches". His name was even in the announcements.

After school I picked up him and Kaedo and his friend and we had slurpees and then headed home for some serious video gaming. We had supper - homemade pizza and tater tots (I did not pick the menu) and cake and then we took his friend home at 8:30pm. He had a wonderful day and just loved every part of it. I'm so thrilled we could give him a great day.

Blowing out the candles

card from us (with $25) - we had already put over $200 into his bike but I wanted him to have a little something today. After all it was his special birthday.

Pre-paid Mastercard, given to him by his friend C. He was thrilled!

His hideous cake - chocolate sour cream cake does not transfer well into a white chocolate cake. In my defense - HE LOVED IT!

I bought a balloon animal kit at Dollarama and the kids had a blast building dogs and popping balloons.

I decorated the house as a surprise. He loved it.

First picture of being 14. Usually he looks half asleep so this time he gave me the `wild eyes`.

It was truly a wonderful day and I was so glad that we were able to provide him with a small but fun party and a day full of smiles. He deserved it.

14

At 7:31pm Alberta time today Sterling was born. The first grandchild on both sides of the family. We were so excited, so scared, so overwhelmed. So in love. We had this beautiful sweet boy that belonged to us, that at that time, made our life complete. Little did we know it would be another 18 months before our true family was complete.

Sterling was an amazing child and has grown in to an exceptional young man. He is polite, kind, generous, he holds doors open for others, says please and thank you, and gives us very little hassle in the teenager department. He rocks, so absolutely!

Today he and I will be having lunch together and after school he is having a friend over for a birthday supper of home made pizza and tater tots ( I did not choose the menu) rounded off with vanilla cake and french vanilla ice cream.

He will not be going to Joyride this weekend as we just can`t swing it. We wish we could but he understands our circumstances. We have promised him a delayed party through the Christmas break so he can head to Joyride with his buddies for the day. He accepts that and for that I am eternally grateful.

Our son taught us how to love unconditionally. He taught us true love, giving with your whole soul and loving beyond measure. He is amazing and loving and beautiful and all the things I had ever hoped my child would grow up to be.

SO - happy 14th birthday Sterling! I love you - more than you`ll ever know.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Happy 3rd Birthday to our sweet nephew Caleb - we hope you have a great day. We love you.

Busy weekend - sort of

It's 9:15 and we are pretty much ready for our weekend to start. Kaedo is eating Froot Loops, waiting to go to soccer, Sterling is already at the skate park with his buddies, Craig is getting ready for football, I have been working on a collage for Sterling's birthday to post here and we are just trying to figure out what we will be doing this weekend. I know I have a cake to bake, a house to decorate, a card to make, hats to crochet and details for next weeks show to iron out. I'm excited and nervous and anxious all at once.

Craig will be watching football and doing the few little chores we have around the yard to get completed. The boys will no doubt be playing video games as that is what the cool weather brings out.

Aside from that we are just taking it easy as we know this will be a busy weekend coming up. It's now the calm before the storm.

Have a great weekend.

school pix

Just got this years school pix and here they are. Sterling in grade 8 and Kaedo in grade 7. They are growing up so fast. I'm shocked Sterling didn't wear his pac-man shirt for the picture. Must have been dirty. Will be figuring out who gets what in the next few days and sending them out to you. We got the base package so there aren't too many photos.

Happy Remembrance Day to all. I will be spending some time at the school today watching Kaedo in his school play. He really wants me to come, so go I shall. Aside from that I have hats, hats, hats, a husband home and some school council work that needs to be done today.

The weather is beautiful here and we are enjoying this beautiful Fall. Hope the weather is cooperating wherever you are.

New Hats

Here are a few of my new hats from this past week. I really love the green one. I have a preference for the earflap hats. I don't think too many other people do but I love them. I am taking part in the Eastdale Fall Fair in Oshawa next weekend (Nov 19 and 20th) and I am hoping to sell out. I know that won't happen but I'm hoping. Right now I have 19 hats ready to go and one scarf and I'm hoping to have 30 by next weekend. We have a lot we need to do between now and then like print business cards, make our signs, finalize the logo we will be using and buy the covers for the table. We also need to make up our raffle box and the little papers for that. We have the custom order forms done, and I've got my list together of all the things I need. Now all I need is the time to do it.

I'm taking a poll here on the old blog - should I wear a hat at the fair or not?????

Let me know your thoughts!

week 7

Week 7 and the weather is awesome. You would never guess we are into November. The boys are doing great and are still biking and scootering. Kaedo is even still practicing outdoors. Craig and I are looking forward to spending the day together on Friday as he is not working and the boys will be in school. After the last month of barely seeing him I am looking forward to getting the chance to spend some one on one time. I sound like a whiny kid, don't I?

For now I think the blog will be a little sparse as I am crocheting madly trying to get enough hats together for the show next weekend. The store where I sell my stuff has asked for more inventory and a supply of baby hats as well, so I have been furiously trying to get some done for them. Right now I think I could crochet in my sleep. I have lots of new ones to show and will post them here and on facebook. Now that I've said blogging will be a little light, I'm bound to find a way to write something every day. It always works that way with me.