Sat morning

It's Sat morning and I am awake at 7:01...what's up with that?! Of course, Graham is up as well, but the queen is still asleep. I told her I would let her sleep for a while this morning.
Tomorrow I am heading off to the Run (Walk/Crawl) for the Cure. Someone was kind enough to sponsor me but didn't leave their name...so thanks to whoever that was. We are a group of 40, most somehow tied to Russel Metals and we are called the Rack Stars. I will be taking pictures of the event so I will post some on the website. Should be a good time. Dawn Marie and I are leaving here at 7 am tomorrow to get there in plenty of time. I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of pink.
Sarah and Connor are in Windsor this weekend at the Pro Show for 4H at the Hants County exhibition. They always enjoy that. Connor is trying out for the AA hockey team, it's his first year in Peewee where they can check for the first time...so good luck, Connor.

Natural State

The hair is back to it's natural state now...no gray, I was not meant to have gray hair. It just doesn't go well with dark curly hair. Speaking of curly hair, poor Elysia has to her great dismay inherited her mother's curls. She mostly wears her hair up but once in a while she wears it down and you can see the curls in it. She said she doesn't like to wear it down because people always pull on it to see how curly it is...I can relate.
Graham's cross country was cancelled yesterday because they forgot to tell the parents what time to pick the kids up. He wasn't that upset because it was soooo stinking hot out yesterday he probably would have melted.
It is prime apple picking time in the valley so if anyone wants to come and pick apples, I know a great spot to go...that includes you too, Tracey, I know the flight from BC would take a while but we'll make it worth it.
Mike has a long day today, they are launching the new menu at the Axe tonight...I told him to make sure they still had Janet's favorite garlic fingers. Back in my days at the Axe I don't think I ate there a whole lot but I sure spent some money there...hmm...I wonder what for?? The Axe is the first place Mike asked me to dance and I said no...haha...I didn't like the song, but he stuck around and look what happened.

Decorations

Here are some pictures of my fall decorations...I am planning on some more (dont' roll your eyes Mike). These are not the pumpkins we grew, they are still in the garden turning orange. Hoping for lots of sun today to turn them orange. Once they are done, they will be added to the "display".
Heading to Halifax for a quick trip today, have a hair appt to take my hair back to it's natural state as I like to call it.
Elysia had her second hip/hop class last night and she loves it, she came home showing us some of the moves to the dances they are learning. Seems to be quite the workout for them too, she was showing me some of the different types of crunches they have to do while warming up.
Graham has his first cross country practice today. He has decided to join the cross country team. He's going to try it but I let his coach know all about his little ticker and that if he got dizzy, etc to stop. In the past, at his appts at the dr, his heart works best while he is exercising so we will see how this goes.

Tuesday

Okay...here's your last chance to make a donation for my Run/Walk/Crawl for the Cure this Sunday...the link is https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/participant_search.asp
Just type in Annie McKinnon and the location is Halifax...
This weekend I decided to rip out the large overgrown rose bush thingy that was taking over the front of my house. I looked like a giant lilac bush but it would get these pretty pink blossoms in the summer for about two weeks. The problem was that it was about 2 ft high when we got here and grew over 12 feet high and about 8 ft wide. It was covering most of my front porch and front door and quite honestly I hated it. First I thought I could dig it up and move it...haha...it was too large so then I thought I could trim it and then dig it up and move it...hahaha...still too large. So I hacked it up and Mike pulled out the root ball for me. Did I mention it was a rosey bush with lots of thorns. I look like I lost a fight with ten cats by the time it was out. I am soooo happy with the result. You can see my front door now.
Connor and I "stole" some corn husks from his father's field before it was all chopped the other day and yesterday Josee and I went and "stole" some bales of straw from their barn...having a brother in law as a farmer is working out great for my fall decorating...thanks, Jeff. Mike thinks I am whacked for decorating for fall with corn husks and hay bales. I think it looks great.
Today is laundry day again...yes, that's what my life has become...hay bales and laundry...I need a job. I am getting my housework done, the laundry done and I am wondering how I did it while I was working...was I crankier then (I know Mike is thinking that's not possible), did I sleep?? Not too sure. My house seems no cleaner than it was (okay, I did have a cleaning woman for a while in Halifax), the laundry doesn't seem to get done any faster...not too sure.
I have filled a police check form so I can volunteer at the school...hope that goes well...haha.

Reading

Josee asked me what I am reading...I am reading the Robert Ludlum series about Jason Bourne...Bourne Identity, etc. They have made movies based on the books but the movies are quite honestly nothing like the books. I have read too many Nora Roberts books, I had to find something else, if I read one more book where someone met, had feelings for each other, denied them, were separated but got together and married in the matter of a month, I was going to lose it...
I finally figured out how to access my email through another computer. Yes, it has died and we are looking for a new one. What a pain. I have borrowed mom's extra laptop to use to keep me happy and the kids too.
It's Sunday, a little drizzly and I know there is still wood in the driveway. I know you are thinking...how long does it take to move wood...well it's takes a while okay.
We have three whole pumpkins in our garden, they are just starting to turn orange. I looked out the other day and could not see the largest one and I thought someone stole it...OMG I was freaking, it was there, just hidden. I am just glad no one committed pumkincide on the patch because I am quite proud of this pumpkin.

Birdies

My little birdies are quite happy now...while we were killing time in Halifax yesterday we went to the pet store and the bird cages were on sale. Sebastien and Antoine are now residing in what can only be described as a budgie mansion. They were not too happy being put into it though, Mike took off downstairs in case they got out, he hates birds flying around him.
Elysia stayed here and babysat to earn some extra money. Really it was like she made twice the amt because she didn't spend anything in Halifax. Graham of course, had to go to EB Games and buy a new game for his PSP.
Well...my tea is steeped, it's tea and book time.

Off to Halifax

We are off to Halifax for Mike's dr's appt...gonna get his knuckles wrapped. Elysia is staying behind to babysit, that's one way to save money for her, earn it, rather than spend it. We are bringing her friend Melissa back with us for the night.
Mike's truck is going in, hole in the muffler...always something isn't it?!

Computer Saga Continues

Well, we think the computer is fried...I am going to take it to the computer dr to see what they can do...thankfully I don't have alot of pictures on...that's right Patti, I make a back up too. If there's nothing they can do then it's time for a new one, we have had that computer for probably seven years now. Basically, it' s not too bad since I can blog when Mike gets home and "lets" me use his laptop. I haven't figured out yet how to check my email though. You can leave a comment on my blog as "anonymous" but leave your name in the body of the comment so I know who you are.
It's Survivor Night tonight, yes...I admit it, I am a huge Survivor fan, I have watched every episode since it started, I may have missed the very first one but that's it. I used to arrange a pool at Russel Metals all the time but I am not involved in it this time, since I am no longer there. It will be different knowing that there is no way I can win money from the show, not that I ever did.
We are heading to Halifax tomorrow for Mike's checkup. We may even go to Queensland for the day, our kids have no school tomorrow, it's an inservice here.

Josee's Birthday

Happy 41st Birthday to my sister, Josee...hehe...no secrets around here.

I am starting to resent my brother in law, Jeff, since he is the one who dropped that wood in the driveway. Graham and his friend, Connor did pile some but I had to redo their piles, they were falling over, then more is being put down in the shed, our yard is quite a slope.

Elysia had her first dance class last night, she is taking hip hop/jazz with her cousin Sarah. She was a little nervous at first because she didn't know anyone but Sarah but she said that she enjoyed it quite a bit.

Computer

There is something wrong with our computer...not sure if it's the monitor or the actual cpu...hoping for the monitor though since it's cheaper. Mom's going to lend me hers to use to check. Right now I am using Mike's work laptop and have a time limit because he has "work" to do. Elysia is doing her homework...Graham and Connor moved some wood but are having a break with crackers and a movie.
It's certainly getting cold at night, Graham is not thrilled to have to wear track pants over his shorts because he says he will sweat to death if I make him wear pants all day.
Elysia is heading to her first dance class tonight with her cousin Sarah. Sarah took this class last year, it's kind of a jazz/contemporary class...she's looking forward to it.

Wood Movers

Graham and his friend Connor have decided that moving wood and stacking it is fun...who knew?? Ask me if I'm happy? I do go after the fact and restack it but they don't need to know that. They have made quite the dent in the pile...I'll give them some money for helping out. Elysia wants nothing to do with it...maybe I'll dangle the money factor in front of her and that will make a difference.
I am taking Elysia to the superstore to show her how to download and print her photos, she's not too thrilled with the part where she has to pay.
Manchester United 1 Everton 0

Scarey Dawna

Had a wonderful weekend in Pictou county with Patti and the girls scrapbooking at the farm...only one little complaint...scarey Dawna. My friend Patti has a Halloween obsession. This year she has purchased a five foot "Dawn of the Dead" or something of that nature. It's a woman, dressed in a gauzy white dress, with eyes that light up and she is motion sensitive and moves and moans (not in a good way) when she is activated. First I had gone out in the dark to light the fire for the ladies out of the kindness of my heart. While I am out there, Angie sneaks out into the small barn and waits for me to head back to the house and jumps out at me...I screamed. I forgot to mention that Patti's parents' farm is in the boonies and it's pitch black outside. I went back to the fire to keep it going and I could see those fools (Lori, Angie, Patti, Reta and our new buddy Nicole) laughing their heads off so I figured one of them was going to sneak up on me. I wasn't waiting so I went into the house. I didn't find out what the joke was until Patti asked me to get her camera out of the bathroom. First I am thinking "what's her camera doing in the bathroom" but do I ask...no...I, being the kind hearted, trusting soul I am, head into the bathroom, only to activate Dawna. All I see is her eyes glowing in the dark and she's moaning, needless to say I screamed...hahahaha, they all laughed. Dawna made the rounds all weekend, being moved around the house for best effect. Sunday morning, she was right outside my bedroom door, she startled me but I could have bet money she would be there.
All in all, a great weekend. My kids seemed to miss me, Graham asked me why I had left them. I think it was for sanity.
I think my husband is losing it, he's talking to my budgie birds that he supposedly hates, I know the truth though.

Pictou County

Heading to Patti's parent's place in Pictou County for a weekend of fun, frivality and scrapbooking. Adults only, no kids allowed. Graham was not thrilled with that part since he though Keegan would be bringing his transformers. It's a great time to get away since my brother in law dropped a couple of cords of wood in the driveway...wonder if the wood moving fairies will be dropping by.
Just in case you are wondering, the abyss known as Graham's bedroom is gone. Most of his treasures are in a bag on the side step. He had playing cards all over his room. He had about 10 dollars in Canadian Tire money in there. What a mess it was...he's on room probation right now.
When we moved here Elysia had to start playing an instrument because band is mandatory here. She decided to continue playing this year even though it was optional. She is playing the flute and is doing quiet well, we can even recognize some of the songs she plays.
Have a good weekend.

Graham's room

I am on my way into the abyss...also known as Graham's room. Not quite sure what he does in there sometimes but I am certain one of them is not cleaning. It is beyond comprehensible. Elysia's room is usually pretty good, on occasion it gets messy but nothing like her brother's room. Don't get me wrong, I do make him clean it but sometimes it just needs a "mommy" clean. Hoping not to find too much garbage. They have quite strict "garbage rules" here. You can only put out so many bags every two weeks. If you put out too many and the garbage man is kind enough to take them apparently our neighborhood has a "Garbage Natzi" who will call the county and complain...how pathetic is someone's life when they feel a need to complain that I put out one bag too many.

911 Emergency

My poor husband!! Don't worry...he's fine.
Yesterday I was in Halifax and being the horrid wife I am, I did not call him to say I was back--problem 1. I took the kids to the school so Elysia could get her band instrument and Mike didn't check for this on the calendar--problem 2. I left the front door wide open, yet again--problem 3. My husband gets home, the front door is open, we are not here so he is concerned, he thought maybe I wasn't home from Halifax and he was wondering where the kids were...so he decides to call our voice mail, which is *99 on the phone. Somehow he managed to dial 911 instead and was thinking to himself, I know it's not quite right but it sounds familiar, it sure did when they answered the phone "911, what's your emergency?" Now, anyone who knows Mike knows what a panic he would be in. When we got back from band, he told us what happened and that the RCMP still have to make a check on the house. Thankfully we got an RCMP officer with a sense of humor, but I'm sure all the neighbors are wondering....hmmmm...

Halifax Bound

Josee and I are heading to Halifax today for a quick trip (yesterday, I said we were going yesterday but I meant tomorrow which is today). The kiddies just headed off on the bus to school. Probably won't have time to go to Russel Metals today (boohoo) but I'll be there on Friday when I head to Patti's parents for the weekend with the ladies.
Off I go to spend Mike's dough!!

Quiet Sunday

Not much going on today, a little wash, a little homework...just a quiet day. Graham is out helping Connor's sister, Maddie sell chocolate bars for Mary's Islanders, I thought we were done with that!!
Last night we went to supper at Josee's house. All the kids then had a huge soccer game in the field next to Josee's. There was Elysia and Graham, Sarah and Connor, Kathy's three kids, David's two boys and one of their friends. They played for almost two hours, it was quiet fun to watch, they would have played longer but it got dark out. The kids ran for a quick swim in Kathy's pool to get the sweat off. They had fun.
Josee and I are heading to Halifax yesterday for a quick shopping trip. Next weekend I am heading to Patti's mom's house for a scrapbooking weekend. Lots of fun.

Real First Day of School

Off they went today to school. Looking so cute. Elysia was laden down with bags heavier than her. Graham was nervous about finding his classroom so he asked me to meet him at school. I told him I could drive him but that was no good because he wanted to see if he had a new bus driver. I went to the school to meet him but he ran right into the school. I watched as Elysia went in looking the other way pretending not to see her mother there. So I said "I can see you", the eye roll was her response...I am totally uncool. I went in to find Graham, I found his classroom and he had already found it, put his stuff in the locker and headed out. So now I had to find my way out, I did manage to run into him and he told me that he had everything under control. All is fine. Now I have one in Grade 7 and one in Grade 3. Where did the time go? I have a niece who started highschool yesterday, that freaks me out. What happened to our babies??
Josee and I are going to a champagne breakfast at her friend's house, we are celebrating school starting. This is really my first year of enjoying it. Most times, it just meant that I was late for work but this is the first time that I have an opportunity to enjoy their first day of school. With all their arguing lately, it's a blessing to have them apart for a while, I think they were sick of seeing each other so much.

First Day of School?!

So, technically it's the first day of school but it's an inservice so the kids don't go until tomorrow. My little kiddies are still tucked up in their beds. Tomorrow is a day of great celebration!!
Elysia's stuff is all packed and ready at the bottom of the stairs. I asked her the other day if she was glad that we came to Coldbrook earlier than anticipated and she said yes in a way, she could not imagine how she would be feeling if her first day at a new school would be tomorrow, so she's glad that part is done.
Took Graham to the Kentville ball game last night. He enjoys them. One of the things he does is take his glove and retrieve foul balls. If you take them back to the entrance, you get a candy or some sort of treat. Graham went after one ball and a grown man dove at it when he saw Graham coming and hit him in the ribs. I didn't realize at first that he had been hit by the man but I was still quite ticked off. Graham was okay and was happier a second later when another ball came over the fence and he got there. It's funny to watch the swarm of kids go after the balls.
It's getting quite cool in the mornings now, fall is approaching.

Labor Day

We are heading to Josee's house for lunch. They are arriving back from BC at noonish, they have been travelling all night. The kids and I are going to get some stuff for subs so they don't have to worry about it. Josee said it was hard leaving BC, she really enjoyed her time there. I send hugs to Tracey and the girls.
Did put up the new ceiling fan the other day. What a pain. Decided to get one with a remote control, in theory it sounds great. But the problem is that not only do you have to stuff all the wires into the pc that attaches to the ceiling but now you also have to try and fit a remote box in there as well. After an hour of turning it this way and that and sweating and cursing, it's up and quite honestly looks great. It doesn't make a sound and yes, it is working.
The rabbits are going home today!!! The kids have enjoyed them and I will admit, they are cute. I was going to clean the cage before they went but I thought I would share that little moment with Sarah and Connor. The neighborhood kids have enjoyed the rabbits also. Yesterday, Graham's friend sat with one on his lap for the longest time.
Graham took a tumble on his bike yesterday but is fine. One of the neighborhood parents sent him home with bandages, which always makes such a difference.
I am sure Elysia will be behind closed doors with Sarah to discuss all now that she's back. They are closer than ever since we have moved here.
Mike is working, the frosh are at university now. Mike had to feed them and their parents the other day. He said the kids arrivingt looked no older than Elysia.

Ceiling Fan

Off to get a new ceiling fan for the bedroom. I managed to break our old one (boohoo). It had this ugly ceramic angel hanging down that you would pull on to start the fan part. Well...Graham and I were playing with a ball in the house (which usually I am quite adament does not happen). I went to throw it to him and it hit the angel, which flung up into the fan which was running, rips right out of the fan, flies across the room and embeds her wing into my dresser (in the wood about 1/4 inch above the mirrow). Now I have a dent in my new dresser, which I will take over a shattered mirror and a ceiling fan that you cannot turn off unless you disconnect the power source. Oops...one of my finer mother moments.