the salon (said in a hoity toity voice)

There is a really nice salon in Whitby that I get my hair cut at, and Craig used to when he wasn't growing his. Sterling has had his hair cut there a couple of times as with all the hair he has he needs it properly cut. Yesterday was Kaedo's first time. The atmosphere is great and the stylist that I always use for Sterling is terrific. Whether she truly does or not, she always seems genuinely interested in what is going on in their lives. She asks lots of questions and the boys just loved it. They even get their hair shampooed and a little head massage. Kaedo went first and he had a picture of a specific haircut he wanted. Joe Jonas - anyone with kids around the ages of mine, know the Jonas Brothers and love them. Kaedo loves Joe's haircut, so he took a picture to Candace and she went for it. The picture above is from about 2 hours after it was cut, so he looked like a ragga-muffin again, but it was fantastic when it was done. He doesn't have the kind of hair that actually holds a style for very long. He had lots taken off and he just looks so awesome. It looks so healthy and the length that was cut off was much needed.
Sterling asked for a trim, "only an inch" (I don't know if he knows exactly what an inch is) and "thinned". Can you tell he is a veteran? He has the most gorgeous hair, so it looked just awesome. Candace always straightens it and they loved that. Kaedo was especially thrilled with this as he had seen Sterling's done before. Now apparently, he needs to go to "the salon" the morning of his school pictures to get his hair done. He cracks me up!
Anyway - it was a lot of fun and it's always nice to have your haircut before a big event - school starts on Tuesday!

all is well in the world

They are home! After an agonizing day, we finally got to see the boys. They looked a bit ragged, but awesome and were thrilled to see us. Not as thrilled as we were to see them, but you know what I mean. Their flight was delayed 30 minutes and it was the longest of my life. We snuck into the baggage pick-up and waited none too patiently for them to come down the stairs. With 5 pieces of luggage, 4 carry-ons and 2 bikes, it was a lot to push out to the van. We got home at 1:45am and once the boys had played with Ketchup, snooped around the house, checked out all their school gear and said goodnight it was going on 2:30am.
When I checked on them this morning at 8, my heart just sighed. My boys are home. All truly is well in the world.

hip hip hurray!

Today is the DAY!
The boys are coming home.
Finally.
11:53pm

House semi-stocked with food? $224
Sheets changed and set up ready for them to slide into? $1 in electricity and water
Van filled with gas? $115
Plans to be there an hour early? $30 in parking
Welcome home signs made and in the van? $1 for bristol board from Dollarama
Camera at the door? $400 to replace after I crush it if I forget it!

The anticipation of that first hug?
priceless

boohoo

So,
my neighbors, the backyardigans, are moving. We will no longer be the sideyardigans. Do you think they will think we are stalking if we move near them? No, we are not moving, but boy it is worth thinking about. The kids are such good friends, and while I know they will still see each other, the instant gratification they receive of ringing each other's doorbell within 1 minute of talking on the phone will forever be history.
They have played together so much and have really grown up together these last four years. A currently attends our school and the boys sometimes see her in the hall, etc. N will be starting at our school on Tuesday and so the boys will get the chance to meet up with him and introduce him to their friends. We've also made plans for them to walk to and from school together. I should clarify. They will be love RIGHT across the street from the school, and I will have access to worry free parking for drop offs and pick ups. Right, Laura? Better stay on her good side or she is going to put up pylons blocking her driveway!
I will say this, I know that a friendship like ours will not be diminished by a few miles of distance, but the ease of which we have been able to spend time together will be greatly missed.
Who would have known 5 years ago in October, that our families would be so close? Not me. I am, however, so grateful. It made our transition here so much easier.
They are the best.
Good luck my friends.
We will be camped out on your new doorstep soon.

back to school?

With school starting for our kids on Tuesday, I thought I might throw out a little "school days quiz". I'd love it if you'd join in. Here goes:

Name of your school(s):
St. Mary's Elementary School, St. Francis Jr. High, CCH
How did you get to school?
Mom drove me - I HATED the bus - that's why the boys don't take it
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Mme. Paquin - she saw the real me and gave my mom some of the best advice ever! Second would be Mlle. Glavina - she was so sweet, third would be Mrs. Whimpster - she was so not sweet but she rocked!
Favorite academic subject?
English
Favorite extra subject (option?)
Library
Most embarrassing thing that ever happened at school?
Got caught skipping school by my mom and the principal came to my class and asked for me in front of everyone and then gave me hell in the hall - with my mom still there!
Most memorable field trip?
Waterton with Mme. Paquin and walking to St. Patrick's Church on Mass days - it was great to be outside and know that you weren't doing school work that morning. Then again, you did HAVE to go to church!
What kind of lunch did you eat?
Sandwiches, etc. Especially remember ants-on-a-log
Favorite things to do during recess?
Play on the playground equipment/chase boys

You know you are missing your kids when you sit down by yourself and watch the

Suite Life with Zack and Cody

pitiful, absolutely pitiful

so I lied

Thought I would post some pictures about what is going on here this weekend:

Ketchup "locked" in the kitchen - poor dog

Floor of the office (only somewhat due to renovations)

Office with all the stuff from the hall

Front entry

Lovely art - created by us for a hell of a lot less that $1000 ($24, actually)

All the furniture stuffed into one end as we finish the floor on the front side of the house

The big sexy painting - AGAIN!