*

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Cowboy Gabe

Do you ever take pictures of your kids and wonder where the heck they got "THAT" from?

The weekend of Halloween Gord dressed up for work as a Wyatt Earp type character, complete with guns, cowboy hat, and spurs.  He looked great.  The boys thought it was great too...especially the guns (of course).

When he got home from work that night he handed Gabe his hat, and the following are what came out of it.

It starts with this...


a little smirk as he notices Mom is taking a picture.

Then, of course, the guns come out.



Notices Mom is still taking pictures, and really starts to get into it.



Now for the cowboy face...


Now just for the Ladies...


Howdy Ma'am


And we finish with this.


Too funny!  I laugh at these every time I look at them.  Gotta love him.

But wait, before you go, you have to see

Zach 'The Kid'


Ain't he just the cutest?

Monday, November 22, 2010

Wonderful Weekend

I decided after my last post that I didn't want to blog anymore if I couldn't blog in a more positive way.  Who wants to read such depressing stuff all the time?
So, I took a break.

Today I am back, and hopefully with a better heart attitude.

Mondays are for Mommy's Musing and I am going to use this post to tell you about the wonderful weekend I just had.

Originally hubby was supposed to be off all weekend, but after being off sick for more than a week at the beginning of the month, it was just not going to happen.  Friday was his scheduled day off, so we still got that. 

The day started off pretty much the same way it usually does with the boys up and me nagging at them every couple of minutes to get dressed.  Eventually they arrived at the table for breakfast.  Daddy got up (which usually doesn't happen on the only day he has to sleep in) and enjoyed breakfast with his boys as I got lunches made and backpacks ready for school.

By 8:20am the boys are on the bus and I am back in the house to get myself some breakie.  Gord is back to bed, and Isaac and I are hangin' out enjoying our morning.  Naptime comes for Isaac and after getting some emails sent and checking out facebook I decided that I would take the opportunity to nap too.

Naptime was great.  We napped much later than I normally leave Isaac (he usually has an afternoon one too). We decided that since we had to be at the school to pick up the boys at 3:30 (instead of waiting for the bus to drop them off), we would let Isaac nap as long as possible and only give him one.

Everybody up and lunch done.  Then showers, and the boys bags packed for the weekend.  We hadn't told them they were going to be away for the weekend and I wasn't sure how that was going to be received when we picked them up.  We picked them up and when everyone was buckled into the car we let them in on the weekend plans.  There were some teary eyes when they heard that they were going by themselves, and we were told that we'd be missed SO much!  (Thanks for the tear at my heartstrings, but you are still going!)

We arrived at Auntie Dawn's and I braced myself for the pending tears, wails and neverending hugs.  In we walked, down into the family room we go.  Low and behold, there is a new tv at Auntie Dawn's and its a HUGE one!  Problem solved.  Had to tear them away just to get kisses, hugs and goodbyes.  Isaac was a little unhappy, but our nephew took him and we were out the door. 

Back in the truck I took a deep breath and slowly let it out.  I was going to be kid free for the next 43 and 1/2 hours.  BRING IT ON!!

 If you know my husband, you always know where you can find him on a friday night.  With season's tickets, he is there to support his Kitchener Rangers whenever possible.  I on the other hand go only a couple of times a season.  It isn't that I don't like to go, actually I enjoy it when I do get to go, but I get so nervous and tense for them during the game I just couldn't do it every week.  Thankfully I am not a hockey mom!  My admiration goes out to two of my sister-in-laws who are both hockey moms.  Better you than me :)

So, being that it was friday, the game was pretty much a no brainer.  We enjoyed a nice dinner out, then on to the game.  It was a great game!  Kitchener beat the Kingston Frontenacs 4-3.  I even caught a glimpse of Doug Gilmour (yes, I do know who that is).  As usual I was so nervous for them, but had a great time.

We ate a little more after the game, then headed on home for some uninterrupted adult entertainment.  Those of you with children, I am sure you understand the always having an ear out for the kids bedroom door opening, even in the midst of sex!!  Not an issue this weekend!  Hallelujah!  Enough said *Blush*

Saturday morning Gord was off to work, and I got to SLEEP IN!!!!!! Oh sweet sleep, I have missed you!!  Even so, I was still up by 10.  Played around on my computer for a bit, finished up some laundry, and had a list a mile long of stuff to do.  Instead I sat and listened to the ticking of the clock on the kitchen wall, the hum of my dryer, and the wurr of my computer.  AHHHHHHH, peace.  No yelling, no thumping, no Mommy, Mommy, MOMMY.  Just peaceful house noises.

It was while enjoying those house noises that I decided that I was not going to do my mile long to do list, but rather go out and enjoy doing some errands and christmas shopping ON MY OWN!!!!  And the blessings keep coming!  LOL

We had planned to check out a movie Saturday night and knowing how Gord's days usually go at the dealership, I knew we would be going out in London.  We had arranged for him to be picked up in the morning so that we could come home together in the evening instead of having two cars.

I puttered around the whole afternoon.  Enjoyed driving his truck.  Even got pretty good at parking it.  I was totally impressed with myself when I backed into a parking spot perfectly in a horribly busy lot at the Western Fair Grounds.  GO ME!

The dealership closes at 5pm on a saturday.  It was 5:30pm when I arrived (knowing how it usually works).  It was after 7 when we finally got out of there.  The nice thing was we were kid free, so it didn't matter how late we were going to be, so a late show was no big deal. 

Our movie picks were RED, Unstoppable, and something else that totally illudes me at this moment.  Gord went in to purchase our tickets in advance.  He came out grinning like a school boy.  At this particular Ciniplex in London they have a couple of VIP theatres.  You pay extra, but for a treat, it was worth it.  More on that later.

Now to grab dinner at Shoeless Joe's.  I had brought Gord a change of clothes (which of course he didn't want while we were at the dealership but now that we were out), so before we went into the restaurant he changed.  Yup, right there in the parking lot.  Have you ever tried to get someone's cowboy boots off while you are both sitting in a truck?  We got them though, and Gord only got a couple looks while standing in his boxers outside.

Dinner was nice.  Relaxing too since we didn't have to be back at the theatre until 10pm.  Our first choice of movie was RED, but that was sold out in VIP, so we went to see Unstoppable.  It is based on a true story.  Not a relaxing movie.  It was really good but I was a nervous wreck.  LOL, two nights in a row.  But so much fun!  The VIP theatre has comfy recliner chairs set in pairs, so you are not right on top of anybody.  It is licensed, so you can drink if you want.  They have a special menu....not just popcorn and candy.  Cheese sticks, potato skins, cupcakes...a full two page menu.  Plus, you are served!  LMAO!! An actual waiter/ess comes and takes your order and then brings it to you.  You do have to be there 20 mins before your show if you want that service though.  But, for a treat it was fun.

More adult entertainment....enough said.
(I will tell you that for the first time in a VERY LONG TIME, clothes were strewn all the way down the hallway)

Sunday we opted to sleep in instead of going to church.  It was so nice just to be able to snuggle up close to my hubby and know that I wasn't going to be beckoned any minute. 

We picked the boys up at noon and of course when we arrived they didn't want to leave. 
A truly awesome weekend.



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

They Deserve It, and So Do I

I have been struggling.
I have a lot of negative self talk.
I say I want to change.
I have lots of things to change.
but
I don't change.

I NEED to change.

I know that I am not giving my all.
Not to any part of my life.
Not to my house.
Not to my kids.
Not to my husband.
Not to my house.
Not to my church.
Not to my family or friends.
Not to my community.
NOT TO MYSELF!

Why?

I don't believe in myself.
I listen to the negative talk that is
almost constantly playing in my head.
I lose sight of all I have.
I lose sight of where I want to go.

Tomorrow
is
A NEW DAY
and what's more is
that I am actually looking forward to it.

A fresh start.
Yes, it might be ANOTHER one,
but that's okay
I deserve it, and I'm going to take it.
My kids and my hubby
deserve that effort from me.

So bring on tomorrow.









Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Reading .... Do I have to?

Me:  Let's do your reading.
Gabe:  Do I have to?

This is the way our conversation starts almost every day after school.
Reading is NOT one of Gabe's favourite past times.
This makes me sad.
He can read.....
when he pays attention and actually LOOKS at the words,
and sounds them out
instead of trying to just guess from the pictures.

I try to get him to understand that
reading is a gateway to an
amazing world of wonder.
You can go anywhere and be anything in books.

He doesn't seem impressed.

It is my hope that one day
the light will go on
and
reading will become something
he loves.

In the meantime,
we will continue to have our daily conversation.

How do you help your kids to learn to love reading?
Got any tricks or tips?

Monday, October 4, 2010

Thank God It's Monday!

THANK GOD IT'S MONDAY!

I know that this is a pretty radical statement.  With most people rejoicing when it is finally FRIDAY, why on earth would anyone be thankful that it is MONDAY?

Well, if you haven't figured it out already, I haven't been having the best few weeks lately.  I go through times like these every once in a while.  They aren't fun.  Thankfully it is usually only a few weeks and then I am back to my normal self.  It can be quite the struggle while I am in it though.

So, why am I thanking God that it's Monday?  Well, I am feeling pretty much back to myself today.  The sun is shining(this is a BIG thing for me), the older boys are at school, baby is napping at the moment, laundry is on, and I'm feeling like I might actually have a productive day.

I have a to do list that is atleast a mile long, and a weight loss journey that has stalled horribly, a house that needs some serious cleaning, but thank God its Monday, perfect for a fresh start.

Well, I must go dear friends.  I'm feeling good, and I'm not going to waste it. 

Hope you are enjoying your monday!!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Some days....

 I know that I haven't been in all week, and for that I apologize....being sick sucks...just sayin.....

I know that it is Saturday and that I am supposed to be writing some wonderful words about our weekend or some such thing. However, I have just got to get something off my chest today. 

So, here it goes....

There are some days (today being one of them, if you hadn't guessed that already) that it takes EVERYTHING i have not to look up toward the heavens and ask God.....WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING GIVING ME CHILDREN!!????!!!....

Some days I get so frustrated, then I deal with things with an even greater lack of effectiveness, more frustration, louder voice, anger, and so on til we hit a peak.....then.....

I feel like a complete failure as a Mom...again.

Why is it that I can't get my boys to understand that if they don't want to clean up a huge mess....then don't make one....

If you want to have treats because you were good.....then be good....

If you don't want mom to lose her MIND....do as she asks...THE FIRST TIME.....alright even the second time, but come on.....

I always thought that I was good with kids.  I always thought that I would be a good mom. 

I don't feel that way often anymore.  I get disappointed in myself and worry that my severe lacking in the "AWESOME MOM" department is really going to affect them adversely.  As it is, my Grade Two guy hates to read, and struggles with staying on task at school. 

I worry.

I love my boys desperately, with all of my heart.  I can only pray that that love can make up for so many other shortcomings of this "Struggling to be a Good"  Mom.

Do you ever feel like this?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Date Night

I don't know about you,
but around here,
its hard to get some
 Mommy Alone time.
It is also very hard to get some
Mommy and Daddy Alone
time!

Yesterday my hubby and I had a social afternoon for his BNI group to go to.
Thankfully my awesome sister was willing to babysit.
What was even more awesome was that she was
willing to watch them not only for the afternoon of the social,
but also for the evening!
This meant hubby and I could enjoy an actual
DATE NIGHT!!!
Wahoo!
I'm not exactly sure when the last time we had the opportunity to do that was.
They are far too few and far between.
We had a lovely time at the social, and enjoyed a really nice
chat with another couple.
We actually found out during the course of conversation
that her and I share the same birth month and year.
She is only 13 days older than I am.
It was fun to meet and put faces to some of the people
hubby talks about.

The best part though was getting to go and have dinner
together
ALONE
no noisy kids, no needing to cut anybody's meal,
no making sure Isaac wasn't hoovering his food,
no 'eat your dinner please'
no mess.
Just us!
Funny thing is we picked a place to eat that was
REALLY noisy.
But the food was great.
I also had my first 'drink' in
probably more than 4 years.
I just don't drink...for no other reason than
most of it I just don't like the taste of, so why waste the money.
However,
I do like nice fruity, frothy stuff.
Yup, totally girlie drinks.
I definitely enjoyed my
Strawberry Daiquiri.
Then we were off to a movie.
There really wasn't much playing at the theatre we went to
that we wanted to see.
We decided on The Expendables.
Who wouldn't love a cast like that?
Sylvester Stallone,
Jason (yummy) Statham,
Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren,
Mickey Rourke,
Eric Roberts, Steve Austin
Terry Crews,
Cameos by
Bruce Willis and
Arnold Schwartzeneggar
Is it violent?  Yup!
Was it funny? Yup!
Did we enjoy it?  Yup!
It was nice to sit in that theatre,
have my hubby holding my hand,
not have to think about, or listen for the kids.
Even just for a few hours it is a welcomed break!

So, I have to say a HUGE thankyou to my big sister.
Love you LOADS and LOADS.

To my Hubby,
I love you more and more each day.
Thankyou for a really great day.
All my love.