Fixed that for you

Sterling was a little disappointed that he missed out on the family pic and it just seemed incomplete so I used my 'amazing' photoshop skills to make it seem like he was there.

Fixed that for you :)

Craig

Abbreviated Family Pix

Last weekend we had planned to go and get some family pictures. As it was -30, we decided against it and went to the movies instead. At the time we decided that we would go today. Unfortunately Sterling made plans with a friend without asking us with regard to the time, and ended up going with his friend instead of joining us.

As your kids get older, you have to understand that they will choose their friends over you, and today was the first real day that happened. In saying that, Craig and I agree that we will not put our plans on hold because one of the boys has other plans. Let me say right now that based on the adventure we had, I'm sure Kaedo wished he had had other plans as we traipsed through snow so deep we could have lost the G-Man. We laughed like crazy and froze our asses off but I think it was a good lesson for all of us. Life must go on, even when your children choose to no longer be a part of an activity.

We were thrilled that Kaedo wanted to join us on the little adventure and G is always happy to go along. I must admit, the trek back to the car was a little longer than the carefree walk to the tree but what can I say.

These pictures are both a terrific memory and a reminder that things change. I'm glad we didn't change our minds and went for it. I don't think we have another picture of just the three of us.

Did you say snow?

After soccer this afternoon, my 6ft+ gorgeous son agreed to have his picture taken with our cutie dog. Just wanted to show what we have for snow in this little place we call home. We have had some very cold temperatures (-30), but overall it has been a great Winter. We got some snow in the Fall and then not again until February. Here we have four seasons, so the way I see it, we may have another month and we'll be seeing our tulips popping out of the ground.

I get sick of listening to people complain about the weather. For the record, we live in Canada. We get snow. Have always gotten snow, and can't control the weather even if we tried. When people complain to me about the weather I remind them of the fact that they choose to live here and that usually ends that.  If you're going to complain about something, maybe pick something you can do something about. In my case, I don't check the weather, always bring an extra sweater and know that every night when I close my eyes I will be waking up to a longer day tomorrow and a number on the calendar closer to Spring.

Sterling?

Sterling's oldest friend, N, and him have been having lots of fun going to places I don't want to know about, snapping all kinds of fun pictures.  This weekend found them at an old site where N was able to put some of his amazing skill to use and take these photos of Sterling. N is an amazing photographer and I am sure that one day he will be famous for his work. I have seen many of his photos and I am continually amazed at his ability to capture things on film.

Now I can't tell you what the deal is with the mask, but its all a part of it, and Sterling loves it. When he showed me a series of photos they took yesterday, I asked him to send me his two favorite so I could post them here.

Very groovy, if I do say so myself.
Now if only I could see that face!

Happy Valentine's Day?

When you work in a flower shop you get two things:
1. A new appreciation for what goes into preparing for the biggest day of the year for the floral industry
2. A new appreciation for men and what they will do to keep the woman in their life happy

As to the first, I can attest to all the work that goes into make 100s of long stemmed rose bouquets, on top of the fresh cut flower bouquets, carnation bunches, special orders (100+) as well as the deliveries that need to be made. Wow, it is an amazing thing to see and be a part of. I am amazed and dazed.

For my part, aside from selling and wrapping bouquets, I don't design or any of that. What they have me for is to insure that anyone who comes in, leaves knowing they have picked the perfect gift for their love (many with the hopes that she repays their kindness with some action - lol - you'd be surprised how many times I heard some variation of that. One gentleman told me his motto was 'go big or don't go home'. ha)

While busy, it was a great time.

My husband is lucky in the occasion department (as he suffers in his day to day dealings with me), I have no need for a bouquet of roses or box of chocolates. For that matter, we only celebrate birthdays, Christmas and Mother's/Father's Day (the last is mostly the boys).

You see, my philosophy is this;
I would rather receive a gift for no reason at all. That is a gift I can get behind. That is when I know that my husband has been thinking of me and has come across something that he knows I will love. I must admit, Craig is not hardwired that way, so that rarely happens, but when it does, it's magic.

So for me, to receive a gift on Valentine's Day would seem like Craig was being forced by convention rather than sentiment.

Do I like to receive gifts? Certainly, who doesn't. I am a big believer that your birthday is the one day of the year that you share with no one else in your household and it should be celebrated and enjoyed. Christmas is the holiday where we as a family choose gifts for each other that we believe are meaningful and will be enjoyed.

Valentine's Day is an occasion that men hate, women adore and the expectations are set so high, it's hard to believe that either party will be satisfied.

I guess I felt sorry for the men I dealt with this weekend. Many were there out of obligation and that really doesn't make the gift a gift, does it?

While I guess we could do away with gift giving all together, I was told years ago by a friend's husband that March 14 is the man's day. It's commonly referred to as Steak and Blowjob Day. So women, beware - those roses weren't for nothing. Oh, and Craig - thanks for not getting me a gift. I guess we won't be celebrating on March 14th???

Pulp Fiction

20 years ago, last October 26, Craig and I went on our first date. We went and saw Pulp Fiction. A movie loved by some and hated by others. Whether it be because it holds a special place in our hearts or that it is a cinematic masterpiece, we have over the years watched the movie again and many years ago I gave Craig a large wood mounted poster (must have been when we celebrated anniversaries). The poster is currently hanging in our main floor bathroom. It has always been hung, anywhere we have lived.

On Saturday, Sterling took the train into T.O. with his buddy on his first solo trip. He loved it. They walked and walked and did some shopping and his buddy N (an amazing photographer) took about 200 pictures.

The most special thing that Sterling did was come across a record store and actually go in. The love of vinyl I hope is being handed down to my boys. So, what did he buy? Aside from looking around, as shown above, he bought Craig and I a copy of the Pulp Fiction soundtrack on LP. I was shocked and it is so amazing. I have priced out this album and haven't bought it, so I know how much of his hard earned money he spent. I am sure I have listened to it about 30 times since Saturday.

He is one amazing kid. Maybe I should start saying man.

And yes, I'm listening to it right now.

Saturday Round-up

As mentioned earlier in the week, we thought it would be fun if everyone thought of a statement that best describes the other. They are surprisingly accurate. Except the ones about me. ;)

Here goes:

Craig says:
Shannon has to go to the bathroom 3 times in the 5 minutes between deciding to go out and getting out the door.

Sterling wears Soccer shoes as his runners even though he doesn't know how to play the game.

Every weekend I tell Kaeden not to fall asleep downstairs. And every weekend I have to haul his ass up the stairs from the basement at 3am.

Kaedo says:
Dad reminds me to brush my teeth even when the electric toothbrush is already running.

Every time we go to the flea market, mom finds something she likes and tries to convince us we have room.

Sterling will buy a wallet even if he has no money to put in it.

Sterling says:

Dad is known for telling me that every purchase I make is a bad one. He doesn't say that about his gifts though. hmmmm.

Mom uses my computer and saves a shit-ton of bookmarks that I then have to go in and delete. Aargh!

No matter what I tell him, Kaeden doesn't listen to me. Unless it is a direct quote from dad.

Shannon says:

When Sterling talks about cars, it sounds like the teacher from Charlie Brown.

Kaedo is decisive about only one thing; he will absolutely not make a decision. About anything.

Craig has more football gear than work clothes. And he only plays 2 hours a week.

Grover's 10 Things

Here goes:

1. I eat my poop, even if people are watching.

2. I hide my treats in obvious hiding places to see if anyone will find them.

3. I squeak my toys because everyone thinks it's annoying.

4. I bark outside. Because I can.

5. I love to play fetch but I'd much rather just chase than return.

6. Even if I'm not hungry, I'll still beg for food.

7. I jump on people whenever I want. Especially Shannon.

8. I hate the coats the make me wear. I look like an idiot. What I really need is a pair of shoes.

9. My favorite game is 'Pull The Dishtowels off the Rack'.

10. I purposely push my toy balls into places I can't reach just so the humans have to fetch.

Bonus: I run this house  ;)

Craigular Joe's 10 Things

Here goes:

1. My favorite piece of clothing is my Under Armour Hoodie. All 5 of them.

2. I'd play football 7 days a week but no one will play with me.

3. I only get a haircut when Shannon makes me. I'm cheap.

4. My favorite part of the haircut is the shampoo and head massage. I'd pay double just for that.

5. Even though I have a drawer full of watches, I always wear the same one.

6. I listen to talk radio every night on the way home from work.

7. I always make sure to match my dress shirt with my fancy socks. What matches with flying pig socks????

8. My favorite tv show is football.

9. I'm the only one who takes Grover on a walk past the end of the driveway.

10. This is the hardest test I've ever had to take.

Kaedo's 10 Things

Here goes:

1. I own four pairs of cleats. And no runners.

2. Even though I don't eat lunch, it is my favorite period.

3. I play soccer 4 times a week.

4. I always beat Sterling at pool.

5. I will drink any pop in a green bottle.

6. A cheeseburger with pickles, onion, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato and chipotle is my favorite meal. Fries are nice, but not necessary.

7. At least once a week, Sterling and I go to PizzaPizza and eat a whole pizza each.

8. At school during work periods I put my headphones on with no music just so no one will talk to me.

9. My favorite pastime besides soccer is watching tv and playing video games.

10. My favorite tv show right now is 'The Musketeers'.

10 things - Sterling Edition

When I spoke with the boys about doing the 10 things post on the blog, they thought it would be fun to get involved, so this week you will find everyone's '10 Things', including Craig and the G-Man. We'll round out the week with each of us weighing in on the other and making a statement that most accurately describes them. Yikes!

So, without further ado, here are Sterling's 10 Things:

1. My most important possession is my car

2. When I'm home alone, I lay on the floor and play with the dog

3. I listen to stand-up comedy in the car, not music

4. After getting the 'wreck room', I realize I am no good at any bar games (pool, ping pong, darts)

5. I once drank 32 cans of pop in one day (don't judge)

6. When I walk up the stairs, I always 'push off' on the wall at the landings (hence the dirty handprints)

7. I go to the mall 3x a week

8. My favorite food is a Footlong Subway Melt toasted on Italian herb and cheese with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and LOTS of chipotle

9. Sometimes when I'm on my computer I have my headphones on but I'm not listening to anything

10. My favorite TV show of all time is House MD

10 Things

Another round - just for you, mom! This week I am dedicating each day to 10 Things. Each of the boys will have a day as will Craig and the G-man. Craig - if you're reading this at work - here is your heads up. Get thinking!

Lets do this!

Shannon's 10

1. In the age of all things digital, I still use a paper planner.

2. I am constantly on the search for the perfect wallet. It eludes me to this day.

3. Unless at least three of the four members of our family are going to be home, I don't cook supper.

4. I don't eat hamburgers.

5. When I go to work, I take a diet coke, a bottle of ice, a bottle of water and my go-mug with the sugar and tea bag already in it for my after lunch tea. I am lame but hydrated.

6. I take hot baths and cool showers. In that order.

7. I don't go anywhere without my iPod. Except the shower. I do use it during bath time though. lol.

8. I always lay out my clothes the night before. Even if it is just sweats and a t-shirt.

9. I am contemplating an 'almost pixie' cut. I have to decide before tomorrow at 12:30pm.

10. I have 15 plants or mixed planters on the main floor of my house. One is over 35 years old and another was a house warming gift when we first got married. They both traveled on VIA Rail for weeks in the back of our van when we moved across the country. Survivors!