Birthday Party

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Well, I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to blog. Last Saturday we celebrated Shane's first birhtday with family and friends. Oma came over as did Kelli, Dean, Jordan and Logan. Suzanne came after she was done work without Mike and Jared. Unfortunately, the McAuley family were sick with flu and was happy that they decided not to share it with us. Of course Shane was spoiled rotten. He got everything Mom wanted. haha. I really wanted some long sleeved diaper shirts for like under overalls and stuff. I got lots of those. Sue also got Shane the winter hat with velcro under the chin (so he can't get it off) and mitts that I asked for. What a doll. She also got him a great Baby Einstein counting book. Kelli and family got Shane the cutest outfit. Lil Digger sweater jacket, shirt and jeans. She also got him a big wooden puzzle with big knobby handles. Oma got Shane the walker you see in previous video and a really cute shirt from Roots. We got Shane this really cute shape sorting turtle. It of course makes noise and music. What was I thinking. I also got him a set of plastic balls with different items on the inside. They're like discovery toys. Hard to explain. He had a big cake from Costco which he didn't really muck in. I think the kids had a fun time. It was great for me to actually get to visit with my friends. I hardly ever get to see Kelli and Sue anymore. Kelli lives an hour from here and Sue, well she just works too much.

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Charmaine and Emily paid us a visit on Monday. They were feeling a bit better and wanted to get Shane his birthday presents. Well, what can I say. More spoiling. More diaper shirts and t-shirt. Really cute! Of course, they got Shane a really noisy toy - (payback is sweet) They got him a talking cordless phone and base. Shane is supposed to call all his animal friends. the base of the phone is on wheels. Shane just loves pushing that thing all around the ouse while it's making all those great noises.......:)

Other news on the "dad's estate" front. I think I've got dad's mobile sold. I received the first offer on Monday and countered. Then they countered and the real estate lady said they weren't going to budge. I said ok. I don't want to be saddled with paying the rent and heat over the winter. The home inspection is scheduled for Monday at 8am. I am installing a brand new oil tank on the 31st. $1400 bucks. The buyers want quick possession. They want it for November 15th. Yikes, that means I have to get my sorry ass out there to get the place emptied and cleaned out. Not my idea of a holiday. I'll take Shane with me and fly into Ottawa and then drive the 2 hours to Petawawa. From Toronto it's like over 5 hours. Joanne says she wants to come but we'll see what happens. I want to be in and out of there in less than four days. A day to travel there, two days there and a day to travel home. Dave has to take time off work to look after Ryan and get him to and from school. Next week can't do it as I'm helping out at Ryan's school on the 27th and Dave is away from the 29th to the 3rd of November on course in Qualicum Beach. So really, I only have two weeks to choose from to get out there. The good news is they want the master bedroom suite, 2 dressers, 2 night tables and the couch. A little less for me to deal with. I'm thinking I'm going to hire a cleaner while I'm there boxing stuff up. I don't want to have to buy cleaning supplies. Who knows if dad has a vacuum or mop etc. At least if I hire a cleaner, she'll have all of that stuff. Plus who knows how much I can get done with a one year old running around.

Tomorrow after Dave gets home from his Yarrow gig, I think we're going to try and take Ryan and Shane to the Apple Barn Pumpkin Patch. It's supposed to be a beautiful sunny day tomorrow and Dave is going to sadly miss Ryan's field trip on the school bus to the pumpkin patch. As it is, I can't even take Shane. I've asked Charmaine to watch Shane for me so I can go. Thank you Charmaine, I really appreciate you doing this for me. Anyway, I'm going to try and post some birthday pictures and then watch Ghost Whisperer which I've taped before Shane wakes up. Well, Shane woke up, and is now back to sleep, I'm going to try the picture thing and go to bed instead. I'll watch my show tomorrow. The beauty of taping.
G'night.

My Baby Boy is 1 year old today!

Happy Birthday to my little guy Shane. I can't believe that you are one year old already. This past year has just flown by. It feels like just yesterday I was in the hospital having you. All in all a much better experience than when Ryan was born. Anyway, we had an eventful day today.

First we walked Ryan to school for 8:30am. Then we walked home and played for a little bit before I had to go to dad's bank for 9:45am. I met with the lady there and finished some paperwork then we went to the mall. I dropped off the gold chain at the jewellers that Dave got me for Christmas last year as Shane snapped it right in half. Not even close to the clasp. Then I headed to the health food store. Of course they were totally out of fenugreek and aren't expecting another order for a couple of weeks to a month. So I wandered over the London Drugs to pick up some mineral oil for my ear then of course I passed Please Mum and they had a sale on . Buy one shirt and get the second shirt half price. So, I bought both Ryan and Shane a new shirt. Ryan's shirt has a real cool dragon on it and Shanes is burgundy and navy that says Hockey Party at my Crib. It's real cute From there we went back to the school to pick up Ryan.

We came home and fed Shane some lunch and put him down for a nap. He didn't sleep well. He slept for maybe 40 mins then was up, so I went up and nursed him again and put him back down. I ended up having to wake him up at 1:30 because I had made an appointment to have his first haircut with Nicolette at 2:15 and had to pick up Oma on the way. Oh, his haircut is so cut. He did cry a bit but not nearly as bad as Ryan did his first time. From there we headed over the the Real Canadian Superstore for Shane's one year pictures. I get to pick them up tomorrow. Very cute too. I had just him and some brotherly pictures done too. From there we went back to Oma's for about an hour visit then loaded up to come home.

I fed Shane some supper and then got ready for aquafit. I was basically home for half an hour before heading back out the door. After aquafit, I went to the other Real Canadian to pick up some groceries for the party on Saturday and a birthday present for one of Ryan's classmates as Ryan was invited to his birthday party on Sunday. Now I'm home and eating a quick piece of pizza and hopefuly to bed. Tomorrow I have to go to Costco (with Dave's mom again as she needs some things and doesn't have a Costco card anymore.) to pick up Shane's birthday cake. I also have another appointment with one of dad's other banks at 3pm. After that, I want to stay home.

STUPID BLOGGER WON'T LET ME POST THE PICTURES...............................



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Before getting his haircut.


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And after getting his haircut.....Isn't he handsome!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, this long weekend has just flown by. I have to say that all in all, it was pretty laid back. Nice for a change. Some exciting news, Saturday night, Shane slept in his crib from 7pm - 4:30am. That is ground breaking. The longest he ever slept before that was like 5 hours. Then on Sunday night he slept from 7:30pm - 3:30am. I think it's because he is fighting something or going through a growth spurt. Dave and I have different opinions on that. I think it's a growth spurt. Dave thinks he's fighting something because he's not eating. Shane is just like Dave, not eating causes alarm. I just think he's tired and clingy and once that's over, he'll be chowing down the food again. What does anyone else think out there?

Sunday we had Dave's mom over for dinner. She insisted on making the Turkey and then bringing it over. Fine with me. I did the rest of the dinner. This is the first year I cheated and didn't make a homemade dessert. I bought a pumpkin pie from Costco. They are big pies I tell ya. Very Yummy. I did whip up some real whipped cream for it though. As usual, I made way too much. Oh darn, I don't have to cook today (monday). Everyone fend for themselves, meaning Dave and eat when and what you want. Love left over turkey. Do you get thanksgiving holiday in England Aysha?

Lia also brought some treats. She had gone to the Cranberry festival in Fort Langley on Saturday and bought a big bag of kettle corn with cranberries. Sounds weird I know, but wow, yummy. She also bought some pear/apricot wine. That was mighty tasty too. Her and I drank the bottle. I know what you're thinking, but it was a very small bottle. It was enough for two small wine glasses each.

The rest of the weekend was basically hanging with the kids. Ryan likes it when I help him with video games. Spyro the dragon is currently his favorite. and Shane is usually hanging off of me. I think once he starts walking, I'll be a little free-er. Is that a word?

Oh, I did go visit Kelli on Thursday and picked up the gate from her that I am borrowing from Tracy. I got that installed on Saturday. We had a nice visit. I just wish she didn't live so far away. We don't get to see each other very often. Maybe 4-6 times a year. When you have a family, wow, time just flies by and you forget about your own life. It's all about everyone else. I know my turn will come eventually.

Anyway, enough excitement for one blog....
G'night

Fastest IQ test ever.....

This is funny....

http://www.vsg.edu.au/grafndx/weird.htm

Terrible Blogger

Well, I have been a terrible blogger. Actually, I haven't felt like blogging as my life really isn't that exciting. We are however celebrating a few birthdays. Dave's birthday is October 3rd. For his birthday I bought him a ticket for the gala event celebrating our new WHL team, the Chilliwack Bruins. Brian Burke who is a part owner and some other famous hockey people, and of course the team were all there. It was a big buffet night. That's always good for Dave! Charmaine bought a ticket for John so they could go together. The following night was the official home opener which they went to as well. Dave got his picture taken with the Stanley Cup and the Memorial Cup.

My nephew Jesse is celebrating his 24th birthday today, October 2, 2006. Happy birthday goes out to him.

My friend Mike is hitting the big 5 - 0 this year on October 4th. A very happy birthday to you! Hope your day is great and that you had a wonderful time with your kids over the weekend.

The biggest birthday to celebrate is of our youngest - Shane. He will be the big 1 years old on the 12th. I'm celebrating by getting his hair cut and some pictures taken. I think I'm going to try and do all of that on the 11th actually as Ryan starts another round of swimming lessons on the 12th. Oma has gotten Shane his first birthday present already. It's a walker that I ordered off of the Toys'R'Us website. He loves it. Ryan loves it too! What one has the other wants too!

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos I will post pictures of Shane after we get his hair cut! Surprise for everyone!

Sue's Meyers Briggs Test Results....Does this sound like Me?

Common Qualities of Introverts:

Attracted to in-depth analysis
Like to think, sometimes without talking
Like to understand
Keyword: Inner-directed



Common Qualities of Sensors:

Notice details
Practical - interested in HOW things work
Pragmatic - stick to the tried and true
Keyword: Realistic



Common Qualities of Thinkers:

Appreciate analysis
Quick to give advice
Fair and just - same rules for all
Keyword: Logical



Common Qualities of Judgers:

Are comfortable when everything is organized
Like to have a time-framed schedule
Decide quickly - sometimes bossy
Keyword: Organized




General Description:
ISTJs are good with details and think logically. Being logical, they become practical problem-solvers and this gives them a responsible outlook on life. ISTJs are good organizers and get things done. In their own quiet way, they see what must be done, analyze the alternatives, organize the solutions and manage to accomplish it without much fanfare.

Career Insights:
Careers that value a solid, dependable, organized, practical approach to problem-solving will naturally appeal to ISTJs. They often make good managers or hands-on technicians. They enjoy a workplace that is organized with clear expectations, where they can use their detailed knowledge and ability to organize. They enjoy working by themselves and having the time to deliver a product they take pride in. The type of careers that may appeal to an ISTJ include all kinds of different management positions, computer professional, police work, engineering, accounting and teaching (math, technical subjects).

Pro-D Day....Already

Well, Ryan has been working his tail off in Kindergarten. He has been in school for a total of 2-45 mins classes and 7-2 1/2 hour classes. The poor kid really does need a break! Pro-D day on the 22nd. Whew! just in the nick of time.

Ryan finished his swimming lessons this week. Unfortunately he didn't pass the level one. Apparently the guidelines have changed and for level one, the child must be able to swim the long length of the pool unassisted. Ryan definietly can't do that. He did manage to do everything else required. I'm proud of him as he stuck with it and ended up liking it in the end. I have signed him up with the same lady for weekly lessons. Better than having to drive him to Aldergrove three times a week. It was a bit intense. Ryan will be going weekly on Thursdays starting on Shane's birthday, October 12 until December 14. I really hope we can get some practice time in so he can pass the level one.

I was asked to by Ryan's teacher; Mrs Greenwood to be a parent volunteer and help with the class. First assignment is Tuesday - library day. I can only do it if Dave's mom is willing to come to the house and watch Shane for me. If not, I will pass on helping as I can't do both. Shane is too much of a handful these days.

Still working at getting dad's estate stuff worked out. Unfortunately the sale of his house fell through as his house is heated with oil and before we can sell it, it has to have a new tank installed and furnace and lines inspected. A new buyer can't get financing unless he can get insurance, no insurance, no financing. I've called the oil company to get a quote on the cost and will hopefully hear back from them tomorrow. Dad was also overpaid in CPP and OAP. They weren't notified of his death until July so will owe back to the governemnt from March to July. It sucks. Before anyone accepts being an Exector to someone's estate, do realize that it is a lot of work. I don't have time to work as this is a full time job right now.....what a joke.

For Dave's birthday, I bought him a ticket to a gala evening held last night at Prospera Centre for the induction of our new WHL Hockey Team - THe Chilliwack Bruins. Very exciting as the Stanley and Memorial Cup were there. Big buffet dinner which I'm sure Dave got his money's worth. Some famous hockey people etc. Dave said he had a real good time. Tonight he is out with the boys at the first ever Chilliwack Bruins home game.

Tomorrow night is my night out. Charmaine and I are planning to go for supper at the Greek Islands then maybe a movie. We don't know what we're going to see but no matter what we do and what we see, it will be a good time. We need the night out as Charmaine is going in for surgery on Monday and will be laid up for at least 6 weeks. I'm really going to miss her at aquafit.

I'm going to hit the hay and hopefully get a couple of hours shut eye before Shane needs nursing again. I will upload some pictures next time. Good night.

Check this out....

Check this out.



You're supposed to watch this for the entire minute in the centre and then look at a wall to see a hallucination. I obviously didn't do it right. Tell me what you saw.

What a Week!

This has really been my first opportunity to get on the computer to actually write a blog. Ryan started his swimming lessons on Tuesday with Marianne. This lady came highly recommended to me from Suzanne. (Thanks Sue) She is in Aldergrove. It's about 45 mins from here but I tell ya, totally worth it! Marianne suggested I put Ryan in intensive, T/W/Th for three weeks. Ryan does not like getting his hair washed, so I figured going underwater at swimming lessons was going to be a nightmare. Marianne said that by day three he'd be fine. He cried and cried the first two days. That first night he said he had nightmares. Anything to get out of having to go again. Well, today he actually jumped in the pool Not without some tears but he did it none the less. I'm proud of him. He at least tried and did it. As we were leaving the pool, he said that he couldn't wait to come back swimming again and that he like going under water. I looked at him and asked whose kid he was? I told him he had to tell Marianne what he had just told me. She said to me, "see, I told you #3 is the magic number." She knows her stuff.


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Today we also met with Ryan's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Greenwood and went to see his class. It looks like a great classroom. He was right in there playing. He didn't want to leave. That's a good sign! Hopefully there will be no problems come next week when he starts for real!

Shane is a going concern. He has mastered going up the stairs. Every chance he gets, he makes a mad dash for the stairs. He gets a few stairs up and then all you hear is a giggle. He then proceeds right to the top. There have been a couple of times that I didn't know he went up and he started crying at the top. He didn't have anyone to chase him and grab him to come back down the stairs. I'm getting Tracy's gate from Kelli next week to install! I'm getting tired of running up and down the stairs. Not that I couldn't use the exercise. It's just I never get anything done.

We got an offer on dad's place today. I emailed the realtor with a counter offer. We'll see what happens. I just don't want to keep paying for the house through the winter. I want to be done with it! Dad had a cute place there in Petawawa. Briefly spoke with Jo and she said that she would get up there to clean it out. I really hope that I don't have to go. It would save on the time and money. The whole thing is quite frustrating actually. Too long of a story to blog.

That's it for now, I want to hit the hay. Night.

Happy Birthday Jared!

This is a blog to wish Jared an awesome 9th Birthday! Thank you for sharing your afternoon with Ryan and Shane. We had an awesome time. Hopefully your dad didn't eat all of your pie! Have a great day on Saturday with your family and your friend Kevin at Castle Fun Park. We'll be thinking of you on your special day! Hard to believe that 9 years ago, I helped your mom bring you into this world. Seems like only yesterday. tear... tear.... sniff....sniff.....

Dinotown

Well, I decided that since they were predicting a 30% chance of rain for tomorrow that I would get the boys outside doing something fun today. It was a toss up between Dinotown and Birchwood Dairy. I knew for sure that Ryan would love the dinosaurs, so I called Oma at 8:30 this morning to see if she would like to join us. She arrived at our house around 10:30 and we left for Dinotown (right near Bridal Falls) at 10:50.
We had a blast! I am glad that Oma came, beause that gave Ryan and I the chance to do things together just the two of us while Oma pushed Shane in the stroller. We went boating, quite a few times. Ryan didn't really paddle, he mostly kept getting me wet. Then we went on the bike track. He actually wore a helmut, but I had to hold him on my lap and peddle. My legs are a little stiff from that one.


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He loved the water park and the bumper cars and the dino slide etc etc. We could have stayed longer but Oma had a doctor's appointment in Abbotsford for 4:30 so we left the park at 2:45. It was definitely long enough. Ryan says, he definitely wants to go again! I will probably take him again, maybe on a weekend when we don't have Kaitlyn as she is way too old for it, and so that Dad can do these fun things with him too. Then I can be the one to push Shane around. Funny enough, I ran into my boss' wife Jen Bay, with their two daughters, Bella and Kaitlyn and her parents and nephews. How funny. Ryan has another swim lesson tomorrow at noon. I sure hope that he enjoys that. After the last one, he didn't want to go again. I just really want him to know how to swim. It would make me feel a lot better considering he has no fear of the water right now. Anyhow, if we do anything else this week, we'll let you know. Hope that everyone is doing well, if anyone ever reads my blog.

Master at eating Cheerios...

I love this age! This is when Shane's learning curve goes way up! He has mastered getting those cheerios in his mouth. It's so cute. Yesterday he managed to climb all the stairs to upstairs. I'm going to have to buy some gates real quick like.


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Funland with Cassandra and Brooklyn

Well, we had a fantastic visit today with Brooklyn and Cassandra. For anyone who doesn't know, I work with Cass at the Apollo. She's currently doing my job while I am away and then some. Poor girl. Anyhow, we took the kids up to Funland at Cultus Lake across from the waterslides. I would say that we spent close to four hours there. Tonnes to do for the little ones. There are lots of play areas with balls and games, mini golf, paddlewheelers, tree fort maze where you have to try and find the hidden bugs. (they are pictures on plaques strategically placed throughout the fort) There was a bike track, which the kids didn't bother with. A play/sing song stage which Brooklyn participated. Ryan couldn't care less. There was a maze made of tarps etc where inside you need to find pictures. (when you arrive, they give you a card for the tree fort with pictures of the bugs on it to color as you find them and a card with six pictures to find in the maze) At each picture there is a hole punch. There was a bowling shack, and a mini town, and a sand pit with tractors and stuff. Ryan and Shane loved that! There is even a misting tent to cool off if it's too hot. It was a perfect day today. Not too hot, not cold at all, slight breeze! It was fantastic. Oh, can't forget about the bubble train ride. Not actually a train, more like a tractor and two carts all spruced up to look like a train, and you travel around on the grass in a circle around the playground area. Ryan loved that too! He really didn't want to leave. On our way out, we did stop for ice cream. Ryan had smartie, I had KitKat, Brooklyn had Banana, and Cass had sherbert I think. It was great. Can't wait to do it again. It was that or the Chilliwack Agrifair. This was way more fun! The boys had their bath before bed as Ryan was filthy dirty. Going to have to scrub that tub tomorrow! haha Hope everyone is having a great weekend!





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The Ant Bully

Well, yesterday we went to see the Ant Bully at the Cottonwood 4 movie theater. It was way better than Barnyard! By Far! I originally wanted to go to the 1:10 at Towne with Charmaine and Emily but I had to WAKE Kaitlyn at 12:30. I was a little steaming. Also, Shane had gone down for a nap at 11:00am. Shane would have been ok to wake tho. Anyway, then I thought that maybe we could make the 2:35 at Mission Silvercity. Kaitlyn decided that she wasn't hungry. (In the back of my head I was thinking, that if she's not hungry then no popcorn) What a bitch I am. Well, after I got Shane and fed him lunch and Ryan to get socks on and Kaitlyn to get dressed, it was like 1:45. Definitely not enough time to get to Mission. Scrap that idea. So, then next showing was in Chilliwack at 3:35. I didn't want to go so late only because, then I would be running until bedtime. Get home, make supper, do dishes, get kids ready for bed and then maybe think about sitting. Crazy, but that's what we did. I did buy Kaitlyn popcorn and a pop. I sat down with her and told her that she needs to get up earlier in respect of the rest of the family. If we want to do anything or go have some fun, we can't be sitting around waiting for her all the time. When her dad came home, she was down, and her dad picked up on that right away. She told him that she was feeling guilty about sleeping so late. I explained to him everything I said to Kaitlyn right in front of Kaitlyn and he was ok with that. Surprisingly enough, she was up, dressed and on the computer when I came down with Ryan and Shane at 9:30. I made Shane and Ryan breakfast first then I made sausages, eggs and toast for her and I. She is NOW having her shower. Deep breath. I know her way of thinking, that she didn't want to wake up anybody by having a shower. So here we wait yet again....and it is 10am. So, now we'll have to wait until after Shane's nap to do anything because he'll be going down in an hour. Kaitlyn goes home tomorrow. I was hoping that we would do some fun things while she was here. I guess not. Anyway, enough of me ranting.....hope everyone is doing great!

Well it won't let me upload pictures at this time, so will later.

Sharing some pictures and Video

Ryan decided to put his shades on Shane...What do you think?

Ryan picking up the plums that have fallen off our tree in the backyard.

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Too Funny

I read this on someone else's blog and just had to copy it. Isn't this true ladies?

WORDS WOMEN USE

I believe it's gotta do with the fact that linguistics is perceived differently by both genders. Although further inroads in research needs to be made, one thing's for sure -- the failure to recognize the issue will result in men not getting any jiggy.


WORDS WOMEN USE


FINE

This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES

If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING

This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine"

GO AHEAD

This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH

This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY

This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS

A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.


This is for the men to warn them about future arguments they can avoid with their female counterparts if they remember the terminology!

And this is for the ladies to give them a good tickle!


Oh, and before I forget ......


WHATEVER

...it's a woman's way of saying *!#@ YOU!

Free Personality Test - How True

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Barnyard

Well, took the boys to see Barnyard this afternoon. I thought it was an ok flick Shane was a real good boy, got a little bit restless near the end. We went to the 3:30 showing at Towne. Ryan, on the other hand, was restless pretty much through the whole thing. It didn't really seem to hold his attention. During the coyote scenes he did get a bit anxious and was into what was going to happen but overall, I don't think it was all that he expected. Overall, I would wait until it comes out on DVD. We do want to go see Cars and/or The Ant Bully. We'll see if Ryan earns another afternoon at the movies. The reward chart is working like a charm. I Love it! Hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend! Ciao!

Newest Creation : Mini Baby Album

This is my newest creation, a mini baby album for Dan and Tanya's new baby, Zachary James Bos. He was born on the 25th of July.

I have this alphabet set that I bought to do my scrapbooks for the boys and couldn't wait to use them. Each letter has a picture of an animal integrated into the letter. They are so cute. So what I did was, each page is the letter of the alphabet with a descriptive word for each page. I then included a white journaling box at the bottom of each page and then a little colored oval for the date. I also scored the pages at 6" so they can cut out the pages if they want to put the pages into a 6" x 6" album. I did that purposely.

Tell me what you think and would love any suggestions for the next time I do it.

This is the front cover.

Inside front cover and first page which is labeled "A" for Adorable.

This "H" for Hugs and "I" for I Love You.

This page is "P" for Precious and "Q" for Quiet. Of course each page's matte is a different color.

Shane is pulling himself up..for about a week now.

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Thank you Charmaine...

We headed out around 6:00pm for a lovely dinner at the Rendezvous. Our favorite restaurant. We started with some mushroom caps and then for dinner Charmaine had the chicken cordon bleu and I had the mixed souvlaki. Very Yummy!

After dinner, we planned on a movie but nothing was playing until late. We finished dinner around 7:30pm. Too late for the early show and way too early for the late show. We toyed with the idea of going to Langley, Mission, or Abbotsford. We did take a drive to see Suzanne and Mike's new abode. VERY NICE! Easy to find. Can't wait to see the inside! After that, we decided to drive to Mission, maybe something else would be playing when we got there. No luck. We did stop in at the White Spot for a quick dessert and tea and coffee. We at that point were so overstuffed, you could have rolled us out of there. Charmaine had the strawberry cheesecake and earl grey tea and I had the chocolate fudge brownie with decaf coffee. Scrumptious. What were we thinking? Too Full! From there we decided to go to Towne as the soonest movie was at 9:50pm. You, Me and Dupree. What a funny flick. I did eat a little bit of popcorn, and brought the rest home and we shared a large ice tea. How romantic eh? HAHAHA

Thank you Charmaine for a lovely Birthday Dinner and a movie. I had a great time and it was nice to have some "adult" time out. Hopefully we can do it again sooner than later.

Shane has started crawling...

What a HOT weekend. I am definitely not liking this at all. This weather makes my rheumatoid arthritis act up. Not fun. Anyway, just a quick post to say Shane started crawling on Friday. This video was taken today...Sunday. He's getting better and better at it. Look out world, here he comes.....


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The last of our Toronto pics uploaded..

Ryan was absolutely mesmerized by this talking statue and snake. This was outside the Movieland Wax Museum at Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls.
This picture was taken after Ryan had taken off down the driveway below the wall you see behind him. Jo thought Shane had tugged on her dreads, but I was standing at least 3 feet away. She turned around to get Ryan for pulling them, but he was gone. I believe angels were watching out for him that day!

Outside Guiness book of records - Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls. We tried to get Ryan to sit in the chair, but no go.

All over Clifton Hill they had these mechanical men climbing up and down buildings everywhere. I took a bunch of pictures of different ones, but just uploaded this one.

Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls.

More Toronto pictures....

The Sky Wheel atop Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls

King Kong - Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls

Ryan begged and begged to go inside - The answer was no -

a little too scary for 5 years old.

Great picture considering the van was moving when I took it.

Apparently like a movie theater but the seats actually move with the movie.

Didn't check it out because of the kids. Someday though!

You all know Frankenstein? Clifton Hill - Niagra Falls

Cousins - Baby Shane and Ruby

Up at the cottage at the Georgian Bay - On Auntie Jo's new deck.

Shane at the cottage - just playing.

Auntie Jo and Uncle George and Ryan at Tara's birthday dinner.

Random pictures of our trip to Toronto

BROTHERS

CASA LOMA

RYAN AND NIGEL

On our way up to the cottage the second weekend. We

brought the cat to get rid of the mouse we saw. The cat

ended up chasing a swooping bat instead. We never saw

the mouse, just the bat.

OUR RACOON VISITER 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW ON THE FRONT PORCH.

RYAN IN THE WATER OF THE GEORGIAN BAY WHERE

AUNT JO HAS HER COTTAGE.

SHANE ON THE BEACH OF THE GEORGIAN BAY, PLAYING IN THE SAND.

UNCLE GEORGE AND SHANE, THE DAY WE WERE LEAVING FOR HOME.

RYAN BEGGED TO GO ON THE SKY WHEEL, HE HAD A BLAST!

PICTURE OF NIAGRA FALLS FROM THE SKY WHEEL.

THE HORSESHOE FALLS AT NIAGRA FALLS, SEE THE MAID OF THE MIST'S.

RYAN WATCHING DORA, AND SHANE ON THE PLANE RIDE HOME.

Toronto Continued

We're home safe and sound and couldn't be better. Our trip just flew by. We did a lot since the last post. We visited Niagra Falls, Joanne bought a new van, Shane grabbed and spilled coffee on Aunt Jo's 4 day old $2300 laptop computer. She was able to get it fixed for $160 thank goodness. Boy did I feel bad. Joanne managed to fry her video camera, so that's in getting fixed. We visited the cottage the following weekend. She got a new hot water tank installed up there. The toilet backed up, I plunged for over 20 mins. Had Jason come up on the Sunday and he fixed it. I informed her she was on septic, so they had that cleaned out since they've owned the cottage now for 3 years and didn't know they were on septic. Saw Casa Loma, which is a castle in the heart of Toronto. Very Cool. Let's see, what else? oh, put together their new patio table for them. Joanne had her friend Dorothy come over the night before we left to give Jo and I a manicure as a birthday present. That was great. Ryan and Shane were fantastic on the flight home. It was nice to see Dave and get home and sleep in our own beds. Of course, because we were running late to board the plane, my suitcase didn't make the flight. So, I received a $30 credit and because I went the next day to pick it up, they gave me another $30 credit. Oh, I did go in and see the lawyer to probate dad's will. So, this coming week, I have to make a trip to Maple Ridge to get some paperwork signed, then we can get the will probated and then sell his place. I'm going to attach some pictures now and if I think of anything I missed, I'll add in a later post.

From left to right, my nephew Mikey, sister Janet, nephew Lucas, Joanne and Janet's mom Betty, nephew Jesse and of course, you all know Ryan....haha.

Auntie Joanne and the boys, Shane and Ryan.

First week in Toronto...

Well, the first week has just flown by. Ryan absolutely loved the plane ride! He can't wait to do it again he says. Of course, we all miss home terribly. We are total home bodies. I really love my sister, but there is no place like home. Your own bed, your own bathroom, your own kitchen, your own space and your own routine.

Here at the house, Ryan is sleeping on the loveseat, which he loves because there is a giant t.v. right in front of it. I did bring the playpen for Shane, but he absolutely hates it. The first night, he cried and cried so I ended up sleeping on the other loveseat, which is too small to stretch out on, with him on top of me. Of course, we were both just sweating. Joanne borrowed a single air mattress for us, which is ok. Was it last night? or the night before?, I can't remember, I put Shane to sleep on the air mattress and at about 10pm he rolled off of it onto the hard floor underneath the coffee table. Poor guy. I don't think I put enough air into it and that's why he rolled off it. I pumped it up some more tonight so that it is quite firm. I'm scared to leave him there.

Joanne, myself and the kids went up to Joanne's cottage, just past Balm Beach on the Georgian Bay. At least there, she had beds for us. Ryan didn't want to sleep by himself, so he slept on the floor beside my bed. Of course, Shane and I Shared the bed. No mishaps there. We just relaxed up there. It's beautiful! We played at the beach. Joanne's mom Betty came up on the Saturday and Joanne and her ran out and bought a weed wacker and a bucket with shovel and toys for Ryan's beaching pleasure. There was one day that Ryan actually went to the beach with Joanne, without me and they had a ball. They collected shells and rocks and played in the water. We came back to the house on Sunday. My other sister Janet has a cottage at Balm Beach, so on our way out, we stopped to pick her up and got a burger at the arcade. This place is right on the beach. We had a burger, (not Jo tho, cos she is vegan) and Ryan went crazy. Auntie Joanne spoiled Ryan rotten by paying for a bunch of games for him. That is all I have heard about since, that he wants to go back and play. We may go up to the cottage again this coming weekend, so the arcade may be a possibility.

If you can believe it, there are actually a couple of places here that don't take debit - cash only. What the ^&*&()*. George, the kids and I, sans Joanne, went for Vietnamese food, I think last Wednesday. I was going to buy his supper, but they only take cash. Well, I didn't bring any cash with me, thinking debit would be fine. Nope. Then today, Ryan, Shane and I went for a quick walk to the strip mall a block behind Joanne's house to get some baby food etc. Well, they do have Tim Horton's here, but at this mall they have what's called a Country Style, same as Tim's. So, I got my decaf, juice for Ryan, and a dozen muffins to bring back to the house. They don't take debit either, cash only. So, I had to leave, walk to the bank, (which charges a $1.50 per transaction) just to get some cash. What a joke. Anyway, all is good, have to go and buy juice tomorrow for Ryan, I forgot. Me bad.

Tonight, we went for Japanese food, George, Joanne, Jesse, Mike Simon, (friend of George) the kids and I. This place is called Hockey Sushi. They charge a flat rate and you order anything you like, as much as you like, and they make it right there on the spot. Wow, yummy! We had gone there last year when I was here for George's induction into the Walk of Fame. Fabulous fresh Japanese food. Service was the absolute shits, and Ryan was a real pill. Shane was super good. Came home, gave the boys a bath and they are now sleeping. I'm very tired. At first the weather here was quite unsettled, lightning, thunder, windy, rainy, humid and now hot. This unsettled weather, really wrecks havoc with the rheumatoid arthritis. It's starting to settle a little bit now. Not sure what we're doing one day to the next, but will try and post again before I leave for home. I will for sure post pictures when I get home. Hope everyone is doing well, and look forward to catching up when we get home.