Apperently I need to apologize to my son...He took great offence to the previous post regarding him not getting his homework done. Braden "I am sorry", it was not written or posted to hurt your feelings..the things that were said are my feelings and I am a bit frustrated right now! I have a right to my feelings, and I hope that you see my point and do what you have to do! With that said, if my words were too harsh then I need to rephrase my choices and let my blog readers know that Braden is a very hard worker, he is definately taking his future seriously and is not in anyway really..a slacker! However, he knows...what I am upset about, and he better make the right choice over the weekend, love you Braden..good luck at hockey this weekend. I'll be thinking about you during your playoffs! xox
Ok, so thats said and done!!
I am just getting ready for our weekend away, shopping, shopping and more shopping! Everything is in order and I am packed and just waiting for the others.
Today was a great day, Paul and I have gone to the gym 3 mornings this week so we decided to take this morning off and go for breakfast instead.

We went to a little diner in Preston, most people go to 50's or other known places for breakfast but Paul and I have a history in this little dingy cafe. It is a bit slummy..kinda diry and greasey, but the food is good and we get a chuckle out of the others sitting around us in their booths, sipping coffee and dipping their toast in the runny egg yolk. This morning was funny, as usual there was a couple sitting next to us (older couple, bit rough around the edges..looked like they had been up drinking all night)but I was secretly listening to their conversation, it was entertaining. She was expressing her feelings about her boyfriends lack of interest in their relationship, how he is hard to read, doesn't have emotions and is hard to talk too..haha, I felt like saying welcome to marriage! Joking...
They continued to discuss the situation, he was blaming the fact that he is the youngest child in his family..blah, blah, blah..well I lost interest eventually and turned my attention to Paul once again, LOL, he was trying to figure out by my lip synching what they were saying. Unfortunately do to our laughing and giggling, I missed it!! Something big went down right there infront of us, and I missed it!
She abruptly rose from the booth, whipped her coat off the bench, called him a name, grabbed her purse and ran out the door. I didn't see that coming, I casually, calmly looked over at the poor insulted man sitting there, (with a smile on his face)he got up, yelled out to her "sweetheart", and decided to follow pursuit. He went after her..its too bad they didn't eat first. It was funny, actually the bizarre thing about it, was both Paul and I said when we walked in and after observing that couple..said that this was going to be a "break-up breakfast". We called that one!
After breakfast we decided to go look at patio stones for the area by the pool that I want to change..here are the two samples that I need to choose from...

Its hard to tell the difference, there really isn't much of one. But the bottom picture..those stones have a bit of colour to them..I think I like those ones..we will just have to wait and see!

BBQ Season...

Tonight felt like the official start to our bbq season. We have bbq'd over the winter when it was mild out, but the difference between tonight and winter bbq's is obviously the weather and frame of mind. It was so beautiful out this evening, we sat outside while cooking steaks, I made homemade potatoe salad and we had some vegetables with dip. The steak was fabulous, so juicy and tender cooked to perfection!
Other than our bbq, this evening was uneventful. We told the kids that we have decided to unplug the internet service one evening a week. I am tired of the kids always on facebook chatting, playing on line games or even just texting. I understand that its part of thier culture..but just one night without it wouldn't hurt. I shouldn't complain really..we still have dinners together, Kailey does her homework and is a complete superstar in school... Braden, well..lets just say I'm sick of fighting with him to get his stuff done. If he decided not to do his work, well then he can deal with the consequences. I mean by grade 11, you are responsible for your own stuff..he should know how to organize and make time for everything important in his life, including his homework. Many of you know that I will fight to the death for him if there is something out of his control that hinders his ability to do something educationally for school. I have had numerous phone calls, interviews and arguments with so many board of education members..if I need to defend him over something medically, emotionally or mentally..then look out world..I am relentless and frightening. With that said, if he doesn't finish something due to sheer laziness...well then big guy..suffer the consequences! You're on your own! No sympathy here...
Both kids took the news about the internet going down once a week pretty well, didn't seem to phase Kailey and Braden didn't respond either way. I am just looking forward to having them around, actually watching a tv program with us...
Tomorrow we leave for the states shopping..going to Erie. I am looking forward to it, I haven't checked to see if there is internet service in our hotel...so if not, I will blog Saturday but post it on Sunday..I will keep you informed of our dress shopping and bargain hunting. I hope all my wonderful readers have a great weekend, and that you are blessed with beautiful weather for BBQ'ing, family time and sun worshipping.

Wednesday's Portrait

Here is the second change to my blog that I have decided to do...I will take a picture from the past or present and describe what was going on at that time. This will give me the chance to reminisce and find the words that made me take the picture at that time. Obviously any picture that we take always has a meaning or a purpose. Each photo that I choose will have special memory or significance of any kind.
Today I found this picture of Kailey and Harley. Actually this picture was taken when Kailey was probably 4 years old and Harley was about 3 years old. When I got this picture developed it was chosen my the photo company to be used as a sample for picture sizes in the store. There they were..all blown up into diffent dimensions. I was pretty proud, it was one of my favourite pictures of the two of them. They were inseperatable, two peas in a pod...I think it was because Kailey was so young and didn't seem to pay attention to her food placement. Harley was an opportunist, of course he would hang with the little girl who carelessly dropped her cookies, crackers and at times..(which Harley knew was a score), her hotdog would tumble out of her little chubby hands right into Harleys ever waiting mouth.
I believe this day we were on Lake Erie, we had just upsized our boat. Paul of course wanted something bigger and better than the one we had. So this boat in particular was a 26'Larson with a cuddy below that allowed us to sleep on it. I did enjoy the boat when we had it, many summer's spent sitting on that thing drinking beer, listening to Journey (which my kids know by heart) soaking up the sun and relaxing usually after a very long week. It certainly was great family time spent together, especially when the kids were little and easier to make happy. We could dock the boat, walk to shore and enjoy the beach with the others. Or sometimes we'd tie a dingy to the boat and let the kids hang on tight while they floated tiredly along the shoreline. They were great years, Oh how I loved summer with a boat. Unfortunately as the kids got older, it was harder to get them to want to sit out on a boat,they eventually began to find it boring..unless they brought a friend with them..but that became work for us. The other down fall with having the boat was that also having a pool, we would do ALOT of entertaining through the week, people always coming for lunch, staying all after noon...of course it was great, tiring sometimes...but I loved every minute of it. When the weekend would roll around, it was difficult to want to have people come to the boat again we would be entertaining. I mean, it was nice and we have great friends who were very appreciative, but whenever anyone came up for a day..they would want to enjoy the time, relaxing, eating, laughing and lounging...we found it to be work after a few summers of that. We eventually sold the boat, and Paul did have a very hard time with that. Sometimes, I tell him to go get another SeaDoo boat, something that seats maybe 6 people...Braden could even drive it. I do think we will see another boat in our future, we love that life. Its just not time yet, soon I hope...I do kinda miss it!!

Tuesday's Ramblings..

Well, I have been trying to find a new refreshing scent for the summer days..and my research has found this essential oil by Kiehls. I haven't decided which scent I will get, hopefully I will have the chance this weekend to try them out while I'm in the states shopping.
Yes, this is the shopping weekend for graduation dresses for the girls. I know the little girls are thoroughly excited, but I know the big girls are equally excited to get a way, share some drinks, have some belly laughs and talk about all the things that make us mom's, wife's and best of all friends. It's always a good time with these daughters and mom's.
I think why I mostly want to try these essential oils is because they have a sort of "tom boyish" scent, airy, deep and it proves to be a sexy scent paired with a pair of jeans and a pony tail.(taken from Cup of Joe)
As I was searching this Kiehls company I also noticed they feature other amazing, wonderful body products..check out this body scrub, hope its as fabulous as the sounds.

Paul and I had some fun with the camera here are a few samples..Paul asked me to change one of the pictures that I have of us in the front hallway, he hates it! But, I need some new ones, so just by chance I grabbed him in the kitchen and told him to point and shoot, here is what we got!

Monday's Menu..

Well welcome to change #1!!
I have decided that Mondays will be a day where I will try a new recipe in my home, and then blog about it. I will give you the recipe, a picture and whether or not it was a success or failure. Each new meal will be rated by the family. There may have to be certain Mondays however where I may just try a new dessert, sometimes things come up a and I may not have a chance to try a completely new recipe. I will do my best to have something different every Monday! Feel free to try any of my recipes, they will all be easy and quick because I know that most families are busy through the week, and it takes time to cook a good homemade meal! No body wants to spend alot of time in the kitchen, there are too many other things to do.
Tonights meal was called "Tex Mex Twists" and I got this recipe from the Kraft foods recipe magazine, it was an old one..I usually keep these magazines if I use more than one recipe out of it.
Tex Mex Twists takes 20 minutes for prepping and 40 minutes to cook:

3 onions, sliced; I only used two..excessive onions wouldn't be too good.
3 cups of shredded cooked chicken
1 cup of Kraft BarBQ Sauce, Chicken 'N Rib Flavor
1/2 cup of water
1 tsp of ground cumin
3 flour tortilla's
2 cups of Kraft Tex-Mex Shredded cheese.
PREHEAT: oven to 350 F. Cook and stir onions in large fry pan until crisp-tender. Add chicken, bbq sauce, water and cumin; simmer until heated through, adding more water as necessary to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.

LAY 1 tortilla on a lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet, letting enough foil to hang over sides of baking pan for tenting. COver tortilla with half of the chicken mixture and half of the cheese. Top with second tortilla , Repeat chicke/cheese layers. Cover with the last tortilla;top with remaining sauce. SPrinkle lightly with additional cheese, if desired. Pull foil ends over tortilla stack and fold edges together to tent.
BAKE; 15 min. or until heated through. Allow to stand 5 min. before cutting into 6 wedges. Serve with sour cream.

So that's it! Very easy..the verdict from the family was..."fantastic" they all loved it. Honestly the only complaint was from Braden and all he said was that there were too many onions. Ok, so most people don't like onions..and I get that. But I do find if you cook them well enough you cannot even taste them..especially in this meal. Onions add great flavor in everything..I love them! Braden did eat his dinner, I also added some veggies and dip, however the next time I make it, I will add some rice and a cesear salad.
Kailey was very funny at dinner and kindly asked..wow, Mom, where did you get this recipe?" " Did you go to heaven to get this one?" It was pretty funny..she loved it! I would strongly recommend eating it with sour cream!
Tomorrow, I am making a new cup cake. I will be sure to take pictures so you can see how this masterpiece turns out! This recipe is a harder one, but i'm going to give it a shot! Wish me luck...I'll need it!

Changes are coming..

Yup...i have decided to make a few small changes to this blog! I just need to sit down and organize the creative ideas that I have come up with. I am pretty excited, and think that blogging topics will come much easier to me with these changes!
Today we went to Toronto to watch Braden play hockey, it was a great game! He won, 7-6..very close game, but thankfull they pulled off a goal in the last 30 seconds of the game...it was sweeeeet!! The tradition goes, and please understand that you can NEVER steer away from any tradition that Braden has, that after every hockey game we stop at this gas station and enjoy a slightly warmed hot dog with all the fixings. Ok, seriously..it is tradition!! It is what he loves..so as every Sunday goes, we stopped at that same gas station, and each of us enjoyed a steamy weanie!!
The drive home was fun, we mostly laughed at Paul...of course making fun of him, its what we do best! Paul and I went for a drive this evening, grabbed a tea/coffee and just looked at houses and talked about a couple things. Mostly about the fan club Braden has recently gotten, with no encouragement from him! Yes, today I found out that two girls from the senior hockey team came out to watch...Braden! On top of that news, he proceeds to tell me that he met another girl at a social engagement last week and she has become obsessed with talking to him. She tells him everything..I warned him not to get involved with her drama and do not become that guy who sits around listening to all her dilema's...its okay to be a friend, but don't get caught up with thier problems. This girl he met, to me sounds a bit shady and I did phone a few people to ask questions about "her" story. As it turns out, pretty much everything she shared with Braden, as shocking as it was..turns out to be true! Oh boy, Paul kindly reminded Braden that it is going to be hard to find someone who MOM is going to like... and you know what??...Paul is absolutely right! Good luck trying to win me over..I ain't that easy!! LOL,
Thankfully, my boy is very smart and has already formed his own opinion of her. He has already backed off and respectfully told her to stop texting so much, she was upset but as a typical guy..it didn't seem to phase him at all!!
Today was insightful....I was very proud of Braden, he has a strong head on his shoulders and is very intuitive when dealing with people. It was relieving for me to hear all the things he had to say...and comforting to hear how he dealt with everything. I sometimes worry to much, but its only because I want both of my children to be strong, successful independant people..yes, even though I still wipe Kailey's mouth if she has something in the corner of her smile ;) or, some of you might just say it's because I need to be in control...whatever!! LOl,
I have to go, Kailey needs me to read her a story and Braden needs to be tucked in...good night my humble readers..sleep well and as Michelle says "God Bless"

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

The Back-Up Plan..

Tonight Kailey and I saw a movie with Colleen and Kayla. It was the Back-Up Plan with Jennifer Lopez. It was really cute, lots of funny scene's and a great story line. It certainly wasn't a movie for men, Paul wouldn't have appreciated me dragging him there to watch that one. I mean, he could have related to some of the parts in the movie, but for the most part it was a love story. We had a few laughs, and on the way home told a couple stories about the births of our girls. Did I mention the movie was about a woman who gets artificially inseminated, then finds the right man and falls in love. By the way, he is not the father of the baby! We had Kailey and Kayla laughing so hard at times they had tears. Colleen and I of course discussed the fact that our baby years are so over, couldn't imagine going back to all of that again. The only nice thing if we were to have babies at this stage in life, is that we would be so much more calm, accepting and probably easier going. I would be a completely different mom...it was so busy in our 20's, we were so young, so uneducated (parenting related), and really just survived (barely) on pure luck!
To think of having a baby today, it would be like having a baby with someone slightly different than Paul, I mean its still him but we've changed so much over the years...growing, changing and maturing, it would be such a different experience. Even for Colleen, it would be so different for her as well, she has a loving, dedicated and committed man by her side...well, let me say those thoughts didn't last too long. LOL, we are pretty happy with this stage in life..i mean could it get any better?? Here we are, in our mid-late 30's..out on a girls date night with our two teen age daughters, laughing and crying and sharing moments and memories with eachother! Really couldn't be any better than that!!

Things around my yard..

Well humble readers..summer is around the corner and my backyard is proving so!
Let me show you a small project that I am hoping to tackle, umm..possibly this weekend.

This picture posted above is one taken in the back corner of my pool. Mostly each summer Paul and I add more soil, plant a few new bushes and then watch them die due to extensive heat over the course of the summer! Seriously it is terrible!
This year however, I have decided to level it out, put down some patio stones and add a nice seating area with cushioned chairs or possibly a small cushioned couch? I think that would be lovely, just another place to sit and entertain while watching the kids swim in the pool. I may have to attatch some sort of umbrella to the fence because like I said the temperature back there in that corner could kill just about anything!

See this spot could be so much more useful, it totally could be a cute little seating area! I'm excited, lets see if Paul is as excited as I am!!

Here is my Japanese Maple that we planted in May 2003, we decided to plant this tree when Ethan was born, it kinda symbolizes his birth and the addition to our family. It's starting to bloom, I love this tree it has meaning. I don't have much foliage around my yard again due to the intense heat. This little tree has undergone alot of stress, mostly when Finley was a puppy. She would run all over the yard, ripping at things...mostly ripping at my Japanese Maple! This is a sure sign that summer is coming, when my little tree begins to sprout!

Another sure sign of summer, the green grass in my backyard! Well, here again it will stay green until maybe..Ummm...June?? By then the heat will kill it, and the dogs will start to pee on it, leaving yellow spots all over this beautiful green yard! Speaking of dogs...here are two eager puppies waiting for Paul to open the pool just so they can go swimming!! Here's to summer, just around the corner!!

Meet Mac..

He is the cutest little man ever!! Introducing the newest edition to the family.."Mac". He is not our dog, but he is my parents. My mom and dad got this dog a couple days ago and we have all fallen in love with him. He is a tea cup Yorkie, and is 4 months old. Mac is adorable, he is so snuggly, loveable and full of life.

It was nice having him around and seeing how my dogs would interact with him, they did great! I would love to get a tea cup Morkie, they are a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie. Right now is not the best time, we have our hands full with the two dogs that we have, however with Harley aging..I do know that I would like to get one before poor Harley passes. Not that I like to think of that, you all know how much I love him! But, he is aging and Finley will be devastated when he is gone. It might be good idea to have one here before hand, it might help all of us when the time comes! So, until we get closer to that time, I will continue to enjoy the two puppies that I have and enjoy my time with Harley.
Today was a good day, my parents and Mac,Katie and Ethan all came for dinner. It was nice to see them all, again a bottle of wine was shared..dinner was wonderful Kudo's to Paul for the fabulous BBQ'ing..it was so delicious. A friend from college pinned me today asking me to go for lunch with her and another friend, unfortunately I was already busy and could not meet with them. I was thinking about nursing today, I kinda miss it :(
I think I will get into contact with one of my old teachers and get some information on flu and immunization clinics in the region. I should do some of those, I haven't given a shot in awhile, I miss that!
I have had my mind on so much lately, and I have wondered if working was something that kept my mind off of all those subjects that haunted my mind daily. The nice thing about being home right now, is that Paul is home. So, I am not alone sitting here in this big house, no one home, all alone wishing that i had a life outside of this house. When I have to talk, he is there...we make a coffee/tea, sit down and hash it out. It's so nice! Like I have said before, we have waited years to have these days together. We have both worked so hard these past 15 years, its been a blessing having this time together..it just seems so un-natural at times I think because we are workers..we are not use to spending days at home, Paul has always worked 9 to 5 jobs, and I have always been the full time stay at home mom's with so much on my plate that somedays I could have screamed!
Guess what...I still have tons on my plate, its just that my plate is only have full..Paul has the other half!
We've been talking alot lately about the future, my goodness if I don't stop worrying about it, I will end up in the psych ward.
I have always been pretty good at recognizing the importance of living one day at a time, live for the moment..not for tomorrow! But sometimes, its hard to remember and I get off track and work myself up. Again, if you worry about the future..you can't enjoy today, and I need to appreciate what is happening know because today I am blessed!
From here on in, I am not going to worry about the future and what it is going to hold, worry about it won't make it better it just adds stress and causes unjustified grief. I really need to give people needles...it's a stress reliever!!



Isn't he gorgeous..I took this picture tonight at dinner...I just think he is sooo handsome!!!

Blogging Tactics..how to keep it interesting.

Really, I have no idea how to keep this blogging thing interesting? For the most part I just like to review my day events, however somedays are just well..plain boring! On those days, I try to find a subject that we can scientifically explore..something to bring conversation to the home front..but then I realize it's 11pm and then I think oh screw it, i'm too tired!
From here on in, I am going to write down topics that come up in daily life, sit down and just write my opinions or ideas. Hopefully topics will come easily and my blogs will flourish and develope into a beautiful world of incrediably writen literature, BIG dreams!!
Tonights topic will be...dog hair shedding!!
I HATE IT!!
I love my dogs, but with the seasons changing here in Canada let me tell you...my dogs shed about 10 pounds each of dog hair.
Seriously, I vaccummed at least 6 times today, this stupid living room floor acts as a dog hair magnet and well, it kinda floats all over the place..until of course you walk through with black socks. Then you end up with a fur coat on your socks!
The guy who is putting our island in, came by yesterday and was going to remove his shoes (to be polite), I literally told him, please do not remove your shoes because you will leave with a small dog attached to the bottom of your foot! Thankfully he did leave his shoes on because he had black socks on...embarrassing!!
Anyways, Paul ever so kindly took the dogs outside to brush them out. I think that will have to be a nightly ritual, dog brushing! It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it!
On a happier note, It's our dear friends Spencer's 17th birthday!! Man I always have good intentions on sending out cards to people, I do buy them but when the right time comes to send them off...I never do it! We as a family are terrible for that!! We may suck at sending birthday, wedding, congratulation cards, but rest assure we as a family know how to throw one hell of a birthday party. To Spencer..your day is coming my friend, here in Cambridge...you will have your celebration, and it will never be forgotten!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCE!! LOVE "YOUR ONTARIO FAMILY"
Sorry tried to find a better pic, but its the first one I found and it's late!! LOL, I still love it though!!
LOL..didn't want to use last names!!!
OXOXOXXO

Volunteering...oh the joys!

This is going to be a short blog, as my friends have figured out I write short blogs when I am tired. If I would have planned this better I could have blogged today and have been free tonight.
Tonight I volunteered down at the arena with Yvette and Terry. Cambridge Ringette is still in the midst of tryouts and even though Kailey was not on ice tonight, the association still needs people to help run it. I have never really had the chance to volunteer like I did this evening, mostly due to school or the fact that I was working 12 hour days at one time. I know that's not really an excuse because to be honest mostly all of the volunteer's and association executives work full time jobs on top of what they due for Ringette. Let me tell you, I would not want the work load that most if them carry. Tonight, it really did hit me..these people with busy lives really do put alot of time and attention into this ringette world to make sure each child developes, succeeds and has fun doing so.
There is always somesort of drama going on, and its unfortunate when people don't see eye to eye, but with that said we all want what's best for our children. I had a good time, I met some of the older girls who Kail, speaks so highly of and admires from afar. Kailey came out too, she did a small bit of volunteering..they have to start somewhere!!

Be You...it's just honest!

Today I got a phone call from a staff member at MacMaster Hospital, someone who I have known for years. We chatted for some time just to get caught up on life and Braden's progress as well as to discuss our visit coming up on Wednesday. It was nice to hear from her, but she brought up someone in the conversation that got me thinking today. She had asked about a person who was once a pretty big part of our lives. She just assumed that he still was and she was asking some questions about his role with Braden, basically if there was still is a relationship? It really made me think, how do I answer her? Mostly because I had no idea what to say.
Have you ever had anyone in your life who you think is someone special but then they turn out to be someone you start to realize you didn't really ever know?
We were sure this person was someone great! Braden was so fantastically in awe of this person, especially at a difficult time in his life, he formed a wonderful friendship. At least that is what we thought!! Its a hard life lesson, one that blindsided even me, it is also something very difficult to put into words.
When she started asking me these questions...I honestly could only answer, "I don't think we ever really knew him"?? I told her that we were very disappointed and that we felt misled and lied too, Braden had mourned the loss of that friendship and well so did I.
I had hoped at one time we could have discussed our differences, like most adults do..however, given his undetectable ignorant personality trait..we never had the opportunity to do so, again something I would never had guessed would come from him.
It really made me think about it today, unfortunately it sparked a few angry brain cells...I felt sad too, but that lasted a short time. The feeling of disappointment over powered the frown on my face, and I resumed to the usual feeling of "how could you do that to Braden, you dirty B*****d?? How could you just leave a child who idolized you and just loved the time you spent together. Thankfully Braden has grown up, and now finds humour in the whole situation. He seems completely fine, and when ever it is discussed he just laughs and reminds me "its his loss".
I still believe today that this individual is a sad soul, in a life of unhappiness...the only reason why I feel this way is because if he was happy, there would be no reason to not reach out to that old frined who use to spend many hours with laughing, joking and watching endless hours of Friends episodes while rehabilitating the young man who eagerly waited for his release from therapy. Anyways, it's one of those things in life I think everyone learns from at one time or another...how well do you really know someone? Its amazing how you can spend years with a person or a friend and then find out things about them you would never have believed! Always be true to yourself, find who you are in life and be proud of that person, Be You!

Sunday bloody Sunday..

This poster reminded me of my day today..it is something that pretty much sums up the experiences we had today. You see, with Kailey trying out for this Provincial AA team..I have been very nervous for her. Not because I don't think that she is talented enough..I know Kailey is capable to play at this level and be very successful. I also believe Kailey is confident with her abilities!
Today though, when looking out there and seeing the size of alot of these girls, it made me nervous..she looked so little compared to alot of them, its like she has to step it up twice as hard to be noticed..thankfully her speed is amazing and she is noticed for sure because of that. Sometimes, a coach will choose their players due to size..if they want a tall team, then she will pick the tall girls. This evening was the first time I have ever been concerned about Kailey's size and how it will effect her chances. I liked this poster..it totally reflects todays feelings and emotions. "It's the size of one's will which determine's success", ain't that the truth?!!! So with that said, I will not worry anymore..her will is BIG!
Besides, she hasn't even begun to grow..you all just wait!!

Sunday Bloody Sunday...Heard this song in the car today while I was waiting for Paul to come out of Tim Horton's with my Tea and his coffee..plus he got a donut!! He saved me the best bite though, it's always the last bite with the most cream in a boston creme donut, and he gave that piece to me!! That's gotta be love!!
Of course, its our tradition to go through Tim's when we are going to the arena to watch a game or a tryout, tonight it was tryout number 3...she made it!! Yeah..she did, she got asked to go back for Friday's tryout! So excited, and so proud of her. I must say this girl really really wants it, so we are thrilled and over the moon proud of her!
Paul worked again on the basement today, it is looking beautiful..I added a couple premature pictures of the semi-finished room..here are a few!
This is a picture of Kailey's bedroom doors..this side of the basement has been done for awhile..its nothing new.

Ok so here is the area that was demolished and destroyed, beside the YV is where there use to be a bathroom, it was removed and opened up. There also use to be a bedroom/toyroom beside the bathroom which was also demolished and opened up.

Check out the rounded poll..its going to be my dancer pole..lol, no not really..although Paul did suggest it!
He ordered this poll cover over the internet, its a rounded on which I really really wanted. I didn't like the hexagon ones, so he searched the internet and found this company in the United States, he had it shipped to us and it looks awesome! I love it, we just have to sand it down a bit and paint it! I am so happy with my new stripper pole!!

Well this picture just shows you how you can still see the movie screen from any part of the basement. I think this is why I love it being so opened up, you can sit anywhere in the rec room and still see the screen. It leaves more room for entertaining and seating! If you look close enough you can see the ghost that I captured?!?


This is the new bathroom location, its kinda hidden and out of the way, but it leaves us with so much more room. This is the door to the new bathroom, unfortunately we haven't started that room yet, I am sure it is in the near future! It will also be Kailey's bathroom, she will be using it the most since her bedroom is going to be down there. I know she is getting excited, I can't wait for her! She will love the privacy, especially when her friends are over. Braden will know have two full rooms to himself, and his own bathroom which he will not have to share with anyone..well only Spencer, but he doesn't mind that!!
I am hoping to have a futon in Kailey's old bedroom before Spencer gets here, it gives the guys a bit more privacy and then they have seperate rooms for sleeping, not that it bothered them to share the same room. Its just that Braden's room is kinda small with all his equipment and stuff..it will be great! They will have a tv room and video game room. Hopefully Braden and his buddies will enjoy their privacy. Well that's it for this evening! Goodnight my humble readers..

Tryouts continue..

Today was somewhat quiet. Not much going on, I had Kailey relaxing at home today so she could be prepared for tryouts. The tryouts went well again, the girls looked great. Either I wasn't in the mood or too tired to be there but it wasn't as exciting today..i came away feeling slightly different. I just hope Kailey feels confident and is ready for tomorrow's tryout again. Paul and I are just chillin at home tonight, watching a movie. I was in the mood for a scarey one so we picked up The Stepfather. Kailey was asked to sleep over at a friends but because of tryouts I decided not to let her sleep over there, but she will spend the evening with her friends and we'll get her later tonight. Hopefully she understands our decision and isn't too upset when we pick her up! It's not like she never see's her friends!! Its a short blog today, too tired to chat about anything!

Greece fun in a little irish pub!

Last night was the best! I know I start with that sentence after every evening out with friends, but honestly I do have the best friends in the world! It is really kinda cool, that you can have different groups of friends for even different purposes. But last night, as it worked out a couple of my groups of friends met last night.
Heather and Steve had a date night, and were there as well..worked out nice to have some drinks with them!
So, it started with about 13 people stopping by our place for a few drinks and of course some boisterous belly laughs. We nibbled on some appetizers, which worked out well for me because everything I had to serve was left over from last weeks get together! Everything got eaten up, so no waste here..which is awesome! I didn't try anything new, kept it simple..garlic and cheese hot dip, shrimp, veggies and some cheese pastery ore'deurves.
Its always predictable when you get together at someones house, that when it's time to leave because of arranged plans..no one ever wants to leave? You end up getting comfortable, sitting and laughing in conversations that typically would never come up if not hightened by alcohol. Even the guys were content talking amoungst eachother, watching the game and laughing at us women who were hootin and hollering out back! Finally we rounded the herd, everyone with shoes and coats on and left for the Firken. Just so there is no misunderstandings..yes we had designated drivers, me being one of them!
We got to the Firken and Randy was there getting set up, I was disappointed in the seats they gave us, I told them when I reserved the seating that a friend was playing there, you would think that they would seat us over by the band?? Anyways the place slowly cleared out by 11pm and we made our way over to watch Randy do what he does best!
By know, the women were feeling pretty good and Randy invited Brenda up on stage to sing..picture below!



Just to let you know, when we were in Greece many nights were spent sitting around the hotel, wine glass in hand and a good friend beside you, Randy singing ever so perfectly, stumming his guitar to old tunes that gave each of us memories from our youth. Many times he would ask Brenda to join him in a song originally done by Bon Jovi, however at these moments in life..Brenda and Randy were Bon Jovi, they were fabulous together.It was nice to have them rekindle their electric spark!
Overall it was a great night, not a too late due to many of them having to work but just enough time to have a drink, sing a tune and laugh so loudly that the energy from our group filled the Firken with so much liveliness and good ole'fashion enthusiasm.

Ohhh I get chills when I'm with you...

I never cared for nobody..like I care for you!
Ohhh babe, lost in love is what I feel when I'm with you..
Baaabyy..oh I get chills when I'm with you...
LOL, just sitting here listening to a very old 80's song..we have some people coming over this evening and then we are heading out to listen to a friend who we went to Greece with sing at the Firkin!! SHould be lots of fun, love this group of people! We had a great time while travelling through Europe, I call them my "Greece Group"!
I have a polka dot crystal wine glass filled with white wine, Paul is in the shower and Kailey is out..Braden is probably talking to Spencer! I feel like i'm back in 1988, because the outfit I am wearing is something that I would have totally wore a long long time ago! LOL, can I still pull it off..NOPE! My body has a completely different shape and this extra 20 pounds doesn't flatter me in anyway!
What am I seriously going to do about this weight? I am not to comfortable in my clothes, but everytime I see something really good to eat..I think, oh screw it! Life's too short!! I've been doing alot of entertaining lately and I've been meeting friends out alot so hopefully after this evening I can settle down and hit the gym..even if I just dropped 10 more pounds..i'd be content with that!!
Guess what??
We bought an island for the kitchen today...yeah!! I am so happy, after being at Yvette's house on Saturday I realized again how much I would love an island for entertaining! So we got one, just have to wait for it to be made and then installed!
Well my friends, that's it for today! I am off, looking forward to hearing Randy belt out one of my fav's.."Hotel California"!!

Tryouts, sweat and tears..

Last night was the first Junior AA tryout for Cambridge ringette. This is such a big deal for Kailey and all the girls trying out. They are growing up and this level of play is so different from what they are use to playing. Even though it a time of nervousness and a little bit of fear, its still exciting and thrilling. It was nice to see where Kailey kinda placed amoungst the 34 girls who came out to tryout for the Cambridge team. I thought she looked pretty good, she worked so hard and came off the ice totally and utterly exhausted! I was more impressed that Kailey herself felt good and somewhat confident with her performance out there. To be honest I thought all the girls from last years team looked fabulous, and you could see the difference with their endurance compared to many of them out there. I'm not sure if Kailey will make AA or not, and she is not getting too confident...anything is possible and I think we are both being realistic about that. I will say though, if she continue's to have tryouts like she did last night...well then there will be nothing stopping her from getting on this team. Good Luck Kailey! and good luck to all the turbo girlies, I think you are all superstars!!

Here we go again,

Ok seriously, this post is going to be nothing but a bitch session and I will try to keep my bad language to a minimum, actually I will use the word "cuss" everytime I feel the need to use profanity. Kailey taught me that wonderful trick, after she watched the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, or something like that?!
Well, when was the last time I complained or bitched about people in Braden's school? It's been awhile, so I figured maybe it's time to share another amazing story of stupidity and ignorance with you. I really don't know who all reads this blog, for all I know there are people who I am talking about today that very well could have found out about "my little piece of open-mindedness" (blog)and could be reading this, this very second! Guess what...i don't care, I hope they are!! Maybe they will learn something!
So far..i'm doing pretty good..no swearing!!
Braden has started his co-op placement at his highschool, which is going fairly well for him. He loves the filming part of it, and designing posters and tshirts for the production. On Monday Braden had to call in sick, and missed a morning of placement. His reason's were very very legitimate, and are too personal to tell..but trust me if you were going through this medical issue, you wouldn't be at work or school either! With that said, he missed a morning but worked on his editing from home so it wasn't a total waste of time. Later in the morning he recieved a text from his co-op teacher telling him that he hasn't completed an assignment and she is worried about his hours for being at co-op. I was upset, because his absence was under good reason's. I then told Braden to text her back and tell her that he was working from home and to remind her that she said what ever he does at home can be used for hours. She responded again basically saying he can NOT do that, and she was pretty ignorant about him missing a morning and again told him that he should have been there!
I then decided to give her a call to let her know that I told him to stay home and not worry that his situation was too important and co-op can wait. When I spoke to the teacher she informed me that he hadn't handed in an assignment and that on Friday she moved him from to another classroom due to distractions (friends). I was unaware of all of that, and I told her that his assignment would be finished. She then made a comment that she kinda figured he didn't come in to school because he may have been pissed off about her conversation with him on Friday?!? Seriously, do you really think I would let him stay home because a teacher gave him shit for not handing in an assignment? Come on, I am harder on him than most parents are on kids. I was slightly insulted with that..she then went on to say something about his EA (who I can no longer stand due to lack of support) and she stated that his EA could have helped him in the morning with his illness. I immediatley got my back up, because instead of his EA supporting him and explaining his medical issue's she is usually the first to knock him down and make us look like ridiculous parents.
I am not exaggerating either...over the past two years this women had turned her back on him, stabbed us in the back and has become my worst enemy! Braden should have gotten rid of her years ago, I firmly believe she does not have Braden's best interest and she criticizes our choices and most decisions. You know what bothers me the most about that?? She isn't even a f***in mother, not alone a mother of a child with special needs and who just happens to be medically fragile. You know, you would think if she really cared about him and wanted to do what was best for him...she would want to speak to us, his parents...the ones who know him best!! She did use to be great with him...and us! There was a mutual respect and we had a great relationship, I am not even sure what happened? I think she has too much work with Braden and she is lazy and doesn't want to work? Just a thought??
Anyways..once I heard the teacher mention his EA's name, I knew we were in trouble. Whether she said anything or not, unfortunately through past experiences with her, my mind immediately wants to believe that she is behind this sudden change in Braden's teacher feelings of his effort.
Braden then took full responsibilty for not doing his assignement and told her it would be finished by Thursday, however I then became worried about his hours. She did simply state pretty ubruptly that if he is not at school then he doesn't get the hours. Well most of you reading this will know how much school Braden misses due to appointments and illnesses. So, we have a problem then!! I figured I would phone his special Ed teacher and ask her to talk to his co-op teacher about making up hours if he misses school..what are his options? We need to know, because I cannot guarantee that he will always be there. His life cannot be black and white, he has alot of grey areas..and she will just have to work with what he has to offer.
I did hear her talking with Braden over the phone, she was pretty blunt with him and this intimidated him slightly. I heard her say things like "well you don't get paid Braden if your not at work" and "when my other wheelchair kid didn't go in to his placement, then he didn't get those hours". Could I be anymore pissed off, who the F**k does she think she is comparing two completely different kids who just happen to be in wheelchairs?? REALLY???
I felt Braden did ok for himself, she didn't like what he had to say, but she did tell him not to stress about the failing grade that as long as he hands in his assignment then he can bring his mark up. I really wasn't upset that she was upset with him about the unfinished assignment, because he heard it twice as bad from me! But when he cannot control certain circumstances...she will just need to be flexable, because that's the way his world works! and if you don't like get the hell out!!
Once I spoke with his special Ed facilitator, I felt better. All I said to her was that she needed to find out what Braden can do to make up hours that he may miss? She agreed and said that she would figure it out and talk to his co-op teacher. When I was out tonight, I got a phone call from his co-op teacher and she left a message. She still didn't get it, her message was funny..she referenced Braden's earlier conversation which has obviously struck a nerve with her! She sounded like she wasn't too happy that I called his sp ed teacher..and she kept bringing up his late assignment which makes me assume that she isn't really listening to me, because the assignment isn't my concern (that's Braden's) the hours is what I am concerned about! She did say that he would be fine with hours, just get the assignment in, but she didn't clear up the fact that he may miss more days and how can he make those up?? UGHHH...
I am not sure if I will call her back, I am on the defensive and will probably just tell her that her message wasn't helpful...I just want to know how can he make up hours? She rambled about shit that isn't important right now. She is slightly demeaning, and doesn't like to validate your side of a conversation..will this just piss me off further? or should I fight for what I feel is right and make her see it??
I have however come to the conclusion that the school board does two things wrong. First, for the most part they segregate special needs students and only full fill their needs through specialized programs that are suitable for "special" classrooms. Secondly they only support "mainstream" kids in thier school system. They still do keep the programming seperate and have alot of difficulty changing their precious system when a student comes along with altered needs. We have always wanted Braden to be part of the "mainstream" system, why should he be different and recieve a different education. Courses that are offered such as co-op placements are made to be for students without disabilities, and the problem with that is no one can see outside the god damn box and figure out that if we bend or slightly change the curriculum, then maybe other students who do have special needs can enjoy and fulfill their own passions. Through all my experience, this is the problem that we still battle almost yearly. If only they could take a regular conventional program, look at an individual child, learn their strengths and weakness and then figure out a way to make these programs work for these children. Why do these children with special needs have to adapt to these programs that are clearly made for the "typical, average" student? I don't know, It surely sucks..all they have to do is realize that he has medical issues that may pull him away occassionally..not all the time, so what can we do to this program so that he can still be successful? Our battle is always the same...how can we change Braden to make him work for the program? The ultimate blow is when someone says "sorry, we can't change the way it is" Like hell it can't be changed...we have moved mountains to give our son the experiences he deserves, nothing is impossible!! Weak, weak uneducated people piss me off!!!



It is very late, and I apologize if this post doesn't make alot of sense..also sorry for all the spelling mistakes...I am still to angry to apologize for the swearing!!

It's Monday..

Its been busy..

This weekend was a great one, we connected with so many friends. Its hard to see our friends in the winter time, mostly due to ringette and hockey schedules. Our friends all understand and don't seem to have any expectations of us. We met with Paul's good friend Glen and his wife Lynda tonight. So nice to see them, they are doing really well, Glen has taken up running which I was happy to hear because as we are all aging I like to hear that our friends are staying healthy. They both look great, its exciting to hear that they are trying to start their family. Kinda weird to think of Glen having his first baby at his age, his wife is younger so there is no major concerns...its just such a life changing event and we couldn't imagine starting out know in life! We are finally living again and enjoying our freedom, it would be difficult to go back to diapers, sleepless nights, cartoons and all the wonderful rules and regulations that society places on new young parents. It seems to be more trendy to be parents today, so many fads,fashions and statements. There are so many options for diapers,baby food, do we buy organic baby food, make our own?, toilet training isn't even called toilet training anymore..its called toilet learning?? seriously? Buying toys is a whole other topic..so many learning gadgets, music toys..my goodness, whats wrong with cardboard boxes? My kids loved them, they made forts out of them and had sleepovers for days.....keep it simple,its more fun that way!
Anyways, nothing to say..little disgruntled with the world today. Saw Heather too for lunch..she seems happier, joined the gym..again another friend finding fitness in her life, way to go Heather!! Ijust have to get my A*S to the gym!!I hope all my humble readers are happy and healthy, summer is coming my friends!!

Firkin Fun and Grove Kitchen Dancing..

Last night a friend of our's Tim, asked us to go bar hopping with him and his wife and a few of their friends. At the same time, my friend Colleen and her boyfriend asked us to go out with them. Well, I kinda thought why doesn't Colleen and Steve join us with Tim and his crew. We decided to meet up with Tim at the Firkin bar in Preston, where a mildly talented band was trying to strum out songs by the Tradgically Hip, I could not really hear the resembelance...however it wasn't anything a strong, spicy cesear couldn't muffle.

It was fun, the company was the best and I love their cesears. Tim and his group were pretty happy sitting at the bar for most of the night, but by 11:30pm we were ready to go somewhere different. I do love the Firkin, it is one of my favorite spots but the band was not helping the headache that was slowly starting from the back of my head and kindly wrapping itself around the front of my forehead. We decided to leave quickly and headed to the Groove Kitchen, which just happened to be across the street. Ok, so it wasn't any quieter, but the band was a thousand times better. When we reached the door to the Groove kitchen we quickly realized that we knew the door lady. Colleen, Paul and I played baseball with her for 2 years. We were plesantly surprised to see her again, and she happily opened the door and greeted us with hugs and smiles. Once we got into the bar, which by the way was packed...we noticed one of the bar owners standing over by the bar. Her name is Jill, and we went to highschool with us. She was so excited to see us..big hugs, laughs and memories of highschool stories were exchanged between us. She looks great, and she is dating the co-owner of the bar who just happens to be the leader singer in the band that plays every Friday. The others joined us about half hour later, and we got a big table, sat around with friends...joked, people watched and soaked in the ever so trendy atmosphere. It was another successful night, Paul and I enjoyed Colleen and Steve's company and hope we can make this a fairly regular established tradition. Here's to friendship, little people and Bob Marley!!