Deal of a CENTURY!!!!!

I am kinda without internet right now...not sure what's going on. I'll update when I can :)

Anyway!!

I went to The Disney Store yesterday to get the big Buzz Lightyear that Aidan wants. It's all he's asked for this year :) So, we go in, and Aidan hones in on them immediately. Al and I hone in on on the big red 40% Off sign above him!! And when I took the Buzz to the girl working at the front of the store to ask if he was included she said yes, AND THEN she handed me a card worth 15% off on Top of the 40% off!! Seriously!!!! So we figured out how much it made the price, and realized..Hey! We can get Buzz AND Woody for the price of ONE!!!! I am still practically jumping up and down for joy!!

I can just imagine the look on his face Christmas morning when he sees both of them!

YAY!!

On Other happy news!! My Dad and I are new home owners!! (Al and my Step-mother too :)) I can't believe it :) How we worked it is that for now, my Dad is pretty much our landlord. And then when we can, we'll buy the house from my Dad, using our "rent" as the down payment. I am soooo grateful to my Dad. He's awesome.

Have a wonderful week everyone if I can't get on here again!

~Lisa~

Aidan's recent reasons for not eating his dinner...

1. He's too bored for dinner.

2. Dinner is boring.

3. Jenna is too close to eat his dinner.

4. Dinner is giving him a headache.

and last, but certainly not least, and the winner for tonight,

5. "I can't eat my dinner. I'm too heartbroken."

If we don't have them to cry over, we don't have them to laugh over right :)

~Lisa~

Feeling better

The antibiotics are slowly working their magic on my tonsils. Thank God...because seriously! I am never sick like this! I could barely get off the couch for three days! The only downside to the antibiotics is this Awful taste in my mouth!! I seriously feel like I have been trying to suck the colour off of pennies all night long! BLECH!! It's totally worth it :) kinda.

I have got to get my butt in gear. I am supposed to be making two birthday cakes for this weekend! ACK! One for the lovely Miss Sarah, who's Daddy so graciously fixed our laptop for the price of one birthday cake! How much do we love Julie Bo Bolie and her family??? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH!

The second one is going to be a lot harder, if I do it. I am supposed to do the Megasaurus (By Wilton) for Karen 's little boy Logan. He'll be four. However, Evan now has Chicken Pox! Karen called me over last night to look at him, and sure enough, looks like the pox to me! I told Karen in no uncertain terms that I am NOT bringing my kids anywhere near hers for awhile(they've never had the pox). I think she was pissed off at me. But really, my kids have been sick on and off for two weeks now. Not only are their immune systems not up to snuff, but my head will most definitely explode if I have to deal with any other illnesses right now. So really, in my opinion Logan and Evan's party should be postponed for awhile. And it'll give me time in between cakes :)

Aidan seems to be a little better. Still not eating much, but neither am I, so I'm not going to push the issue too hard yet. Tomorrow will be different. He slept with Al and I last night. I can't imagine how we ever managed Jenna with us in a double bed! It's SO much easier in a Queen size :) Still not great, since Aidan is a total bed hog, but it was nice to cuddle a warm little body all night :)

Nothing much else is new. We close on the house on Friday!!!! YAY!!

~Lisa~

And Mommy makes four.

I have the sickness too. Tonsillitis. So does Aidan. And Mason has an ear infection. And Jenna's throat still looks a little red.

If anyone needs to find me for the next 17 years, I'll be hiding under a big cozy blanket beneath a very large ROCK.

Speaking of Rocks...My doctor totally ROCKS! He looked at me this morning and said it's been a long time since he'd seen tonsils that gross :) Nice eh? Then he felt my forehead (The medical technology here is Totally Cutting! Edge!) And he looked at me and said "How are you even walking around!? How did you make it out of bed to get here?! (HA! I have three little reasons that gave me no choice!) I need antibiotics.

So anyway, I mention that Aidan and Mason are still fighting fevers, and he looks at them too. Mason is still on antibiotics for his tonsillitis so we only need to go back if he's still having fevers in a couple days. Phew. Aidan needs new antibiotics.

Lets take a moment to review:
1. Aidan gets Scarlet Fever and needs TWO bottles of amoxicillin.
2. Jenna and Mason get tonsillitis at the same time and each need a bottle of amoxicillin.

So that's roughly $50 just for the kids alone! And I am allergic to Penicillin. Meaning my antibiotics usually cost us about $45.

I am pretty much panicking inside thinking that we definitely don't have enough for two more rounds!! The doctor looks at me and says "do you have a drug plan" I replied "Nope, it's been a very expensive two weeks :(" He says hang on a minute, and off he goes. And when he returns(This is the ROCKS part!!) he has antibiotics for Aidan AND me!!! For Free!! I nearly cried right there. I think he may have been annoyed with me for thanking him so much. :) I love my doctor. Really a lot. :) I love it when you get a sign that there really are a few genuinely good people left in the world.

Aidan and I had Jello for lunch :) And we might have it for dinner too :)

A-Z

A - Available or single: Isn't that the same thing? Married :)
B - Best Friend: Alvin
C - Cake or Pie: Tough one...does cheesecake count?
D- Drink of choice: Rootbeer or Pepsi
E - Essential Item you use everyday: Kettle for tea and coffee
F-Favorite color: Blue
G - Gummy Bears or worms: worms
H- Hometown: Born in Guelph, raised in Grand Valley
I - Indulgence: Chocolate
J - January or February: oh they both SUCK
K - Kids & Names: Jenna Colleen, Aidan Alvin Joseph and Mason James
L- Life is Incomplete Without? coffee
M - Marriage Date: August 19th
N- Number of Siblings: 1 half brother, 3 step-sisters and 2 step brothers
O- Oranges or Apples: apples
P- Phobias or Fears: Spiders and falling down a man-hole.
Q- Fave Quote: "When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt." Author unknown
R - Reason to Smile: Almost Christmas
S - Season: Fall or spring
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Anyone really, I'm a little low on readers this month LOL
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I very rarely use the same Q-tip for both ears...even if I don't need to use the other end for the first ear.
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: Turnip
W - Worst Habit: worrying
X - Xrays: On my leg when I was in grade 5 and fell skiing.
Y - Your Fave Food: Pizza! From Dominoes, with Bacon, Pepperoni and Mushrooms! YUM!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Jeepers, creepers...

Where'd they get these peepers?!

Oh what a day...

So, yesterday was my birthday. It came and went without much fanfare at all. And really, that was just fine by me. I'm 27 now. That's the first age I remember my mother being. For some reason I have always wanted to be 27. Maybe this will be the year it all falls into place for me. Who knows.

I had to go to Toronto yesterday for a course at The Geneva Centre for Autism. Great place, lousy course IMO. It might have been good for me had my student been older, and definitely would have been fine if I was a teacher in a classroom environment. But as an ABA therapist, not so much. Oh well, it was cool to be surrounded by people with such a common interest in Autism.

Getting there and getting home was AWFUL! According to Mapquest it should take me 1 hour and 7 minutes to get from door to door. Riiiiiight. It took me exactly 2 hours to get There, and then THREE hours to get home!! I spent an HOUR on Eglinton alone! It was the worst time EVER. I watched a stop light change 15 times before I got to it. I kid you not. I'm sure there was probably other ways I could have gone, but I know Toronto about as well as I know algebra, so I was too afraid of getting lost to stray off my path. And then there was a rollover on the 400, and they shut that down! I know a few routes home from there, but so do apparently every other person in front of me. By the time I finally walked in the door I was shaking, had a splitting headache and just wanted to go to bed :)

Oh well, I guess the bright side was that I didn't have to spend my birthday working or changing diapers and breaking up arguments...right?

~Lisa~

P.s. Happy Birthday to my step-sister Kathy today!!!

Best of both worlds.**Edited**

I love my kids. I really, really do. They're great kids. I like playing with them...usually.

I like the snow. I like to look at it. I like to see it on trees. I like the look it brings to my children's faces when they see it.

I do NOT like playing in the snow. Not at all really.

This past summer my kids developed enough security to go play in the back yard together, without me there.

And it happened again today. I got the pleasure of watching my kids run and jump and slide in the snow. While I sat at the window snuggling with Mason under a cosy blanket.

And when they came I Still got to be their hero by being super-fast on the Hot Chocolate draw :)

**EDITED**
On a not-so-blowing-sunshine-up-your-ass kind of note...Mason and Jenna both have tonsillitis. Oh yes. They do. And I may be the freakin' carrier!!! Oh yes. I had my throat swabbed to check. Merry freakin' Christmas, here's your anitbiotics. Ugh.

~Lisa~

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

My Parents invited us out for dinner last night to celebrate my birthday a little early. We had a great time. My mom made me the Coolest Candy Bouquet!! And gave me a wee Tinkerbell ornament, which you all know was a HUGE hit with me :) I also go two beautiful roses, they're white on the bottom and the edges are a deep pink. I love them!! My grandparents were there too, which was nice. I've grown a lot more fond of them in the past few years. Growing up as a kid, not so much. But I appreciate them a lot more now. They gave me a couple books on tea and a tea set...neat stuff.

Dinner went off smoothly, I got COMPLETELY embarrassed with the entire staff of Swiss Chalet came out singing with a birthday cake for me. I should have known :) My Mom is sneaky like that :)

The worst of times came after dinner. We were all getting our coats on, Jenna had to go to the bathroom, so I took her. On the way back to the table, I saw my George, my grandpa and Aidan leaving, taking some of my presents out to the car. This is not uncommon. My George is Aidan's Hero :) They go everywhere together. (See where this is going yet?) So, Jenna and I get our coats on, I grab my cake and books, and off the rest of us go. I was walking outside across the front of the restaurant when this awful feeling came over me. I saw My George. I saw my grandpa. I saw my grandma. I did Not see Aidan. I called to the "where's Aidan", but they didn't hear me. So I called it again, and then everyone got very confused. George said "He's with you isn't he" I said NO!, then George said "OH! It's okay, he's with your Mom"(My Mom had gone to her car to get something, and wasn't with us yet) I Lost it. I screamed at George "No He's NOT! He's Gone!" I spent about 3 seconds trying to figure out who to pass the cake off to, but everyone was carrying something. I thought about dropping it, but knew that would be a total waste of cake. So I just held on tight and ran as fast as I could back into the store.(Yes, I realize now how stupid that all sounds) I yanked open the doors, and was about 4 steps into the restaurant when I saw my little boy, crying for his Mommy with a very beautiful waitress. I couldn't hug him tight enough. And the poor boy could only say "Mommy I was looking for you. I wanted you". Talk about break. my. heart!!! I hope none of you ever has to try to remain as composed as possible for the sake of your little one in a situation like this. It's hard as hell.

I don't think he was scarred by it too bad, he only mentioned it once today. I however still get heart palpatations every time I think of the 'what ifs' :)

So, that was my birthday celebration :) Yee Haw.

~Lisa~

Great News!! And not so good news.

I just got Jenna's newsletter home. Mrs. K is STAYING!! As Jenna's TEACHER!!!!! I am sooo friggin' happy right now!!!

I am still going to write that letter to the principal, because I really feel that Mrs. K deserves the recognition, but it will certainly have a different tone to it :) YAY!!

And now for the not so great news. I can't remember if I have mentioned it on here or not, but there is a very disturbed boy(N) at our babysitters house. He goes on the same days as Aidan. And he has become a very bad influence for my son. I have spoken to L(the babysitter) about this boy, and what I am hearing from Aidan, on numerous occasions. I have even hinted at removing my children from her care if it continues. Well, today I lost it. When I arrived this afternoon the first thing L showed me was a large bruised lump under a little girls chin. At first I thought Aidan had done it, but no. It was N. While L. went upstairs to get Mason from his nap, N had choked M. CHOKED HER!! Put his 5 year old hands around her neck and choked that sweet girl. What if it had been my Baby?? What if he hadn't stopped?? What am I going to do???

I have spoken to a pre-school teacher, and she is supposed to be bringing me an application form for Aidan. But that doesn't start until January. And Mason will still be in that environment.

L has been our sitter since Jenna was One. I told her today that if anything like that happens again, I will be calling N's mother and telling her what I think, and that my children will not be going back there if he is there. I looked her in the face and said "there's zero tolerance at school for this kind of behaviour, why are you putting up with it here?" She just kind of danced around with an answer.

I guess I really should be looking for a new sitter. I just hate to do that to L. She's good with my kids, I trust her. Granted, she could probably do More, but really, I am getting what I pay for.

ugh. My heart is just racing over this. I'm not sure what to do.

~Lisa~

Parent-Teacher Conference

We met with Jenna's teacher (the one I am secretly a little bit in love with) last night. It went SO well!!

I love her teacher style, I love how she's realized that she needs to lay off in some areas, and crack the whip in others. I love that she's laying a lot of groundwork that will prepare these children for later grades. Even though 'they' say she doesn't have to yet. But like she said last night...if someone doesn't teach them the steps now, when it's time for the testing, they are going to be like little fish out of water.

But the best part of last night was when she described Jenna. Mrs. K went on and on about Jenna's ability to Learn! She said some kids are very teachable, once you find the right way to go about it. Some kids take some work, and some kids just have a natural talent for learning. They are able to look at the beginning and the end, and figure out what the middle would be. That's how she described my Jenna :D She said that Jenna is able to get her wheels turning to figure out what the solution Can't be, and she discards all the wrong answers until she is Sure of the right answer. She's become quite the leader in her class. And the other children have come to know that they can go to Jenna for help with the answers. I swear, my head swelled about 3x it's normal size :)

She said that Jenna is still missing her old classroom. But that's pretty understandable. There was a lot of playing last year. There are a lot of cool toys in the other kindergarten classroom. And her best friend is in that class. Mrs. K pointed out that there is Still a lot of play in the other classroom, and that the kids in her class can hear this through the folding wall(It opens to create a bigger classroom). I can understand why Jenna would want to go back...who wants to do work when you can hear your neighbours having lots of fun?

I made sure that Mrs.K knew that we were Thrilled with her teaching style, and the way that she focuses on Education. I told her that She knows what the kids in her class need, and if it was more play time, that's what she would be giving them, but it's not, all the kids in her class are striving and it shows. I told her that Jenna is there to learn, and to grow a love of learning, and I felt she didn't get that last year. I told her that we had seen a Huge improvement in Jenna this year, and that we wouldn't want to change that for anything. Her response was a very knowing look, and a thank-you.

I'll be writing a letter to our principal today. I really feel the need to tell her how thrilled we are with this teacher.

~Lisa~

Update on the sickies!

But first a clarification! Al was at the ER with Aidan when I wrote my last post. I didn't realize until reading the comments that I forgot to put that part in!! I guess I was too upset :) Sorry! there's no way I would let my kids be that sick on not get it checked out :)

The ER doctor put Aidan on antibiotics, a high dose, he gets 9mL 3x/day! We'll get a call tonight or tomorrow if he does NOT have Scarlet fever and they want us to discontinue the meds. If he does have it, which I am pretty convinced of, we'll continue the meds for 7 more days. He also has a slight double ear infection. But I'm pretty sure that'll be knocked out of him pretty quickly with that much medicine going into him :)

He's back to himself for the most part. Finally running around and telling silly stories again.

Jenna has pink-eye. Poor kid was SO mad at me this morning when I told her she coudn't go to school today. I went and picked up her report card though. What an awesome improvement from last year! All the checks were "At Expected level" except Math concepts and Beginning writing skills. So, I'll find out what Math they are vworking on, an get her writing in her notbook some more, and hopefully she'll be set :) I am SO proud of her this year! I just hope that her love of school continues.

Mason is still fighing a cold. It seems to come and go, but I think it's getting better.

I finally got a full night's sleep last night...well, mostly, Al had me awake until 11:00...hopefully I can get to bed earlier tonight :)

Thank you all for your wonderfully supportive comments. I treasure each and every one of them.

~Lisa~

Worried about Aidan...

When we were getting our stuff together to leave Julie's last night, I noticed that Aidan really wasn't acting himself. And was looking a little flushed. We did the trusty hand to the head check and sure enough, he felt pretty warm. So Al gave him a dose of Motrin, and away we went.

I went to bed a few minutes after we got home and about an hour later, heard him crying. Al said he was having bad dreams. So I went back to bed and let Al deal with it. At 1:30, Aidan was crying again. I went in, rubbed his back and he fell back asleep. But at 2:00 he was crying yet again, so I brought him into bed with he. He couldn't get comfortable, wouldn't settle, wouldn't fall asleep. I got him a drink, and that seemed to help a bit. I probably should have given him more Motrin :( Not sure why I didn't :( At 4:00 he was throwing up the water :( He finally settled down to sleep after that when we put him back into his bed. But didn't sleep long :(

I went to my Grandma's today. She had surgery on her knees a couple weeks ago, so my Mom, Jenna and I went to set up her Christmas tree, and some other decorations...man, that woman has enough stuff for 5 trees and houses! But, more on that another time. We went to Wal-Mart after that to do some Christmas shopping and get something to eat. Jenna and I were gone all day :( I feel pretty awful about not being here for him, but I honestly didn't think he was that sick.

Al called me at Lunchtime to say that Aidan had thrown up a couple more times, and still had a fever. I offered to come home, but Al said no.

So, fast forward a bit, I get home, and Aidan is soooo flushed. His fever was hovering around 103*, and when Al gave him a popsicle, he wouldn't eat it. He said his tongue hurt. So, we looked at that, and it's coated with white stuff...looks a little like thrush to me, but I don't really know.

I just want my boy to get better. And I hope he and Al forgive me for not getting home to them sooner.

If you're a praying/thought giving kind, I think we could use them today. Thanks.

~Lisa and Aidan~

weirded out...

I went to Value Village today. I wanted to see if they had anything that might be suitable for Al's company Christmas Party. They didn't. Unless I find a time machine and warp back 20 or 30 years :) But then, I would only be 6(well, 7, since it will be 4 days after my birthday :)) or, well, not even born yet...doesn't work so well. The search continues.

So then we moseyed on over to the kids section. There was a few cute things, but nothing really jumped out at me. So I went to gather the kids from the toy section. I suddenly had an urge to look at the little bags of smaller toys...for a Toy Story Woody doll. And Oh My GOD! I found one!!!!! He's the perfect size too!! We got Aidan a Buzz a couple months ago, and he's about 8" tall, and so is this new Woody doll!! So, I see him, in a bag with a Little Foot toy that we already have, and a couple other fairly useless toys that will disappear in a few weeks. and I SWEAR...he SMILED at me!!! I am NOT kidding. I know, you are all totally thinking one of 3 things; either A) Lisa has been drinking during the day again, B) Lisa is WAY over-tired, or C) Lisa needs to hide the Toy Story movies from Herself. Well, it's none of the above. Well, maybe a little of B and C. But really, it boils down to the fact that I just apparently have finally lost my damn mind! Good Grief. It's like this damn doll is speaking to me.

Maybe I Should take up drinking during the day.

~Lisa~

still around!

Mason and Jenna are both fighting colds. I'm just really too tired to think of anything worth blogging about :)

Hoping we're all better by Saturday for the BZ Shin-Dig at Julie's house!!!

~Lisa~

Stuck.

I feel like I'm in such a rut lately. At home, at work, at everything. I can't seem to keep up around here. I try, I do the basics, but I can't seem to get farther. Al came home last night and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. And with each new thing he tackled, I felt smaller and smaller and smaller.

Work is really stressing me out too. I feel like I have taken Henry as far as I can. He's getting bored with me. I'm getting bored with him. I'm certainly not throwing myself into the job like I was a year ago. And Jenny notices. She sent me an email yesterday asking if I thought we should shorten the sessions. ACK! NO! I can't afford to. I love Henry, and his family. I don't want to lose them right now. But I also don't want to waste their time and money if there is someone better out there. Although. good news is that Jenny is paying for me to take a one day course about high-functoning Autistic children. yay!! It's on my birthday too, which is cool, because, yay, no 'work'! lol

I'm not sure this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I also can't put my finger on what it is that I DO want.

When I mentioned a career change the other day, I was thinking about becoming a teacher. But then, when I emailed my best friend who IS a teacher, she emailed me back about all the things my happy, shiny mind forgot to figure in. Like how thankless teaching can be, how much personal time it takes up. How I won't always get a lovely little class full of perfect wee children who adore me. But then the happy shiny me, thinks of the hours, and the time off for summer/holidays. It thinks of parents like I know who are invovled, and giving, and awesome for their kids' teachers. It thinks of the 20 smiling faces every morning, and the achievements, and the break throughs. But then, there's the struggling kids, the fighters, the name callers, the ones whose parents Don't care, and Don't help.

This is 4 years of University. This is a huge commitment. And I don't have a clue which way to go on it.

Anyone have a crystal ball they can take a peek at for me? Maybe I should get a magic 8 ball. give it a swirl and hold my breath while that purple goo clears and the 'triangle of truth appears :)

If only.

~Lisa~

Nit-picker.

No no no!! not here again!! Dear lord, not here!!

Today was the school wide lice check at Jenna's school. You bet your butt I called to volunteer my services for that!! unfortunately, I am working today, so could only stay for an hour and a half. But in that time, we got through about 5 classes. one was clear. One class that is! I couldn't believe it!! One after another we checked off names. There were sisters that Jenna LOVES...both were LOADED wth nits :( At least I have a good idea where it was coming from now. And where Jenna will not be playing for awhile :(

I'm really glad I went. It makes me feel better knowing that I helped...even though I feel awful about ruining so many parent's days.

I have to work until 2, but I'll be going back then. I figure, if they still need help, great, and if they're done, I'll get to spend and hour in Jenna's class with her :) Win-win :)

~Lisa~

and now...Mason!

I realized this morning that I've done a whole lot of whining about Mason...but not much updating.



So, here it is! He's sleeping through the night!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how awesome this is for us! I had one night of awfulness where I just gave up and let him cry. For about 3 hours he cried that night. The next night was about 1 hour, and since then, it's been pretty quiet! It's sooo nice!



He's also finally off of baby food, although I am wishing he wasn't. His diet is awful now. He refuses to try new things, and feeding him 3 times a day is a nightmare. Seriously, the boy eats Pancakes(which we have started making from scratch so we know are healthier), waffles, toast with Kraft Strawberry jam, yogurt, the occasional grilled cheese sandwich, rice cakes, and any kind of junk food imaginable :( Oh! He also eats Oatmeal...I manage to sneak in some fruit there.

Notice anything missing there? Like maybe Fruit? and Vegetables??? I don't understand it!! He Loved fruit and veggie baby food. He will occasionally eat one of those apple fruit stick things. And he once ate a banana...because I left the peel on and gave it to him like the other kids were having theirs. one time he had some peas and corn too...they got mixed in with the mashed potatoes...which he also won't eat anymore.



I try to feed my family fairly healthy. So it's so hard for me to see Mason eating this way. I just keep hoping that it will eventually click for him, and he'll be the toddler eating machine that his siblings were/are. He does uzzle milk like crazy, so I know he's getting lots from that...but still...



He's getting a funny little personality. For the most art he's pretty laid back. But man...when he doesn't like something...look out! he will let you know in a big way! He loves to play peek about, and dance until the sun goes down. And he laughs now. It's taken so long, and I was so sad about him not laughing before. but he finally is giving us the occasional belly laugh, and it always brings grateful tears to my eyes :)

He's my little super-baby, through and through :)



~Lisa~

the 8 things thing...

1. I am considering a career change. But it scares me, so I am not saying anything out loud yet. There are going to be a lot of costs incurred in doing this (University is a must)...but I think I want to do it. I just might have to wait until the kids are a little older.

2. When I was about 8, I had recurring nightmares about wolves. They were always at my uncle's farm, and I was always trying to save my class from them. But the weird thing was, they were Never violent towards anyone. I guess I was just scared of their presence.

3. Giraffes are my favourite animals. I just love how unique they are, and how graceful they are despite their size.

4. I take everything personally. If it happens to you, I'll take it personally. If it happens to me, I'll take it personally. And I usually take it pretty hard.

5. I am constantly talking to myself, in my head. I even answer myself. Working things out, trying to decide what people are thinking, beating myself up over stupid things.

6. I hate being late. If I find myself running behind(And with three kids, it happens a lot!) I feel completely out of control. Drives me batty.

7. I don't think I am a good dancer. But I do it anyway :) Especially with the kids. They never judge :)

8. I take my coffee with 2 sugars and cream. I take my tea with two Splenda's and milk. I take my water not too cold. And I never take fruit punch. yuck.

If anyone that is reading this that hasn't done it yet, Tag! you're it! And let me know in the comments!!! I need more blogs to read!(Like a hole in the head I'm sure...but I love 'em!)

~Lisa~

LOL at Jenna

So, wanna know my secret? I am hopelessly addicted to a soap opera. *Gasp!* I know. I know. It shocks me too.

I Hate missing any episodes of All my Children. I try to explain what's going on to my husband. I let my Daughter watch with me! She's 5 people. She calls it "All my Kids" How cute is that!?

So anyway, a quick recap...

JR is married to Babe.

Babe slept with Josh.

Josh told JR.

JR(a recovering alcoholic...of course)gets drunk and goes to Josh's hotel room to wait for him.

Josh's half-sister Bianca and Mother Erica(you know...Erica Caine...Susan Lucci...) found him there, and wouldn't let him out the door.

So JR jumps out the freakin' window! From 4 floors up!!

Josh found him in the alley below, and, being a doctor, goes to work on saving him. of course.

Anyway, Jenna was at school when all of this happened, and missed it. Today, I turn it on, and there's Josh, in a blood covered t-shirt, telling his other half-sister Kendall that JR might be dead.

Jenna turns to me with a look of total Shock on her face and says, "I can't believe he would do that! What was he thinking?"

LMAO!!! She was totally serious.

~Lisa~

I've been warned...

and yet I am still going to drag my ass to work.

I woke up feeling awful. Runny, nasty nose. Body aches. Headache.

I spilled coffee on my favourite jammie pants.

I went to the dryer to get out my FAVOURITE white shirt, that fits me like perfection. My cream coloured cardigan was also in there. Along with my second and third favourite jammie pants. Know what else was in there? Apparently a jumbo sized GREEN Crayon. and the fucker had melted all over my clothes!!!!!!

and to top it all off we're out of bread and I can't even make it all better by having some peanut butter toast.

Wish me luck today.

~Lisa~

Incase anyone thinks I have forgotten about my other children...

Here's a post dedicated to Jenna!!

She's had a very busy year. Well, more appropriately, a very busy couple of months!

She lost her first tooth on October 21st. It just came right out one morning when I gave it a little wiggle :)



She lost her Second tooth about 20 minutes before Aidan's party on Saturday!


But the even bigger news is all about school this year!! On October 31st she brought home not one, but TWO awards!!! One was an Award Of Merit! Presented to her in "recognition of contributions to the life of the school and personal efforts made in all areas of her school participation. Jenna displays excellent work habits, makes good choices and is a pleasure to teach! Congratulations Jenna! (the part in italics is what her teacher wrote! How awesome is that!?!? Makes me well up still :) This was an award that, had she been at school the previous Friday, she would have gotten at the Celebration of Learning assembly in front of the entire school :)

The next award was a "Gotcha". this is a little award that teachers can give to any student they see showing exemplary behaviour, responsibility, or character. Jenna got it for helping a new girl to the school. She saw her alone at recess, and played with her the whole time, showed her araound, and then helped her back to her classroom...without being asked!

Last week she came home with ANOTHER award!! This time it was a "Good Thinking" award, for finding all her vowels. I'm not really sure about this one...when I asked her, she said it was because she answered that "all the books in the library have vowels." I'm not sure...but really, who cares? My kid got an AWARD! WOOHOO!

Yesterday she came home with yet another Gotcha! For "Being a great Helper". She brought Mrs. K. all her supplies apparently, and helped her do some writing.

I swear, every time I pick her up from school my head swells a little more, and my chest puffs out bigger and bigger. Her teacher is constantly going on about what a great kid she is, and how incredible she's doing. What a great leader she is for the class, and how polite she is too :)

I loooooove this teacher :) LOVE HER!! unfortunately, and I am not sure how to prepare Jenna for this, Mrs.K is leaving Jenna's class in December. She's only covering a Mat. leave. From what I have heard, the teacher she is covering for, is nowhere near as awesome as Mrs.K. I wanted to cry when I heard she was leaving. I wonder is writing a letter to the principal will do any good? D'ya think? I told Mrs.K to throw some punches for teaching grade one next year :) Yeah, I love her :)

So, there's my over-whelming, 'my kid is a genius' post of the day :) I'm so proud :D

~Lisa~

Aidan Pictures as Promised :)

Here's my brand new boy. All round and smooth and perfect. He was 8lbs 11oz, and 22 1/2" long :)


See what I mean about being perfect :) Man, the picture quality is terrible though :(


I used to think his cheeks must hurt from trying to smile with all that chub :) This is one of my favourite pictures...he's about 5 months old here.


I can never get over how grown up he looks in this picture...he was barely ONE! (Tell me he looks like Matt Damon...no???)


He's about 18-20 months old here. I was pg with Mason :) See my belly? LOL


Just about two in this picture I believe. It's my mom's favourite of him.


So, there you go. My wee boy...he's looking soo much like a BOY now :(

From Wee to Three!!

My little boy is three today. I find it rather hard to believe. It seems more like he should be turning 4 this year :) He's so smart, and so sweet, and sooo stubborn :)

I love his expressions...Particularily this one lately...


We call it his Scowly face. usually all I have to do is give him "the Look" and his scowly face turns into this...



I love this boy to bits you know. There's some kind of special bond between him and I. I just, understand him. I often wonder if it's my subconscious way of making up for his first year. I am pretty sure that I was suffering from PPD. I don't remember much of Aidan's first year. It hurts my heart so bad. But, I got past it. And we're all so much happier now :)

My birth experience for Aidan was so much different than Jenna's. I tried so hard for a VBAC. I got the hospital 9 days after his due date. they broke my water at 8, and then we began walking. And walking. And then we did some more walking. It was awful. I walked straight for about 8 hours. And then said to hell with what the nurses think/say(They kept kicking me out of my room to make me walk more). I walked and rested intermittantly for another 3 hours, but by 8:00pm was in too much pain, and too exhausted to take another step. And besides, Survivor was on :) So, more labour, more contractions, not much progress. I made it to 6cm. That was it. By 10:45 the doctor was offering a c-section, or Pitocin and 2 more hours of labour, plus pushing. I wisely choose the section, and pretty much slept through the whole thing. Aidan Alvin Joseph was born at 11:59(and 30 seconds!)PM One of the nurses asked if we wanted his birthday to be recorded as the 6th or 7th!

I couldn't get over how smooth, and round and Perfect he looked!!


And made everyone in recovery laugh SO hard when I was overwhelmed that we had a SON! I said to Al, "Wanna hear something WEIRD? This is our SON! Isn't that strange sounding?" Yeah, I was pretty tired :)

We had a 'Diego' party for him on Saturday. That was so much fun :) I hung green streamers from the ceiling like vines, and made a Baby Jaguar cake! (for any cake makers, I used the Wilton Animal Crackers cake pan, and just built up the ears with icing to make them pointy. It was by far the easiest cake I've done. And I was thrilled with it :) (so was Aidan :))

So, that's pretty much that. Aidan is three...unless you ask him, and then he will have a complete and total meltdown, demanding that is NOT three. He is TWO AND A HALF! :) Should be an interesting year.

Happy Birthday Aidan!!

~Lisa~
(I have more pictures to add, but blogger isn't putting them in ???)

How cool is this picture!?

And I took it all by myself :)

It's my hand, Aidan's hand and the last Monarch butterfly we had. I looove this picture!!!!

~Lisa~

Am I in trouble?

When Jenna was wee, I would sing to her. She loved "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and "You are my Sunshine" the best.

When Aidan was wee I would sing to him. He loved "Old McDonald had a Farm" the best.

Now that Mason is wee, I sing to him. He loves "Baa Baa Black Sheep" the best.

Jenna really is a star. She's an artist, She's intelligent, and kind.

Aidan LOVES animal. Farm animals, Jungle animals, and animals he makes up.

Hmmm...Do you think Mason is going to be the 'Black Sheep' of our family??

Something to think about :)

~Lisa~

Here's the costume reveal Julie!!

Hmm..what could this be??

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"It says BUZZ LIGHTGEAR!!"

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Nuff said :)

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Oops! Damn Blogger

I didn't realize when I started a post, and then saved it to finish later, that it would post it on the day I started it! Ugh...go down to October 24th for my latest blog...it's a cool one!!

~Lisa~

A warning.

Never, ever, ever, wash a pull-up.

ever.

~Lisa~

Look what we grew this summer!!

It's been so long since I've been able to download pictures, that I have been saving this :)

This past July/August my neighbour's Mom gave us three of the coolest gifts EVER! 2 Monarch Caterpillars. And a Monarch Chrysalis!! We got to see the entire metamorphasis, and man, it was AWESOME!!! My kids have such an incredible appreciation for butterflies and nature now...I love it :)

My pictures of the caterpillars are on the other computer, but I will try to get them switched over soon.

I'll explain a little of what happens. First, the butterfly lays an egg. The caterpillar hatches and eats A LOT!! They Only eat Milkweed(which I had to go searching for a few times a week!). Milkweed is poisonous to most insects. Once they have had their fill of the milkweed, they find a branch or whatever to begin the chrysalis process. They form into a J, and then attach to the branch with this crazy strong silk stuff. Once they are in the J, it's about 24 hours, before they shed their skin, like this!! Don't mind the noise, there was a lot of us watching it!! Sorry about the focus too :)

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Cool eh?? The Chrysalis is INSIDE the caterpillar, and the butterfly is INSIDE the Chrysalis!

So, after about 1 hour, it looked like this:

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Another hour after that:

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A couple weeks later we could see some definite changes to the Chrysalis. The outer shell stated to thin out, and we could see the colours of the butterfly!

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Two days after that, you could see the entire butterfly right through the Chrysalis!!

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And a few hours after I took that picture, we got this!! Meet Rainbow Pink(Jenna named her :))

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Isn't she Beautiful!?

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Oh! In case you're confused...those are two different butterflies...the one that hatched in the pictures is the one that was already a chrysalis when we got it. The one from the video hatched and flew away when we weren't looking :( I have a tonne more pictures. Some reallly good ones of the third butterfly, I'll download them and post them soon :)

If this is at all interesting to you, I Highly recommend the book 'The Monacrch Butterfly of Aster Way' By Elizabeth Ring It's written perfectly!

So, now our butterflies are all on their way to Mexico, to winter over, and then make their way back...well...Their great great great grandchildren will make it back next summer...it's a long trip :) And the life cycle is only a few months. :) Go ahead, ask me anything! LOL

~Lisa~

P.s. If anyone out there homeschools, this would be an AWESOME science program!!

JulieQ!

Another thank you :) I went to the library yesterday with the kids. I took out the first two Stephanie Plum books. Man, she is Hilarious!! Thank you soo much for recommending them! I am already halfway through book one :) I'm really glad I took out the second book already, I have a feeling I'll be reading it before too long! I haven't been able to read in bed for more than a few minutes in a really long time...until this book, I read for almost 40 minutes! I looked at the clock, and it was 10:21, I looked again and it was nearly 11!

Also, Al totally caved last night and told Aidan where his costume was hidden. I took a video :) I just have to remember how to post it here :) Too cute :) It fits Perfectly!! And he LOVES IT!!!!! I knew he would :)

Thanks!!

~Lisa~

It's a bug's life...

Now, lean in reeeeeeal close.... make sure no one is listening.... shhhhh!!!!

I think the lice is gone! Shhhhh!!!

Yep. I found two live baby lice yesterday morning on Jenna's head. I promptly squeezed the shit out of them, and washed them down the drain. Marched Jenna up to the tub with 17 minutes to spare before it was time to leave for school, and gave her another treatment with the lice shampoo. I found 2 nits last night before bed, yanked them out. And this morning, when I looked her over, I didn't see anything!! HAL-EH-Freakin-LU-YAH!!!

This has been such Hell!! Every day I strip the beds. Toss it all in the dryer for At Least 20 minutes. Every second day I wash it all in Hot water. I vacuum my couch. I put the pillows from the couch in the dryer for At Least 20 minutes every day. I am so tired of this new life. So tired.

And, of course, I have to get the Principal at Jenna's school to check her every day before letting her back into class. Tell me how fun that is!! HA! I made it very clear this time around that I am not going to forget about it. I tell her every time I see her that I want to be on the team of parent volunteers to go in when they do the school wide blitz. Whenever that is...because I STILL haven't gotten any information as to when that is going to be. I know it's in a bunch of classes from talking to other parents, and a rather indignant secretary. And the look of fear on parent's faces when they hear that lice is in the school makes me pretty sure that it won't be too hard to get people to volunteer to check heads. I hope. But, if it comes down to it, I will check every damn head myself. That's how serious I am about NEVER going through this again.

I have a new-found appreciation for the term 'nit-picking', because seriously, those little buggers(HA! buggers :)) are on there TIGHT! Also? they are the exact same colour as my daughters hair. Fun!

But anyway, I think I may have seen a small light at the end of the tunnel. And I am gonna cling to that light with my battered and bruised nit-picking fingertips.

~Lisa~

Three Things Meme

1.Things that scare me:
-Spiders.
-Falling down a man-hole.
-losing my husband and kids.

2. People who make me laugh:
-Alvin.
-Carry.
-Karen.

3. Things I hate the most:
-Being late.
-Not getting enough sleep.
-Being lied to.

4. Things I don't understand:
-Why Mason won't sleep.
-How to add/subtract/divide or multiply Fractions.
-Why my mother makes so many excuses for my brother.

5. Things I'm doing right now:
-Answering this.
-Listening to the kids (fight) play.
-wishing my coffee wasn't so hot.

6. Things I want to do before I die:
-visit England with my family.
-take the kids to Disney.
-Become a grandmother.

7. Things I can do:
-Make a mean Mac N Cheese.
-Bend my index finger 90* at the middle knuckle.
-Decorate cakes(kinda...).

8. Ways to describe my personality:
-Friendly.
-People pleasing.
-Distracted.

9. Things I can't do:
-Sing.. which is a real shame because I love to sing and would be quite good at it if I could do it(Thanks for the perfect answer Julie!!).
-Take Really good photos.
-Play the violin.

10. Things I think you should listen to:
-Your Heart.
-Your instincts.
-Your children.

11. Things you should never listen to:
-Jerry Springer.
-My brother.
-William Hung.

12. Things I'd like to learn:
-How to play the violin.
-Cake Decorating (Like, proper, fancy techniques).
-What it is that will make Mason SLEEP!

13. Favorite foods:
-Pizza.
-Mashed potatoes.
-Cheesecake.

14. Beverages I drink regularly:
-Coffee.
-Tea.
-Juice.

15. Shows I watched as a kid:
-Fraggle Rock.
-Polka Dot Door.
-Today's Special.

16. Persons I'm tagging to do this meme:
-Jenn.
-JulieQ.
-Helen.

WOOHOO!

And an appology to my husband :(

But first!! We had a great weekend. Went to my Mom and George's for dinner with the family on Saturday. The next morning, the kids slept until 8AM!! I can't tell you that that has EVER happened before!! It was lovely. And has continued. They're sleeping past 7! I love it!! Soooo much better than the 6AM starts I was putting up with before!

Sunday Al made us an AMAZING Turkey dinner. OMGoodness. Everything was Sooooo yummy! There has been no pig kicking going on around here let me tell ya! :)

Monday(this is the big one!!) My Dad, stepmother, and both landlords came here. My Dad is buying the house!!!!!!! And then, when we're in a better position, we'll be buying it from him!!! I am soooooooo excited!!! Scared, but excited. I was starting to think it was never going to happen. But now, this is going to be ours! And I won't have to pack! YAY! LOL! Hate Packing. Hate it.

And even More exciting, we're borrowing more from the bac\nk than the actual cost of the house, and we're going to remodel the Kitchen!!! OMG!!! I cannot WAIT!! Well, I can, because i am pretty sure than I am going to feel the same about remodelling as I do about packing, but man, in the end...lovely. I wonder if I will cook better when it's all done?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...yeah, probably not. So, I do have a question...I need to know what all my ( 5) readers LOVE and HATE about their kitchens?? I only have 1 shot at this, and I need to make it perfect!

And now on to the appology. I mentioned in my last post that I didn't have the support from my husband on the sleep training issue. Well, apparently, as I learned at 1 AM this morning, I did. I just didn't know it. You see, when the crying would start, and then continue, the husband would get cranky. And he made one particular comment about sleeping in the basement until all of this was over, which gave me the distinct impression, that I do Not infact, have his blessing and support.

So, *I think* we are going to try again in a couple weeks. When I am feeling better(Hint: I still am not, Antibiotics, Shmantibiotics) and have the week off because Henry and Family are going to England...without me. SOB!!! So anyway, I appologize to Alvin. I was misinformed. I was misreading your actions and comments. But in my defense...you never answered my letter!!

So there you have it.

OH OH!! Also!!! Jenna and Aidan were playing together ALL WEEKEND LONG!!! And for the most part, NOT FIGHTING!!! It was SOOO amazing. I am sooo happy to see them becoming friends. Warms the heart a wee bit :) See ladies! There's hope :)

~Lisa~

Blahhhhg.

Nothing much is going on around here. Unless you count the following:

1. I am STILL sick. it's been almost 3 weeks. Dr.W diagnosed me as having a chest And sinus infection. The meds didn't work well, but he wants me to give it a few more days. I can't hear. I'm cranky. When I shower it sounds like I am inside a car going through the car wash. I am having some serious sensory issues.

2. My Dad is coming on Monday. My landlords are coming too. WE ARE BUYING THE HOUSE!!!! Kind-of. My Dad is buying it. We are paying him for it. God, I just pray that we are able to handle it all. I also pray that my Dad is cunning enough to talk the price down a good chunk. Thank you always, to The Bank of Dad. We can't do it on our own, despite paying rent religiously for 6 years here, the bank is being all snotty-snotty poo-poo because Al was let go, through no damn fault of his own, before he had worked there for 2 year. Bastards. Hate.

3. I have given up on the sleep training. A. because I am sick, and need more sleep than 2 hours a night. and B. Because I didn't have the support from my husband that I need. We're working on it though.

4. We have however, given up bottles! YAY!

5. Aidan said he hates me, and is growing horns. :(

6. Jenna is doing Awesome at school. She's READING!! I love this!! but hate it too :)

7. That's it :)

~Lisa~
P.s. Did you get your package yet JulieQ??

Somewhat easier than I thought it would be....

I finally decided that I had had enough of getting up the night with Mason. He's 13 months old, doesn't eat in the night, isn't cold, or sick, and can sleep dammit! So, Saturday I started it. A modified version of the Ferber method of sleep training.

Don't hate me. While I LOVE the snuggles, and attachment parenting style for wee babies, I tire of it when the baby is old enough to start kicking me in the ribs/head/tummy while he co-sleeps with me and my husband for half the night. Although, I am still a total softie. Picking him up when he cries, feeling absolutely torn apart listening to his cries during this process, when I know, that all he wants is his mommmy.

So, Saturday at naptime I took Mason to his room, tried to give him his milk, which he refused, but whatever. I rocked him for a couple minutes, told him I love him, that it was time to go to sleep, and laid him in his crib. I rubbed his chest for a couple minutes, and that was it!! He cried a wee bit, I went back in after 5 minutes, and then!!! He went to sleep!!! WALLA!

Bedtime after that was a whole other story though :) It took nearly and hour to get him to go to sleep. But then he slept until 5:30! Sunday went about the same. If I could figure out a way for him to stop throwing his soother over the side of his crib, I think we'll be golden! lol...just in time to wean him from that! HA!

While this isn't how I would have liked things to go, I am pretty sure that in the end, when he's sleeping longer, and settling himself, I'll be thrilled with the results.

I hope. Because seriously, the crying? It sucks.

~Lisa~

I 'kicked the pig' Julie!!!

Head on over to Julie bo bolie's (http://www.jaabeemom.blogspot.com/)and you'll know what I mean :)

The alternator in the van died on Monday. Add it to the damn list of "What's next..." However, it means we're down to one car until we can afford to get it fixed. It's not a big huge deal, now that Al is working in town, I can drive him in the mornings I need the car.

Today however, I didn't drive him. But I needed to get JulieQ's package out, and we needed fruit. I could have waited until Al got home. But instead, I decided to kick the pig. So, I put Mason in the stroller, and off we went to the nearest grocery store and postal outlet.

According to mapquest, it's 1.35 kilometers away from my home. However, while walking with a 2.5 year old and a 5 year old and pushing a stroller, I think that number should actually read 27.84 kilometers. Times two.



So, there you go Julie. I kicked the pig today. And it felt good :)

~Lisa~

Oh Dear...

I'm killing myself laughing over here.

Jenna has this little case with 'make-up' in it that her friend gave her. It's just some eye shadows, very pale, and I let her wear it occasionally, at home.

Well, just a minute ago MY SON! came over to me and said "You want a make-over Mommy?" I laughed and said yes, of course :) He very carefully put three different colours on my right eyelid. He went for more, but I asked him to make my left eye match. To which he replied "of course, of course". And THEN! He ran the brush over the pale pink and put it on my Cheeks!!

I am seriously laughing Still!!

~Lisa~

Finally!! A yummy cough medicine!!!

For many years now, the only cough medicine that hasn't made me want to vomit is triaminic. That's right, the kids stuff. You can imagine how well that worked.

Until today.

I've been sick for almost a week. Just a cold/flu type bug that won't. Go. AWAY! The cough set in yesterday. A hacking, phlegmy, painful cough. Annoying too. This morning as I was sending Al on his merry way to work/training, he said "Hey, have you ever heard of theobromine? It stops coughing." "Huh? no. Gimme it." And then, like music to my aching ears he says, "It's in Cocoa. Make yourself a cup, I bet it works." And Hallelujah!! IT WORKS!!!!!

Here's the recipe for the yummiest cough medicine EVER!

2 heaping teaspoons of cocoa
2 heaping teaspoons of sugar
1 mug of warm milk

Mix the cocoa and sugar together in the bottom of the mug. Pour in a little of the warm milk to make a paste. Add the rest of the milk, mix well, and enjoy!!

You're welcome :)

~Lisa~

Julie...

The name Julie has always stood out for me. I love the name (And all like it, Julia, Jules, etc.) Al and I always circle around it like curious vultures when naming our babies, and should we be blessed with another girl(though 99% impossible as that is) I am quite confident that her name would contain the name Julie in some way.

My mother and I have both often encountered people forgetting or mis-hearing our names...and we're called Julie. My Mom I can understand, as her name is Joy. As a Lisa though, I never understood how people could get Julie from that. But, since I love the name so much, never minded much.

For about 3 years now I have had a very special Julie in my life. We met on BabyZone. We fell in like over common likes and dislikes(of certain BZ users but we won't go there), and I'm pretty such we fell into friendship the instant we met in real life, and held each other's babies :) Julie has been there for me so many times it is hard to keep track of them all. She's lent. She's given. She's driven to Barrie to meet my newborn baby boy, and then turned around and drove back after only 30 minutes(With Jenn I can't forget to mention...and they brought me snacks!!). She's fed me cheesecake :) She's made me coffee, and tea. She's shopped, and advised. She's just the kind of friend that you can pick up right where you left off the last time you saw each other. And I love her to bits. Julie turns into a very special kind of Ghoolie at Halloween. And that Ghoolie just sent us a money transfer to buy my boy a Buzz Lightyear Costume. However....

There's another Julie in my life. JulieQ. She's the sweetest, kindest, gentlest kind of Julie. I also met her on BabyZone. But I got to know her so much better on her Blog. She inspires me, with her 'large' family of 4 incredibly brilliant, beautiful kids. Her concern for them always touches my heart. She makes due, she fights, she laughs, she reads, she plays and she just seems like such a FUN mother! I will never give up hope of meeting her someday. Michigan isn't that far really. Just at the end of Ontario :) It will happen. And when it does, I am sure that her Zachary, and my Jenna will hit it off just as well as Julie and I :) This Julie offered us her sons beloved Buzz Lightyear costume from last year. I was just overwhelmed at the kindness. The thoughtfulness.

When I told Julie-Bo-Bolie about the offer of JulieQ's costume, and of course, offered to send her money back, she immediately told me no way. That I am to spend it on Mason, or Jenna, or...ME! I am overwhelmed with all this kindness. I haven't decided what I will be using it for yet, but she certainly gave me some lovely ideas :)

So thank you Julie and Julie. I am so lucky to have you BOTH in my life. And trust me, if ever another girl should grace our family, and I call her Julie, know that I will be thinking of both of you everytime I say her name.

Much Love,
~Lisa~

What's a Mom to do??

Aidan wants DESPERATELY to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween this year. The Disney Store is still carrying the Buzz costumes this year. But they're $50!!! I'm sorry. I LOVE Halloween, and I LOVE my son, but I just can't afford that. I found a cheaper one at the grocery store(who knew?!) but it's true, you get what you pay for...$22.99 gets you a one piece, polyester, cheap looking Buzz costume. Also not going there. I looked on ebay...prices there are also crazy, and the bidding wars are already starting. Looks like I'm gonna have to either search harder, or convince my son to be something else for Halloween. But man...he would make a really cute Buzz :)

It's going well :)

Al's new job is working out so well for all of us. Except Al :) Poor guy is positively EXHAUSTED when he gets home now. It's about all he can do to come in, shower and eat dinner. But, I'm sure with time it'll get better. The kids bear the brunt unfortunately, as when he's tired, his patience is thin. But that too will come around I'm sure.

I must say, while in the beginning I found it a little odd that my husband was employed as a "Garbage Man" (Which he totally is not, he's on the recycling crew YAY!!!) I don't know that I have ever been more proud of him. He's in a job that I respect, that gives us more freedom as a family, and that is guarenteed to always be a required profession. I love asking him about his day. And hearing that he lifted about 15,000-20,000 pounds that day. I love hearing how many blue boxes he tagged, and how he's getting better at driving the truck. I guess it all just feels right to me.

I'm sure he'd rather be doing something much much different, but for now, this is great.

~Lisa~

A shift in perspective...

Al started his new job this morning. Things were much the same around here. He turned off his alarm clock. I turned off mine. I woke up 30 minutes later with a start because it was 5:30, and Al was supposed to start at 6! oops! New rule, no one turns off their alarm until their feet are on the floor! And by no one, I really just mean Al :) The kids are my alarm clock :)

I went back to bed after making his lunch(Also new, that's usually his job :)) But when I got up with Aidan, like normal, I turned on Breakfast Television. I used to watch the weather and the traffic in Toronto (And to see what's going on in the world of course!) But today was different. I watched the traffic...and didn't need to! I used to watch to see if there were any delays on Al's route. I don't need to do that anymore!!! I need to listen to the radio now, I guess...but since he only take 3 roads all the way to work, I'm doubting I'll hear much :)

I was also thinking that I would go grocery shopping this morning, since we didn't do it this weekend. I am not a huge fan of shopping on my own with all three kids. It always cuts into Mason's morning Nap, and I usually either forget things, or get too much. But now, Al is (we think) due home at 4:15!! We can go then...or just after dinner!! Because I KNOW WHEN HE'LL BE HERE!!! Oh joy, oh bliss!!!

This is so lovely :)

On a not so lovely note. All the people involved in 9/11 5 years ago are close in my thoughts and heart today. I remember the day so clearly, even though it didn't effect(affect??) me personally. Jenna was 3 months old. I held her all day long. I was glued to the TV. I prayed like never before. I still think of that day often. I still pray for them all.

ETA!!! Al walked through the door at 2:49!!! TWO! FORTY-NINE!!!! WOO! This RAWKS!

~Lisa~

Wow. What a change a day can make. We are so very blessed, lucky, have horseshoes up our asses, whatever.

Wednesday night Frith called to offer a job to Al. They are LOCAL!! The pay isn't great to start. But, we'll be saving about $300 a month in gas, so hopefully it will even out in the end. He's going to take it!!! I am SO happy. Gonna be strange to tell people that my husband is a garbage man, but whatever. I'm so past that now. He's employed. That's all I care right now. Well, and that he's LOCAL!! I mean seriously, he could walk to the new job faster than it's taking him to drive to the towing place!! And the hours are steady!! He can call at 5 to tell me he's coming home, and then walk in the door 10 minutes later!! This is going to be sooo good for the kids!!! They love him so very much. You wouldn't believe the behaviours i get when they haven't seen him in awhile. Awful.. And then they turn into angels as soon as he walks in the door.

Yesterday when I was at work, Jenny asked me how everything was going. I was honest and said lousy. :) And then went on to explain that it looked like I would be needing to call the bank to beg their forgiveness on out loan payment this month. Which I was dreading. Jenny said she was sure they wouldn't mind, and that she had done it before, and then asked how much the loan payment was, so I told her(actually, I rounded down lol). And that was all that was said.

When I got home, I checked my email, and there, at the top off my unread messages, was an email money transfer from Jenny. For the entire amount of money I told her our payment was. With a note attached saying not to pay them back! I'm not talking a few dollars here. I am in soooo much shock. My pride told me don't accept it. But my bank account said different. I fully intend on paying her back. But I have a feeling she may not take it.

So, that's where we are now. Still broke, but happier all around. And so very blessed.

~Lisa~

She's a Senior Now!!

Senior Kindergarten that is :)

I can't believe we're back to school already. I was LOVING the summer. So bummed that it's over :(

Anyway, here's my senior :)


~Lisa~

COOL!! (Or should I say Kool?)

I Just a few minutes ago emailed a request to a local radio station(107.5 Kool Fm), AND THEY PLAYED IT!! I requested "Wake Me Up When September Ends", by Green Day. My kids LOVE Green Day, geniuses that they are. Every time this particular song comes on the radio Jenna and Aidan both sing along :)

So I sent it out to them, and they got to hear their names on the radio, and their favourite song :) I don't think *they* really understood what was going on, but I was pretty excited :)

YAY...lol...small things right?

~Lisa~

(Good) News

Al finally got a new job yesterday. He starts today. He's back doing heavy equipment towing. I'm not thrilled, as he is also back in the city, working for commission, and his hours are never going to be the same day to day. I was SO hoping for him to get a job close to home, with good pay and normal hours. I guess that was too much to ask for. I guess now I just have to hope that he doesn't give up on looking for something different.

The good news though, is that he's working for a MUCH better company. Supplied uniforms and hats. He has a phone, and all the papaerwork he needs. And there's benefits after 3 months WOOHOO! So, already this place is Way more organized than the idiots he worked for last time. I just wish it was closer.

It was SO nice having him home for these two weeks though. The kids were happy, the house was immaculate! and I loved walking through the door every afternoon seeing all of their smiling faces. And I know he loved it too. He would make such an awesome stay-at-home Dad. I honestly don't personally know many men that can handle it.

So, that's the update. Sorry it took so long. Been kinda in a blogging funk. But I'm back. With pictures of Jenna's first day of school yesterday. But those will have to come later, there's dishes to be done, and laundry to fold.

Gotta keep up with Al :)

~Lisa~

A very quick update.

1. Al lost his job. Out of the blue. No warning. They decided to downsize instead of upsize the company. Al and 4 mechanics were let go.

2. We had Mason's birthday party last Sunday. He didn't eat any cake. He still won't try many new things. But the bubble theme was a hit!!

3. My BABY turned ONE! on Wednesday!!! And he's walking WAY more than crawling now :)

4. My parents are the victims of a debit card scam. They've lost $800. No idea when they'll get it back. I feel awful that I can't help them.

5. We were in Timmins visiting Al's family from Friday-today. We are thinking of moving there. Maybe. Just for a couple years. maybe. We had a really good visit. Al's Mom turned 60 on Thursday so we took Al's sister Heather, her son Joe and us up to surprise her with a visit :) She looked like a deer in headlights when she walked in!!

6. After busting my ass to get the house spotless, we probably can't buy it. I'm rather depressed.

Off to bed. I'm so exhausted.

~Lisa~

ACK! I am sooo freaking out.

My landlord has been here for a week. Stupid Stinky Stan moved out. His apartment was Trashed!!! Literally. So much more grossness than the internet is allowed to endure.

So, the landlord comes by. Says he's going to do some cleaning. And is also going to paint around our windows(Yay!) Next thing I know, they're patching and painting the apartment downstairs. After that, they're ripping up the carpet and underlay. Talking about new windows. Trimming trees, whacking weeds.

And then, my landlord and his wife are knocking on my door. They are selling the house.

SELLING...THE...HOUSE!!

DUDE!!

They want to sell the house to US!!! ME!! And AL!! OH...MY...FREAKING GOODNESS!! oh My HELL!!

How!? I mean, How!?

And When!? (Hint:I still don't know)

And HOW?!

Our savings consists of about $3.27 in change in a can on the counter. We are not that great with money(I am literally in much pain from admitting that out loud).

I WANT the house. But I am afraid of it. I want to join that millions of people who can check off OWN on surveys asking about their home ownership. I want to complain about my mortgage. But I am so afraid. Afraid of the responsibility. Afraid of the what-ifs. Afraid of the largeness of it all.

And then there's the flip side. If we don't get the house, we're homeless. HOME-LESS. We have Very affordable rent. Rent that we will Never duplicate in a million years for 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, laundry, parking, utilities and a garage.

DUDE! I am so freaking out.

I don't know the next step!! Who do I call? What do I say to convince whoever it is that I call that we are good people, who LOVE the house, and will work really hard to make it lovely, and will be able to make the payments, because, hello? there's an apartment! That we will rent! That will help pay back all the money we need you to lend us! And we have Jobs! That give us some money. That we can give some of to pay back all the money we need to buy this house which we want to make so lovely!

Crap.

~Lisa~

Look at Mason!!!!

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She's Home!

We went and picked up Al's new car yesterday. I am so insanely Jealous :) While he's driving around in this sexy beotch...

I get to chug around town in this beast :)

Now, don't get my wrong. I LOVE the freedom having my own vehicle brings. I just had hoped it would be a sexier, sleeker more ME kind of vehicle.

Like this for instance :)Pretty :) I Heart the Nissan Murano!

But, anyway, it's only a dream. The real point of this is that we are looking for a name for the Malibu. Our last Malibu was Barbie. The Van is Vinnie. Our Dynasty was Margaret, the Hyundai Accent was Otto. Nothing is coming to me for the Malibu though.

I'm trying to get my camera software on this computer. Al took a bunch of pictures of the Malibu, so maybe that will help :)

Peace out Dudes!

~Lisa~

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

The Good:

We've had some good days lately. Saturday was fun...eventually. We went to 'the city' (Toronto) to look at cars for Al. He has a Pontiac Pursuit through his work, but it's just not big enough for all of us to fit in, and with gas prices what they are, it's too expensive to take my van (A Safari) travelling. So, he's looking at a Malibu. Why we traded in our old Malibu, I'll never know :( Anyway, after that we met up with Al's sister Heather. And had a Great time!! Normally I dread visits with them, as her husband is such an arse sometimes. But it was great this time :) We went to Swiss Chalet for dinner and had the Slowest waitress known to man. Al had heather and I in Tears from laughing by the time we were ready to order dessert! She forgot to ask us, and then everytime she walked near, Al would gesture with the dessert menu, and say "Cheesecake!". This went on for about 5 minutes until she finally turned and said "Oh! Did someone want cheesecake?" I damn near lost it for good. I couldn't even see I was laughing and crying so hard! Good times :)

We bought my brother a car seat for his baby. Damion's been riding around in his infant seat for about a month too long now. My brother kept saying they could get him one in July...and it just kept on not happening. So, I talked to Al, and we agreed that we couldn't have it on our conscience any longer to have him riding like that. Off to Wal-Mart we went. Lucky for us there was one on sale for $79!! My Mom offered to pay for half, but we declined, and told her to apply it to the money we had to borrow from them last year. It's so nice to be comfortable enough to be able to do that! And i feel sooo much better knowing Damion is safe again. Man, am I annoyed with my brother though!! ugh. Oh well.

The Bad:
I am so friggin hot. Like, can't breathe, don't come near me/touch me/look at me hot.

My periods have been Awful this month and last :( So very painful, and way heavier tahn I have Ever experienced. I'm thinking of talking to my doctor to see if going on the pill will help any of that, but haven't quite decided yet. I hate taking the pill.

Also under the bad...I bought new bras last week. I think they are too big. They're only 36B! Oh yes people. I think I may need an A Cup!! Sooo annoyed!!!!!!!!! This time last year, I was a 38C-D!!! I have nothing left! When I lay on my back, my ribs stick up higher than my boob! It's awful! Of course, in defence of my body, Jenna(My 9lb-er!) camped out under my ribs for a good part of my pregnancy, so they really stretched and spread in order to accomodate her...and then 2 babies after that, they just gave up :) But still!! Did my boobs have to give up on me!?

The Ugly:

I had an Awful day with Henry today. I was feeling pretty rough, headache, nausea, blah. I guess he could sense it. He was really aggressive. And I broke down. I couldn't do it anymore, so I carried him to his room, and then went in the bathroom for a cry. I hate crying. I hate it even more in front of other people. I get all read and spotchy. bah. I thought I had myself calmed down, and went back downstairs to pack up my stuff. Jenny looked at me and asked what was wrong, and of course, I lost it again. I'm so embarrassed. I just couldn't get through to Henry today. No reinforcer or consequence would make him work again. And he hates being touched, so that doesn't help at times like this, when the rule is to do a physical prompt. Where I take his hand and perform the task with him. Every time I did that, he lost it. I don't know what to do...and I hate that. I felt sooo unqualified to be there today. So lost.

So that's that. Tomorrow is another day. Here's hoping for a good one.

~Lisa~

Pulling weeds is better than pulling hair.

WHAT was in the air tonight!? My kids were being such Hooligans!! They couldn't even Look at each other without screeching and bawling. It was awful. I tried every tactic known to mother to get them to "GET THE HELMAIHDWHWI ALONG For GOODNESS Sakes!!" Oh yes. I did.

Eventually I had had enough. I turned on the TV. Oh yes. I did. And then I left the house. At first I just stood outside the front door. Just breathing. Just enjoying the quiet air inside my head. About 2.8 seconds later the kids were at the door, looking like pathetic lost orphans. I scared them away. The neighbours probably are scared of me now too. HA! So THERE!

And then, out of desperation, out of a need to just do SOMETHING for myself, Anything to just take me away from the stress that had consumed me, I pulled weeds. and pulled and pulled and pulled.

And after awhile, I was calmed enough for the kids to come outside again. And they did just fine. Played like angels. I almost got my front walkway completely clear of weeds. Winners all around.

And really, pulling out weeds is much more legal than pulling out their hair.

~Lisa~

Water fascinates me.

I was thinking about water this morning while in the shower. And it really does fascinate me.
Cases in point:

- I find it amazing that I can fill a dirty bowl with water, return to it a few hours later, and be able to wipe it clean.

- I find it amazing that water is powerful enough(when the right tool is used) to take paint from a fence, yet gentle enough to take dirt from my babies.

- I find it amazing that the same water that I use to nourish my body, can also be used to nourish my house plants.

- I am Blown AWAY by water's ability to turn soap, in any form, bar, liquid powder, you name it, into LATHER!! Just the addition of water and there's a million little bubbles!

- I love that it can hold a hot or cold temperature for long periods of time.

- I love that we can swim in it.

- I love that we can rely on it to keep our gardens and grass green and lush.

-And I really love it, not too cold, with a little bit of Lemon.

I know. I'm a little strange. :)

~Lisa~

Fear Not Dear Internet! I have not forgotten you. I have not died. My Hard-drive however, is a whole other story. My advice? Get the extended warranty. Bah. Luckily my awesomer than awesome husband hooked up our old jelopy of a computer(Which we LOVE! Yes we do!!)

I had such a day from Hell yesterday. Started out at 3:30AM. When Karen’s Baby woke up Mason with his screaming. Their cribs are against the same wall. And apparently the builder decided NOT to use the concrete blocks necessary for code here in Canada between our semis. Karen apparently is either deaf or believes in CIO, because OMG the screaming from that baby. Ugh. This happened when Aidan and Logan were back to back in these rooms too. I moved Aidan’s crib, even though I hated where I had to move it to. I keep trying to figure out a way to convince Karen to move Evan’s crib, but I doubt it’s going to happen. She's one of those smart responsible mothers that bolts everything to the walls.

Carry on to the morning. Mason is still sick. He’s been running a fever since last Friday, and soon after developed a barking cough. Then came the runny nose. And the crankies. I hemmed and hawed all morning about whether I should stay home with him or go to work. I didn't figure I would be able to get an appointment with my doctor in the morning so I went to work.

Mistake!!! Henry had an AWFUL day!! There was A LOT of activity at his house that morning before I got there, which got him way over-stimulated. So out came the aggression I haven't seen in a couple months. Ugh. I was so exhausted. My brain just did NOT want to deal with that at all :( But I got through it. and we both left smiling.

Get to Mason's afternoon(told ya) appointment. Oh boy. Lay on the guilt!! He has a sinus and throat infection :( I feel so awful for letting him try to fight it off for a week before taking him in.
But he's got his antibiotics now, and seems better already. He Finally had a good nap this morning!.

My housework has been forgotten for most of the week. It's really hard, and annoying trying to get the dishes and vacuuming done while there's a sick baby screaming up at you, while permanently attached to your leg. The kids and I worked together this morning. Who knew a bottle of Windex could be so exciting to a 5 year old and a 2.5 year old. Now if only the dish washing fairy would work her magic in my kitchen. Ugh. I hate living like this. But my motivation is gone.

And now, here it is, after 5:00. Nothing made for dinner. Dishes not done. in my defense though, Karen has Mastitis, and I watched her boys fr most of the afternoon. Here's to hoping the energy fairy comes and lights a match under my ass. What I wouldn't give for a working dishwasher right now...Any requests?

~Lisa~

Warning! Extreme Cuteness Ahead!!

First, Mason started sticking his tongue out today!! BIG news for him, as he's a bit tongue tied, and has NEVER stuck his tongue out past his teeth. It took a few shots to get it though. He's become a total Ham in front of the camera lately :) Sorry about the blurriness. I needed to charge the batteries :)

This is Mason saying "La La La" :)He does have a top to his head, honest!! He was holding onto my leg while I was trying to get his picture, so it was hard to get him in the shot LOL.

And now!! Gone Beachin'!

Who said she could get so freakin' beautiful??? I mean, those EYES!(In case you didn't notice LOL)

And this one :) Despite the silly look on his face, he LOVED the water :)

Blinded by the Light... LOL Get that boy some SUN!!
Whether he wanted to or not, Daddy went swimming too. (He totally wanted to :))

I couldn't resist. This is CUTE :) hehehe...cheeky.

~Lisa~

The Party :)

My Mom LOVED her teapot cake. I wasn't thrilled with it. The bowl I used wasn't quite round enough, and then when Al was taking the second cake out, it broke :'( But, I improvised. Also, if you ever want to use Marzipan...keep in mind that HAS to dry over-night. Yeah. But, here it is...ignore the icing on the plate, I forgot to clean it off before taking the picture :)

We just had a low-key BBQ. Really great burgers from the Food service company(I'll do a post on it later! Promise!!) and Salad. And cake of course :)

I gave Jenna a haircut on Friday. I'm still deciding if I like it this length. But, her friend got a haircut, so of course, Jenna HAD to have one too. She likes it. I guess that's what matters most.

Seriously, for 1 year short of a half-century(See, I never said her age, did I!?) my mom looks pretty damn good!

Mason was practising for his birthday next month(ACK!!!) He kept trying to stick his hands in the cake LOL

Can't Wait for this afternoon, we're FINALLY getting to see Julie(Bo-Bolie)!!!!!

Have a good one!

~Lisa~

Happy Birthday to my MOM!!!

I'm so proud of myself...I didn't mess it up this year! Last year was just awful...I talked to her a few times on her birthday last year. And then called her the NEXT DAY to wish her a happy birthday. That's right...I got my own Mother's birthday wrong last year. Oh Yes. Awful.

I did much better today. I called. Today. The right day :) Go me. LOL

And she's coming for lunch on Saturday. Complete with a (Dear God I hope!) Teapot cake :) My mom collects teapots...she has close to 150!!! Crazy. I know. But I love her :)

Happy birthday mom!!



~Lisa~

Where have I BEEN!?

No where really...just busy.

We had a pretty good weekend. low key. Al had an ear infection, and Mason had a cold, so unfortunately, the camping trip we had planned was canceled. Hopefully we'll be able to go later in the summer :(

We Tried to do the Canada Day fireworks downtown...but about 2 minutes into the shower it started to rain a bit. Then about 4 minutes into the show it started to POUR! So, not much of a show was seen. But, the kids had a great time with their sparklers and light-up fans in the hour Before the show :)

We took the kids to the sprinklers/water park on Monday. I walked Mason over, to see what he would do. I swear, I have never heard him laugh so much in all his 10 months!! He walked right in to one of the fountains!!! Stuck his whole face in! And came out laughing and sputtering :) I love my water-baby boys :) Jenna's doing sooo much better too! Looks like she overcame her fear of water this summer :) Thank goodness!

I made the kids' day today. Took them to the library for the first time since Before Aidan was born!! Infact, the nicest lady ever to work at a library showed me the list of the over-due fines for Jenna's card(which we have since lost)...it came to $82.00!!! I swear, I had no idea. She canceled every single charge!!!! I was looking at the list...a bunch of the books were about babies....so I know that they were borrowed before Aidan :) It was so nice to go back!! The kids LOVED it, and I am sooo looking forward to new books to read. Next time I may even attempt to convince them to let Me look for a book or two :) It was so silly to stop going...and I don't even remember why we stopped!!

Looking forward to tomorrow. We're getting a grocery delivery. Hopefully we have room for everything!! There's so much food coming! LOL! I'm pretty sure they're saving us money though, which is awesome. We usually spend around $120/week on groceries(Which is mostly made up of no name/store brand items). With this company we'll be spending $82!! And it's all name brand stuff!! I'm really excited about the Heinz Ketchup and French's mustard! LOL! And the MEAT!! A freezer full of select grade, cut how WE wanted, packaged to avoid freezer burn, MEAT!! Yay!!

Mason is a cruising fool now!! Looks like he may walk before 1, just like his sister and brother! Hard to believe that 2 months ago he was a lump on a log:) LOL

Well, I think that was all..hmm.... OH!!!

Al bought me a present! For no reason other than to show me that he appreciates me!! A Tinkerbell Necklace!! YAY!! I LOVE IT!!! Hmm...Blogger isn't posting the picture...but trust me, it's COOL. Here's a link :) http://www.jewelryswan.com/green-fairy-necklace.html Jenna was so in love with mine, that I ordered her this one http://www.jewelryswan.com/small-rainbow-fairy.html as a passing gift. She's going to be so excited :)

Hugs to all!!!

~Lisa~