Blog Pourri

Sssshh....

2008-10-15T18:52:00.002-04:00

Here is a little secret.

There is a sitter coming tonight so I can go to a meeting at the church. (DH is outta town on business).

It's 6:50 PM.

I just made the beds.

Don't tell.

another memorable first...

2008-10-06T20:25:00.002-04:00

Our first hockey equipment. We've had skates, helmets, gloves and sticks since we were 3 years old, but now the oldest little dude, a.k.a. T, is starting hockey and needed ALL the gear.

He was so excited, brought tears to my eyes. He kept saying, "this is MY gear? all mine?!" to which we continued to reply enthusiastically as each separate item was tried on. Once he was all geared up, he announced with the most excitement of all, "And no matter how hard I hit my wiener, it doesn't hurt at all!!" and continued pounding away. He then asked if he could run next door to share this most important news with Gramps.

I love being a Mom to boys, I really do. (cause you can't very well run next door to show Gramps your new training bra, now can you?)

2008-08-27T10:52:00.003-04:00

Had the most successful of summers...all that Corona, BBQ, ice cream.....yummmmm.....6 pounds worth of summer. Now to get back down in preparation for the Christmas season gain (and one must not forget the Halloween binge).

How successful were you?

2008-08-25T09:57:00.002-04:00

Dear Parents,

Dear Parents who enjoy bike riding with their children,

Dear Parents who enjoy bike riding with their children while their kids wear bike helmets,

Dear Parents who enjoy bike riding with their children while their kids wear bike helmets yet you do not,

Why?

Just wondering if you think their heads are more delicate than yours? You don't want them to get hurt, damaged or even suffer something more worse? Even fatal? Just wondering how they are gonna take care of you? Or manage without you?

Such an easy thing to do to help prevent a truly horrible situation.

Just asking, why?

Sincerely,

nancy, who has serious issues with this, and who always wears her helmet

2008-08-21T23:20:00.003-04:00

Oh shit. Now I have done it. Did I really go ahead and do that? Why? WHY?

Why oh why did I let this happen. Crap. I really did.

I blogged.

Again.

2008-08-19T21:23:00.002-04:00

This summer my 6 year old son swam in his first ever swim meet, he did a few more, amassed a small ribbon collection along the way and qualified for the section finals where he had to compete against other boys as old as 9. He ended up last, got a ribbon that said 16th place, but was so happy cause "I don't have 'this' colour!"

Last night my son hit 3/3 in his baseball game, two hits were so amazing. He caught his first ever infield pop fly (but then dropped it). He was so proud, "that was my best game ever Mommy, and my coach gave me TWO popsicles!"

Today he read these words to me without hesitation : metropolis and ventriloquist. I am personally, very impressed.

This afternoon I was on the phone with our bank representative making some important inquiries and he yells loud enough for her to hear, "MOMEEEE! I JUST HAD A POO! CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IF MY BUM IS CLEAN?"

The kid can play ball, swim, read and *almost* wipe his own bum.

Good times!

How to make a five year old cry.

2008-02-26T20:48:00.002-05:00

Tell him you are taking him to Disney World!!

He was so overcome with the emotion of the moment, his big blue eyes got all watery...and since both mine and his Daddy's eyes were already watery from the moment, we asked him if he was crying cause he was so happy. He disagreed, but then asked why he was crying? I guess he just doesn't understand the 'crying for happiness' emotion yet. He kept asking his Dad "For real? Really, for real?" and then he looked at me and asked, "Is it true?" I could hardly contain myself.

The other guy? He physically jumped up & down uninterrupted for 10 minutes. You know the one, the same kid who never sat down at the hockey game. I told him we didn't have to wear winter boots or coats and he asked,

"Is there snow there?"
"Nope!"
"Is there green grass there?"
"Yes! And palm trees!"
"Woo hoo! Then I am SO going outdoor swimming!"
then he asked "What's a palm tree?"

So tonight we played outdoor hockey in the snow, Thursday is sledding day with the school and Friday we will be swimming under palm trees. Wow!!!

Happy V.D.

2008-02-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

Only in our house that translates into:

Happy Vomit Day.

It started around 1 AM, and we have been going every 10-30 minutes to the bucket &/or toilet and we are STILL going...currently 8 AM. This is only one kid, my poor little B. He is so sad about missing "Valentimes Day" at school.

Wishing all of you a day full of love, flowers, chocolates, sushi, wine (or whatever is your thang) and me? All I can smell is puke.

It's real

2008-02-13T09:32:00.005-05:00

The love for a Webkinz is real. Santa brought each boy a Webkinz, this is what they asked for. It is a "real pet Mommy!" For any of you who are familiar with the Webkinz phenomenon, the child adopts their pet on the website. The child gets to choose the gender, the name, what goes in their room among other things, but the one of the things assigned to the pet is their birthday. February 11 is Lester's birthday.

The countdown started as soon as we changed the calendar to February. The # of remaining sleeps, days, hours, etc. FINALLY it arrived, and a bonus it was a P.D. day at school!! Why? Well, our kids are only allowed their computer time on weekends, about an hour is the limit. BUT, being that February 11 is a "no school" day - that counts as the weekend!! Didn't you know?

So, we made sure to go online to receive birthday wishes from the Webkinz people, and some friends (yes, they can send little pre-scripted email-like messages or presents, very cute!), and of course to wish cyber-Lester a Happy Birthday. Then IRL....we did the same:

Baked cupcakes:

Gave hugs:

And even sang Happy Birthday:

What a great (REAL) ~~excuse~~ reason to bake and eat cupcakes!

lost your camera?

2008-02-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

Then look here!

I just read about this site in our daily newspaper, I think it is a great idea!!! Just wanted to share.

Other most exciting news: Dani is LEAKING!!!

(and yes, shamefully a lame excuse for a post - but I have a sick kid at home, be nice!)

magical

2008-02-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we took the boys to their very first ever NHL game.

GO HABS GO!!! The cheers started in the car on the way there.

We purchased the tix way back in September (remember this?), the day they went on sale, and sold out. There are so few afternoon games offered (I think this year, three?) and for our guys, really our only option. I can't even tell you who was more excited. The butterflies started in my tummy the night before.

For those of you who *know* me, you have a clear understanding about how much this means to our family. The history, the heritage, the emotions that this hockey organization has brought to our family is immeasurable. (For privacy reasons, I choose not to discuss further, nothing personal, really).

Our seats were as high as you could get, hubby was a little skeptical, but once we settled in, we couldn't have had a better location. We loved it! We were as high 'in the heavens in hockeyland' as one could be, and the tears of joy watching my two little boys at their first Habs game were numerous.

I remember my very first NHL game. It was also an afternoon, exhibition pre-season and we had mid-high seats in the Montreal Forum. A puck came flying outta no where, my Dad caught it LITERALLY inches in front of my face, I still feel the brush of air. He then managed to have it signed by Jean Beliveau. I still have that puck dated, locked away forever, I was not quite 5 years old.

We donned our jerseys, painted faces, hats, and they handed out these cardboard helmet like things that T wore most of the time. We bought t-shirts and hot dogs and chips and ate smuggled snax from my purse, and it's practically oh, so sickenly like one of those "Priceless" Mastercard commercials it makes me want to puke. But I won't do that to you.

Instead, I bring you this photo, which is forever engraved in my brain.

And another good reason being at the top of it all, means there is no one sitting behind you, which means a certain little boy didn't bother anyone as he did this for practically the ENTIRE game:

We had the bestest of times as a family, truly a magical and most memorable day for us all.

P.S. HABS WON!

Uninvited & most unwelcome

2008-01-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

A quick background...for the past couple of years we've been hearing the odd little scritch'n'scratch from above. In the ceiling, top floor = attic. We have this huge peak on our roof, so it could very well act as a loft style spa for many types of critters. We have the usual varieties of wildlife as seen in most suburbia settings, rabbits, birds, raccoons, mice, the odd fox and tons of squirrels. Our neighbourhood is full of 75 year old maple trees, oh which the squirrels live a plenty. So, the conclusion was made, must be squirrels in the attic. Then the sounds went away.

This year, they came back, a little louder, more frequency. So I FINALLY remembered to place the call to the Wildlife Control people to inform them and ask them about the squirrels in my attic. A very nice young man came over that day, did the 45 minute search around the house, happy to report that he saw none of the usual indicators of it being squirrels.

Hurrah!

So, it's probably mice.

Ick.

He asked to come inside to check the attic. He isn't even all the way up the ladder, I can still see his feet on the second from top wrung (we have access through the closet ceiling) and he is already reporting, "It's not mice!"

HURRAH!!!

And it's not birds, not even a wasps nest.

Oh, really.....

He came down another 45 minutes later to show me this picture on his camera:

It's bats. Oh. My. Word. In MY attic, sleeping above MY head.

In fact, when he was only half way up the ladder and told me it wasn't mice, he immediately reported, "Bat droppings!"

Long story short, they can be removed in a humane way (which I couldn't really care about), but they won't leave until they wake from their long winter's nap, and it costs a helluva lot more than removing a damn squirrel.

I want my squirrels back.

Oops?

2008-01-24T23:06:00.000-05:00

OK, so have lost track of a little more than time...and since using blog as a personal journal of sorts so that I don't forget special times by not writing them down, tonight T lost his 2nd tooth.

I have tons of news to share, and since I have recently been getting more than a few inquiries from those of you who remain interested (nosey) in my world about why I am no longer blogging...I don't have an answer cause it isn't a conscious decision.

I will do it soon...maybe even tomorrow...wonders never cease...now off to bed after playing Tooth Fairy!

The First Loss

2007-12-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

First the celebratory phone call to Gramps:

Then the examination:

Followed by the show off:

He is so getting this letter tonight. I can't believe how they grow up in front of my very own eyes,. Literally. Brings me to tears for such a myriad of reasons, but most of all, in honour of him and this very important moment in his life.

*Please excuse the $1 Santa hat (that's ONE dollar), the kid just won't take it off.

Dear Santa,

2007-12-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

I've been an online shopping machine the past couple of evenings...what fun!! One of the cutest things ever, I was at the post office today sending these (all while my heart was melting):

Dear Santa
How is Rudolph?
Do you have Webkinz?
Can you please surprise me with
one?
I was a good boy all through the
year you were watching me
Love Trevor

Dear Santa
Are you excited for Christmas
Does Mrs Claus do all of the cooking
I would like a Princess Aurora dress
for
my Build-a-Bear Hoppy
May I please have a Webkinz
dalmation if you do not have
one please surprise me.
Love Ben

S.O.S.

2007-11-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

The SOS pad amazes me as much as it scares the shit outta me. Just how the hell does it work so well? I am too scared to read the ingredients (if there is such a thing) due to what nuclear types of chemicals that must me in those things. So I burnt a small bit of the spagetti sauce on the bottm of the pot. I scrub. I soak. I soak some more, adding soap. Then bleach. I wash again. Then *bing* I remember I have some SOS pads, and it cleans that sucker up in no time. That's scary.

Don't you think SOS Pad is a better name for that miraculously appearing panty liner you forgot you had in your purse but manage to find on that very day it is unexpectedly needed? Just a thought.

Another S.O.S. to any of you out there who may still read this dying blog of mine...

I need a vacuum. I need a kick-ass vacuum that makes all wayward dog hair clumps disappear. I am willing to take a small loan, against the mortgage is fneeded, please help. Our wonderful, loving, not so wonder dig Sydney defeats all definitions of shedding, and being a husky/collie mix, she prefers to molts. As in shed clumps of hair the size of a grown man's thumb. They are everywhere.

I last swept the floors around 3 PM. I took these pics a few moments ago around 8:30 PM. God help me.

Kitchen floor:
Living room rug:
Stairs:

Big-ass furball:

S.O.S.

what to do when the cable goes out...

2007-11-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

Get yourself a satellite dish!!

Reception to such a contraption has been less than favourable by its host, Sydney, the "Not-so-Wonder-Dog". She cut her leg, wouldn't stop licking it, we tried the creams, home made bandages and she just kept licking it, making it worse.

So, a $73 trip to the vet, a $12 pet-head bucket and endless teasing from everyone, she is on the mend...but not too happy about it.

Did you really think?

2007-11-16T00:09:00.000-05:00

Do you all really think that's how I look when I go to bed??? Really??? Come on peeps, it's much worse than that, and some of you out there know from experience. Dude, that was my Halloween get up. Really!

The boys were trolling the streets for my favourite peanut butter cups, and I was at home answering the door. Like that. I would open the door ever so slowly, turn the inside light on, squint a lot, and ask the poor little trick or treater(s),

"Hel-l-l-lo?" (in a creaky voice, like someone just crawling out of slumber) "Why did you wake me up? What's going on? So many people keep ringing my bell and waking me up. What? Huh? WHO are YOU?" and so on. The responses I got were varied.

- parents who knew me peeing their pants in laughter AT me, I would shut them up by handing them a Coronita. (This is also a reason why my house is one of the most popular on the street, they now start at our house AND end at our house. Gotta give treats to the grown-ups too!)

- kids who knew me also laughing, but more in disbelief that I would actually do that. Or perhaps in sympathy towards T & B that their mother would actually do that?

- younger kids we don't know who actually slowly started to step away cause (a) they felt bad for waking me up or (b) I scared the shit outta them.

It was just way too much fun!!! Plus, the biggest bonus, I was already in my jammies for the night, hurrah!

Still don't believe me? Well, here are some pics from Halloween that may help you decide:

Believe me now?

another daily

2007-11-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

After I had the twins (May 2002) it was discovered at my annual check-up with my GP in June of 2003 that I had developed hypothyroidism. It's manageable, easily enough by taking one little pill a day, for the rest of my days. It was likely due to the pregnancy, but may have happened anyway. No biggie.

Then more recently it was determined, as Marla so gracefully put it, my uterus is an asshole. So, I am also now taking another daily pill for that. Not a forever pill, only about another "10 years is what you've got left" according to the doc, but then it could be replaced with one of those post-menopausal hormone replacement deals. Not ideal situation, but better than other options which include surgery.

Some of you may know, I also have rosacea. (please google it yourself, I couldn't decide which link to use) This started when I was in my 20's. It is also a forever condition, no cure, not all that manageable, need to use lots of useless creams, wear cover-up, foundation, whatever you wanna call it (and I HATE wearing make-up) so I don't freak people out. It is getting worse, in addition to the redness, the acne part of the deal is starting. At times when I have a reaction or a flare-up it can look like this:

So now the dermatologist has added, you guessed it, another daily pill to my regimen. AND he also prescribed more of the oh heavenly Diflucan cause the new meds may very well cause my persistent, annoying yeast condition to flare up. Again.

When I told my Dad I was getting old cause now I have to take 3 pills a day, he laughed in my face and replied, "I take 3 pills before breakfast!"

The WORST part of this new addition to my little growing pill family, is that I have to take it at bedtime on an empty stomach. NO eating 1-2 hours before taking it. Me...ME!!! He obviously doesn't know that the 10 PM bowl of trial mix, or peanut butter on soda crackers, or a big-ass bucket of popcorn is my fourth and most favourite meal of the day! I need to either have my snack earlier, or just delay my bedtime even later. OR, take advantage of it, stop eating after 8 PM and see if I actually lose a pound or two? And of course now it is 9:30 PM, I am HUNGRY, tired, and want to have my snack and go to bed. I guess I'll be going to bed LATE tonight.

Love Letter

2007-11-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Inventor of the Self-Cleaning Oven,

I love you.

nancy
xo

Boo! Boo?

2007-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Scared you!!!

And now for my other 5 year old son, who makes the prettiest witch in the neighbourhood.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Halloween.

BOO!

Favourite Blogger Day!

2007-10-27T08:15:00.000-04:00

I received an note about this day on Facebook from a group I joined. Not sure how official this day it is but I knew instantly who I would blog about. You all know her. And if you know her well enough, you also know how much she will eat this up, being the Leo that she is. My favourite blogger is...

Dani.

Why do I love Dani? It is her 'fault' that ever entered Blogdom. In fact I am pretty sure I asked her "what the hell is a 'blog'?" She spent many of her valuable hours providing me with answers to questions I bombarded her with when I was considering doing a blog myself. (I bet if she only knew back then what a half-assed blogger I would be, she may have spent that time doing something much more productive, like making meatloaf and sweet potato fries, or guacamole, or watching the Amazing Race).

Dani's blog is what it is, and it is what she is. Intelligent, smart, witty, funny, emotional, passionate, meaningful, entertaining, insightful, amusing, heartfelt, honest, brutally honest, proud, strong, sincere, and I could go on. That's her. On the internet or IRL, it's all her. Really, she's the same. It is the best.

She blogs about her kids, her family, her ups and downs with infertility, her pregnancies, her deliveries and everything in between (snicker). Anything that truly means something to her, with love, adoration and passion. She makes us laugh, smile, think and cry. She gets us riled up to share our thoughts and opinions.

She shares with us photos of her beautiful children, their family vacations, their day trips, their every days.

She blogs about current events, the news, politics, movies, and even does book reviews. (She's very intellectual!)

She has fun, yay days, comment parties, and bitches about her annoying neighbours.

She is a media whore, and damn good at it. I admire that in her too. Not that she is a whore, rather she is the type of woman who knows what she wants, what she likes, and she does what she can to get it. We could all learn from that. I know I could.

Dani was my first internet friend. You know the kind, the person you have never met, nor even spoken with on the phone, yet you share so much between each other, kinda like falling in love (in a friendship way, just to clarify) so that when you do meet in person, it's like winning the lottery.

Since then, each time I have managed to hang out with Dani IRL, whether it is a dinner party of gaggling, wine drinking females, a family get together, or just some one-on-one time, there is never anything other than the pure enjoyment of just hanging out together. I have never felt that pressure to 'pack it all in' the few precious moments I actually get her to myself. It is simple, going to the mall, the park, or sitting on her living room floor five feet apart while a 12 month old Simon learns to walk, going back & forth oozing with squeals of delight. She knows what is important, all while keeping things best simple. We could learn from that.

I hold respect for Dani like I hold for so few people. There are most things we can discuss via email, but the few things that warrant that personal touch, usually gets a phone call. That's respect. We could learn from that.

She doesn't get mad when I don't comment on her blog, even though I read it every day. I don't always read every word, cause there are some things I just don't get. The one thing I do like to get though, is my daily dose of Dani.

I love her.

The Production, starring...

2007-10-23T20:29:00.000-04:00

What is bedtime like in your world? Specifically that of the younguns.

I always pictured bedtime to be full of warm fuzzy cuddles, snuggles, stories, giggles, kisses, sweet nothings, the final good night, the flick of the night light and be done with it. Right?

What? What do you mean WRONG? Huh? I had my mead up my what? Oh. I see.

Bedtime here isn't a simple task of jammies, teeth, hands & face, story, kiss & bed.

It is a P-R-O-D-U-C-T-I-O-N.

And I don't get it.

It doesn't matter what time you start the 'routine' it just always seems to take way too long than it should. It's a friggin' circus!

Asking for jammies to be put on anywhere from 2-631 times. One thing that occasionally works is the now famed "Jammie Race" to see who can put their jammies on the fastest. I am on a winning streak.

Then the bathroom duties, whoever hasn't number two-ed during the day is asked to try. If you ask T, it's a done deal. If you ask B, it it like you just asked him to pull out his toe nails one at a time. You'd think with all the screaming and protesting that is in fact what is actually happening. I am surprised the neighbours have yet to call public security on us based on all the noise.

Then we ask each of them to pick one book they'd like us to read to them. This can take till the following Thursday. Then you read the book(s) that were finally chosen, you know, "The End. What a great story. Please get into your beds now." Only to be followed by some severe protesting and whining, and often tears, "But that wasn't the book I really wanted."

Sigh.

Then into their beds they go.

I would now like to pause for a brief prayer:

Thank you God, for providing me with at least one child who falls asleep, without protest, every night, within moments of his head hitting the pillow. This makes my life a happy place. Amen.

But the 'other guy' is another story. It can take up to TWO hours (not a typo) for him to actually fall asleep. The latest? He picks his nails, fingers and toes. WTF?

"Why aren't you going to sleep?"

"Mommy! I can't stop picking my nails!"

"Well, honey, you have control over that. You can make yourself stop whenever you want. You are in control." (I think I am brilliant, giving him complete control!)

Final solution: we are now wrapping his hands with the two flannel blankets he has slept with since he was a newborn. It's like he is a newborn and you are trying to prevent him from scratching himself, but only now, my five year old has cuticle issues.

DH is away for practically the entire month. Prior to his departure for this most recent series of travels, the bedtime wasn't going smoothly for either of us parents. Now in his absence I am committed to making it better. I am bribing him (ssssshhhhhhhhh!) The stickers are on the calendar, we have 2, he earned another one tonight. If he gets to 5, we're off to Dollorama for a reward, and then I'll start it all over again. Barbarba Coloroso would not agree, but I am beside myself.

You'd think as an adult, a parent, something as simple as a kid not going to sleep would be easy-peasy to handle. Perhaps my coping mechanisms are on strike, cause by 9 PM, on a school night, I am beyond simple frustration with the kid, I am pissed off. Should I apologize for being so selfish and wanting my five year old asleep by 9 PM so I could watch Grey's Anatomy in real time and not on an hour tape delay thanx to the PVR? Sheesh. I don't think I am being all that unreasonable, really.

The Quest for a Simple Bedtime remains an unsolved mystery in my world.

As she emerges from under the...

2007-10-17T21:05:00.001-04:00

...Facebook addiction. ACK!!!!!!! Scrabulous has sucked me in oooh sooo deeeep. Marla is a smart one and got out while she could. I am weak. Weak for scrabble.

So, where the HELL has the time gone? I can't even start. How about a few bullets.

T & B are thoroughly enjoying school.
They are learning so much french, it's so much fun for all of us.
They love their respective teachers. Perhaps a little too much? Ah heck, what's wrong with having a crush on your kindergarten teacher?
We are doing piano lessons, also going extremely well.
Swimming lessons! Always fun!
Is B really learning to read? By jove I think - YES!
T has four loose teeth. Today I went to the library and brought home Robert Munsch's "Andrew's Loose Tooth" Too much fun reading that one!
We love Robert Munsch. I bought five used Robert Munsch books for $2.50 today. Score!
We have our Halloween costumes decided, not telling!
B did a 300 piece puzzle.
There is a 'naughty' boy at school trying to befriend B, how can I prevent that one? It is his fault B came home asking me, "Mom, what does sexy mean?" It broke my heart.
Other than a nightly 60 minute ritual of complete rebellion against going to sleep from B, we are all extremely happy.

Me? Oh, you ask about me? And what on earth could I be doing with all my free time? OK - you asked (really, you did):

I have NOT cleaned out one measly closet.
I did clean the bathrooms!
I play scrabble on Facebook.
I have discovered an even more love of baking.
I volunteer at the school at least twice a week.
Did I mention the scrabble? on Facebook?
I am swimming three mornings a week with a Masters Swim Team (that's the nice term for "You are old but like to swim a lot")
I have had a few most enjoyable breakfast and lunch dates.
I play way too much Facebook scrabble.
I have already bought the snowsuits for this year.
I got my haircut TODAY. Note it is a weekday. My first non-Saturday haircut in decades.
I went away for a weekend, ALONE, to a wedding in Lake Placid, to take pictures! (a real post about that will happen, I promised Stacy...it's coming!)
I also shopped at outlets that weekend. Canadian Dollar - woo hoo!
More scrabble.
I went away with the little boys to spend Thanksgiving weekend with cousins. The Hubs was away in India eating curry while we were making pumpkin heads and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Then he came home for a few days, and now he is gone again till the 29th. (Dubai, Bahrain, Macau, China) You know, the usual run of the mill business trip.

And now I must make lunches, take out the recycling and then, perhaps, play scrabble.

I miss you all. See you soon, or if not sooner, on Facebook.

Open Letter to the Montreal Canadiens

2007-09-24T19:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Montreal Canadiens,

Congratulations on selling out your entire season well before it has started. I would also like to congratulate you on breaking the hearts of many of your fans, especially the youngest ones, but also the old ones. Your system makes it so unbelievably unfair and difficult not only to purchase the tickets, but you completely shut out those with larger families. Your limit to buying only FOUR tickets does what for a family of five, please tell me. How can a family of five, go together to enjoy the game, savour the moment of the two youngest members of said family at their very first NHL game ever. Just imagine their bright blue eyes full of bewilderment, excitement and to feel their tummies all a flutter as their team skates on the ice. Pardon me? What’s that? You can’t? That’s right, because you make such a special experience like that absolutely impossible for your fans to share.

I just got off the phone with the Ottawa Senators. I can buy five tickets to any of their games (in fact I can buy as many as eight!). Oh, and did you also know they only put three months worth of games on sale at a time, likely to make it more fair to their fans. Imagine that! Till such a day here, I guess we will drive west 2 hours to attend our NHL game, all FIVE of us.

Sincerely,

nancy

*I sent this to both the Montreal Gazette and the Montreal Canadiens organization. Not that it will do anything other than make me feel better for getting of my chest.

Deux mille sept

2007-09-20T20:39:00.000-04:00

If you didn't already know, I am so excited for the boys to be in French Immersion at school. From parents of kids previously in this school, their experience was nothing less than exciting, thrilling and amazing at the progress of their children. I was always happy for them, albeit a little skeptical.

Well, you know how we all are "My kid is the BEST at...!!!!"

Anyway, the boys were a little nervous about going to school in "French". They asked, "Why do we have to do that? It's going to be hard. It's going to be boring."

French Immersion in our school bard in Quebec is 85% French, 15% English.

I respect their concerns, I honestly did. I never told them, but it was always agreed between the Hubs and myself that should the language barrier ever jeopardize their academics, we'd switch them to an English school if need be.

As English as an "English" school gets in our school board in Quebec is 50% English, 50% French.

To date, nearing the end of our third full week of French Immersion, there have been no complaints. In fact little T now refuses to say "Goodbye" and only says "Au revoir". And when little B plays with his animals, they are often heard saying "Oh OUI OUI!" to each other.

I love it.

FFfffffffffzzzzzzzzzzzzwwwwwwwwwwwwtttttttttt!!! (that's the sound of fast-forwarding the story)

This morning T was looking at the calendar. He says, "On this calendar, it is deux mille sept."

I am gobsmacked. I ask, as I was certain I didn't really hear what I thought I did, "Pardon?"

"Mommy, this calendar is deux mille sept."

I erupt in excitement, hi-fives all around, hooting and hollering my pride for him.

He says, "Mommy, what's that in English?"

Music to my ears.

7.5 hours to go...

2007-09-17T08:38:00.000-04:00

...until they come home. They've gone.
To school!

Which they LOVE!

If those two little 5 year old boys only knew how much they have helped me through this big change in our lives, well, they'd likely be asking for a big raise in their allowance. Oh, that is if they got one.

This is the start of week 3 of full day kindergarten. We are off to a smashing start full of excitement and new friends, new activities and all that fun. They've done the monarch butterfly cocoon thingy, learned new songs, played dodgeball, made new friends, love the school bus ride, and have to date only expressed one minor concern about the long day. That was last Wednesday. Mid-week of week #2. Other than that, the honeymoon continues.

I am certain there will be a crash'n'burn phase once they realize this is no summer camp deal and we are in for the long haul, but hey, perhaps not. We'll deal with it as it happens. So, as for the kiddies, they are exploding with happiness so far.

How am I doing? I'll try to be quick.

I feel rather euphorically displaced. I am thrilled for my little school boys, yet I am kind of lost. I can't seem to stay in the house to attend to all the cluttered closets, the 10 years of photos to sort, the filing and all other items of importance I committed to attending to once school started. I tend to get out. For breakfast, lunch, shopping, dog walking, volunteering at the school as often as I can, and now I am starting back at the gym today. I will settle down, eventually, I hope. Right?

The month of sleep lost over deciding on whether to keep the boys in the same class or not has been well worth it. They are each in their own class, with their own teachers, and it is working out amazing. The best part is listening to them ask each other about what they did that day. They have never had a conversation like that, pretty much being together every minute of their lives since snuggling in my uterus. It is so exciting for me, and I do believe for them. They each learned a different song last week, and were teaching their respective new song to each other. Made me cry.

Crying? Me? Well, there has been a little, but not out of pity for myself. Again, with what my mom is missing, and mostly just pure pride over how well they are doing. Oh, and well this morning, since we were a tad late catching the bus, I didn't get a goodbye kiss. I know it won't be the last time, but it is the first time. They saw the bus, ran ahead, hopped on and waved at me from the window. No kiss. So yes, I cried.

The best part of my day? No, not going for pedicures or reading the newspaper uninterrupted, but standing at the corner and seeing that bus coming down the road. I literally get butterflies in my tummy. I share this with the other moms at the bus stop, their kids are in grade 3, they say that eventually goes away. I am in no rush, that's a feeling I can live with for as long as I can get it.

One small step for a five year old (ok, two steps, two five year olds), one huge step for a Mommy.

2007-09-04T11:42:00.000-04:00

And away they go...

Is it...

2007-08-29T20:57:00.000-04:00

...a good thing to drink too much wine the night before you meet your only babies' very first 'real' school teachers? You know, the ones who will be spending more waking hours MY babies than myself? The ones who may very well have more influence and more impact on MY babies than I do myself? The ones they may have a crush on? The ones they may say they are in love with?

Teachers. I do love them. All of them. Yes, every single one. For all the reasons that we all know, and that my brain is currently too fuzzy to write about properly, in the fashion they deserve. (I just typed desevred). See? Thank God for teachers.

But I love my babies more. And I wanna make sure they feel the same. But I won't say it out loud, not until they are at least 10 years old, cause at that point, that's just too creepy.

My brother loved his grade 2 teacher so much he cried all day on that last day of grade 2. I was in grade 4. They came and got me to ask me to try to get him out of the boys bathroom. I couldn't, he was crying too much. She let him bring home the class hamster for the whole summer. It made him feel better, that made him feel good. That's what teachers do.

But I love them more.

So, how much Chardonnay is too much the night before you let them go? I am not (I just typed snot) sure.

I'll let you know.

A measure of time

2007-08-28T08:35:00.000-04:00

How do you measure time? Let's say four years of time.

For parents : the amazing changes in their children.
For Students : a high school diploma, a university degree
For athletes : the next Olympic Games
For long distance couples : a feelnig of never ending
For couples : a partnership/marriage, either too short or too long
For professionals : just the beginning of a career, or the quick ending of one
For the majority : time to enjoy life working, playing, travelling, hobbies, just about anything and everything.

Four years isn't really that long of a span of time. It's only 5% of one's life if you are 80 year old.
Four years is a very short span of time. It is 100% of one's life to a preschooler.

Four years is a blink of your eye, yet taking the time to think of all the blinks and the tears, it can be just way too much time.

Four years ago today, my mother died. My Mommy. My best friend. My everything.

To me right now, four years feels like forever, yet I will confess to her being gone is in fact a little bit easier in the sense that I don't break down in tears every single time I talk about her, only some of the time.

My mother, Trevor & Ben's grandmother, has missed a lifetime. She died when they were 15 months old, to the day. In that short (long?) four years she has missed seeing them:

- talk
- use the toilet
- start preschool
- swim
- tell jokes
- go to Sunday school
- be in a play
- sing songs
- play the piano
- play baseball
- eat chocolate
- walk the dog (by holding the leash, they still refuse to pick up the poop)
- want to learn every single thing that surrounds them
- play by themselves
- play together
- climb to the highest point of the climbing structure at the park (which is bloody high if you ask me)
- ride a scooter
- go to a birthday party
and so so so much more.

Now she is going to miss them starting school. Real school. Real every day, all day long, with lunch box in tow on the big scary yellow bus, school. This bus will pick them up at the end of our street and drive by her house every day. I KNOW for a fact if she wasn't walking with them to the bus stop every morning at 8:20, she be in her window waving at them. Yes, that would be every day, I promise you that.

Now she waves at them from another place. And I wave to her looking for her hugs to help guide me through this next, very important and exciting chapter of their lives.

You see, I am not ready, not really, to send them away where someone else gets to spend more waking hours with them than myself. My father reminds me, "Your mother went through it too". That helps me, a lot, which will in turn help my babies grow up and gain independence to explore and savour all that life has to offer. It is not fair that she is not here to see them go. She should be here dammit, she deserves to be here, but life is sometimes not fair. I must take confidence in knowing that indirectly my mother is helping them, by helping me.

Even in her absence, she has a great presence.

And will for the next four years.

When does it matter, and should it, really

2007-08-27T11:55:00.000-04:00

One of the best things (to me) it being so proud for them, even in the simplest of tasks, like dressing oneself.

B loves to pick his own clothes, and dress himself. He takes such pride in doing it all on his own, right down to doing up the buttons, even if they are crooked. I do straighten them out for him, when he asks.

There are more times than others, when he doesn't really "match". I am not a believer than mismatched clothing on a 5 year old is a fashion faux pas. You can always identify the self-dressers when at the library, the park or the grocery store. I think it is adorable.

Today B dressed himself, comes into my room, "How do I look, Mom?" I held back the gasp at the bright red athletic shorts with the orange and brown plaid dress shirt all buttoned up, and said, "Great my love, but do you think that shirt really goes well with those shorts?" and then was immediately pissed off at myself for saying it. He replied in the calmest of manners, "I don't care if they don't match." To which I replied, "No problem, but remember, we are going to the store later." (Again, statement totally unwarranted but just to protect his ego even in the smallest of ways)

I then get this look, of complete innocence, yet a touch of sophistication (the kind that comes with pride) and says, "Why does that matter?"

I answered, "It doesn't." and he skipped off downstairs to continue his Batman colouring marathon.

It melts my heart when they are so naive, yet so genuinely in tune with themselves. They truly do not care what others think. I love that as much as it worries me.

When does that change? And does it even matter when it does? Or should it?

Ell-oh-ess-eee-are

2007-08-26T12:52:00.000-04:00

When your husband has to leave the house at 11:45, and at 11:00 he says "Wife, you have plenty of time to go get the groceries before I leave." You take him up on that cause you get to go childless.

It's not a big list. It is more than do-able.

It's done, you are at the cash paying at 11:35, you give your husband a quick call saying all is on schedule, he is most thankful, and not at all worried, even in the unforeseen possibility of a slight delay.

At 11:40 I am in the parking lot, heading towards my vehicle, when in fact, it is not my vehicle. Oops. I proceed to wander the parking lot, pushing the cart with $138 groceries in tow (remember, I said it was a short list - Bwah ha ha!) for what feels like hours.

BAM! I am smacked in the head with the remembery that I in fact did not drive the van, but the husband's black sedan. Now I can't remember where the HELL I parked the damn thing. I physically approached not one, but TWO black sedans of same make and model and they were both in fact NOT mine, I literally laughed out loud. I am sure the guy getting into what was in fact his car, not mine, thought I was drunk.

I found the car. I was 10 minutes late. And yes, that does qualify one to be a bonafide L-O-S-E-R.

Yours truly.

Let's talk about...

2007-08-19T20:59:00.000-04:00

...poo.

OK ok ok....enough already, I know I am way late with the report from the bestest family vacation EV-AH! It's coming, hopefully soon. But for the moment, I gotta talk about...poo.

My boys have absolutely no interest in wiping their own butts. None. We have been preparing (warning?) them that they will learn how before starting school.

This is the now.

Needless to say, one night during our vacation, this question was posed in the middle of supper, "How many more sleeps till we go home?" And after a rather lengthy and amusing conversation, it was solved that the question stemmed from one very disappointed boy who said, "I don't wanna go home cause then I have to wipe my own bum."

Yes my dear, yes, you do.

Now we are in the now. We are working on it. As one may expect, one guy doing a wee bit better than the other. Hopefully it will all work out, and he won't continue to wipe all leftover excrement all the way up his back by September 4. We are really working on that part of the deal.

The other guy? Totally creeped out. He gets all anxious and doesn't wanna get dirty, and even when I HELP him with the process, he is at warp speed to the sink to wash his hands. Tonight cracked me up though. Being the fruit & veggie lover that he is, shall we say he is commonly a softer than harder pooper, make sense? Tonight was no difference. It was a little soft, a triple wipe required. He was NOT impressed. But, are you ready for this?

He gagged.

I did everything I could to just continue to normal pace, not to make a deal out of it, in hopes of teaching him that this is just the way it is, not a big deal, we'll just wash our hands a little longer and all is clean.

He literally gagged.

OK, I cracked up. I explained to him that I'd been cleaning his bum every day of his 5 years, almost 3 months of his life, and that I do it every time with love. That didn't help.

Have you ever seen that America's Funniest Videos collage of all the man gagging while changing diapers? Just like that. Wiping his OWN butt.

So, any tricks to pass along to my anti-wipers that will make the process easier for them?

Just stopping by...

2007-07-26T00:07:00.000-04:00

...my own blog to say goodbye.

We are all set for a week in this exact humble cottage:

That resides right smack in the middle on the south side of:

Which is a 12 minute walk from:

Happy summer everyone...see you when we get back!

Cape Cod or BUST!

'Out of Play'

2007-07-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

There was a great article in the Montreal Gazette yesterday. In fact, I clipped it out and have re-read it a few times. Even though it isn't anything new, or earth shattering, it is something that is constantly being discussed among parents everywhere.

It's not long. Go ahead, I'll wait...

You can read it here.

And what you just read? I am guilty. I do find that I am a Nervous Nelly when I see them climb (what I think) is too high, or run too fast (in fear of a fall = road rash). I am leaning towards driving them to school and picking them up, for many reasons, but one of those reasons is to protect my 5 year old babies from those nasty, 12 year old bullies, right? They don't need to witness any pre-teen hormonal outbreaks, our sort tempered fist fights, no sir! I am keeping them in a bubble as long as I can.

But is it right?

How else can they learn, figure things out themselves? Same going back to letting them play outside unattended. We aren't in a location that they can do so in the front, there are these things called cars that drive along the street. That is too risky. But they do play alone in the backyard. We are completely fenced in, not cause of the kids, but for the dog. It serves double purpose. They play great outside (usually). I have always been a big supporter of letting them play on their own, since they were just little wee toddlers. Good for them to learn, good for Mommy to have a chance to pee without observers watching way too close.

Last weekend they were climbing on the play structure. Well, rather climbing on top of the structure. My heart stopped at the thought of a tumble and a trip to the ER, x-rays, casts, stitches, so I kindly asked them to get down. They looked at me like I had two heads.

"Daddy lets us."

Mother looks at Father. Eyebrows raised.

Father: It's good for them.

Mother: Broken necks and months in traction is good for them?

Father: No, exploring, climbing, determining their own boundaries, and yes the occasional fall, is good for them.

Mother: (resigning, sighing, walking away) The keys are hanging at the back.

Since then, the Father has skipped town on business, gone for the week. My trusty 16 year old dog walker is also away, working at a camp. So, we buckle down knowing that there isn't someone else to rely on, and we walk the dog. Which in fact, is not a chore, we all seem to like it. Yesterday we went on one of our treks appropriately named, "The Neighbourhood Prowl" which doesn't take us through the park, but rather through the streets in the area, where we meet & greet anyone and everyone who is outside.

It's very hard to stop and visit when your 5 year old partners are running at warp speed along the sidewalk. We used to have the rule that they were only allowed to go as far as the next driveway. Well *Announcement People!* "Daddy let's us go more farther!" So, not only are they at times, like SIX driveways away, I am digging deep into my soul, asking myself to not yell at them to "Slow down! You're gonna fall and get hurt!"' Instead, I take deep breaths, bite my tongue and let them run.

Faster.

Farther.

Funner.

They loved it. We all survived.

But I barely did.

Snack Wars

2007-07-15T12:47:00.000-04:00

It's summertime...aaaahhh....when we are rarely home. It's fun, it's liberating, it's exhausting, but we wouldn't change it for anything.

One place we frequent daily, sometimes two or three times in the day is the community pool where we are members. The kiddies do their lessons in the morning, as well as "Junior Junior Swim Team" (which is just way too frickin' cute for words) and the Mommies do their Aquasize while the kids sit on the side and laugh at us, or go to the park with the pool appointment Leaders in Training. We then often go back for free swim in the afternoon, and sometimes evening.

But in between, it's all about the snacks. The Snacks.

While we are all congregated poolside between activities and dips in the pool, everyone has their snacks. It's war. It's an unwritten, non-verbalized war, but the 'looks' and the competition is there.

WHO brings the healthiest snacks? The heartiest? Some are even equipped with what looks like a full meal with all food groups being represented from rolled up ham, cheese, tomatoes and yogurt. Don't forget the pita and hummus, all homemade of course.

W.H.A.T.E.V.E.R.

I always try to bring a fruit. Perhaps a muffin, some fishie crackers, bagel...pretty much whatever is ready and can be packaged up quickly in our daily rush-cause-we're-late-again out the door. But, there are days when I'll grab some Spiderman jujubes, raisins, Nutrigrain bar, all processed sugar stacked items. How the hell to 'they' know that my kids didn't eat a bowl of multi-grain oatmeal full of fresh blueberries and bananas for breakfast? Who cares?

I even buy them a freezie sometimes at the canteen. Oh. MY. GAWD!!! Shaddup already, it's coloured water with sugar and it's frozen. It's not poisonous.

Am I just as guilty? Of course - when I see little ones running around eating nothing but honey combs and potato chips at 10:30 AM, I may cringe a little. I confess. However, I don't really care, cause it isn't my kids. How do I know that kid didn't eat a wheat germ laden fruit salad on her way to the pool? I don't. So, I don't judge. Well, I try not to.

Why is it so bloody competitive out there, to out do all the other moms? It's war, it's Snack Wars!!

Bring it on, I have fresh strawberries, and a some chocolate chip Bear Paws. What are you bringing?

2007-07-03T22:35:00.001-04:00

A blog? Do I actually have on of those?

the day off that actually means less

2007-06-25T10:24:00.000-04:00

Why is it when the husband gets a day off work due to a holiday, that it actually leaves the wife less time to herself?

twice bit

2007-06-21T09:09:00.000-04:00

From yesterday #1:

Playing with the kids, a lot, it was a kind of hang around the house day, and the constant noise, chatter, noise, chatter, that usually means everything to me, was actually getting to me. I even said it out loud, which is completely unfair to the children, but I said, "Come on guys, can we try to be a little more quiet? The noise is kind of getting to me today."

The response I got from Ben was, "So Mom, then why did you have children?"

Bit. In the ass.

From yesterday #2:

We did end up getting organized enough to go out and accomplish a few errands. We were all set to go, and I called to Trevor for the second time to please come along.

The response I got from from Trevor was, "Mom, it takes paishunce you know, lots of paishunce."

Again. In the ass.

R.I.P.

2007-06-16T23:31:00.001-04:00

Seepher

1991-2007

We went though so much together.

Lived in 3 major cities.

6 residences.

2 marriages.

1 dog.

2 babies.

3 fish.

16 and a half years.

5709 days.

Sure she puked on my rugs as many times and she was with me in days, made a mess of her food and her litter was everywhere. She would bite my ankles and lick the icing of my cupcakes.

She was also the best little cuddler, purred full of love and made me smile.

Have a nice sleep Seepher. A nice peaceful long sleep. I will miss you.

2007-06-15T07:55:00.000-04:00

I bought both.

Based on all of your answers, I guess it really wasn't as big of a deal that I thought it may be.

It wasn't a big deal to me either. I never hesitated. Bought 'em both, have been wearing both. Easy peasy.

the shoeshop redemption

2007-06-12T13:43:00.000-04:00

The boys and I are out doing errands this morning. Lately they have been the best shopping buddies, we have fun. Anyway, today is Mommy's turn to get a pair of shoes. We enter the large box-like shoe store, and almost right away I see something that would suffice what I am looking for.

A pair of flip flops, but a little grown up (no primary colours) brown with sparkles and such, not a high quality brand, nor wise purchase. They cost $19.99. Ben likes them.

We poke around some more and I see another pair of leather slip-on sandals, by a very reputable brand which I know do not hurt my feet, nor my ailing knees or hip. They are brown, tremendously comfortable, look good (to me) and would be a most sensible purchase. They cost $79.99. Ben likes them.

I decide to make the more expensive, sensible purchase. Note: read I decide. Me. Moi. They are my feet, no?

When Ben realizes I am not buying the sparkly flip flops, he is heart broken. He thought I was buying both pairs. I explained to him that there is no need to buy two pairs, it really isn't very practical, and why I think the more comfortable shoes that will last years longer are my choice.

He is genuinely heart broken, hugging the $19.99 box which he has been carrying around for me. He is getting that quivering chin, water eyes look, "But Mommy, these ones are so beautiful on your toes."

Sigh. I did ask for their help. That was part of the bargain. Hmmm....I am standing there, as though this decision is really important, borderline life altering. But hey - we ARE talking about shoes here people. Yet, my son is near tears. What to do....what to do?

What would you do? What did I do? You be the judge.

hotness

2007-06-11T13:27:00.000-04:00

I was taking a photo of my window sill for no real reason, and then I noticed the little thermometer thingy in the botom right corner. We have a remote outside, so the top reading is the inside and the bottom reading is the outside...a little on the warm side today, you think?

39.6 celsius = 103.28 farenheit

Please pass the blender drinks, pronto!!

Buying their love...parfait style

2007-06-10T20:29:00.000-04:00

Orange Jello, whipped cream and mandrine oranges...you'd think they'd gone to heaven...

...as long as he can take his princess placemat with him.

So. Darn. Busy.

2007-06-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

Preschool ended with the annual Art Show. Parents and Grandparents invited.

Gotta catch some worms.

Test out the new Rocket sprinkler. Results: It is FANTASTIC!

Gardening...

Mud pies...

See you soon!

2007-05-29T22:33:00.000-04:00

#5

2007-05-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

The party started... (and yes we did, it was perfect, they LOVED it, and we are thrilled to have made their day so special for them)

Princess balloons

The table set

To decorate our "treasure sacs" (loot bags)

And we played good old fashioned party games on a rainy afternoon

HOT POTATO!

SCOTCH TAPE THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY!

There were gifts

There was a Princess cake

A treasure hunt which finished with a creatively held high pinata thanx to Uncle Doug and a hockey stick

After 10 minutes of smacking that thing, they filled their treasure sacs (see? they get to do their own loot bags!)

And everyone left happy

Happy 5th birthday my growing up little boys, you continue to melt my heart every day.

2007-05-20T14:16:00.000-04:00

I really do, have it all

2007-05-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

Nothing else needed, the kisses and hugs came with them.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you the fantabulous Mommies!

The random 7

2007-05-10T10:13:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged twice. More than a few days ago by Pokettiger and more recently by Zany Mama. Zany Mama just getting back at me cause I tagged her and she is meme-a-phobic. I have been mulling this one around in my head since that first tag. Even made notes, you know, as if I'm writing some kind of masterpiece. Ya, right, what-ever.

7 random facts/habits about oneself, I would think that you don't know. So, here I will spill 7 things about me, that a lot of you (but not all - gah!) don't already know.

1. I have had 9 (nine) knee operations. I was born with mal-aligned tendons, which caused my knees to dislocate/subluxate frequently. The first incident I was in grade 1. It was at that very time, the first ortho doc who saw us flagged it and told us I would eventually need corrective surgery. He figured when I was 16 years old, or full grown as they didn't like to do such procedures before growth plates were full. The condition worsened over the years to a point that I required my first surgery when I was 12. I have had 8 more since then, the most recent being in 1996. I don't know if I will need anymore, but do have arthritis from all the 'work' and will more than likely need knee replacement surgery in my later years.

2. I almost made it to the Olympics. As an athlete, not a spectator. I had been spectator at both 1976 Montreal Summer Games, and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games. It was 1984 when my dream was to come true and compete as a swimmer. I went to the trials. I didn't make it, but I could have, and should have. I don't regret any moment from my swimming career, but do wish that I'd made those Games.

3. I am a bit of a Titanic nut. Way before the movie was ever made, had read books, done school projects, seen other films, documentaries about the famous ill fated ship. I love that movie so much, no matter how Hollywood it is. I have also been to the Museum and Graveyard in Halifax to further satisfy my interest in this historical event. I have enjoyed hours on the web getting lost in this.

4. I am educated. You may wonder about that, but it's true! I have two university degrees. I did apply them and work for 14 years after graduating, but now there are times I wonder. I loved university. Great experience which taught me more than just academics.

5. I was once a smoker, for a short period of time. It was the spring/summer of 1988. I had been one of those party-girl get drunk have a smoke to get a quick buzz on occasion, but then started dating a smoker. So, it was easy to join along, likely cause all we did was party. And you know what? I liked it. I really did. It is so easy to understand how smokers get started, and why it is so hard for them to stop. That fall I moved out west and have not had one since. Do I ever still find myself wanting one? Sure.

6. In a previous meme, I answered that I had once unsuccessfully saved a life. I was a lifeguard (for years, bestest job ever!). There was a noon hour cardiac group swim that was a popular event, with many older swimmers. They loved it so much, many of them popping their nitro pills at the end of each length of swimming. One older lady didn't quite make it. By the time we got her out of the pool, she was dead. The fire station/paramedics are right next door, their ETA to the pool was always less than 3 minutes. My supervisor knew the situation, and as required, we are to perform all safety measures no matter. So, she asked me to perform CPR until the paramedics arrived. It was a form of professional training, so to speak. I broke every rib on the first compression. I will never forget that experience. Nor will I ever forget how grateful her family was towards us, not only for trying to save her, but for giving her one of the highlights of her week by providing these individuals with a chance to swim.

7. I am a lazy ass. I am untidy. I don't organize or keep anything in order. My closets, the office, the storage room. All of them a complete mess. I haven't filed a bill in almost 5 years, they are in a pile next to the box that is overflowing, cause I just throw them in there. I don't put anything away where it belongs. I don't clean up the toys if I don't feel like it. I don't do any cleaning, if I don't feel like it. I would show you pics to prove it, but I am as embarrassed about it as I am too much of a lazy ass to do that too.

Now the deal is that I am supposed to tag 7 other people, and since there is no way in hell that Dani would have 7 things to tell us about her that we don't already know (HA HA!) I am gonna change the system and ask you to leave a comment and tell us at least ONE thing about yourself that is unknown and interesting.

Read. Set. Go.

And it starts....

2007-05-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

This was our day today (in brief).

Wake up - beautiful sunshine - eat breakfast.

8:20 : "Mom, can I go outside?" Yes dear.

9 AM : preschool drop-off
11:15 AM : preschool pick up

11:30 AM : "Mom, can I play outside?" Yes dear.

Noon : eat lunch

12:20 PM : "Mom, can I play outside?" Yes dear.

2 PM : depart for gymnastics
3:30 PM : home from gymnastics

3:30 PM and 30 seconds : "Mom, can I play outside?" Yes dear.

5:30 - 6:15 PM : suppertime

6:16 PM : "Mom, can I play outside?" Yes dear.

7:30 PM - shower and other bedtime rituals

8:15 PM - Zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Dust Bunnies Unite!!

2007-05-02T10:03:00.000-04:00

And this article in the Montreal Gazette this morning clearly indicates why I should have the healthiest children in the galaxy.

I hope the link works for you, if not please let me know a.s.a.p. and I'll post article here in it's entirety.

Way back when I was having my first laparoscopy and D&C to rid of all uterine demons and prepare for IVF, a nurse and I got to chatting. I will never forget her telling me NOT to clean my house. Well, at least not with a shitload of cleaners, antiseptics and to allow my future babies to crawl around in dust and inhale all associated dust mites. I recall feeling SO relieved, since I knew way back them how lame of a house cleaner I already was. And now that I have kids, I am even worse - a feat that warrants my name in the Guinness Book of World Records.

And then this morning...my universe is temporarily and momentarily realigned as I am assured that the filth is in fact good for us. It's in the newspaper!! Shouldn't we believe everything we read?

My soul has been feeling more than dust bunnyish lately, not sure what's going on, but I'm hiding out off & on trying to sort my way through the fog. Until then, I am at least energized by the knowledge that in my house, at least one thing is right, and it's the dirt. Amen.

Nope...

2007-05-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

...not here...she went that-a-way....

---OLOGIES

2007-04-24T00:23:00.000-04:00

In the truest form of vanity, I tagged myself after reading this on Dani's blog. It's long, a little onerous, kinda fun, and well, here it is.

FOODOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Home made caesar, or sweet vinaigrette, or Farm Boy Balsamic...I choose to choose many.
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Can I say Tim Horton's?

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. anything with a glass of wine and without crayons at table

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 20%

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. chips &/or popcorn, alone or together, bring it on

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Excel Winterfresh

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A.

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. three

BIOLOGY

Q. What’s your best feature?
A. arms - I have leftover muscles from my being an 'almost-an-Olympic-athlete' days.

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. polyps from my uterus: staples from my knees, which had been put there at prior times to fix things; wisdom teeth; adenoids; two babies 27 minutes apart; and my pride, more than once

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. taste

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. 10 years ago, it as my first and only one, at 30! This is one of my most proudest achievements.

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. a 45 pound child

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. yes

BULLSHITOLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. no thank you, not at all

Q. Is love for real?
A. I believe it is.

Q. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
A. anything but nancy

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. pale blue

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. many bugs while bike riding

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. unsuccessfully

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. No. I am thankful for this.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. Yes, but you would have to pay the people looking at me the same amount or more

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. I've done it for free, in a roof top hot tub, and have photos to prove it.

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. Left? or right? oh, but then I couldn't play piano very well, so neither

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. says who?

Q. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000?
A. again with having to pay the viewers

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000?
A. yes, cause I figure I'd need $1000 will buy enough Tums and Pepto Bismol for after

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. Never.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. Yes.

Q. Give up MySpace forever for $30,000?
A. Yes. But I don't do MySpace. I don't understand it.

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. I'm in my jammies, no pockets

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Never heard of it. But it is an okay ice cream flavour.

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Both.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. stand

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. Been there, done that, not again.

Q: How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
A. Pink, orange, red, blue, green, yellow, brown...

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. 1996. Winnipeg, MB.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. Happy

LASTOLOGY

Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Husband

Q: Last person you called?
A. Dad

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A. Preschool

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Go on summer vacation

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. Sleeping Beauty - Disney version

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. Yes?

Tag...Gnightgirl, Zany Mama, and SRH - any others wanna play?

The Boy and his Princesses

2007-04-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

We have an almost five year old boy. He is totally, completely, entirely enamored and obsessed with the Disney Princesses. He loves them all, seems rather particular about Sleeping Beauty.

We don't know when or how this started, it just did. He was allowed to pick his own brand new place mat at the dollar store one day, early in March, and he chose this one:

FYI - at the same time his brother chose this one:

Anyway, it has snowballed since then. We have colouring books, stickers, books, books on CD listened to over & over ad nauseum, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and I don't figure we are done yet.

We always had some books, but now they are treated like his first born will be. They are under his pillow every night. They go everywhere with us, Sleeping Beauty came to church today.

On his birthday present wish list is a Princess poster for his bedroom wall, and a Princess puzzle.

So far we are so totally OK with this. He is a four year old boy, we are most thankful he isn't 14.

Then he asked for a Princess shirt. We simply explained that the store didn't sell any in the boys section, so we can't buy him one. He was sad, but understood and seems happy enough with all the other peripherals for now.

The planning is in motion for the big birthday number F.I.V.E. celebrations. One guys wants a Lightning McQueen cake, and the other, you guessed it, a Princess cake.

I felt bad enough for not agreeing to getting him a t-shirt...why the hell not? Perhaps you can understand that one. But why, oh why should I care if he has a Princess cake for his birthday? I find myself having a hard time agreeing with this one.

If we have the usual family only party, with 4 cousins aged 3, 6, 7, 11...the only male being the 6 year old, I think we could get away with it. (however, I do know there would be more than one set of eyebrows lifted at the sight) If we go the half dozen of friends from preschool and such, I am not so sure. I know with all of my hear that he will not care one bit what anyone says, that's the beauty of the innocence of the preschooler (at least mine). However, such naivety tugs at my heart that I am so worried what the other kids may say, and hurt him in any way. I also wonder what the hell will he think when he is 8 or 9 and realizes we gave him Princess party for his 5th.

I am upset at myself for even letting myself second guess all this. I am a big supporter of letting everyone and anyone of any age be themselves. Isn't that what helps build self-esteem? Is this the base of who he will be for the rest of his life? Is it fair for me to manipulate that? Am I making more out of this than I should?

Should we really have that much of a grip over literally molding who they are, depending on their gender? I like to think not, yet here I am stuck in such a way. I thought I was the bigger person, and I think that even letting it be an issue is what bothers me the most.

We do know that if any little girl wanted a dinosaur theme for her 5th party, it wouldn't be such an issue. Would you let your 5 year old daughter have a Spiderman cake? Wear Batman underwear? Would it bother you if your 5 year old boy wanted a Tinkerbell t-shirt?

One of the best things I once saw, were Bob the Builder t-shirts in pink. Brilliant. That's why I think the Dora people created Diego. They needn't have bothered, a blue Dora t-shirt or backpack would've sufficed more than enough with this family, we LOVE Dora...but all paraphenalia is pink or purple.

Should we even be allowed to care about this? He didn't ask for a marijuana cake and hash brownies for dessert, he just wants a Princess cake. What's the big deal. Why DO we care?

Do you?

motion

2007-04-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

Our power was off & on all day yesterday, very exciting to four year olds when the lights go out and the music stops, "It's another blackout!!" This is why I am rather behind in computer life and see that I have dozens of blogs to read.

But today I would like to submit a motion to whoever wrote The Rules. You see, I am about as far from a morning person than anyone can get. I lay in bed longer than that last minute and then end up running around like crazy so we aren't late. This is typical in our house any Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, our preschool mornings.

So, why is it on preschool mornings, when we have to set the alarm (of which I hit snooze at least 2 times, sometimes 3) that I have to sometimes wake the boys around 7:45 to be able to get everyone dressed, fed and out the door on time.

BUT...on mornings like today, Tuesday, when we don't have to be anywhere until 11 AM, someone wakes up at 6:30 am ready to start their day. WHY is it always the morning after the night that Mommy was out for dinner & drinks with friends, ate way too much and went to bed later than her usual really late?

Why does this happen 75% of the time??? Therefore, I would like to submit this motion:

"All preschoolers must awake happily on their own volition on preschool days, but must sleep past 7 AM on those non-preschool days."

Do I hear any seconders to the motion?

take one and call me....

2007-04-13T10:28:00.000-04:00

I was all ambitious in making an attempt to write this great big fancy-ass post with the most brilliant and humorous of punchlines, but alas, not gonna happen.

I am a recently 40 years old. I am an infertile. I have only been pregnant once. This after many attempts of drug induced manipulation to increase our fertility, and finally having the moment that means it all, which usually happens with candle light, wine, and Astroglide, happen in a petrie dish thanx to some guy I've never met.

In recent months, I have been having some issues with my plumbing department, one of them being severe bleeding and blood clots. We aren't talking about a paper cut here. It's more like someone opening a fire hydrant of blood from within my uterus. Remember how much I love my uterus?

There seem to be some medical options out there that may be able to help me. This week I met with a new gynecologist for the first time. He was terrific (and I have a funny story about that for another day). He spends a good 45 minutes with me asking all sorts of info, examining me, etc. It was very thorough. I will mention I had previously done bloodwork and u/s as work-up for this appointment. He has a plan for me, and the immediate, quickest way to help me for the next 4-6 months is a pill. A magic little pill. Yup. The Pill.

The Pill.

I am 40 years old. We have not had protected sex in 8 years. We are infertile. Our family is complete. And I am on THE PILL.

Maybe I could at least get drafted as one of those hotties in the commercials, you know, with the sexy, silky voice announcing to millions in North America "I am on Alesse". I'll show them my flabby tummy and stretch marks at the same time. That'll screw everyone up good. LOL.

The really hard part is knowing that now there really is absolutely no chance of even dreaming, hoping, praying, wishing, fantasizing about that eensy weensy teensy iota of a chance for that miracle natural pregnancy. Really hard.

2007-04-10T00:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Parents of Twin Babies,

I do run the risk of pissing some of you off, but you pissed me off today too. This is a chance I choose to take.

I am also a twin parent. I once had two babies in the stroller at the mall. At the very busy holiday Monday mall in Montreal. Whenever someone, anyone, would approach me to admire, inquire or empathize over my twins, I always welcomed you.

Today I was at the mall. I saw three sets of baby twins. I did not seek any of you out, you were just there. Right beside me. So, I admired and inquired about your twins. They are all oh, so absolutely beautiful. But the response I got from you? The sneer on your face and complete ignorance would indicate nothing other than you thinking that it was me who just let go the smelliest of all rotten egg farts right beside you. Well guess what, it wasn't me. I just wanted to share with you those same feelings of being so completely blessed to have twins. Apparently you don't share my sentiments? I feel bad for you, cause IMHO, you really, really should.

Perhaps I am a little more sensitive than normal because our twins arrived after more than a little infertility challenge. I don't know about you, how it happened, where or in what position, and nor do I care. You will also notice that I NEVER ask. Because I sincerely do not care.

We always thought is was so unique and fun and everything warm and fuzzy about having twins bless our lives. I wanted to shout it out and share it with the entire universe. Don't you?

I do realize and respect that your window of opportunity is extremely short lived with 4 month old twins in the stroller. But I also don't think it matters if you are in the wine glass aisle at Winners or at an airport late for a flight that a mere 6.5 seconds to smile, say hello, and send me off with a polite "have a nice day" would kill you either. I mean, pul-eeeze.

Well, sneer away if you want. I for one savoured every single iota of special attention when my almost 5 year old twin boys received. Now I get more sympathy than anything else, and Lord know, there are days I need it. So I strongly urge you to enjoy every single moment you can, cause you deserve it.

I would also like to add that I smile and coo and "aaawww" at just about every baby and little kid I see. I love them all. So, I don't mean to intentionally exclude all parents, cause actually, the parents with singletons are rather nice. It was just 'you' twin ones that irked me today.

Yours in Twindome,

Nancy

P.S. Oh, and one more thing. I don't recommend walking by Laura Secord the day after Easter, cause you may just buy way too much chocolate at 50% off. Mmmmm.

and the parenting award goes to...

2007-04-06T18:16:00.000-04:00

As puke-a-palooza continues (but we have been vomit free since 7 AM this morning (there is hope) I am ashamed to report the following.

Since Monday my children have:

not had any milk
not had any juice
not had any vegetables
have had minimal fruits, but most of that ended up in a bucket
watched more TV in the past 4 days than they have in the past 4 months
not been outside (but I do open their windows wide during the day to air out germs)
had at least 5 bed sheet changes (cleaning and germ prevention)
rec'd two new toothbrushes (again, with the germs)

Since Monday I have :

not had near enough sleep
eaten take out three nights in a row
missed half of my favourite TV shows
been wearing sweats
many overdue library items

Stellar week, dontcha think?

puke-a-palooza

2007-04-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

Oh.

My.

God.

The.

Laundry.

Puke Etiquette
There is such a thing. I have one boy (loud puker, who is well on the mend) who is a star in making it to the bucket, toilet, sink, or any acceptable receptacle for bodily expulsions. Whereas the other guy (quiet puker, no where near mending), who has been puking since Monday night, really, has no such concept.

***And note, should you choose to sleep on the floor beside your sick child's bed, you will get puked on.

numbers

2007-04-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

How many times can a 4 year old vomit, puke, wretch, dry heave, and have the runs, in a 12 hour period? 21
How many hours of sleep for the mother of said child? 2
How many games of Memory can a 4 year old win against his sleep deprived mother, who is NOT letting him win: 5 (she managed to win 1 and tie 1)
How many loads of laundry can be done in a 16 hours period? 11, we aren't close to being done yet
How many hours after preschooler #1 starts puking does preschooler #2 start? 15
How many changes of jammies clothes do two sick preschoolers go through? 7 and counting
How many times does mother clean toilets? at least 12, still counting
How many blessing does the mother count that her hubby is not out of the country, and home to help in evenings/night time? infinity
How many hours till parents start puking? praying for a big fat zero
Peace out.

the fake threat

2007-04-02T14:04:00.000-04:00

Anyone else as guilty as me? Likely not...but lately I find myself telling the boys of a 'threat' or rather a consequence, that I know damn well that I would never fulfill.

I just better be careful or it will certainly come back and bite me in the ass.

You know:

Them: Aimlessly and destructively wandering around the house, "I am SOOOOOOO bored, I don't know what I want to do. There is nothing to do."

Me: "What about the millions of toys in the playroom? Of you don't play with them, maybe I'll give them all away."

Result: They get played with.

OR

Them: dawdle, blah, slow motion....oooh let's read this, let's do this, dawdle slow as molasses

Me: Please hurry up and get ready or else you'll miss your favourite swimming lesson and we just won't go

Result: They get ready and we go. (and of course we would (and have) just arrived late)

So...why do I do this? Cause it works? It's easier than pulling my hair out? Cause I wanna me the boss of all mothers and be the most manipulative in the world?

I don't know. It bothers me, yet I continue. I guess till my ass gets bitten....

OUCH!

conjugating

2007-03-30T11:58:00.000-04:00

Isn't it great to listen to preschoolers having a conversation? This week we went to the park with friends. I offered to pick up and bring with us a friend since her brother was home sick, and I thought it would be nice to give her mother a break (she is sick too). Anyway, there we are with five 4 year olds climbing the play structure, all while listening to them discuss the illness of the our friend's twin brother.

B: Hi K! How is R doing?
K: He's sick.
M: What does he have? What's wrong with him?
K: He has a tummy flu.
M: What's that?
B: Did he throw up?
K: yes, lots
M: He throw upped?
K: yes, lots & lots
M: Oh No! He THROW UPPED? MOMMY!! Did you know that R throw upped!!??
K: but it's a good thing
M: it is?
K: yes, cause you know, throw upping is a good thing cause it gets rid of the bugs in his tummy
M (genuinely horrified): WHAAAT? He has BUGS in his TUMMY?

idle idol

2007-03-29T00:23:00.000-04:00

If 'they' don't do something about this Sanjaya waste on American Idol soon, the show will be done. It can lose all validation, respect (?), and fans worldwide.

There seems to be a few 'conspiracies' out there to keep voting him in, for the exact reason, to show American Idol's producers that they blew it. Howard Stern (of shock jock radio fame, not Anna Nicole Smith potential daddy to her baby fame) is asking his (millions! of) listeners to vote for Sanjaya; there are websites like this one, asking the same.

Since I started watching the show, I have always felt that the judges should carry some weight to the final decision (like Dancing with the Stars), or at least the power to veto when needed.

The sad things that arise from this include the poor Sanjaya kid either thinking he is shit-hot singer, when he really is just a shit singer; or that he will be completely embarrassed, which he (I would hope, but perhaps he doesn't care) didn't ask for.

I assume the producers at American Idol are hoping that as the weeks continue, those who previously voted for those who are getting voted off will turn their votes towards those who genuinely deserve it, and numbers will ultimately win. If things don't change as the weeks carry on, there will likely be some serious nail biting come the end of April/early May.

Do you not think he would realize it and step down? Wouldn't his family tell him what's going on and perhaps persuade him to do the honourable thing? Nah...being on TV and having the entire nation and beyond talking about you can easily transforms one's ego into making all the decisions.

I realize that quantifiable results is what people like to see, and it is easier to validate and prove final results, but come ON already. If Tyra Banks (along with her posse) can decide who stays and who goes on America's Next Top Model, and the judges on Dancing with the Stars count for 50% of the votes, and both can still be successful enough shows with subjective judging, then why not? Doesn't Survivor also have a rather 'stab you in the back' type of decision/elimination process? (That's about the only reality show I don't watch). Olympic GOLD medals are decided subjectively! Surely we can get by with the same on some pop-craze phenomenon that's making some people a ton of cash.

Nothing I say will change anything, just had to get that off my chest. And get Sanjaya off the show.

this is SOOO cool

2007-03-27T20:51:00.000-04:00

As heard (and seen) in my house today:

"Mommy!!! Guess what?? You will never believe this...come see, quick! This is SOOO cool!"

Of course I oblige, a little tingly with excitement over the dead bug I am to see, or his brother doing a headstand, or a lego tower as tall as himself, right? I am all set to react just the way any 'real mom' would, right? It was corn. In his poo.

the diversity of cycling

2007-03-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

At lunch today, the conversation was about our wonderful afternoon yesterday spent riding our bikes. I referred to is as 'cycling'. I was promptly informed, "Mommy, you are wrong. It's called bike riding." So, I explained it all, how bike is a nickname for bicycle, which some refer to as bicycling, hence the nickname for that is 'cycling'. (They 'get' the nickname thingy, which is why I use it a lot).

At that time, I perused the newspaper and saw a letter to the editor from a person stating that recycling is a waste of money. She claims the use of $300 000 trucks using 5 litres of gas per minute to stop'n'go to do all the pick ups was a waste of money. First of all, I am fairly certain her figures are grossly over-exaggerated. But second, I wanted to tell her to BITE ME cause I, for one, am most proud of my recycling habits.

I recycle everything I can. Even items that I think aren't on the list of permissible items, like the teeny tiny mini-go containers, and even individual yogurt containers. Forget it, I put them in, let someone else suffer the guilt of throwing them in the garbage only to fill the landfills more quickly.

I recycle little tiny raisin boxes.

Whatever I can.

I even bring home water bottles and glass juice jars from Tim Horton's to put in my own recycle bins cause they don't recycle there!! GASP! Holy crap, gonna start a petition and learn this company to put recycle bins in their shops! Who's with me??

When we moved to Montreal, from Ottawa, the system was a little different. We actually brought our bins with us. We fill both bins each week. In Montreal, each house if provided ONE bin to fill. One? Heck, there are weeks I have an extra cardboard box out there filled with recycle-ables (real word?).

I even composted in Ottawa, and am about to start again here. I can't wait.

I do it out of belief that I am doing something good for our world. Do you think recycling is worth it?

As for that other 'cycling' mess us females have to deal with every few weeks or whatever. Now that's the kind of RE-cycling I can do without. Blech.

another sleepless night begins...

2007-03-24T20:31:00.000-04:00

DH left (again!) this morning on (another!) business trip. I hate it when he is in flight overnight, cause I don't sleep. Today/tonight is the longest single flight he has ever taken:

14 hours.

He left the house at 9 am. flew to Toronto. The direct flight left T.O. 6 hours ago, and he has another 8 hours to go. Then he gets on another one for 6 more hours till he arrives at his destination.

My problem? Plain old fashioned worry wart. I constantly wake up and turn on CNN checking for "Breaking News Plane Crash". Will I ever get over it?

I realize my worries pale in comparison with Lori, as I previously recognized, but these are my worries, and I am stuck in PMS hell. So, I must go devour an oversized bucket of butter laden popcorn, chocolate covered raisins and a diet coke. And watch CNN.

What I wouldn't give to be able to blame a sleepless night on a wailing infant...aaaaah, the good ole days.

an anniversary that sucks

2007-03-23T14:38:00.000-04:00

So THIS is exactly how I feel again. I logged on to re-post THIS post, and I see that it was exactly ONE year ago today (less a day) that this happened. Is this to be an annual thing? Cause if it is, I quit.

I can't believe it was a year ago I posted what I wanted to post again today. Icnredible and kinda freaky.

So? I shall celebrate! Drink and be ~~grumpy~~ merry!

My uterus sucks.

Real Moms ROCK!

2007-03-22T10:40:00.000-04:00

...their babies to sleep.

My dear sweet friend Dani tagged my ass on this one. I have tried my best over the past couple of days, time is so limited, and so are the abilities of my brain cells. This doesn't even compare to the most brilliant post Dani did, but heck, this is what sporadic thoughts ran through my mind.

Real Moms surge. That very first moment moment we get to hold our minute old newborn, we surge with love and emotion like we've never felt before. It stems from our toenails right through to our split ends. I still experience that 'surge', and it still bring tears to my eyes.

Real Moms sneak junk food behind their kids backs. It is so important for them to eat healthy and grow strong, but come on, I need a fix more often than not.

Real Moms play instead of cleaning toilets. What the hell is so bloody important about a clean house anyway? Didn't you see that episode of Designer Guys. where the bathtub rings and furniture constructed out of dust bunnies are all the new rage?

Real Moms let their kids roll & splash around in ankle deep puddles made of slush and dirt leftover from winter. Didn't you see us yesterday? It was fab!! But man oh man, were they soaked. And dirty. They had a blast.

Real Moms RUN to catch the puke that is about to violently erupt from the gut of your preschooler. Better on me than the couch, carpet or neighbour. I have had lots of training, I am damn good.

Real Moms multi-task like an Olympic athlete. Who else can talk on the phone, do the laundry, sweep the floors and prepare fajitas...at the same time?? No one. Only Real Moms.

Real Moms subscribe to the daily newspaper with the intent to stay in touch, on top of current news events in her city, country, the world. I do manage the comics, every day...and sometimes complete the Sudoku, the rest? If there is time before it hits the recycle bin. Sounds pathetic and wasteful, but oh, how I love my comics.

Real Moms encourage self-esteem in their kids as much as possible by letting them participate in activities like baking. "I can do it by mineself!" Even if it means a 2 pound bag of flour all over the floor. Sigh.

And finally:

Real Moms do NOT judge other Moms. Never.
(however, it is fun to gossip at least a little bit from time to time)

I would like to tag MamaLee, and Marisa.

I Fell...

2007-03-20T14:20:00.001-04:00

...asleep.

Last night.
Reading the end of my book.
Sitting at a table.
Alone.
In public.
At Starbucks in Chapters.
Savouring my grande half-sweetened Tazo Black Tea Latte.
For 30+ minutes (actual duration remains unclear).
No one bothered to wake me.
I did not get robbed.
I am thankful for that,
and the nap.
I am also more than a little embarrassed.

I can fall asleep anywhere, car, train, bus, plane. I remember falling asleep in class, both high school and university. I remember dozing off for hours in the Med. Sci. library at U of A, only to wake with my note all smudged and covered in drool. I can nod off in church, or even in a theatre where I have PAID to see the movie.

But this is different. To me. You think? What about you?

One Word Meme Monday

2007-03-19T12:08:00.000-04:00

Lifted this from Mamalee, looked like fun. Haven't done meself a meme in ages...could be a tough one. Try it!

1. Where is your cell phone?
counter

2. Your Vehicle?
dirty

3. Your hair?
roots

4.Your mother?
missed

5. Your father?
amazing

6. Your favorite thing?
censored

7. Your dream last night?
airport

8. Your favorite drink?
red

10. The room you’re in?
junk

11. Your ex?
ick

12. You are?
nancy

13. What do you want to be in 10 years?
thinner

14. Who did you hang out with today?
doctor

15. What you’re not?
lonely

16. Muffins?
please

17. One of your wish list items?
waist

18. Where is the ______ ?
booze

19. The last thing you did?
phone

20. What are you wearing?
pink

21. Your favorite TV show?
grey's

22. Your pet(s)?
happy

23. Your computer?
slow

24. Your life?
wonderful

25. Your mood?
soso

26. Missing?
mom

27. What are you thinking about right now?
lunch

28. Your Shoes?
old

29. Your work?
best

30. Your summer?
casual

31. Your favorite color?
red

32. Tag?
MGW

...you know who you all are....xoxo

wicked

2007-03-16T15:34:00.000-04:00

What does it say about a person who gets excited about having to go to an emergency appointment at her doctor, cause that means she will get at least 30 minutes to sit in the waiting room and read her book?

I am completely hooked on the book Wicked- the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, I am not one, not at all, to read fantasy or even much sci-fi, but this one is so fun (to me).

I had planned to accomplish many tasks/errands during my morning two hour respite while my munchkins were at Munchkinland (preschool) but plans changed. (LMFAO - get it?)

I have been taking antibiotics for my wicked sinus infection since Tuesday. They didn't seem to be working, but I had been cautioned by both my doc and pharmacist that it may take a few days to kick in. Then I got 'the runs' in the most watery of wicked ways. It is a potential side effect of the meds, which I am willing to deal with. But, they still weren't working and I still had that wicked pain of a grizzly bear with the left side of my head/face/jaw/ear in his mouth in the tightest of vices crunching down. Ouchfuckingouch.

Then this morning I woke up with a wicked rash on my face. Ick. More mofo-ouchiness. I called the doc, she said to get right in, which I did. *I get to read my book!!*

Long story short, likely some kind of allergic reaction, switching meds to another kind, try for 3 days, return to doc Monday morning (YA!! more reading time!!).

I have to wonder if reading a book about wicked witches is at all related to my recent mishaps? You think?

In case you are wondering. This is my face:
And this is my face with an allergic to antibiotics:

At least I'm not green.

Yet.

what is real

2007-03-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

There is a blogger I like. I don't even 'know' her but I have been reading her blog for a while now. Her name is Lori. She has a fun life. It is full of friends, socializing, her work, her camera, her cat, but most of all her son. (No! I do not have a crush on her 21 year old son) Her son? He just left for Iraq. He is off to war in bloody, fucking Iraq!! People! Holy shit! This is real!!

This certainly puts into perspective the post I was creating, all whining and shit about my sinus infection which hurts so bad from the top of my head, through my ears and teeth that I can't even chew food. That I have been such a stellar parent lately, laying around on the couch while my children feed themselves lunch consisting of crackers, cheese, yogurt, clementines and fig newtons. They get it themselves. I live in fear about more damn yeasties (and MORE!)that will certainly show up due to the antibiotics the doc put me on, even after literally begging her not to. My husband has now added another dwarf to my character, Doc, since I have now been there, twice. (reminder: he calls me 5/7 dwarfs these days including Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey and now Doc)

We have done nothing productive, unless you call what we've been doing, training for a future as movie critics. At least I can manage popcorn. And yes, I bawled my eyes out during Homeward Bound, the Incredible Journey. (also viewed, Toys Story 2, Little Mermaid, Cars and hours of Brum. I am so thankful for the library's DVD section this week)

This week the hubs is in Belarus. He has also been in Kuwait (like Brian), but he gets to stay in nice hotels and is always protected by the host governments.

I really have nothing to whine about. I know we will get through this. We may be a little cross-eyed from too much TV, but we will survive. We just will, no matter how much it may suck, we'll be just fine.

I want Lori to share that sentiment of knowing she will get through this. Heck, I get all heart palpitationy anxious hyper-ventilationlike just thinking of what she is dealing with. People dealing with real life huge-ass situations like that help me. They truly help me. I thank Lori for sharing her life with us. If you choose, check her out, give her a hug and a high-five, she deserves it.

Note to Danigirl

2007-03-13T17:03:00.000-04:00

I WON! I WON!

Yoo Hoo....Dani!!

I don't need your little gimmick of a Rimroller to win.

I managed to do this all by myself with my very own hands.

So, Dani, have you won yet?

OK, so it wasn't the iPod I so covet to win, since that's what DH wants for his birthday, anything to save more than a few bucks!! So, I'll keep drinking coffee till I pee my pants and not sleep for a week due to caffeine overload. Just kidding! That's only my third Tim Horton's purchase since the RRRoll Up the Rim to Win campaign started.

That being said, I would still very likely make the purchase should Lee Valley be in my near vicinity.

Solo Flight

2007-03-12T19:20:00.000-04:00

Ben is sick. It is my fault. He has that awful, feverish, chest cold with a cough that comes from the depths of the abyss of oneself. I had it last week*. Then I got better! Then this weekend I got sick again, still a little nagging cough, but the sinus pain...ooooh that pain. Anyway, enough whining. (cause we do more than a hell of enough around here on a good day).

So, for the first time ever, Trevor went to preschool alone, flying solo! Ben stayed with Gramps.** We've been going either twice or thrice weekly since September 2005 and this is the first time. Trevor? thought is was fine. No big deal to him. In fact, you wouldn't think anything was outta the ordinary. The teacher? "Oh my! This is going to be so unusual without both of the twins here!" and Ben? Well, he cried. He wanted to go to preschool so much. (we had March break last week). I felt so bad for him, actually felt pretty good that we wanted to go to school so badly.

Gramps came over around 8:30 AM, and off we went. Let me just say this, and perhaps other twin moms, or moms with more than one kid will agree, having ONE kid in the car?? Quiet! Silence! I could've forgotten he was there. Anyway, we managed to sing a song and listen to the weather on the radio, and then he went to school. I had then intended (and informed Gramps) that I needed to stop at the drugstore on the way home. I did. While there, my cell phone rang.

OMG! Near panic, Gramps has never had to call me before....(nervously) "Hello?"

Gramps: Where are you?

Moi: at the drugstore, is everything alright? I'll be home in 5 minutes

Gramps: Can you get me some Halls?

Moi: of course!! (erg) Bye.

So, I guess I am thankful that my near archaic model of a cell phone still works. Hi Ian! If things had been different, I'd be so thankful. Now? I am thankful that Gramps got his Halls, cause then he was able to (again) take care of Ben when Trevor & I went off to gymnastics.

So we had a rather unusual day, but it was fine. Did I mention that Ben asked Trevor at least 15 questions about Chloe? No one else, he did inquire about what craft they did, and what songs they sang, but they all seemed to be followed with, "What did Chloe sing? What did Chloe make?"

*Hey, you know what one's husband can call his wife when she's like that? How about "Man, you're like 4 of the 7 dwarfs this week." Me: "Huh?" Him: Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy and Dopey!"

**Aren't retired grandparents who live next door just the bestest? Expecially when they are looking for any and all 'real' reasons to use in order to procrastinate and avoid their paperwork like banking and taxes?

lately

2007-03-10T00:13:00.000-05:00

OH shit...I'm late. NO! Not THAT kind of late (I wish!), just late. Slow. Procrastinating. Lame.

I did recently learn that I am the worst soccer mom in training. EVAH! I missed soccer registration, for the kids, for the summer, like, in FOUR months from now. I do get some credit since I didn't even know registration had started, and then ended, like on February 14th. WTF?

Anyway, we weren't even really totally planning on doing soccer anyway, but now I get these looks of complete awestruck shock from 'those other moms'. You're NOT??? Oh.

Where does it state that enrolling your 5 year old children in soccer is not only mandatory, but a complete sin if you don't? Here, it is two nights a week. I have a hard time confining our summer evenings to every tuesday and thursday night to one activity. I wanna go swimming, bike riding, dog walking, park playing, too much blender drinking, visiting, BBQing, and anything and everything spontaneous and fun. That's how we wanna summer it this year.

I did however register them on time for kindergarten. At the French Immersion school (Oh. My. GAWD. the discussions from again, 'the other moms' for not putting them in the French school is enough to keep me away from that school in itself.) And we also made the decision to give each boy his own class. His own teacher. His own experience. His own self. We believe that is what will work best for our family. Phew. Done.

I have also since been reminded that hockey registration for next winter, like in EIGHT months from now is soon, so we better decide. Well, we've decided, we're not starting the boys in hockey just yet, so we won't be there in June, like, before the summer starts, to register for hockey. I'll be late for that one too. Bite me.

Edited to add: If you feel different, or disagree, I wanna hear it! No hard feelings, promise, so bring. it. on. Please?

A Call for Normal Bubbles

2007-02-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

Why the hell can we no longer buy a simple, clean, normal smelling bottle of bubbles for the bath? I am completely IRKED right now. I have been on the search for a long time now, only to find everything but plain old Mr. Bubble. Remember the ad?

Mister, Mister, Mister BUB-ble!!!
(I tried YouTube, but way too many scary things about people I don't know in the tub appeared)

We have been outta bubble bath for a while. We have been using our (still) baby body wash and swishing them around. Oh, why the baby body wash? Cause it smells CLEAN! All big kid body wash smells like anything but. Dammit.

This is what I found this morning at Zellers looking for bubble bath:

Spiderman, Batman, Strawberry Shortcake, Dora, Barbie, Nemo, SpongeBob, Superman, Curious George and yes, even a Mr. Bubble. BUT....the scents reminded me of being in an ice cream shoppe in the middle of July. Strawberry, Cherry, Passion Fruit, Bubble Gum, Grape, Bubbleberry (Mr. Bubble), Banana, Berry Burst, and Watermelon. They all smell gross. Sounds great for a parfait or a pie, or even muffins....but I want to soak and bathe my kids in it, not eat them. My kids don't even like the smells, we've tried!! I have to agree with them.

I want normal, soap smelling, clean children, I don't wanna tuck in and kiss goodnight a Blueberry Passion Burst smelling boy. Where the hell have all the normal things gone?

I will give credit to there being an empty space on the shelf which indicated the 'regular' Mr. Bubble should have been. It has been empty for WEEKS. I may very well end up spending a small fortune to order the shit online. Dammit!

Justification for bubble smelling bubble bath!!! Dammit!

Oooooh...I'm in a moooooood.

T.G.I.F.

Encore

2007-02-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to see Barenaked Ladies. No, not my husband's fantasy come true, the real Barenaked Ladies. One of our most favourite bands. I bought the tickets last September for my hubby's Christmas gift. He purposely made sure his schedule had none of his crazy travels on that date. Finally, after months of waiting. I went. Alone.

Actually, I took one of my most specialest friends. My husband? Who? Where? Sick in bed with something he picked up in India the week prior. He's been tested for all the suspected ailments such as malaria, among others, but it appears as though he is on the mend and the worst it could be is a parasite? Or most likely just a virus. We'll know more on Friday.

So, the show was fantastic, I loved it. And at the end, they did the usual encore. WTF is up with 'the encore'? You know and they know they are gonna sing more, so why the hell don't they just sing everything and then end the show. ALL bands do this. Do you mean to tell me that had nobody cheered, and the Bell Centre put on the lights (cause the Fire Dept. sure wouldn't allow thousands of people exiting in the dark) that they really would've left without singing their signature song? Ya. Right. Whatever. (not saying too much in case there are some of you intending on going to BNL concert in near future)

Instead, they make us stand and clap and cheer like Pavolv's dog looking for more, already knowing we're gonna get it. Kinda makes me think of giving birth to the twins. Labour, labour, push pushpushpush puuuuuuuush one out. Then what, an encore? Everyone in the delivery room just stays there, knowing what was gonna happen next. As if they would get up and leave. Ya. RIght. Whatever. Oh yesssss, please....let me push my guts out and poop in front of 14 people AGAIN, please....encore!! At least my encore resulted in one of my two miraculous treasures, very tangible I may add.

So, this morning I am talking about the show and the encore.

Kids : "Mommy, what's a encore?"

So, as we are eating our pancakes for breakfast, cause everyone, it's Pancake Tuesday! I explain about the encore. I also mention the french to english translation, cause we are also all about learning the French these days. What do I hear??

"Mommy! Pancakes! Encore! Encore!!"

SO we did. For lunch. Only to change it up we added bananas, and apples and, yummmm.......

What's that I hear?? Encore? Encore?? AGAIN???

Tonight's dinner menu for my special little twin Encores: sausages and potato pancakes. Not because it's all about the pancakes today, but it's all about the encore. MY encore.

Again.

Case closed

2007-02-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

It's over.

I spoke to Chloe's mom this morning. When Chloe told her she wanted to do Valentine's Day cards, but didn't know all the names, her mom got creative. She remembered saving an email from the teacher, and used the names from the distribution list. When a family has more than one child in the school, the teacher uses one of the parent's names. Hence : Nancy.

I mentioned to her about the "big crush" my little one has on her daughter. I even went on to tell her that Ben tells me he tells Chloe "I love you - that's why I always try to sit beside you" and more. She tells me on her parent day, Ben did sit beside Chloe, even tried sharing his snack with her, and she couldn't care less. The mom even told me that Chloe clearly ignored him, and has never mentioned him at home. I giggled along, as we discussed the cuteness of 4 year old crushes, etc. So, we decided that I could most definitely tell Ben that the card is intended for him. He now has it in his pocket.

Then the kicker. I still get a pit in my stomach thinking about it. Chloe's mom told me that Chloe does have a crush.

On someone else.

Another little boy in their class.

sniff. sniff.

The Chloe Caper

2007-02-14T23:32:00.000-05:00

So...we get home from preschool and sort through all the cards and such. We read all the cards that are not sealed or in envelopes.

No Chloe.

Then we open all the cards sealed shut with stickers.

No Chloe.

Then we read all the ones with goodies attached like Hershey's kisses or pencils.

No Chloe.

I am getting a little nervous.

Then he hands me this one.

It's IT! It's gotta be it! I am all tingly with excitement. I am thinking this could be the one. I want this to be the one.

No Chloe.

Then he hands me another one and says, "Here Mom, someone asked me to give this to you." I asked him who? He shrugs and answers, "I dunno."

WTF?

I do not know this girl. I have never spoken with her. I have never spoken with her mother. All I know is that my son "really just loves her hair so much, Mommy" with such sincerity and innocence it brings tears to my eyes. There is no child, male or female, at preschool with my name.

The lovestruck preschooler : "I think this might really be for me, right Mommy?"

The panic mode mother : "I am sure it is, or else if it is for someone else, then I feel I should make sure it gets to that person."

So, the plan is for me to ask the mother about it. If it was intended for another, it will be delivered accordingly. If it was in some twilight zone weirdness intended for me, then it will promptly be handed over to swooning preschooler.

I am baffled.

Stay tuned.

Googe?

2007-02-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

Is this intentional?? This is Google's Valentine...are they missing something?

What do we call this - a Google goof? a Goofle? or just Googe?

Added: By 2:25 PM Eastern time and no one has noticed and made the correction? Mamalee is right by singing "Someboody's gonna get fired!"

Dear Chloe,

2007-02-13T23:58:00.000-05:00

Please don't break my son's heart. Please. He has spoke of not much else for the past two days except "I can't wait to get my Valenstine card from Chloe". Ad nauseum. Me thinks he has a thang for you.

When we were making our Valentine cards and treats, you were the only one who warranted a Tweety Bird sticker on your card. Please recognize these come highly coveted in our house these days. He then made you a necklace with his beads, currently under his pillow to keep safe till he gives them to you. He also says "Chloe wears pretty dresses."

I know you may not understand how very significant this is to us at this time, yet how highly insignificant it will be 20 years from now. However, the time is now, and that is in which we live, because "I can't wait to get my Valenstine card from Chloe".

The children were not asked to provide cards to all of their classmates, and although we did about 20, please know that the most attention was paid to yours.

Please Chloe, dear sweet gorgeous blond haired, twinkly eyed four year old girl, please do not break my son's heart. Please have a card for him. Please.

Luv,

Ben's Mommy (who is not above plagiarism to make one herself and sign it Chloe if need be)

the ventilation...it's hyper

2007-02-07T00:03:00.000-05:00

Here. We Go.

Wednesday. February 5th. 10 AM. We register for kindergarten. My sons. My twins. Don't they know they are only babies? Sheesh! I am headed for an early empty nest syndrome come August 28th, 2007.

Okay, ya, so whatever, I am mature 40 year old woman with children starting elemntary school. Big whoop. Me and gazillions of others. So what's the big deal? WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL????? Helllooooo????? Can you hear me??? Is this this ON????????

(sorry, semi-panic attack sorta finished but not really)

It has been well thought out, researched decision on what school we feel is the best fit for our family. Not an easy decision, what with three very good schools from which we are zoned to select, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, nope, not easy at all. We chose the french immersion school, thinking that it is just way too good of an opportunity to deny them, to learn another language. I did it, and have been forever grateful.

But now the really really really BIG decision. It has been eating me inside out every day and night for 2 weeks now, and I have the bags under my eyes that clearly attest to my lack of sleep:

Separate the twins? or not?

I had presumed once we decided on the school, we would approach the principal with the question on what the policy is on twins starting kindergarten, and he would tell us the rules and we would deal. Wrong. He was all so nice and kind and thoughtful and sincere about "Oh no Mrs. X, we don't teach a curriculum here, we guide your children through the early years of their educational careers. These are your treasures are you are trusting us with them. We will spend more waking hours with them that you will. Oh no, we want the parents as involved as possible so we think it is best for you to make that decision." Me? ME? I don't wanna make that one!! It is just way too hard.

Here is where I hope and pray that every single parent of multiples will find this whiny little post and TELL me what to do. I am so completely torn. Completely.

The boys have been together practically every day for over 4.5 years now. They will be approaching 5.5 years when they start school. Won't they be sick of each other by then? I like to think of them, each in their own class, building their independence, making new friends, no one being the bossy-ass dominator (yes we have one of those) and no one being the follower (we have one of those too). Then, they will look forward to seeing each other at recess and lunch, and at home...less fighting and arguing, right?

But if we set them apart at such a young, impressionable age, are we starting the demise of what I have always dreamed for them, and truly unique bond like no other that only twin boys can share?

The school is great, whatever we choose the first year, we can change the next...but not till the next year - could that be too late? Can any damage be irreversible after 10 months being in same/different class? I am fairly certain that won't be the case, but this is how my brain is spinning uncontrollably these days. The start of kindergarten will be hard enough, full days, in 90% french environment, will the comfort of having each other there ease the transition? Or is it just gonna be hard enough and not really matter anyway? For those of you who know me, I am not convinced my '10 day rule' will apply so easily with this one.

I'll shut up now. It's getting late and I gotta get to bed to lay awake till dawn re-hashing this one even mopre. So, perhaps you see where I've been for the past few weeks?

To separate the twins in kindergarten or not? THAT is the question.

? of the week

2007-01-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

The question of the week in our house is not only will I survive the next hour and how, but rather:

Tweety Bird a girl ?

or a boy?

I pray (see below) that someone has the answer.

2007-01-22T22:12:00.000-05:00

Fertility experts? Bah, who needs 'em - apparently not the Canadian Government

2007-01-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

This pisses me off. In fact the whole thing when this panel was announced mere moments before the close of government's Christmas break so of course, no one could say anything in time for anything started it all. Then I read this article in the Montreal Gazette today.

It's a wonder anything progresses in this country at all. Why the hell add someone with some specific knowledge on the topic to the committee/panel/working group. Who needs it. They aren't gonna listen anyway. I wish those fucking politicians would get off their high horses and appreciate the people in country for who they are, and not try (pretend) to know it all, when they really now NOTHING about it. The article says the members of the committee will, of course consult patients and doctors and experts before making any decisions. I call bullshit. I dare them. Double dare them!!

Here is the article:

Experts seek fertility panel seat
Government refuses to alter board's makeup

JULIET O'NEILL
CanWest News Service

Friday, January 12, 2007

The government rejected calls yesterday to add fertility patients and experts to the new federal agency charged with policing the use of reproductive technologies capable of creating human life.

The calls came from two Liberal MPs, a veteran fertility doctor, a fertility awareness advocate and a man whose wife was unable to conceive.

They held a news conference to urge the government to assign patients and others closely involved in fertility efforts to fill three vacancies on the 13-member board of the recently appointed Assisted Human Reproduction Canada agency.

Their complaint is "not who is on that board but who is not," said Danny Roth, who adopted a child with his wife after they were unable to conceive a baby.

The government has no intention of filling the three vacancies any time soon and "we feel the board's composition is adequate," countered Eric Waddell, spokesperson for federal Health Minister Tony Clement.

He added the board is free to consult patients and anyone else appropriate to the issues they will be examining.

Beverly Hanck, executive director of the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada, said it is "a matter of freedom and justice" that the thousands of Canadians who seek fertility treatment, fertility doctors and mental health professionals who specialize in the field be represented on the board.

Dr. Arthur Leader, a fertility specialist for three decades, said he doubted any members of the board had ever visited a fertility clinic.

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett, a family doctor, urged Clement to "walk the talk of patient-centre care." Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla, a chiropractor, said the government had shown insensitivity to prospective parents who shoulder great hardship and cost to have a child.
"What is most striking about these long-awaited appointments is that there is a glaring omission of fertility experts, patients and stem-cell scientists," Dhalla said.

In a telephone interview from Toronto, Waddell said the government is satisfied that the 10 members of the board fairly represent a broad range of expertise, perspectives and opinion.

"There is nothing preventing them from consulting with patients on a regular basis, with doctors, with experts in the field," Waddell said. "It's not just a self-contained unit. They are not just going to sit in a room by themselves and make decisions."

The first board meeting of the Vancouver-based agency is in March. Waddell did not rule out expanding the board some time in the future, but it is not in the cards for now.

The board chairman is John Hamm, a family doctor and former premier of Nova Scotia, and the president is Elinor Wilson, recent chief executive officer of the Canadian Public Health Association. The eight others are drawn from academic, legal, medical and faith-based circles.

And while we're talking news (can you tell I actually read more than the comics and the Sudoku today?) I found this rather interesting. Not sure how I feel about it, being a mom of twins, I found the one year a blessing. That being said, it may not be fair for me to judge since I didn't go back to work. What do you think?

Parents of multiple births should get longer parental leave, says group
Canadian Press
Friday, January 12, 2007

VANCOUVER (CP) - A group for parents of multiple births wants Canada to change its laws so parents of twins, triplets or even higher can get longer parental leave.

Gail Moore of Multiple Births Canada says the increasing use of fertility drugs has meant more families are having more than one baby at once. Current parental leave policies only allow a year's leave and if both parents want time off, they have to split the year between them.

Moore says countries like Italy and Sweden offer parents of multiple births longer leave.

But Moore says the Conservative government won't even meet with her group to discuss the issue.

The subject came up in Vancouver this week after a woman delivered sextuplets.

P.S. Sorry for the loooooongness. I don't know how to do once of those fancy little widgets that shrinks it and asks you to click for more.

It was about time...

2007-01-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

...today at 4:55 PM. Guess what I did?

Got the beds made.

And by the way...get yer head outta yer arse and say hello...

DE-LURK DAMMIT!!!

It appears that is is International De-Lurking Week. I dare you to say hello, and if you don't, I'll send my 4.5 year old terror and a half your way. Believe me, this week, you'd rather be a chunk of raw meat in an alligator pit, which at this poinst sounds like a day at the spa to me, compared to what we have been dealing with.

In all honesty, it would be really great to meet you. It's about time.

A virgin no longer

2007-01-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I used a slow cooker (crock pot). My brother gave me one for my birthday.

This is a bigger deal than it should be, at least to me. You see, I have always been rather bold about how anti-crock pot I am. Those statements stem back to the days in the 70's when my mother would create these gawd awful bland and mushy stews in her crock pot. I hated them. I am not a stew person, which doesn't help. It isn't what's in it, or the flavour, it is all about the texture.

Anyway, my brother broke ground when he handed this crock pot over to me. It was like a dare. A dare he knew I would accept, and he knew I would like.

We are 2/2. I rec'd the Company's Coming cookbook for Slow Cookers. Great book! We've done the red cabbage in brown sugar and vinegar (very yum!), and last night we had the split pea soup. We served it up with some fresh buns, sliced cheeses, pickles and it was a fantastic supper. I concede. I threw together the ingredients at 8:30 AM and left it. I did NOTHING. Well actually, I did lots! Instead of preparing dinner all afternoon, we finished putting away all the Christmas stuff and at 4:30 I was playing with the kids. I am ALWAYS making supper at 4:30 (unless we are ordering in). It was such a great experience.

I am converted, no longer the slow cooker virgin.

If you have a fave to share, feel free!

P.S. Do you think it is as weird as I do that I am telling you this?

This is how pathetic I am.

2007-01-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

The O.C. has been cancelled. Dammit. NOW what teeny bopper show can I never miss??

First we lost 90210, then Dawson, and now this. I am way more upset than any normal grown woman should be, who said I was normal? I am no closet O.C. fan, I like the damn show, and no, I can't tell you why, cause even I don't know why. But I do.

Suggestions??

HAPPY NEW YEAST.

2007-01-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

What better (WORSE!) than to start the new year with yet another yeast infection. Itch. Scratch. Burn. Itch. Sure, I know it is mostly my fault not controlling my intake of sugars, wine, junk food, more wine. Itch. Burn. Itchy! And then I had a really unusually long AF, which likely didn't help. Itch. Scratch. Dammit! I have had to wait till today for my Diflucan dealer to open her office (G.P.) and she has kindly (FINALLY) answered the phone upon which I hit redial constantly for 3++ hours. She has called in a refill for my script and as soon as it is filled, the pharmacist (my other new best friend) will call and I am outta here. 24 hours from now I should be feeling better.

In other news...the outlaws left this morning. Did you hear that huge-ass 8000+ decibel sigh?? Yup - that was me. SO nice to hang out in my jammies till now (currently time check 2:18 PM eastern time) and not have anyone telling me what to do in my own house. The boys have gone out to buy MORE batteries. The house is deathly quite. It. Is. Beautiful.

So...until the phone rings, I shall savour the peace, read my trashy novel and wish you all a yeast free new year.

Recovery

2006-12-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

In recovery mode, preparing for the New Year's onslaught of MORE relaticks, looking for extra floor mattresses from neighbours, we are running. out. of. room.

Christmas Eve & Day and Boxing Day were fantabulous. All good. No bad.

I have more to write with pics, but may very well take me till next year to get that organized.

(that was a joke)

C-ya.

Track SANTA!!!

2006-12-24T18:31:00.000-05:00

I forgot.....I know it is late, but just in case...

The twins are most thrilled to be TRACKING SANTA.

Christmas Countdown - December 24

2006-12-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

We made it!! Here we are...my little one woke up this morning yelling "It's the day before Christmas!!" loud enough to wake the entire neighbourhood.

The cookies are ready for Santa, the carrots for the reindeer, the wine for Mom & Dad and the vocal chords for the carolling at church tonight. We are good to go.

Here are a few last minute survival tips I have discovered:

How to get hubby to wrap over 20 gifts at 11 PM in record time
Give him "the look", a wink, a glass of wine, tell him you just shaved your legs, as as he leaps towards the bedroom simply say, "You get nothing till all the gifts are wrapped". It worked.

How to lighten the stress with laughter (and immense embarrassment)

While being the 'greeters' at church in the morning, make sure one of your 4 year olds says to a dear sweet old lady, who is about 4 feet tall, "Good morning, Merry Christmas, WOW! You sure are a small lady!"

Diet Schmiet.

It is NOT a brilliant idea at 1 AM to stuff the stockings, thinking you are ahead of the game. You will come to this realization at 8 AM when the children ask you if they can FINALLY hang their stocking for Santa to fill it.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons' Greetings and many warm wishes for everything good to all of you.

Christmas Countdown - December 22 & 23

2006-12-23T14:56:00.000-05:00

Groceries.
Wrapping.
Visiting.
Hosting.
Socializing.
Singing.
Wrapping.
Menu planning.
Cooking.
Singing.
Groceries.
Eating.
Socializing.
Hosting.
Visiting.
Love it.

You?

Christmas Countdown - December 21

2006-12-21T15:44:00.000-05:00

We are nearing the homestretch. This is what we have done today...a little last minute shopping, wrap some gifts, wrote a few cards, baked more cookies (I. CAN'T. STOP!) Isn't Christmas baking just oh, so pretty, even on baking pans that are near desperation to be replaced? (hear that Santa?)all while listening to Barenaked for the Holidays. (I had a video to share with you here but YouTube is taking too long to approve it for playing, and I must go drink beer and eat chips so hang in, I will share when ready. That, or when I am sober.)

We also did more crafts...that damn bells with sparkles...BAN the sparkles!!! The boys are now doing 'homework' in their new little holiday fun books which came from a very special friend. (Thank you!!)

So finish up the last minute things, expecially if you need the time to assemble the likes of a Playmobil castle, cause you may very well need every moment should Santa need to have that delivered before 6 AM on Monday morning.

I am also very happy to report that any bug that had recently infested a certain tummy has very kindle disappeared. Oops, well almost. This is the favourite joke of the day, "I have a bug in my tummy!" (lift shirt) "Just kidding!"

We have some cousins of mine joining us for dinner tonight. We are going very traditional for it being December 21st. You know, chips & dip, BBQ burgers, beer, the Habs on TV and of course more cookies for dessert. Most gourmet if you ask moi.

More pretty cookies!

Speaking of December 21st...the kids were all at the park this morning having a blast in the beautiful fall like weather, no snow, playing on the structures, swings and in the sand. Unbelievable.

Yours truly has also caught a bug of sorts. A severe case of Holidayitis. I wish you all catch it too!!

Dear people at Blogger (better? my ass!) beta version or whatever the hell you think you are,

2006-12-20T13:55:00.000-05:00

WHY did you insist and corner me into converting to your not-so fancy-ass version of warped blogging hell. Yes, you pressured me, and others too. Very unfair and rude. RUDE!!!

I now sometimes have more difficulties posting. Screw you. Don't you know the entire internet (or at least 35 or so on average each day) are not able to cope without the daily Christmas countdown and shit? When you refuse to let me for hours, that bugs my ass. I am willing to ignore my feverish and vomiting four year old son while he takes a brief nap to appeal to my limited audience and when that window of opportunity presents itself, you decide otherwise.

And the comments, WHY the hell is it now SO bloody difficult to post comments? Whether I am signed in or not, on so many other Blogger blogs, you refuse to let me comment by refusing my sign-in. Fuck you. THAT really burns me. I don't seem to have problems with the 'other' blog hosts (yes, your competitors) so maybe I'll hightail is across the tracks one of these days.

I want to go back to the old version, the one that lets me post from any computer and allows me to share my most important comments with others. But noooooooo, you won't allow that either.

So, please clean up your act, it stinks right now.

Unsincerely,

Nancy

P.S. The new spellcheck is a definite improvement.

Christmas Countdown - December 20

2006-12-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

ACCCCKKKKK!!!! It is getting WAY too close!!! I haven't even started my cards yet, they may very well wait till the New Year, or next year, meaning next December. I did open the box of 44 beautiful cards on bought at Costco in August, only to realize they are all in French. Gah!

Anyway, we are doing more crafts today, even the sick kid asked to do some, hopefully that's a good sign. We made more reindeer feet, more cotton ball snowmen, and did a cotton ball Santa.

Today I wanted to make egg carton jingle bells, but my all-good-intentions-of a MIL found my stash and thought it was a good idea to put them in the recycling. *poof* gone. But, I will empty the one in the fridge and use it.

You will need:

egg carton
pipe cleaner
decorating accessories, whatever you fancy (foil?)
bells?

Cut out each individual egg cup. Let child colour, paint, stickers, all over them. Another idea is to cover in foil, then you have shiny bells! Poke a hole on top, insert pipe cleaner (you could also use string, ribbon, etc) to hang wherever. If you have some of those little jingle bells, or little gold Christmas bells (can get a dozen for a buck at dollar store) tie that underneath using pipe cleaner, then they really jingle!!

Christmas Countdown - December 19

2006-12-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

Update:
While we continue to clean up puke, both dog & cat have joined in the fun, and barfing twin B (it has been continuous since 11 PM...and I mean continuous, in intervals from 10 - 60 minutes, we are down to dry heaves and saliva) now has a fever. How lucky am I that hubby booked this day off since his parents arrived last night. I was awake until 7 AM, he took over, I slept till 11, now I am back on laundry, vomit patrol.

CRAFT TIME
Enough about me...YOU can all enjoy the craft we were gonna do. I made a couple of these when I was in Brownies (a few years ago) and we still hang them on the tree.

You will need:
cardboard
various pasta shapes (uncooked)
glue
spray paint (gold or silver preferred colour)

Cut cardboard in shape of tree - larger than smaller recommended, about the size of an adult hand
Cut small hole at top from which to hang with ribbon
Glue pastas all over, on both sides if you are patient enough to let it dry
Once dry, spray paint both sides.
Voila - beautiful decoration!

Fragrant mystery

2006-12-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

Why is it that vomit smells the same whether it comes from your high school boyfriend while you hold his head in a bucket or from your four year old son?

Why is it that no matter how many times you wash your hands (7) with different soaps (3) the smell just won't dissipate.

Why only 2 days after the third professional french manicure in yoru lifetime, do you find yourself scraping chunks of spaghetti dinner off a comforter so it doesn't clog your washing machine?

And why, oh why, oh why does it have to happen 6 days before Christmas? Is there an unwritten golden rule about that somewhere? Blatant unfair mystery.

Christmas Countdown - December 18

2006-12-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

Read this at superduperfastwarp speed cause that is how fast I am thinking and talking today...

We forgot to rip our chain link calendar till moments ago...the outlaws are arriving in 30 minutes...gotta change sheets in guest bed after drunken relaticks crashed there Saturday night (we had a fantabulous par-tay for those of you who care and yes, I was completely ~~hungover~~ tired yesterday)...and we did groceries today and I caved into the trend and bought a pomegranate and we opened it and prepared it and now I also have to go wash red juice splash off ALL my kitchen walls (note to self, next time do not solicit the help of two 4 year olds to shell pomegranate)...and stir the spaghetti sauce which we also made (almost from scratch) and make the caesar salad dressing (will be all from scratch) and try to enjoy the commencement of the craziness of the dreaded outlaw visit. Pass the wine/whine.

SO....for Monday, get musical and sing - belt it out people we are nearing the homestretch!! I was just serenaded to a rather non-musical version of Jungle Bells. (not a typo)