Food Challenge - dare I say week 1???

We've been talking that the boys should learn to cook more than rice and ichiban and so I got it into my head today that I should give them a food challenge. Once a week they will have $20 to go to the grocery store and buy the food needed to cook that evening's meal. The only rule this week was no pizza and there had to be enough for Craig's lunch. The boys were up for the challenge and I even suggested maybe sandwiches to them.

Off they went, first to one store then to another, looking for the perfect meal. Once they had chosen it, it was time to come home and get cooking. I must say I had high hopes, hell knows Sterling comes with me every time I go to the grocers, whether I want him to or not. Also, they are able to figure out how much things cost to the last penny when spending their own money.

Anyway, we got home, anxious to see what was on the menu. And this is what we got - 12 chicken wings and 12 cheese sticks. Not each - for the four of us. To share. That's right folks, eat up, that's three wings and three cheese sticks each. I must admit, I found it hilarious. Craig however, not so much. When he gets home at night he's hungry and to be honest, we were both expecting sandwiches. Ha! The kids thought it was funny but agreed to give it another shot next week. I think it's a fun thing for them to do and it's good for Craig and I not to have control over the menu that one night a week.

The look on Craig's face told me he was never going to be satisfied with the wings and sticks so I baked some hot dogs to go along. All I could think was that this looks more like the snacks we eat at our Christmas Tree Decorating Party, not Tuesday night dinner. Live and learn folks, live and learn!

ho hum

Things have been up in the air for me since my return to work (after a long leave) back in August. I have continued to work with my company, having been given 2 week, 3 week contracts and lastly a 6 week contract. Throughout that time I have looked for other jobs - permanent jobs - within the organization, with no success.

Today was the day. High hopes all around - even my direct supervisor and co-workers. Unfortunately I was told that a permanent position was not going to be offered and that continuing to look for other positions was the best course of action.

A bit of a downer, I must say. Many shake-ups in the department over the last month and I know that has something to do with it. The hard part is I am good at my job. Very good. Damn good.

So what does this mean? Well, I could very well get another 2 weeks, 4 weeks, whatever. Or, Friday I will be done with this 'career', finished. The hard part is, I might not know until Friday. Not a way to live. Nope, not a way to live.

Week 9

Are we coming down to the last minute more and more? Seems like it. When you're gone too early in the morning and home after dark it is hard to get this picture in, but we are still making it. Barely.

The weekend has been very casual, much to Sterling's dismay. He'd like to be out busy all day both days but with me unable to drive and Craig at football all day - he was none to pleasant yesterday and had to be "grounded"off the X.BOX. That never seems to happen anymore so it came as a shock to both him and I!

Today Craig took him out for a while to get new binders and look for pants so he was satisfied with that outing.

Kaedo is more than happy to be at home all day watching movies, playing X.BOX, texting his friends. So, that's what he did.

Today Craig has watched football and the boys have done their thing all day. I have read and done the minutes for Kaedo's school council.

Very boring in our house but I am hoping to be more mobile next weekend.

Lastly - Bon Voyage to mom and dad! Wishing you a wonderful Winter full of exploring, memories, visits with friends both new and old. We will be looking forward to hearing all about your adventures! Don't kill each other travelling together! Ha! We love you!

Friday

Friday, oh how I love you. Kind of like how Craig loves Saturday, but for totally different reasons. I'm happy to be home with the fam, getting ready to watch a movie or tv shows we have taped through the week but haven't watched (can you say YAY! Big Bang Theory?). I don't know which show will be first, if that's the route we go, but Kaedo will pick Modern Family for sure.

Tomorrow Craig is heading out bright and early for three games of football, which he will either play in or watch, beer, cheering, bad mouthing each other and having a wonderful time sans wife, kids, girlfriends (I mean OR girlfriends, not AND girlfriends - ha!).

The boys and I will sleep in and hang out at the house as I am an invalid with this bum knee. They would like their dad to take them to the mall tomorrow but I think that's going to be a hard sell.

This weekend includes completing the minutes for Kaedo's school Parent Council (note to self - NEVER join again! - After 5 years I am so done.),  laundry, laundry and more laundry, watching The Amazing Spiderman, getting the gnome picture done, and writing out my Christmas Lists of what I need to pick up for the Littles (J & C) as well as for my boys and Craig. Did I mention he will be turning the big 4-0 this year? He wants a new TV. Nothing like thinking BIG. Did I mention I am totally opposed to spending one red cent on a TV when the ones we have work? I am waiting for the day I come home and the TV has miraculously blown a bulb, or whatever they do. Whatever happened to him wanting a tattoo? Now that's something I can get behind!

Happy Friday!

Boo Ya!

Report Card day for our first year high schooler. To say we are proud would certainly be an understatement. He just blew us away with his marks and the great comments including a very nice one from his Principal. So without further ado, Sterling's marks -

English - 83%

class average 73

French - 77%

class average 90

Learning Strategies - 87%  

class average 78

Math - 93%  

class average 72

He was so proud of himself and along with the Learning Skills grading (all Excellents except for French) and all the comments we are just beaming.

Not to be out done, Kaedo brought home a Test that he had in math where he got a '4'. The marks are on a 1-4 scale with 4 being an 'A'. He was so thrilled because he actually got the same percentage mark as the smartest kid in his class. So proud of him. He is really working on applying himself and he's doing great.

So, needless to say, it was an all round great day to be a student. Here's to many more marks, comments and happiness.

Week 8

No time for comments as I just want to get this posted before the new week starts.

Sterling's Birthday Weekend

We are celebrating Sterling's birthday this weekend with some fun with friends. He has two distinctly different friends who like like very different things. So because of that, we seem to be partying over two days instead of one. Today we will be going out for dinner and seeing SKY.FALL, the new Jam.es Bond movie with C. I love these movies. Even the older ones where there wasn't as much action.

Tomorrow Sterling and N and Craig are heading to Joy.Ride for a day of BMXing, pizza, chips and to much Coca.Cola. Craig will spend the day watching videos on his phone and freezing in the god forsaken place. Note to self - remind him to take a blanket.

Kaedo and I will get the opportunity to spend the day together - whether he wants to or not. I need his help so he's being put to work.