This Week's Quotes

Here are some quotes I found this week that I really love:

1. Beauty is the opposite of perfection - it's about confidence, charisma and character.

2. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary life!

3. You are my Bucket List.

4. There are only two types of women; Goddesses and Doormats  -  Pablo Picasso

5. Be happy, it drives people crazy!

Happy Saturday!

What a Wake Up

This is what I found when I woke up this morning! What a sight! I must admit though, that it is only 0 - just cold enough to snow. When I took Sterling to school this morning the snowplows had already been through and the driving was easy (or as easy as it can be with three teenagers in the car). The snow is still here but will melt in the next day or two.

Lots going on over the next few days. I have a bazaar on Friday night and Saturday. Sterling is being punished and is coming with me on Friday and Kaedo has to come Saturday. Just joking - they actually don`t mind helping an old lady out.

Sunday they are volunteering at a Community Christmas event and then they only have two more extra volunteer commitments and will be done until the new year.

They have done very well and have made a lot of difference in our community. As an added benefit, Kaedo has already fulfilled his High School Community Service requirement (40 hours before graduation) and he hasn't even finished his first semester of high school. Yay Kaedo! Sterling will have completed over 100 hours by the end of the year and he is only in Grade 10. Yay Sterling! Brag much? I'm proud of those brats!

Friday is a PA so I get to spend the day with my guys - unless of course they get a better offer.

Until tomorrow,
S

Today....

P.interest

... is turning out to be a good day. Let's celebrate!

Year 5 Week 9

Sterling has decided that each week whoever draws the picture has to choose a theme. As it was his turn, he chose Logos. An.droid, Under.Armour, Mc.Donalds, and Twit.ter (note (.) placement on the last one! Sometimes people are real twits on that site.  haha

Freezing cold out, so even though Kaedo looks stunned, no one wanted to do another picture.

Happy Monday

Lasagne Soup

I have been scouring online recipe sites looking for fun and interesting meals for our family. I came across a recipe for Lasagne Soup and Cheesy Monkey Bread that we just loved. I thought I'd post some pictures of our adventure in making these recipes for the first time and the finished product.

Kaedo is a wonderful cook, but I must admit he is so painfully slow it takes all my energy not to step in and speed up the process.  haha.  It's a good thing we can start at 4pm or we wouldn't eat until 8!

Enjoy the pictures. Oh, and by the way - the food was great!

Yay Kaedo!!

Kaedo has always hated school, which has been well documented here on the blog. So it is so nice to finally hear him speak so happily of his adventures, his friends, teachers and subjects. With a full core course load this semester (no options) of French, Geography, Science and English, he is a busy kid.

Needless to say, we are thrilled with the change in attitude, willingness to learn and school demeanor. He has always been well liked by classmates and teachers but the actual learning and doing has been tough.

Without further ado, I am thrilled to list his fantastic first term marks:

Geography 74%
English 86%
Science 78%
French 99% (no, that isn't a typo)

His French teacher had this to say about him:
"Kaeden is doing extremely well. All of Kaeden's work is excellent and often above and beyond what is expected. He is excelling in all areas. Kaeden has earned one of the top marks in the class"

Kaedo learned when he received his report card that he in fact had the top mark in his class.

So proud. Bursting with it! Yay Kaedo!

Now that's a box of KD

Sterling was craving Kraft.Dinner so we got him this!

Sterling's Birthday Part 2

Thursday was quite a day!

After studying harder for his driver's test than for anything else EVER in his life, he finally got the opportunity to put his knowledge to work. We headed out first thing to the DMV, where we waited with about 80 other people for him to have the opportunity to write his test. He went to the wicket when his number was called, did the vision test, filled out all the paperwork, then of course asked me to come and pay! 

Next he went in and wrote his written exam - still on paper, which I can't believe - and about 15 minutes after heading in, he came out with a huge smile and sunshine all around him. My boy had passed. It was probably the most exciting day of his life. Pretty damn exciting for me too!

There were a few conditions set by mom and dad with regard to his driving, and he was very good natured about it. 

1. Parking lots ONLY until he does his driver's training in January 

2. No diving after dark, even if it's a parking lot 

3. Never with Kaedo in the car. 

My own number 4 was no music, but that got vetoed.

From the DMV we headed to the biggest, relatively empty parking lot I could think of and he tried his hand at it. I'm still wearing Kaedo's neck brace from the whiplash. The kid is VERY brake heavy. Even with my seatbelt on I thought I may get thrown through the window.  haha. He did great once he got a hang of the brake.

We had lunch, ran some errands, picked up the groceries for his supper and then headed home.

His best buddy C was joining us for the evening and when Craig and Sterling went to pick him up at work, Sterling got in the driver's seat as a joke. C was totally prepared to have Sterling drive them home. I think Craig's words were, "Are you out of your mind?" or something like that.  Needless to say, no driving by Sterling.

We had pizza, chips, Dr.Pepper and white cake. Craig was devastated it wasn't Sour Cream Chocolate Cake. I must admit I had been dreaming of it too, but Sterling likes white cakes, so there you go.

C stayed until 10:30pm and there was a lot of laughing and carrying on. 

He had a wonderful birthday and loved all the calls and chats. Especially from one family that called him twice! He received lots of texts from friends and was really loving every minute of it.

A wonderful 16th Birthday!

Week 8

Talk about late!
I must admit, I haven't been 'feeling' the old blog lately, so it has been neglected. Right now I am deciding whether to continue or not. It is a double edged sword. It takes a lot of work and planning to do it, but it also keeps us connected with friends and family. I have some ideas, so I am writing them down and lining up things to hopefully get me through this slump.

One change we're making - as you can see above - is that every week one of the boys will design a sign to use, thus preventing me from having to edit.  This week's sign is courtesy of Kaedo.

As I sit here I have been watching a squirrel hop around our deck. I have seen them so much lately as they prepare for winter. I really love them.

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Sterling!

It's 4:01am as I sit here. The house is quiet, at least for a few more hours. I have been up for an hour, thinking about Sterling and the last 16 years. What an amazing young man he has become. Kind, caring, loving, loyal. He has a smart mind and infectious sense of humor. He is gorgeous and has no idea he is. He will stand up for you, stand beside you, stand in front of you, with the conviction of someone who knows that if he has put his trust in you you are worth fighting for. He is a good teacher, and good learner and an excellent helper.

In short, he is truly amazing.

We have a big day planned which includes blowing off school, getting his driver's license, his new health card, having lunch, getting the stuff for his small party tonight and just having a wonderful day.

16 to me is the first major milestone to adulthood. If you know me, you know I am in no rush for either of my guys to get older, however, I am so impressed with the job Sterling is doing (and let's face it, growing up is a job) that I am excited and thrilled for him as he turns 16 today.

The camera is ready at the door so I can document the day. I will post pictures later tonight or tomorrow but just want to give a big shout out to the most fabulous 16 year old on the planet!

Happy Sweet Sixteen my love! All your hard work has paid off - you're exactly who you should be. And that is someone amazing!

Lots of love,
Always,
mom

LOL

Saw this recently and it made me laugh. Thought I would share it with you.

Sterling is up bright and early practicing for his driver's written exam, which he is hoping to take tomorrow. Coffee is already being consumed in great quantities. We have our fingers crossed for him. Just a little more studying needed to ensure a pass.

A special Happy Birthday to our sweet nephew C. We hope he has a wonderful day and loves his presents (which we bought and mailed first, Shirley - LOL)!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

A text from my son....

Sterling sent me a text and this is what followed:

Sterling: I have an 80% in math. OMFG so exited

Me: Yay! So proud of you! Ms C.... called me this morning and I told her you would appreciate the news more coming from her. You rock babe!!!

Sterling: Thanks you do too

Me: Can't wait to see you. Missed you today. Love you.

Sterling: I miss you every day and can't wait to see you


Can we all say aaaahhhhh?
What a kid. Can't get enough of him. He's so sweet and kind. Love him to pieces. And to think, in less than 48 hours he'll be 16. I am truly not old enough to have a 16 year old. Definitely not! He's the best almost 16 hear old around.

please note: all typos are that of the almost 16 year old, not his mother

Week 7

Week 7 - not too bad for in the dark! Back to school for the boys today and a nice day off for Craig. Too bad there isn't football on all day. He'd be in heaven! Just kidding. We will get the opportunity to spend some time together and get some things done around the house. I am debating a major haircut but the only taker I could get was Sterling. He was willing to give me pig shave. Not sure what that says, but there you go.

Big week around here this week, with our first born turning 16. The first major milestone birthday. He is studying like mad for his driver's test but we aren't allowing him to take it unless he can pass with flying colors.  He's a little pissed off and a lot motivated to get it done. We'll see what happens. I found out today, 16 years ago that I would be having him on the 14th. Funny the things you remember.

Anyway, wishing you the happiest of days and Happy Remembrance Day. Buy a Poppy, and thank a Veteran while you're at it, it's not too late.

This week's Quotes

Thought I would post some more great quotes. I love them all but would love to hear what your favorite is. Here goes:

Invest in yourself. You can afford it. Trust me. - Rashon Carraway

It's ok to be happy with a calm life. - unknown

It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice. - unknown

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. - E.E. Cummings

You never know who needs you. Good energy is contagious. - unknown

This is the beginning of anything you want. - unknown

Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.                                      - Coco Chanel

I don't care what you think about me. I don't think of you at all. - Coco Chanel

I'm not a bitch. It just pisses you off that I can see through your bullshit and lies. - unknown

Be with someone who brings out the BEST in you not the STRESS in you. - unknown

And I'll leave you with a quote from my first born. The best quote ever!

You're not above the law. And mom's the law. - smart ass kid (he's right, but he's a smart ass)


Happy Saturday all!

One Day Down

I was dreading today. I really was. Kaedo was gone to Take.Your.Kids.To.Work Day with Craig, Sterling was in school, mom and dad were gone and I was alone without Ketchup. I must admit, it was quiet around here and I found myself talking aloud as I have done for years, only this time there was no dog listening to me. Maybe I am crazy. ha.

But once I got my head wrapped around it, and had a little cry, I was good to go. I spent a few hours working in the house, getting stuff done, then got to spend some one on one time with Sterling.

In the end I realized that all will be well. This is the Circle of Life.

A special thank you to my M-I-L Shirley, for the sweet and kind text this morning. You brought me out of my sadness. Thank you.

Now if only I could train the boys to bark when the doorbell rings.

week 6

What a weekend! Friday night found us at Swiss.Chalet having our own version of a wake for Ketchup. We told funny stories of him, laughed, toasted and ate good food.

Saturday the boys had the amazing opportunity to go to the new aquarium in T.O. with Amma and Baba. Kaedo took over 400 pictures and Sterling took as many as he could until his phone died. Sunday the four of them headed to Yorkdale.Mall for an afternoon of gawking at the fabulous stores and fancy people. They loved it!

Today mom and I had pedicures - hers to get her feet beautiful for the next leg of their journey, mine just to get my feet presentable! Sterling had his best bud over this aft to build a new computer and they had a great time. Kaedo and dad spent some Baba/Kaedo time together at D.Q. over ice cream and a trip to Bulk.Barn. So fun.

Tonight we are having mom's magical lasagna. Apparently once you eat this you will never eat any other. Looking forward to it. To be honest, I'm starving right now!

Tomorrow mom and dad are off and it will be extra quiet here with no Ketchup and no mom and dad. You get used to it, I suppose. We also have an old school friend here tomorrow morning having breakfast with us before he catches the bus.

Busy time and many other things to write. Will do so in the coming days.

RIP

Taken October 31, 2013

Today our beautiful dog, Ketchup, was put to sleep. After almost 9 wonderful years together, our wonderful friend and companion was just too sick to remain alive. The sadness in our house is palpable, and the boys, Craig and I, are crushed.

Ketchup brought untold joy to our family. He was a kind and gentle soul, who loved to wrestle, play, and have fun. He loved pizza crust and popcorn and in the last few days of his life he ate a lot of both.

Having never anticipated having a dog, it was through the sheer generosity and kindness of a good friend, that the gift of Ketchup came to us. He flew across the country and into our hearts in December 2004. From the first moment we held him in our arms, we knew he had made our family complete.

As sad as we are to lose him, we are so happy that his decline was quick and that he died with the dignity everyone deserves. It is with a heavy heart and much tears that I write about this tremendous loss, for no words can express the sadness we feel right now.

Special thanks to my mom and dad for being here. I don't know what I would have done without you these last few days. Your support for us all has been something we have held on to, knowing you would do anything necessary to make this heartbreaking situation better. Thank you for being here for the boys, for us, for Ketchup, as we know you love him too.

The next few days will be tough ones as we put away his things and get used to the quiet in the house. I for one do not look forward to Wednesday when I am by myself again and my beautiful pal is not laying beside me.

Thank you my friend, for many years of loyalty, love and affection. For never chewing up my shoes, eating wrappers left on the floor or running away. Thank you for your kindness, your patience and your undying love.

You will be missed but never forgotten.

All my love,
s