Good bye 2008

This was definitely not the worst year of my life, but I am looking forward to putting it to rest and excited to see what 2009 is going to bring.

This year I watched my children grow so much. I watched the bug learn to walk...again. I watched the peanut learn so many new words and stun me with her vocabulary everyday.

The hubster and I kept communicating through times of feeling down and like somethings not right. We love each other more and more everyday and try are hardest to be as supportive as we can.

Our number one priority for 2009 is our health! We both have issues on the radar that will require some attention this year and we have vowed to make our health a priority. Which means better menu planning and more exercise.

Our life is getting closer to what we want. We don't feel so out of control any more. We are gaining more and more control everyday over our money, our schedules, our emotions.

We are a work in progress. We are working and WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS!

Goodbye 2008 it has been nice knowing you!

HELLO 2009 Bring it on!

Christmas Aftermath!

Whoa. I can only hope that everyone has had as wonderful of a holiday as we have. We managed so many things this year. We managed to create a wonderful and meaningful Christmas with our families. We made some gifts and stayed on budget for the rest of our expenses. We had great food and made great connections with our family.

the Bug had a great birthday and was delighted that Santa did not forget about us. When he found a gift under the tree for him.

We are finishing up his birthday festivities today with a playdate for him and 3 friends, which should be a great break for all of them in their school holiday.

The peanut just had great fun running around being a crazy 2 1/2 year old, exploring and enjoying all the holidays have to offer.

We have even managed to get them back on somekind of schedule. they are so worn out each day from all the playing that they happily go to bed when the time comes, we have not had too many arguments or meltdowns. Pretty good for everyone being home for 5 days in a row.

We got the tree taken down and the decorations put away. the new clothes are washed and put away. We have cleared out some old toys to donate to make way for the new toys they received. We even have money in the bank. shhhhh! don't tell anyone!

So besides the obvious family and friends being the best part about christmas. I got a prety great surprise. My hubster bought me a NEW CAMERA. A Nikon D60 to call my very own. What a surprise! So I have been having fun learning all about my new camera and taking photos, hopefully I will have some time soon to download and post some photos.

I have to admit we have been very fortunate this year. We have taken steps to control our destiny and our financial situation and they are starting to work. This is the first full year that both the hubster and I have been receiving a full paycheck so that could be why this year seemed a little easier. I have to tell you the prospect of erasing some debt this year instead of just holding it at bay is very exciting.

Sorry this post was a little all over the place. I have a playdate to prepare for. I'll be back soon.

Christmas list - check!

My sister and I went out to the mall tonight to finish up our shopping. We just needed a few things each and we hoped it wouldn't be too busy as most people would be our at Christmas parties.

We were RIGHT! It was still busy but not crazy. the lines were moving and it was actually not painful to get everything done.

I still feel like I am forgetting something but oh well. I'm sure I'll figure it out and have to make one more trip.

I am really proud to say that I think we did really well this year. We got special things for family and friends and did not go overboard. We got the kids their Skuut bikes and one small art set for each of them, which they will love. We got them little toys in their stockings and I think that will keep them busy till all the other stuff kicks in.

This year is much calmer and less frenetic.

Today we made a popcorn string for the tree, because, just because.

Botox, flu shot and Casts for AFOs

What a week we are having. And our week started on Friday. Friday we travelled to our Orthopedic Surgeon's hospital so that she could do Botox injections on the Bugaloo legs. (If your new here you can read about his CP in the CP posts)

This time our appointment was at 2:30pm which meant the Bug could each jello and drink until 10am and we did not have to leave for the hospital until 10:30am. (I'm not sure if this was better than leaving at 8:30 and trying to cram jello into him in the car until 9am). We get to the hospital (1hr 15 mins drive from our home)get registered, pick up our prescription at the pharmacy and then check in at the pedatric day surgery unit. There we (i mean the bug) is weighed, measured, blood pressured, heart and lungs checked out, we answer amillion questions and then...we WAIT. and wait some more and just when you start to get antsy, we wait some more.

Then finally one of us (this time me) gets to carry him in to the procedure room and try to calm a child that is freaking out because they are going to put a mask over his face that is going to make him go to sleep. (that's the hard part) I try telling him a story about the time I broke my arm when I was his age and had to have it fixed and they had to put a mask on my face and ..... he's not buying it. So I hold him while he crys and in seconds he falls asleep and I have to leave my little man there on the table. (It does get easy, not better, but easier)

15 mins later the doctor comes to tell us that she gave him 16 injections, he's waking up and asking for us and a pink popsicle.

We go to see him in recovery and he starts to cry. (this happens every time) We calm him and let him know he is safe. He finishes his popsicle and asks when can we go home. Soon buddy soon. About this time the hunger and thirst kick in. Apple juice, no problem. After an hour, the last set of checks, blood pressure, temp, and circulation, we are given the go ahead to leave. It is now 4:15pm and we are all starving, hubster and I had breakfast but no lunch and split a bag of chips and bottle of water in the waiting room. East Side Marios is right across from the hospital so we decide to go for it. They tell us to take it easy that heave food will make him sick after the anesthetic, but we decide to go for it!

We eat our fill and head home. What a day!

Tuesday I had to take the kids for flu shots and the Bug needed an immunization for school. The kids were soooo good. I can forgive the 3 minutes of full on chaos that ensued when the needles came out. The BUG looked right at the doctor and said,"that was horrible, just horrible". the doc tried to supress a giggle, but the bug caught her and gave her a dirty look. the peanut screamed bloody murder but who can blame her, she was second and already new what was coming.

Whoppee we're having fun now!

Today, we are going to orthotics clinic to get casted for new AFOs since the Bug had Botox and is also growing like a weed.

Today will be alot of waiting, we hope they are on time but will pack lots of snacks and activities since our appointment time is close to lunch and will probably span over the lunch hour.

thankfully this ends our medical appointments until the new year and we can look forward to celebrating the bug's birthday (24th) and Christmas.

Hoping your week is going better than mine. hang in there it's almost over.

Wrapping Party - It's a good thing!

Ah! I just had the most fun.

A few weeks ago I received an invitation for a Wrappping party. mmmmm. What new party plan could this be???

No party plan. Just a Party with a Plan. My friend A invited her girlfriends over for food and drinks and to get their Christmas wrapping done! Oh My God! What a great idea! Why didn't I think of this before. No more mad wrapping a 2AM. What will I do with my time.

Anyway, all teacher, therapist, co-worker, miscellaneous gift exchange gifts WRAPPED!

I still wanted to wrap the kids gifts with the hubster, because HEY that's our thing.

But all the other.. DONE, DONE, and DONE SWEET

And that's a WRAP!

Tagged!

So I have been tagged by my good friend Jenn to provide you with 7 little known facts about me.

1. I passionately fear going to the dentist. I hate dentists, dentistry, teeth. HATE. have to make my appt first thing in the morning so I can go home and shower before I go anywhere. He's a Great man. Just HATE the profession. I'm what they call a WHITE KNUCKLE patient. But don't what my teeth to fall out of my head.

2. I'm allergic to something in RED wine :( Can't have it. Break out in a rash and can't breath. Interestingly enough this happened after having a glass of homemade wine at a wedding over 15 years ago. Have not had more than a sip of red wine since.

3. My favorite comfort food is Beans and Weiners. This is what my Dad used to make for me for dinner when my mom was out for for the evening. Neither my brother or sister like it. But to this day if it's just me and my Dad that's what we have for a meal. We're a little more health concious now and add a salad with it.

4. I have a magazine obsession. I have been known to purchase 15 magazines in one month. ONE MONTH! I am inspired by the colors and items displayed but it has been getting out of control. Maybe I will do a blog post on it. Needless to say I have sworn the hubster to crack down. I have been allowed 2 subscriptions and I am on a TOTAL magazine BAN for 2009. NOT ONE purchased magazine. I'll let you know how it goes.

5. I am truly so very happy with my life. I may gripe and complain now and then about my job or my commute or feeling frazzled. But I have a wonderful husband, partner , best friend, two gorgeous kids who are amazing, great family and friends. I am so very THANKFUL!

6. I still LOVE coloring with crayons, in a coloring book, or just on paper.

7. Brad Pitt is my second choice. (boo-ya)

Now I have to tag someone hmmmmm. I think not. If everyone else is a busy and overwhelmed as me I won't add to their stress. I will defer and save this tag for someone in the New Year! Watch out it might be you!

Can I get a valium??

I just don't get it. I have been up at 5am everyday this week. Can't sleep, This is soooooooo unlike me. I am a sleeper. I like sleep. I LOVE sleep. Don't get me wrong I can go with little sleep for quite sometime. I'm a tough cookie I can gut out tiny babies who don't want to sleep. Or stay up late several nights to complete a project. Sooner or later though I crash and I like it. Glorious sleep.

So I'm puzzled by this new development on waking at 5AM and can't get back to sleep? And I must vehemently declare I DO NOT LIKE IT!

Waking at 4 or 5 AM is for my derranged co-worker who is a coffee addict (and meth and speed and whatever) He is one of THOSE people. He wakes at 4am comes into work, runs 10K at lunch (in 50mins or less) works some more, leaves at 4-4:30 promptly to go pick up his girls and make dinner with them and spend sometime with them, then works some more and goes to bed around 11pm. PSYCHO!

I'm sure he crashes and needs a few days to re-group, in fact I know he does. I wish I could be a little more like him.

I just can't seem to get the productive side going.

Yesterday, I tried. I got up and had my coffee, read a time management book for some tips, threw in a load of laundry, laid out the kids clothes (from the laundry that hadn't been put away from the weekend, doh)made lunches for me and the boy, chatted with hubster when he woke up and got ready for work, had a shower, pulled out stuff for dinner, got dressed, dressed children as they woke up, packed up car, put kid 1 on bus, took kid 2 to babysitter, got to work realatively on time.

Does anyone know what's missing here. Well let me give you a hint. I discovered in at 9PM last night when I thought I should throw in a load of laundry?????

You got it. I nice big load of stinky wet laundry that had to be washed again.

HONESTLY. Like I said I just can't get all the pieces to fall together.

I'm having a pity party for me. Boo!

Today is a new day and I'm going to kick it in the ASS. I'll let you know how it goes.

Spinning my Wheels

I am mentally exhausted y'all. I am the first to admit I had a crazy november schedule and that bears NOT repeating. I pushed (my buggy) hard to get a handle on my Christmas to do's and they are relatively under control. But I hit the brick wall today. I barely made it through the bug's parent teacher interview. Hubster asked if I was going to work afterwards and I said NO.

I went home and called in SICK and have been spinning my wheels all day. I feel like I should be doing something but I can't seem to get it together.

In a last ditch effort to be productive today. I started to purge all the shit in my head. just scribbling things down on paper. circles, Squares, lines, stars, hearts. statements, wants, needs.

I feel better now. Hopefully after this brain dump I will be able to make some head way this weekend in my plan for myself this year.

Some of you may know that I am an independent consultant for CREATIVE MEMORIES and they have finally amended our internet policy and I can share the link for my personal consultant webiste on my blog.

So here it is www.mycmsite.com/sites/shannongeil come for a visit and check out the new Creative Memories. Please drop me a message if I can help you with memory keeping needs.

till next time.

Simplify

I've been seeing this flying around the blogoshpere. People are choosing their word to live by for the upcoming year. I've seen a few, Focus, Purpose, Happiness. My choice for this 2009...SIMPLIFY.

My life is far too complicated and I need to simplify. I need to de clutter I need to learn how to schedule well and say no to the rest. I need to assign some responsibilities to my wonderful spouse and try to to care how he gets them done.

I need to work a deal with my employer to cut my time at work. I need to clear out old clothes, I need to give away our double appliances, I need to clear out the cobwebs, I need to fix those things that need fixing, the towel rack, the receptacle cover the kids book shelf. All of these things will help me limit the self talk that says "why can't you just get it together"

I have been saying that to myself all year and it is just time to STOP. I am a busy woman and I like it that way. that is the way I am most productive. I have to learn to delegate and deal with it. I have to learn to let some things go. there is no reason I can't have things just the way I want. There has got to be a way to get it to all work together and I tell in 2009 I am going to find out!

I'm doing much better this year for Christmas than last Christmas I have a few t-shirts to pick up and a gift for my 7 year old nephew (if you have any ideas let me know)but other than that I am almost done!

I will be mailing out my out of town gifts tomorrow. Unbelievable! I'm feeling pretty good. And best of all I'm not even out of money yet which is awesome since this is where I usually have to perform some creative financing to get everything paid for. then I go crazy getting everything ready for our taxes so I can pay a few things back.

NOT THIS YEAR WOOT.

SIMPLIFY

Busted - yet INSPIRED

Holy Crap did I bust my arse today or what. It was non stop from the time my feet hit the floor this morning till now. Late and tired and crabby.

I don't have too much to say except I am pooped.

I was inspired by a friend today. She was feeling isolated and disconnected and decided to do something about it.

she is throwing a Gift Wrapping Party. What a great concept. Everyone brings a roll of wrapping paper and a few gifts to wrap. the hostess supplies some nibblies and the tape tags and such.

What a great way to connect with you peeps and get some very important work done. I am so freakin proud of her.

Goooooooo A!

Also I managed to get 30 happy holiday cards done for Bugaloo's class so he can hand out holiday cards yippee.

Wrung out - Strung out - just plain ole tired

I have been fighting the exhaustion, My life is exhausting me, my work is exhausting me. I'm finding it hard to get excited about anything. I nearly blew a birthday celebration with weekend. There I found my self on the day before the party at 4pm madly searching the city for some kind of gift for a 7 year old and a 19yrs old. I mean come on!! I am you card carrying list making Type A person how did I let this slip away. So There I found myself on Saturday night at 11pm madly stitching a personal message on a blanket to go with the diary and cool pen for the 19 yr old, just to make it special for her. And madly stamping personalized wrapping paper for the 7 yr old because I know he will think that is the coolest thing ever. And really don't they deserve it! Somehow "tired" just didn't seem like a good excuse.

I could post all day about how fed up I am with the unrealistic expectations on women today but even that seems overwhelming at this point. When did life get so complicated. AND the worst part is I know I have it really really good. Supportive family, great husband, awesome kids. What is my problem!

There are new opportunities opening up at work. I'm not sure I can push through to get there though. I know I can't keep going the way I am. Luckily just in the nick of time I found out my summer student is coming back next week for 6 weeks so I am really excited about that because maybe that will back the pressure off just a little bit.

that way perhaps I can focus on Christmas and not end up giving everyone gift cards from the drug store.

Today, it's go time! I have a doctor's appt but I also have a list of stuff to track down and accquire as part of my plan not to get caught with my PANTs down for Christmas. Wish me LUCK!

I know I can do this - GO!

Cinderella

What a night. My company sponsored a client night at the theatre. We went to see Cinderella. At the St. jacob's theatre. For anyone who is local. YOU HAVE TO SEE IT! the kids will love it. We had a 4 year old infront of us who just had the best time of her life. not sure if it was the grandparents for the Princess Cinderella dress she wore. It was awesome. I wish they came in my size.

I had to leave after the intermission due to a migraine, which I have no idea where that came from except I probably didn't eat very well yesterday because work was sooooo busy. So I am online today trying to get tickets for my family because I think they will just love it.

It snowed like crazy today all I want to do is stay home.

But I am almost caught up at work and I know I will feel so much better next week and heading into the holidays if I can get caught up.

Plus we are working on some great projects at work for 2009 and I'm actually looking forward to it. There could be some growth for me there!!! yippee!

Off to work I go. If you haven't checked it out yet you should click the blinkie for ART UNLEASHED and check out the new craft forum. Lots of fun and interesting stuff going on there.

And just for my friend MVM, my husband admitted he would be in an "involuntary" residential treatment program in Mexico if it wasn't for me. I'll have him talk to the saint for you. ;)

time flies

Oh my goodness it has been a few days huh?

So let's see. for those of you following my personal life DH and I had a "chat" and now we are on the same page again. I tell Men and Women are soooooo different.

I did get a few minutes to be creative. I used some cool felt embellishment for this one and added some jewels and bling to it. It still needs something. but I like how it is coming together.



Next, I finally scrapped some photos from a Blueberry Picking outing about 3 years ago. I found some really cool brads.



We had some great fun playing in the snow! It is getting colder here every day.

I am pissed off at Bell since they overcharged me for my new wireless router. Oh that makes me so mad! Especially when you ask them three times are you sure this is the amount that is going to show up on my bill????

And then you get the bill and it's $30 more! Acckk!!

I am so calling Roger's.

I got some new Creative Memories products to try out and I am so excited!!!!

I think that's all for now.

Friday Nite Lites

Ahhh Friday night. Everyone is in bed. There is peace and quiet. Have you noticed the theme in my life right now. I am just aching for the peace and quiet. I just need to think, to listen, to hear!

I picked up some great papers at 2SF my favorite store. I went in there just to pick up some of my GLUE. And had two minutes to look around.....very dangerous. Tomorrow I will post the addition to my stash from My Mind's Eye. Hopefully next week I will get a project done.

Tomorrow we have a sitter coming and hubster and i are going shopping for some new dress clothes. We have both lost some weight and have not had anything new for the last 5-6 years so we are due. then we are off to a birthday party for my dearest friends husband. Well I consider him one of my dear friends too. they have always been there to support me in my life and I appreciate them alot. Happy 40th T.

It will be fun I'm sure a few beers a few shots. Good times!

Well hubby is looking pretty cosy on the couch and he has saved a spot for me so I had better get over there. Hope y'all have a great weekend!

What to do?

I just ate a chocolate bar, two handfuls of large pretzles, and some jube jubes. What the hell is wrong with me???

I am stressed work is sucking, some how no matter how hard I work, I just keep getting farther behind. One by one I am closing down the extra projects that were assigned to me, but my regular tasks seem to be multipling in my desk at night. I am tired. tired of the filing tired of the typing tired of feeling like every hour is sucking the very life out of me.

I know I tend to go through these cycles and I am just in a low spot right now, this always happens as I close off fun and challenging projects and I have nothing to look forward to. I know some new projects will come along but I don't know when.

Also with out going into any details my hubby managed to be a total wenker and made a situation that was about me, totally about him and did not support me in anyway. And I have to say that this is one of those situations where it was such a small thing, but his inability to see the situation from my prespective, made me feel like he does not care and does not understand me. The worst part is I know I need to talk to him about it or it will turn into a big thing. I just don't know how to talk to him without him getting totally defensive and making it about him and not about me. MEN!

At least I ran today eventhough I did not want to and I did feel better afterwards. I know I know I am only holding it at bay because I keep pigging out. I get so mad at myself.

Hoping tomorrow night I will get some scrappin in because that always makes me feel better.

Aaacckk

Can you believe I blew it already. Some how my little "insurance" post from yesterday got gobbled by blogger and now. I missed a day posting for NaBloPoMo and I want to cry.

I didn't even make it to the double digits.

I'm a blogging loser. I feel shame!

Oh well! I have a better idea! I will keep going for the rest of the month and if I make it I will declare myself. NaBloPoMo -1 Not quite as prestigious but still a success.

Heavens to betsy I'm bitter.

The kids and my babe are busy watching their clone wars or star wars animation show on t.v. so I have exactly 9 minutes left to myself in peace and quiet before bath and bedtime chaos insues. So sorry to cut it short but I'm hoping to design a quick layout or two and pull some paper before I am called out of my peaceful bliss.

Have a great week!

s

Friday Night

Ahh! the peace and quiet, after a very busy week. I'm still a little keyed up because I can't believe I actually made it through. I kept my last committment for the week which was to pick up my nephew so he could sleep over at our house.

Finally I got everyone in bed and now I'm just kicking back and having a beer. Well deserved. One of my favorite movies happens to be on. Death becomes her. With Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. I love it.

It always brings up a good question about outer beauty. If you could have a flawess ageless appearance for the next ten years and then walk away from your life. Would you?

So far I always come up with the same answer. No way! Well except that one time I was feeling really down about my weight, my life, in a moment of weakness I probably would have made a deal.

but now I know I have earned my body. I know it sounds hokey. But it really is true. My crease inbetween my eyebrows, my laugh lines. All life lessons, all my triumphs ...ME!

So yeah do I sometimes wish I was tighter, smoother, absolutely.

I love me anyway, all of me, my tired raggedity assed self. I think a long hot bath is in order for me. Maybe Sunday afternoon. Sigh!

NaBloPoMo Post

So tired. Busy day.

Can't give up on NaBloPoMo on the 6th. that would be just lame. This post in just insurance incase I don't get back later on tonight.

Am I goal oriented or what?

I know oh so LAME.

Cheers!

s

Running Group

The best thing about running with a group:
They motivate you to run when you don't feel like it.

The worst thing about running with a group (for me) When someone is not doing as well as you, you have to slow down and go their pace so they don't get left behind.

I had really hoped to be moving a little faster a little longer distance. But since I run with 2-3 other ladies we have been trying to run at a pace for everyone.

I have tried running off of our preset schedule to get a long run in by myself, but someone always wants to tag along.

It's probably for the best for me, if I was on my own maybe I would push too hard to fast and end up with an injury. So I will thank the universe and just keep plugging away.

Have a great day!

Therapy day

Running a tight schedule today. I have to get all the presentations merged today, get all the handouts copies and ready to go into the packages all by noon.

The Bug has therapy today so that means I'm only a 1/2 day at work. Nothing like cramming a full day into a half day.

I have to tell I am just so darn pround of that kid of mine. I can probably count on one hand how many times he has been a pill during his therapy sessions. He works and workds HARD every single session.

The ladder


The Gait Walker


And practicing at home.


So proud! Let me know if you have any questions.

Running

Today is going to be such a busy day. I thought I had better get online and GIT R Done! Posting that is.

Today is a school day for the bug so we packed the library book, the homework book, the lunch, the shoes, the mitts. I hope that was all that had to go today.

Me I have a full day of work today and then a meeting tonight for my Creative Memories team. It should be fabulous! but it will be late and I always dislike those long days at the beginning of the week.

We are kicking out running program in the ass again this week, since a few of us have been sick we have kinda been loafing it for awhile, I think I have been only running once or twice a week for 20-25 mins for the past month. NOT GOOD!

So I'm sure lunch will not be pretty at the office today but we are going to do it!

So I packed my two meals, my clothes my work that I brought home, I sent the email with the work that I completed and now I have exactly 27 minutes to get dressed and do my hair and get The Bug on the bus.

Oh ya and I had better drop the Peanut at my in-laws, who knows what she would do to the house if I left her to her own devices.

I even got a chance to work on a few pages and projects last night. I'll put some finishing touches on and photo them for my post tomorrow.

I just registered for the coolest forum and YOU CAN TO Click Here, its called Art Unleashed by my new friend Karan and her friend Patti.

Have a great day!

I Love Sunday Mornings

Hubby let me sleep in a little, well I guess not really because of the time change, no matter I feel like I had a little more sleep.

I think my theory for Hallowe'n candy is working. The kids are allowed one item after each meal. Yesterday they were like pavlov's dogs gobbling up their food to get the treat. Today not so much. Yesterday we didn't have an huge meltdowns so that was very nice.

However, The bug requested to bake peanut butter cookies this morning so now that we finished that they are having a picnic with their peanut butter cookie.

Now I have to get everyone dressed so we can play BINGO, my they are full of requests today!

I have to go into work this afternoon. I just really want to get caught up before this week from H E double hockey sticks (so 80's) sets in. We are hosting a seminar at work and guess who is in charge? I have final testing to complete on some new monthly reports for our IT department, plus finalize the ticket count for our client theatre night (thank goodness I don't have to do the seating arrangements)all that on top of an abnormally busy month of claims for my regular job. It never rains it pours.

Hopefully I will be able to keep up my posting for
NaBloPoMo. It's always such a fun challenge. Last year not so much. I started out well and ran into post block. this year I am going to give it a go. If you want to help me out leave a topic in the comments and I will give it a whirl.

Not that I like using the T.V. for a babysitter but I love the 20mins of peace that Toot and Puddle allow me on a Sunday Morning. Long live travelling Pigs!

Have a great day!

30 days of blogging

NaBloPoMo
Join me and a few friends Tracey and Jenny as we drive ourselves insane. We are trying to fit a post a day for thirty days into our already busy lives.

should be interesting.... may require marguaritas...many.

A Rainbow Moth

My children are complex individuals. We have been busy getting ready for Hallowe'en. the kids are excited and 2 1/2 and almost 5 I think this is the first year they really get it.

The bug started out with wanting to be a spikey caterpillar and then wanted to be a crysallis? that would have been a little tricky and required a LOT of explaining. Luckily he moved on and decided on a MOTH. mmmmmm... In an effort to see his vision I asked What kind of moth. His answer. A Rainbow Moth. mmmmmmmm... In an effort to seek further clarification. What does a rainbow moth look like?

You know... it has wings, with colors and fluttery.

Right I'll get right on that.

turns out when I offered him the chance to paint his own wings all was good and we have an "interesting" costume.

Here's a peek at the action.



And the peanut doing her best Jackson Pollock



HAPPY HALLOWE'EN

Still crazy busy Wednesday

What a whirl wind week. On top of being sick which is totally hindering passion for life. I had/have a lot of commitments this week.

Work is crazy busy we are testing a new report format and I have to get it done by the end of the week. Others are depending on me to get it done.

I had a great workshop with my Mom's group - we did a special project I whipped up on family trees using a preprinted family tree page and the Creative Memories leaf punch. I wish I had one to show you but I had an extra person show up and did not even get to do my own :( That's okay the ones that the ladies did were absolutely fabulous I know they will be treasured keepsakes in the years to come.

Today just concentrating on getting a little caught up at work.

I also wanted to get my submission in for the 2Scrapbook Friends Design Team call . Since it is my favorite store I thought I would apply. I had a few layouts that I thought would work. Now that I met the deadline I feel more inspired so I don't really know what to do about that. Re-submit new layouts of just hang tight. mmmmm. We'll see how much time I have left before the deadline on Friday.

Hubster is out tonight so maybe I will get some time to myself to contemplate after I get the kids off to bed.

I'm really looking forward to my "empty" weekend. No real plans we'll just go with the flow.

Some fun from the weekend

Even though it was raining we had a lot of fun the 2008 Murray Pumpkin Carve. Our dear friends have finally moved in to a beautiful home and decided they were going to decorate their yard with over 40 pumpkins. So this was kind of like the house warming where you invite everyone to come help you paint...but different. Everyone in attendance was REQUIRED (yes required) to carve a pumpkin. Of course this is hubby's favorite time of year so he was happy to oblige, bring his own tools and everything.

He did several some with the kids some on his own. Some how between treats and mini meltdowns I only got a photo of this one.



I think this was the Bugs pick.

Crazy busy I still feel like crap and I only have a few more days to get my design team submission together. Not sure if I'm going to make it or not.

Doing a family tree project tomorrow night with my mom's group. So exciting! Work was a total drag today it took me almost all day just to get my inbox under control. not to mention my personal stuff.

Full time work - job security and health and dental benefits are just SO overrated.

Whew - What a weekend

Well Croptoberfest is over for another year.

We had a great time catching up on what is going on in each others lives. Some people have new babies others have taken grand trips to places around the globe and brought back fantastic photos and stories to share. Otherswere quietly working on Christmas cards and other personal projects for their children, parents and special people in their lives.

It was a great day to re-affirm to me. Why I choose to spend some of my spare time doing what I do. helping people perserve memories and thank the special people in their lives.

I was able to get 1000 photos loaded on my computer and made a dent in labeling and journalling around some of the photos maybe about 300 so even though the weekend was about serving my friends I did manage to have some productivity myself.

I wish I had some photos to share, but I forgot to take my camera and will have to wait to get photos from my co-host. :(

Hope you all had a great weekend with your families.

Today we are going to a pumpkin carve. It's pretty cold out so we will have to bundle up, but I think we will all have a great time.

Crazy Busy Life

Whew!
I have not been feeling well. I had a small intestinal virus that kept indisposed for two days - killer. Needless to say thankfully it seems to be clearing up since I haven't been indisposed for a whole 6 hours now.

Which is good because tonight is CROPTOBERFEST. A one night one day scrapbooking extravaganza that I host with a fellow consultant. So I have been running around this afternoon getting ready. I'm not sure I have everything and I think I will be squeaking in JUST in time. I hope my co-host doesn't freak when I blow in an hour before show time. This event is always alot of fun for us and ALWAYS pulls together at the last minute so why should this year be any different.

Cheers

Try Again

Well someone was a bit of a shit! And refreshed their page view about 10 times to be the 2500 hit and then did not claim the prize.

So we will try this again.

Leave a comment in the comment section and I will pick a random # and you will be the new winner!

Not only will you win a copy of "the IT girls guide to blogging with Moxie" I just may throw in a little gift card from Chapters if blogging is not your favorite topic.

Hope to hear from you.

2500 view Give-Away

Getting Closer.

If you are visitor #2500. Drop me an email and you will win This

I read this book a little while ago and it had some great tips for blogging/posting.

It has taken me a little longer than I thought but I am finishing up my thoughts on some Cerebral Palsy topics and hope to post them later this week.

Have a great day!

Weekend recap

Wow what great weather we had this weekend! I was going to load up some photos but I am still getting used to this damn this and now if is almost 11pm and I should have been in bed an hour ago. I have this sore throat again. Which I can almost guarantee you is from raking leaves today, I am so easily irritated by the mold that grows on leaves in the fall.

Suckage! (now there's something I haven't said since the 80's.

I keep hitting wrong buttons. It's going to take a while to get used to this thing.

I decided on an HP Pavilion. I wish I could give you more details but that is all the box says. I have some photos of the disaster that was the unpacking and putting together, but like I said I need to get some sleep and i can only learn so many new things in one day. I managed to get a few up yesterday, but that was in the morning when I had my wits about me not later at night when I have been surfing the net.

Excuses, Excuses. I know hopefully tomorrow will be a little more productive for blogging-posting-whatever

Night!

A card or two

Just a quick post to justify the last hour in peace.



and this one


If only I could have a few more hours. sigh!

To do List

So many things to do.

-Finish loading software on new laptop and upload some photo cards so I can clear them up
-Laundry (ugh)
-Paperwork from last 3 scrapbooking workshops I have hosted
-Start packing for big workshop next weekend
-finishing touches to CP blog post series for next week (?)
-Up load some photos to share with you guys
-Buy Food
-Clean up office
-Finishing touches on Design Team submissions for 2 Scrapbook Friends
-prepare for busy week next week

:)

New Computer operational

I think we did it. I had to enlist the computer illiterate but electronically inclined hubster to help me test, check, retest and re check all the outlet, inlets, ports, wires, connectors, routers, lans, wans and shenanigans.

But I think we got it. It took awhile to get the modem straightened out and it is still running a little slow but I am just happy to access my email again.

So now that it is almost 11pm. I gotta get to bed and get some sleep.

I'm sure I will be spending the weekend getting acquainted with my new friend VISTA I hear she is a real BITCH sometimes.

Ahhh I wish I could have afforded a MAC but then it would be another two years before I would be typing this post.

So far so good. We are functional.

Now \i have to get used to the new keyboard.

A Long Time

Apparently it was not really my boat anchor of a computer that was causing all the trouble it was the Stupid modem and now I have to wait until Bell sends me a new modem. aaarrggghhhh!

Surprise

Guess what I am picking up tonight???

Here's a riddle.

How long will it take a 36 year old working mother of two to get her NEW Computer hooked up and online?????

I'll let you know tomorrow or maybe the next day or the next.

Birthday Party List

I am Turkey and Pumpkin pied out. What a weekend. The weather was fabulous. I made dinner for 12. I made it packed it and traveled it 40 mins to my sisters house, so she wouldn't have to move a muscle from her house with her 2 week old baby. Not only was it thanksgiving but is was also her daughter, Button's 2nd birthday. Here was my plan:

Mini Pumpkin Painting with glitter glue option
Fresh Veggies and Dip (my brother)
Cheese and Crackers (my brother)
Party hats (made by my kids 4 and 2, very interesting)
Roast Beef (me)
Oven Roasted Chicken (me)
Steamed Carrots (me)
Hash Brown Cassarole (my mom)
Green beans with Almonds (Granny)
Mushy Peas (me)
Garlic Bread (store bought by me)
Backyardigans plates and napkins (me)
Lots of photos
Lots of grass to run and play on
Awesome bare feet weather

It was great!

Oh by the way I found a link for the Bugaboo Baby Stroller Here

Have a great Tuesday!

Cerebral Palsy Topics

I haven't written about this topic in awhile, alot of things have been floating around in my head. I am getting considerable hits from several search engines on this topic and feel a responsibility to provide information that I have acquired.

So Look for folks next week a series of posts on Cerebral Palsy, I'm thinking the topics will most likely be:

Coping with Diagnosis
Treatment and decision making
Equipment
Our marriage and having a child with Cerebral Palsy
The future
how others see us
Links

And of course..... buggies I've been doing some more research.

All my Canadians have a great thanksgiving weekend and enjoy this fabulous weather.
To all my American friends Y'all keep going - 6 weeks till Thanksgiving for you.

Till Tuesday!

Thursday

I am having one of "those" days. I keep thinking today is Friday and then I am totally bummed that it is Thursday and I still have to keep going.

So excited tonight to have a "CROP" with my buddies. We haven't gotten together for 6 weeks but it seems like forever. I miss them. We should have lots to catch up about tonight.

Baby B is doing awesome and he is soooooooo cute. It is making me ache for another little one, but at 36 I don't know if my body and mind can handle it.

Just a short post today. Longer post tomorrow.

Hello busy Tuesday

I am starting to feel like a hamster on a treadmill. This virus illness is really getting to me. I can't seem to get anything done. I'm doing the "right" thing by going to bed early and getting as much sleep as possible. The TO DO list just keeps getting bigger. I rely heavily on the 8:45 to 10pm time slot to get some shit done around our home.

Today I am working until 1:30
2pm physiotherapy for The Bug
3:30 meeting with Extend-a-family to apply for therapy aide funding
5pm set up for school BBQ
5:30 pm School BBQ - book fair, treasure hunt etc.
7:30 meet a friend for scrap supply swap

Crazy day! I also have to get stamps because I have some bills and forms to send out ASAP.

This is alway part of October, just when you think you should be in a schedule of some kind you're not and you're mad at yourself.

We have baby button's birthday this weekend plus thanksgiving so hopefully after that things will settle down alittle and we will be in a more established routine.

Anyone else feeling the same way!

Friday Post - I'm ill'in - But I have good news!

After the oh so fun bout with Tonsillitis. I am happy to announce that I have a wonderful sinus cold and I'm lubbin it! Work is so busy I can't really take any time off. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend to recoup.

So. Grab a cup oh joe and catch up with me.

My sister went into labour on Monday (my brief day of wellness, thanks fate)and had her baby on Monday night (two weeks early) 1/2 hour of hard labour and 3 pushes (what a bitch)she knows it she owns it and she flips the rest of us off.

So I have a beautiful, no handsome new nephew who was 6lbs, 10oz and he is positively adorable. I wish I could tell you his name but I don't have permission so I will call him Baby B. Not to be confused with my niece Baby Button.

My grandfather is doing extremely well recovering from his triple by-pass surgery, he has experienced a few panic attacks which where scary for him but not life threatening. I would panic too if a doc was holding my heart in his hands and picking and poking at it.

I found these beauties that have solved my problem of Labeling all of the things BugaLoo has to take to school, equipment, lunch containers, hats, sweaters and stuff. I love them! Canadian company to boot.

Held a scrapbooking intro class for a group of parents at my children's treatment centre. It was so fulfilling to be able to introduce these parents to memory keeping and documenting their child's lives and their own thoughts as they work through parenting a child with special needs. Loved IT!

Gearing up for a workshop in October and teaching a session on Christmas cards and tags! Sweet.

Both hubby and I have this cold so far the kids are doing well. The thing I hate the most is no kissing my hubby. We have declared abstinence for a week period to see if we can stop passing this back and forth and clear our house. But I miss him! Sigh!

I still have people search for Buggy info so I am going to post THIS again since it kinda got lost at the bottom of a previous post.

If you are looking for some art inspiration HERE at KAL's is my favorite place to go.

Also planning a book review for Monday or Tuesday. check back to find out who.

Friday Post - Buggys and other stuff.

No real topic today since I didn't get my act together to do a poll. I know I still owe someone a post on Scrapbooking but I will save that for next week.

Here's mish mash of what I'm thinking about.

Grey's Anatomy - anticlimatic. Do they really expect us to believe that Hahn never kissed a girl before??? Sorry be we knew by the second or third episode she was on that she dug the gals over the guys. I think they could have done better with that.

Izzie's Denny flash back WTF? No idea maybe Izzie will go insane this year.

Derek and Meredith - whatever? Same old Same old. I liked it the first season I guess I will deal with it for another season.

Crazy nurse Rose could have been played a little better but oh well.

But of course I will continue to watch it's like a train wreck you can't bare to look at it but you can't look away!

My Grandpa is doing excellent and is home and we are so happy. He has been checking his email and going about his business and after being the hospital for three weeks he is just ecstatic to be home with his "lady". I think my Nana is very happy he is home too.

I wonder what it is like to be in love with someone for over 60years and know that your time together is getting shorter and shorter. I wish them many many more years of hanging out together.

Our apple tree is killing us, we have sooooooo many apples. I got a great tip for making pie filling and freezing it from A Frugal Housewife. So that is what I will be doing this weekend.

And for all of you who come looking here for BUGGY INFORMATION I have done a little research and found THIS to help you out.

Oh My Goodness what a week!

I have been absent, absent from everything. Apparently a little too much stress which decided to manifest itself in a wonderful bout of TONSILLITIS! What am I in the 3rd grade again. I think I have had this once maybe twice before in my entire life. So UNCOOL.

So I suffered for two days during which I thought I had a virus then I finally copped and went to the doctor and then 3 days off work, antibiotics, and voila I finally can swallow without wincing and I only have a mild headache.

In all of that my Pabob's heart surgery got pushed back 3 days in a row, but he finally had it and he is doing so well they are sending him home today! I can't believe they crack open your chest on a Thursday and send you home the following Tuesday. I hope when I am 82 I am as brave and resilient as my Pabob.

And I am still computerless since I have been in bed for the past week, and I have meetings all the rest of the week. I am hoping I can get a computer bought and set up this weekend. Please Pretty please.

Okay I seriously owe you guys a post!

Well first of all I'm so sorry I blew the ole Friday post. No computer not ability to upload photos, no NOTHIN!

So, just bare with me for a little rant and all will be well soon.

DH and I have been sick, that kind of sick where you have a headache and you feel nauseous but you never actually get sick. So together we were just really lazy sacks of shit all week. DH called in sick two days. I managed to make it to work but don't kid yourself people...I had to lay the ole head down on the desk once or twice a day.

Now I think the kids have it a little bit so I hope they don't get it quite so bad.

My Grandpa aka Choo Choo Bob had a small heart attack last tues and was admitted to the hospital, where he had an angiogram and ANOTHER small heart attack (AT THE SAME TIME). Currently that leaves him awaiting a Quadruple bypass operation THIS MORNING. I was able to visit him twice over the weekend and that was a great comfort to me and I hope to him and my Nana. I'm the first grandchild and a big suck hole for my Nana and Pa-Bob. He is 82 years old and in pretty good health, he exercises regularly and eats a fairly good diet. He really has all the factors going for him. If something happens it will be truly a fluke and truly just his time to go. So I wait and hope and keep my fingers crossed that all will be well.

We had alot of rain this weekend and it was all I could do to get out and do the groceries so TOP of the LIST this week is COMPUTER SHOPPING.

Oh anyone out there EXPECTING...my sister is and I found this Cool Sleepy Wrap so I am going to order her one is the dark brown I think.

The Bugaloo is doing well in school and adjusting to the new routine of going full days. He made it through his first two days but on his third he had to have a little nap. So Cute!

Peanut is totally pissed that she has to stay home but I guess that's alway the way for the younger sibling.

We are getting ready for an election here in Canada and I'm sad. I'm sad because voting is going to be such a burden this time. It's like a multiple choice question: Which one of these candidates is the Least Asshole, jerk, two faced, lying , backstabbing, complete idiot on the planet. There are no GOOD choices only the least bad choice. mmmmmmm

Alright that was a little bit of everything to get you caught up and understand the infrequent posts. I'm planning on a great post in the next 48 hours to let you know that Choo Choo Bob is out of Cardiac ICU and on the step down unit and they are sewing his chest back up and he is doing as well as can be expected.

Have a great week all!

Kinda back - Don't forget to vote

Haven't been able to replace the computer yet. No time!
Limping computer through a post or two. Definately shopping this weekend.

Had a great workshop on the weekend with 25 Frosh at St. Jeromes University. What a great group. Even though they were exhausted at the end of a very hectic week, they managed to power through a few exercises and write some great journaling about their first week at university and scrapbook some beautiful pages.

I love doing large groups like that, the creative energy is great!

I have posted a poll for the Friday topic. Don't forget to vote.

Shhhhhh!

Computer Crash
Posting from work
hoping to get new computer this week.
Gotta go!
Be back soon!

Organizing/Life Balance

We all have crazy hectic lives... and mine is no different.

Therefore, the rest of this post will be later on tonight

My apologies!

Don't forget to vote!

See the poll, vote for the topic for tomorrow's post. Or post a comment for a topic not listed.

Ciao!

Help Me!

I was just trying to be comfortable, I picked a comfortable (but pretty) skirt to wear. A matching soft brushed cotton shirt to wear. And a soft 3/4 sleeve sweater since it was kinda chilly this morning. Instead of being soft and pretty.

I look like some heinous candidate for the tv show Big Love. Like I could be the 4th wife.

Tips for the Future:

LOOK IN THE MIRROR BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE.

I have spent half of my day trying to make this outfit work. NOT SO MUCH!

Somedays it doesn't matter how much you want to have a good day, the universe has other plans.

Other than looking like a mormon multiple wife. I'm having a great day so oh well!

Hope you are too!

Cool Idea for back to school

Here's a great idea I had.

I did up some cards that look like little chalk boards. I made one for my son to put in his lunch the first day of school. AND I made one for him to give to his teacher.

Too cute!

I would post a photo but I'm having issues with my computer. New laptop is on its way! Can hardly wait!

Sorry for the short postie today. But I did post a poll for the Friday Topic.

Yahoo.

iPod Shuffle - My new friend

My brother is so cool. awhile ago I sent him an email that if anyone was looking for an idea for my birthday I would really appreciate an iPod shuffle, since it looks like I am sticking with the running this so far.

So yesterday I got a cute little pink package with a purple bow on it with a fully loaded iPod shuffle.

Thanks Bro!

Now my little brother has a sense of humour! I have a few wonderful surprise on there so far. Like Elvis (which was a good surprise) Leonard Cohen (ok surprise) Feist singing 1,2,3,4 which I could do without!

Ha ha.

Anyone have any gotta have's for my playlist?

Where's the Olympic Spirit?

I have viewed these olympics with mixed feelings. No one can deny Michael Phelps, he has worked hard and trained well and deserved all the praise and medals he has won at these olympics. I am impressed by Dana Torres coming back for what her 4th-5th olympics?

Our totally underfunded Canadians have exceeded our medal total from Athens so rock on to them. Imagine what we could do with actually funding and training facilities that are not shared or donated.

But I am disturbed by a few things I have seen and heard. People judging Usain Bolt the Jamician runner who has been accused of "showboating" and "gloating" over his fellow competitors. Anyone who can run 100m in less than 9.7 seconds can be as happy and "showboatiey" as he likes. The entire Chinese Gymastic team is being investigated again after they have already provided idetification and verification of the gymnasts ages, because there are rumors that many team members are under age. there were two DQs in the mens 200m sprint for steping out on the line. COME ON PEOPLE DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT SHAVED AND EXTRA .25 OFF THEIR TIME.! I think not.

Last but not least I read today that a Marial Arts competitor Kicked a referee in the FACE (are you kidding me?) Because he was upset with the refereeing.

All I have to say is WOW!

Faaaccckkkk! A Friday Post

I think I blew the whole life balance thing this week. First things first I forgot to post a poll for a Friday post topic. So therefore, no Fucking Friday Post! Doink!

It's been a whirl wind week around here not made any better by my fourteen yearold neice who is babysitting. I swear to GOD that girl! She is super with the kids however she a SMALL (read HUGE FUCKING) problem cleaning up after.

SUPER FANTASTIC Bugaloo you re-created Mr. maker's house FABULOUS. Why is there a big fucking orange puddle of paint on my Goddamn carpet! ( I hate the green carpet but that is beside the point. ) OH LOVELY you recreated Mr.Makers couch out of homemade playdough..SUPER! Yes I can see that ground into the chairs in the dining room SWEET. I'm so glad you used food coloring because that won't stain their clothes at all. Now where is the leftover pladough and the containers you made it in. GREAT didn't find those until the next day all hardened in to the containers and I will have to pry out with a chisel. SUPER FUN. You used a TONNE of sitckers to decorate Mr. Maker's Doodle Drawers? I can tell the paper backing of the stickers are ALL OVER the floor. AWESOME!

I can also tell that you had juice boxes, yogurt, granola bars, raisins, gum, and something else that turned in to a BIG ASS pile of crumbs. GOOD GOD!

Whew! Now I have to admit we only pay her 20 bucks for the day so it's alittle over 2bucks an hour But HOLY SHIT! I don't want to hire a restoration crew everyday she babysits.

I don't know how a 14yr can get through life being such a disaster honestly. I don't want to crush her self esteem, I just don't know how to make it clear to her that this is a job she is supposed to be helping me. Not turning my hosue into a disaster zone. I offered her the opportunity to babysit because she was applying to Tim Horton's this would impead her family from travelling to their cottage if she had to work the weekend. So this solved two problems, gave her some spending money and allowed her family to travel on the weekend. How did being nice backfire so badly?

So I am thankful that next week is the last week she is babysitting. Only 2 more days to go. Then I get my cleaning helper back (the neat cousin,too bad she can't babysit).

oohhmmmm!

Simon Whitfield - ROCKS

Did anyone see the coverage of the Olymipic men's triathlon. I did and it was AWESOME. Simon struggled with the heat and pacing. In the last two kms he fell behind and I thought the day was done.

He threw off his hat and poured on the inspiration to close a 15 metre gap and pushed through to come in 2nd for the silver medal. I have goose bumps just typing this.

He is so funny. Afterwards I saw an interview with him where he was talking about the differences between seasoned athletes and first timers. He said he was in the staging area listening to his IPOD and playing some games with some of the guys while other "first time" athletes were warming up doing big stretches and little sprints.

He said he just sat back and chuckled to himself." That's it boys, its really HOT out there, go ahead and warm up some more"

I just find him so inspiring, he is such a straightforward, no nonsense, say what's on his mind kinda guy.

I tell you that is what I was thinking as I was funning by myself yesterday for 16 mins without stopping 2 times in a row. Yeah for me! It felt good! Finally!

I might also have a "little" crush on simon whitfield - can you tell?

Life Strategies - a simple story

A father passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, 'Dad.' With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.

'Dear, Dad.
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you. I've been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her, because of all her piercing's, tattoos, her tight motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am.

But it's not only the passion, Dad. She's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't, really hurt anyone We'll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.

In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!! Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit, so you can get to know your many grandchildren.

Love, your son, Joshua.



P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jason's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that's on my desk.
I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

Holy Hell Batman

I am tired. DH and I just finished a quick tidy up of our outdoor dinner party for my birthday and our anniversary. I would like to say it was for our friends BUT it was for our family. Not that I don't like my family because I do. We just have this annoying unspoken unwritten rule that says who ever is hosting has to do ALL the work and those attending don't have to do ANYTHING.

Now I still can't complain because DH and I live BESIDE my MIL which meant we split the prep and cooking for todays event and she did most of the clean up because I looked after all the kids (2 of which were mine so again can't be complaining).

I made my world famous RIBS which were AWESOME if I do say so myself and since there are... Oh... NONE left out of 15 POUNDS of ribs I would say everyone got their fill.

It was not just my birthday but also my SIL birthday (she is a few days before me, it was not just our anniversary it was also my BIL and same SIL (who shares the birthday month) anniversary (whose is a few weeks before us, 3 I think). there were married 12 years ago and DH and I jsut celebrated 5 years (2nd marriage for both of us, if you are new here)

My other SIL who usually hosts this particular event moved this weekend (ugg, she won't recover for weeks)so I feel for her I really do. But FUCK that was alot of work.

So it works like this in DH's family.

Nonno and Nonna - rule both emigrated from Italy very progressive but still are steeped in old world tradition. Really you couldn't ask for a better mix. And she only rides me about going to church 5-7 times a year. They live beside us and really they look after us. I have it good. Nonna probably cooks for our family atleast once a week and at most 4 nights a week. Nonno sometimes he tells the same stories over and over and over again. Sometimes they really get on my nerves, but in retrospect I know he is passing on he knowledge and my childrens history, so I try to listen. Sometimes though, I just give up and go do dishes.

Son #1 and SIL 2nd marriage. 2nd marriage for both. Son one child, SIL 2 kids, no kids together. SIL 1 can be jealous now and then of realtionship I have carefully cultivated with MIL. I say she needs to step out side herself and not take herself so goddamned seriously. Nonna loves all of us. You get what you give, Know what I mean?

Son #2 and SIL - these two have been married for (oh I don't know FOREVER) kidding about 17 years I think maybe 18. She converted to catholisicm so she is IN with a capital I. SIL can do no wrong not that I have seen. She has earned it though. She is very thoughtful, very fun and always willign to help out anyway she can.

SON # 3 and ME - I love my DH and he is a spoiled Italian man - what can I say. Lots of training and electro-shock therapy have helped.

Son#4 - S.O. have been dating for jsut under a year I think (he's private and lives in TO)LOVE this guy, he is interesting and calm (opposite of my DH)He is just a little less than a year younger than me and went to school with some people I know. He jsut returned from Thailand so we did a little catching up. Never enough time to talk with this guy. His S.O. could not make it today but she has graduated law school and is a great gal I really like her so far.

Son#1 daughter and her boyfriend - really make an effort to stay connected to the family and often stop by. My DH was in trade school the same time boyfriend started so they rode back and forth for a few months and we have become close with them.

Son # 1 step daughter and boyfriend - glad to seen D2 with this guy he seems so nice and better yet nice to her. Last boyfriend was a WHACK JOB as in had to get a restraining order whack job!

Other kids include 16 year old boy with NO job lazy as hell and like to hear about it from the rest of us (as near as I can tell)

14 yr old Girl who lets boobs hang out and thinks it's great fun to make fun and degrade her sister to make herself feel good. I sese issues in our future!

12 yr old Girl whose sister is a teenager (see above) who is manipulative in her own right but atleast has the presence of mind to negotiate a WIn WIn to get what she wants. She will be one to keep an eye on.

7 year old boy whose heart is in the right place he is just... a 7 year old boy and accidents happen. He is often the victim of circumstance. It may not be entirely his fault but if he would have thought for a second,,, Crisis would have been averted.

My two the Bugaloo (a little spoiled and a Type A first born used to getting his own way, who is entirely too logical somtimes) and the Peanut (just a crazy two year ol, with a great scowl)

We had a great day until the bugs started eating us to death and then it was a pretty quick clear out. I think NOnna is still putting leftovers away and finally the rest of my family is fast asleep. I think I may crack a cold one and thank the almighty that I made it - ALIVE.

Happy Birth-aversary to me!

Things that make me go Mmmmmm.

Why George Bush even went to China? - Dink

Why Stephan Dion keeps threatening to challenge the current government and then does NOTHING! - Dink

Why would a government cut funding to senior citizens and disabled children?

Why the NEW Coke - still troubles me after all these years

Why underwear on the outside of your clothing is more or less acceptable???? Male or Female.

Why do dishes multiply in the sink - even if no one is home??

Why is there NO organic way to get black magic marker out of my couch fabric!

Why is there NO industrial cancer causeing chemical way to get black magic marker out of my couch fabric?

Where did they get the fucking black magic marker?

I'm at home today with my kids so short post today especially if I want to avert another black magic marker incident and keep the dishes and laundry at bay.

See you at
Minivan Mom's Dinner Party

Pour me another margarita!

Thanks

What a great birthday! Lots of well wishes from friends and family. Cake and then more Cake (can't go wrong there)I ran just over 4 km yesterday a first for me.

A massage, the babysitter cleaned my house and made the kids beds, homemade cards from my kids, flowers, plants. A massage, a little scrapbook shopping, and BEST of all A BIG hug from my husband who told me I looked beautiful and he loved me!

OOOHH! I know that is so sappy but that is just how my day went yesterday and I could not be happier.

I have to tell you, it was not the easiest life to get to this point but yesterday I just revelled in all the great things I had going on and I was truly thankful.

I did not want to go to bed last night. Well that and Ladies Gymnastics was on!

I feel so fortunate...my life is good. Just the way I made it!

Thanks

Yes It's my birthday!

I was trying to be reflective this morning. I was trying to look back at my life.

But I am just plain happy.

Gotta go more later

A long short week!

Hope everyone enjoyed their civic holiday. Somehow the August long weekend always kicks my butt. The short week that follows always seems soooooo long.

Can't believe that we are through the first week of August already! We are off to t-ball today and then we'll see where the wind takes us. The kids are tired from spending friday at the farm and could probably use a break today. I know I could use a break today. I am tired.

I ran at lunch all 4 days this week I probably should have taken one day off atleast but if you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you will know that I am really struggling with the concept of muscle weighs more than fat.

That number on the scale keeps climbing I am almost back to where I started which after 3.5 months on running 3 times a week. Is just...well...goddamned depressing.

I know... I know... I fucking know it's not the number on the scale it's how you feel and how your clothes fit. For this I am greatful because A) my jeans look fabulous on my sorry tired ass and B) I think I came within a smidgen of the fabled "runner's high" today. All I know is I didn't feel like a dirty rotten sticky stinky gym sock with a hole in it when I came in from running today.

So life is good.

The Bugaloo is showing signs of his hamstings tightening up again and I can't seem to get a hold of the docs office to get our next round of botox booked. I have been trying to get him in before school starts so he doesn't have to miss a day of school. He's back to toe walking and complaining about it hurting when we ask him to stand flat footed. He has burned through ANOTHER pair of shoes so I will have to break in the spares and go shopping for new spares. Anyone know where I can buy shares in Nike?

The Peanut is progressing nicely through the terrible twos by being...well..what else TERRIBLE! we are on to pouting and generally being disagreeable ALOT. But when she's good she is really good and really CUTE. So we will keep her.

Friday Post - Life Balance

This post is a perfect example of Life Balance. I realized that my blog was lacking some intellectual content. I mean I'm sure my family and a few of my friends appreciated the updates but I kept getting emails asking if I was okay because the tone, and wit of my usual communication was not coming through. I do not have time to come up with a witty intelligent post everyday. I also can't rely on photos to entertain you as previously posted I have computer issues. So I sat down to decide what I could manage, and now I am trying to make that work for me. Hence the polls that have started and the topical Friday posts. Yeah for me!

That in a nutshell is Life Balance. Decide what you want to do and then figure what part of that is manageable. ACCEPT that under perfect circumstances you would do it all and do it perfectly, but because the circumstances are less then perfect you will do what you can manage and KNOW in your heart that you have contributed in a way that makes you happy. Do I sound like Pollyanna?

Life Balance is about managing your expectations. Not lowering them! Hear me very clearly! Managing them. We all want to make contributions. Many of us have been raised with the notion that we can have it all! What "they" forgot to tell us is that we will require lots of help, have to make LOTS of sacrifices and generally question ourselves on a daily basis. Great! Where does that leave us?

For me personally what does this look like I will give you a glimpse.
-I HAVE to work (I have the heath and dental benefits)
-I stay up late on Tuesdays because that is the only creative time I have
-I run almost everyday at lunch because I only have 3-4 hours with my kids after work and that is more important than my waist line.
-I run because I need to be healthy to take care of my family
-I communicate with my friends via email because its the only way for me to maintain some type of communication on a regular basis right now (this hurts me and I'm working on it)
-Local friends I try to see once every 6 weeks (this is what I can manage right now)
-Out of town friends not.so.much! (I even missed my god daughters birthdays this year and that really really SUCKS)

-My husband and I don't have date nights but we do have dinner together almost ever night and we spend a 1/2 hour together almost everynight after we get the kids to bed. This is what we do for us and yes there are some nights that I give up my creative time or Grey's Anatomy so that I can make love with my husband, because hey he's HOT and after all this time he still makes me tingly.

-I volunteer with KIDSABILITY (where the bug has therapy)
-We give one donation a year to Kidsability and turn everyone else away although I have supported other organizations who are selling something I would have purchased otherwise (ie christmas cards)

I have found that life balance for me has been about focusing on what I wanted when I started out in my twenties, (which was being a mom and having a happy marriage and being a successful person) and what that means to me each year. Trying to make that work and not get too lost in all the other images and expectations that I am bombarded with on a daily basis. There are so many things that I get interested in and want to do or participate in, but I have to ask myself if it will help our hurt my original goals of "happy family". Somethings I can make room for, somethings will only cause a temporary imbalance and will be beneficial in the long run. Somethings I just have to pass on and say no. I would have to say that these are the hardest decisions.

I don't claim to have all the answers this is what helps me. I was planning on linking a bunch of information but I am running out of time. Ahh the delicate balance. Maybe I will put this on the poll for next week.

Right now I have to go because if I don't get to work we are going to have an "IMBALANCE" if I get fired.

Have a great day! Let me know what you think?

Shannon :)

Don't forget to vote!

Don't forget to vote for a post topic for tomorrow!

Running and Buggies

Well first of all I have to apologize to everyone in the free world who is looking for the Bugaloo Baby Buggy Stroller. The word search activity on that phrase connecting people to my blog has been extreme. I wish I knew more about the stroller all I do know is that it was out of my price range and therefore I stopped looking for it.

AND THEN.... I hope instead of finding your stroller you found a little humour with a tip here and there to make your life easier.

AND THEN... for those of you who travelled here due to a search on Cerebral palsy. I will do my best to provide a few more posts on this subject in hopes of helping you out, treatment, behaviour, parenting, school, my personal feelings, fundraising,etc. You tell me what you would like to know>>>.

AND THEN.....

Running, it is going well as far as running goes... we are upto 7 mins of continuous running before we take a 1 minute break so all in all not bad. Am I losing any inches YES Ma'am. Am I losing any weight Hell NO and I am PISSED off (with a capital P) How can so much work not reap any rewards in the weight loss category. Boo Hiss. And the first person who tells me it's because I am gaining muscle mass can take a long hard suck on my lily white A$$! I want to see those numbers drop damn it!

AND THEN.... No more and then For now!

Cloudy Day

Well, it's cloudy here today, and not the big puffy clouds either, just gray and gloomy. Good thing we had such and awesome weekend to keep me going through the week.

I am hoping that I will be able to buy my new computer this week. I have been scrimping and saving. This old boat anchor has seen better days. I keep getting error messages for simple tasks. It is over 4 years old, practically an antique. I have been way too afraid to upload anymore photos incase the whole thing just goes POOF and I lose everything. So I have only been using it to check my email and blog a little bit.

I have lots of photos to upload and save and I have my new Storybook Creator PLUS software that I cannot wait to start using.

So exciting. I will probably have to wait until Friday or Saturday and then hopefully next week I can show you what I have been working on lately.

Have a great Monday!
Shann

LONG WEEKEND

Gotta love the long weekend. We took the kids out to my parents farm for our first "camping trip" We camped way in the back field so the kids would get the feeling of being out there by ourselves. We spent the evening at the barn doing chores and then had a BBQ dinner with Neena and Papa. Then time to retire to the tent so we took our long walk out to the field and dug out our fire pit and got everything ready for a fire. Then we got the kids in the pjs and blankets and sat them in the chairs to watch the fire. they were totally into it, getting the glazed look in their eyes as they watched the flames dance in the twilight.

I cracked out the s'mores because the bug was so excited about it. Only to discover that he really just preferred the raw marshmellows because the cooked ones were tooo STICKY. The peanut however that that cooked marshmellows was a treat sent to her by God himself. She really enjoyed them. So then happy and sticky we took them back to the tent and read our stories and laid with them in the tent for about 40 mins listening to the crickets and the sound of the water in the creek. The horses thundering back and forth along the fence line because they were so curious about this fire and rather large tent that had invaded their peaceful landscape.

Finally the kids fell asleep and hubby and I sat around the fire and had a couple of beers and watched the stars, which are so much brighter out there away from the lights of the city. I think my hubby got just a peak into how I grew up and why I can't stand the city so much.

I really hope someday soon we will be able to move out of the city.

The next day Bugaloo was up BEFORE the rooster for crying out loud. By atleast 15 - 20 minutes. He announced MOM MOM the sun is coming up! So he and Dad got up and watched the Sun come up and Me and Peanut we slept until 7 or so. We had breakfast in the tent screen room and then we headed up to see Neena and Papa again (because they had COFFEE). Then we spent the morning doing chores and helping out on the farm and packing up the tent. We got home and convinced the kids to have a nap (2 hours later) I thought I had better get some groceries for our house.

We had a great time with the kids for our first trip. Now we can't wait to do it again. I think this will be a great way to spend our summer weekends.

Clutter and Organizing

The votes are in and it looks like this will be a post about clutter and organizing.

What the Key? - Throw some SHIT away! kidding....

What is clutter? Everything that doesn't have a home. All the crap that you have no where to put. Ity Bity treasures that your kids find outside, gifts your kids get from the doctor or the dentist for being good patient. Magazines, flyers (ugh), the shoes, the bag of hand-me-downs that you haven't gone through yet or given away yet.

It all just piles up. After reading Peter Walsh's book It's all too much I realized that it really is a mind set. You need to deal with clutter as it happens, get rid of the flyers that you are never going to look at, for example for us right now in our lives we never look at the Nevada Bob's Golf store flyer, neither one of us are going golfing anytime soon, even if we had to play tomorrow we have all the equipment we need to get us through 1 or 2 tournaments there is no need to read that flyer. Same goes for grocery stores that I just won't go to. For me the Price Chopper is just not convenient- EVER. So I turf that flyer too even if they have cheese on sale for 50 cents I know I will never go there so forget it.

Another tip I have read from Marilu Henner is "Never leave a room empty handed" I think that has proved very useful. You would be amazed what gets picked up one handful at a time.

In our household we have found that the family calendar with a to do list and grocery list attached or posted in close proximity is a life saver. All activities nights out, etc get put on the calendar as they are booked. Items used up or requested get put on the grocery list. Anything I notice around the house that needs to get done goes on the to do list ie sweep the floor,vaccumming, laundry, dishwasher, oil change on the car. Then when me or hubby has a few minutes we review that list and prioritize those little things that keep the house running.

We try to chat once or twice a week to check in and see if we have any scheduling conflicts or if one or the other is feeling too rushed or worn out and then we may have to make some choices to cancel some engagements, this also happens if we notice the kids are getting a little out of sorts and need some down time.

When I put away laundry which is about once every 10 days I go through each child's clothes to see what fits what they haven't worn and I keep a bag going on the back of the bedroom or closet door, when this bag is full it goes to the donation holding area in our garage to be picked up with the next donation day.

A great resource for tips is Peter Walsh's website which has a Tip of the Day.

I find the best way to deal with clutter and organizing is little steps at a time. Start with the daily stuff, picking up after yourselves and organizing your family activities and time when you have that under control you will be able to carve out an hour here or there to deal with one pile at a time.

With just a little bit at a time you will begin to feel the weight lifting and the air starting to move again which will motivate you to keep going one hour one pile at a time.

Have a great long weekend! Till next time! don't forget to vote for next week's topic.

Don't for get to vote!

Look to the right and vote on a topic for my friday post.

Cerebral Palsy Part 4

At a year old, BugaLoo was in regular therapy at KidsAbility Children’s Treatment Centre. He had a team that consisted of a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and a Speech Language Pathologist.

We also had regular appointments with our family doctor and the Pediatrician. Every time I turned around I was loading him in the car, the worst part was, no one had any answers of any kind. “wait and see” was the general approach. “We have no way of knowing” was another ambiguous answer we received.

It was also at this time I had to return to work. Now many Moms of children with disabilities struggle with whether or not to go back to work. I didn’t not have this decision to struggle over…I HAD TO go back to work. There was no choice. Hubby was in the middle of an apprenticeship and had 2 more sessions of school to complete. At the time I was making more money than him AND I had full benefits through my company. There was NO choice! We never would have made it financially if I didn’t go back to work. I had already extended my leave from 6

The first day back to work I was fine until I walked through the front door. I started to cry. I was totally overwhelmed. It was 8:30 am and I already felt like I had put in a full day, getting the baby ready and over to my M-I-L’s. I had to detour to the washroom to collect myself. The next hour was casual chit chat with co-workers and showing the requisite photos. 10:30 am was my first meeting with my boss the then VP of Operations. “How are you doing?” he asked. POOF! I burst into tears. Trust me I didn’t want to but I did. “Are you okay?” Again POOF more tears. “I am fine”, I resolved. “Should we explore a more gradual return to work?, do you need some more time?” he patronized me. “No, I am just a little overwhelmed with my schedule… There might be something wrong with Bug they think it might be Cerebral Palsy” I meeked out. This was the first time I had spoken the sentence out loud and the words haunted me… I said this partly because I knew it would buy me some time to collect my thoughts (while my boss weighed the gravity of my remark) and partly to make him feel bad for patronizing me. We then were able to move forward with a discussion about using my vacation time to take 1 day a week off for appointments for the rest of the year (I returned to work in November) and then we would re-evaluate the situation in January with hopefully more information.

Even those this boss was not my favorite and I did not want to share my personal struggles with him. This was the key to keeping my sanity, working full time and taking care of things for my baby. In retrospect I wish I would have realized what a challenge returning to work would be and spoken with my HR department a month or two before returning so that I could have worked out a plan and returned to work with more confidence instead of all the anxiety and trying to keep my emotions in check.

Home office

I have been trying to get my home office/studio organized. I put up shelves, I brought in a few dressers with drawers. I just plain don't have room for everything that I want to do in this room. It's 10 x 12 for crying out loud, it should be okay. But When I put two 6 foot tables in there I effectively cut the space to 7x9 Damn Throw in a desk in one corner and suddenly things are getting kinda cramped.

I would post some photos but I don't have my computer up and running in there yet.

ahhhhh!

Here is an article I found on MSNBC on clutter. Maybe I will try some of those tips to get organized.

I am soooo tired.

My grandparents 60th anniversary party was nice. I wish the Peanut would have been nice then I wouldn't have had to leave so early.

I did get a chance to talk to 2 of my second cousins that I haven't seen in at
least 10 years or so and it was so neat because our kids are all around the same age.

Daddy and the Bug had an awesome time in St. Thomas at Thomas the Tank Engine. Daddy shot a whole role on the 35mm so I can hardly wait to get that developed.

Me and the Peanut did a little scrapbook shopping I was looking for this Tag Curler.

I went to 3 different stores and none of them had it in stock. So I am ordering it from My favorite store. Hopefully it will be in soon. I'm also placing an order with Creative Memories for some basic supplies so that will be exciting to be stocked up for the fall. Then I will have the new Catalogue and product launch in September. Woo Hoo excitement!

Today, Gotta get some work done, pick up my niece at Volleyball camp and get some scrapbooking done. Have a great day!

The BOG... honestly, BLOG idiot.

Hello Friday! So glad to see you. I have been way too busy.

This weekend is my Grandparents 60th wedding anniversary so we will be going to a summer pool party for them. Should be exciting.

Hubby and the Bug get out of it though since they are going on a road trip to St. Thomas to the Train Museum to see Thomas the Tank Engine. They are going to have so much fun!

I think this will be a great opportunity for hubby and the Bug to have some special time together. I am always there and I think they need to have some time...just the guys.

So I will send them off on their adventure tomorrow with a disposable camera and hope for the best.

Hope you all enjoy your day and enjoy your weekend.

Ah the bog calls to me.

I can't believe it has been 4 days, honestly.

So, reflexology treatment on Monday - AWESOME Thanks Jenn

Quick stop at two of my favorite scrapbooking stores 2 Scrapbook Friends and The Scrapping Turtle to look for some elusive paper I need for a project. No Luck Pooh!

Spent the rest of the days with the kiddos making crafty shit around the house. They were pushing my patience by the end of the day I was pretty happy to see them sleeping that night.

Tuesday, back to work and start training my summer student. Yes the irony is not lost on me that it was JULY 22nd when my summer student started to help me out. Double Pooh!

Some quick training a 20th anniversary celebration for a co-worker and then I was off to pick up the Bugaloo for his therapy session.

We met out new Physiotherapist this week since we are losing our PT and our Therapy Aide due to Government funding cuts to Childrens Treatment Centres. Don't get me started whole new post. The Bug seemed to take it well and gave our new therapist a hug at the end of the session so I would say it went well.

Wednesday, more training and working on a scrapping project that I am really excited about. Can't tell you about it for another week or so. It's a SURPRISE.

And now today, the pressure to post was eating at me, so here I am. Sorry it is sooooo lame but I have a few irons in the fire and will have some more posts coming up. Including some scrapbook page designs, another instalment of my thought on disability and some work life balance stuff. Well assuming I have enough to actually write a post about that.

Running is going well although I am not losing any weight my body continues to change shape and my pants are looser, can't complain about that.

Sunday Rainy Sunday

Yesterday was so blistering hot!

We had t-ball in the morning and drove out to Drayton to play, the kids played for a bit but really just wanted to come sit in the shade and have snack. We didn't even fight with them it was just too hot!

So we had a nice picnic snack and then drove home.

then we stayed in all afternoon because I just couldn't face going outside in the infernal heat.

NOW today it raining and neither me or the kids wants to be couped up inside any longer. So I think we are going outside for a water fight because hey...what else are you going to do?

I did read a cool book this weekend


Befriend and Betray by Alex Caine

It's a pretty good read about a guy who infiltrates organized crime groups and helps collect evidence to bring them down. Tough life. Admirable job.