The Christmas Blur

This Christmas as many others in the past was a bit of a blur! You always want to try and visit everyone and their dog during the few days you have.

I was off Christmas Eve...thank goodness! Work has been a bit of a nightmare for me...yeah, I know, big shock. My boss quit and I have been promoted...yeah, promoted by default I like to call it...something like frying pan into the fire. Then my back up has decided to leave the company. We turnover a person about every three weeks there and since the company only has 20-25 people (depending where you are in the three weeks) it makes it quite busy, at least on the HR side of things :)

Christmas Eve, Mike and I did our "gift analysis" and ran out to get our "panic gift". Graham was attending a basketball clinic put on by the Horton High coach. He and his buddy, Connor had a blast. Mike and I were in New Minas when Elysia called us from Josee's house to say she wasn't feeling well...so we left New Minas to get her, and as you can imagine, leaving New Minas on Christmas Eve is easier than it sounds...took us about 15 minutes to get out of the parking lot, so we headed to Wolfville rather than go through town. We managed to get Elysia, get home, scarf down lunch, get Graham at his camp, scarf down supper and make it up to Josee's for their annual Christmas Eve bash. Every Christmas Eve, they attend church and then have all their family and friends over for a little get together. In the past we usually were not able to attend as Mike was working Christmas Eve but since we came back to the valley, we've been able to make it.

Christmas Eve, Mom and her crazy little dog, Sofie spent the night. Mom slept in Elysia's bed and Elysia slept on the cot in the room with her. Sofie kept trying to sneak over to the cot with Elysia. We told Graham he was not allowed out of his room before 6 am...apparently he woke up at 5:20, went to the bathroom and then sat on his bed and stared at the clock. Christmas morning is the one and only time that he is allowed into Elysia's room to wake her up. Graham was in our room at 6 on the dot and ready to roll.

So Christmas morning, we came down and opened our gifts. The Wii from Grandma was the big hit as was the Guitar hero from us for Graham and the "Bench" sweater from us for Elysia. We had fun watching the kids and the dog open their gifts...took Sofie a few minutes to get into the gift giving but she did.

This is a picture of my living room after the Christmas Tree threw up!!

After the opening of the gifts, we headed up to Josee's to see them open their gifts. Here's a picture of Josee and I in our matching pj's from Mom, I am sure there was another set out in BC under Tracey's tree.After their gifts were open it was back to the house for some lunch and some R&R...Mike worked on our dinner we had planned for Boxing Day then he had a nap. Mike was upstairs on the bed, mom in our big chair and me on the couch. Elysia had her friend, Adam in for a while and Graham had his friend, Connor in and the four of them played with the Wii of course, lots of noise coming from that room. After our little nap we went to Josee's for some kid play time and supper of Christmas Eve party left overs. Elysia and Graham brought their controllers for the Wii and played on Sarah and Connor's, the four of them played tennis...definitely need to stay out of the way of that.

Boxing Day was a big turkey lunch at our house...I am just there for the cleaning, this is Mike's deal. We had a beautiful meal, lots of laughs (gotta love those Christmas cracker hats).

My friend, Janet had a terrible time with her turkey this year. Her mother bought a fresh turkey that didn't turn out so fresh. She asked Mike to make gravy for her (not that she can't but Mike's is soooo good) so he asked her for the neck and the other gross things that end up in that little bag inside the turkey. So when Janet opened up the turkey to get it, it was rotten inside...this happened at about 6 on Christmas Eve...thankfully one of our neighbors had an extra turkey and so Janet also ended up with her meal on Boxing Day (with Mike's gravy). They didn't want to keep the rotten turkey in the house, so I guess they put it out in their shed and some animal go into it and tore it apart...we figure there is a dead raccoon around somewhere.

Last night, our neighbor Jackie had some an open house...so Graham and I went over for a while, good company and good eats....and Jackie makes the best slushies ever!! I had three and I still think there was no alcohol in them...that's my theory anyway.

Went to watch Connor's team win their tournament today and then off to Elysia's soccer game. She scored a funny goal off one of the other defenders, they don't have to be pretty to count. Then Janet, Graham, Connor and I went to watch the Horton Basketball game...which was quite good, although we ended up leaving early because Graham had scarfed down two burgers before we left and then had a bottle of water and a bottle of juice, I think it was all sloshing around in there pretty good so he was feeling a little green. He's in bed now and feeling better...I didn't want him to yack all over the stands in the gym...

Anyway...a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Bad Blogger

Here's a picture of mother's poor dog after she had to walk in the rain...and no, I am not choking her!!

My name is Annie McKinnon...and I am a bag blogger! I have been a bad girl this month and barely blogged...not to say there hasn't been much going on.

We've certainly had a good share of snow. They even have snow in Nanaimo...Tracey said the roads are terrible, they don't have much snow removal equipment and they concentrate on the main roads. Last night we had another dumping here. Drive to work wasn't too bad, I seemed to hit a good window but as soon as I got to work it was a white out. There was this little bird that tried to take off in the wind and got hit by a gust, he ended up in the other direction pretty quick. Drive home wasn't so nice...when you work in the middle of nohwere, you drive along roads that go through alot of farm fields, nice open farm fields. You know the ones that the wind loves to travel over and then deposit the snow in the road. Josee said it was so windy up on the mountain last night that she has a new address on the valley floor!

We have our Christmas decorations up, inside and out...the tree is done and the village is complete, although I didn't have the right snow for it...so I improvised and used some pillow stuffing I had...looks like there was either a major snowfall or alot of fog, or being in Nova Scotia, it could be a lovely combination of both. Mike and I want to name the village and we need something with a "Hollow" attached to it. Elygra Hollow, McKinnon Hollow, MikAnnie Hollow...not sure.

Mike and the kiddies are making a gingerbread house, I had better take a picture before the fight breaks out...you're copying me, your part is not the same, that looks stupid, you're using all the candies...aw, the Christmas memories. I'll post pictures of the masterpiece tomorrow. The kids actually want to eat it, it's one of those cheapy superstore kits. Some year, we will actually make a real one...Martha Stewart I am not, oh yeah, I married a chef!

The Christmas preparation is pretty much complete. There's a package on the way to BC, one on the way to Ottawa and one on the way to Cape Breton. I have a bag of gifts for the mountain, one for Halifax, one for Cherry Lane...still have a little wrapping to complete.

Mike and I did our Christmas grocery shopping the other day, it included a turkey, all the trimmings, the Christmas crackers for the table, plus the regular shopping and lots of marked down pork and chicken (gotta make the trip there at 7 am worth the while). Anyone who knows my husband knows how much he hates to spend money. I told the cashier to be prepared to perform CPR if necessary when she gave him the total, she thought that was funny and I think she took a little pleasure in giving him the total.

Busy Couple of Weeks

We've had a busy couple of weeks...lots of soccer and basketball, Christmas parties and snow.

The weather has been whacky...one day it snows, the next day it rains and it's 18 degrees...the water levels in the river in Kentville is high. Had a power outage for a couple of hours the other night and I think we should do it every few weeks...we had a lovely family evening...playing board games and just hanging out. Sad that it takes an act of nature to have quality family time.

Went to a ladies Christmas gift exchange in the neighborhood the other night. Thought it would be a good idea to take some cream cheese and red pepper jelly for a snack...so did Janet and Shelly...and then Lisa also had some ready to go when we got to her house. We had quite a laugh about that. It was the red pepper jelly Christmas party. We actually had quite a laugh about alot of things that night. Before I knew it the time was 12:30 so I headed out because we were going out again Sat night...so Sat night we headed to Halifax to the Russel Metals Christmas party. We had a great time...what a great bunch of people. Reta was kind enough to let us crash at her house and served us a lovely breakfast this morning. I think a few people were feeling their celebrations this morning but it wasn't me.

Graham and Elysia both won their games this weekend, Elysia scoring a nice goal and Graham and his friend Connor performing a successful "pick" in basketball...yeah...not quite so sure about it but Connor's mom (a bball player) was impressed by them.

We were going to get our tree today but the kids were tired and so were we so we are going to put it off until tomorrow...a little Scrooge, I know but didn't feel like losing my mind over a tree. Two tired adults trying to wrestle a tree into a house, does not happy memories make.

My mother had her birthday yesterday. She's now 61, I told her now she's gone from turning 60 to being in her early sixties...don't think she liked that. Josee had dinner for her and some cake with the kiddies.

This week should be a busy one, band and choir concert is Tuesday (it was delayed due to weather last week) and tree tomorrow...Wed seems free, maybe I'll wrap stuff...

Reading with a Saint Bernard

This is in the Chronicle Herald today about my friend Patti's son, Keegan and reading to a Saint Bernard!

Dog teaches new tricks One-on-one sessions a treat for kids, volunteers involved in library’s free Paws to Read programBy LOIS LEGGE Features Writer Wed. Dec 3 - 6:01 AM

Mark Grant and his partner Hercules, a St. Bernard, reads with seven-year-old Keegan Martin in the Paws to Read program at the Halifax Library on Spring Garden Road. Herc visits the library every Saturday to help children master reading skills. (INGRID BULMER / Staff)
THE LITTLE BOY’S hand meets the big dog’s paw.

The second-grader gently pats the 86-kilogram St. Bernard, moving from paw to head to neck, wrapping his arms around the retired championship show animal turned teacher.

Soon, seven-year-old Keegan Martin, shoes off, relaxing on a blanket on the floor with Hercules and his owner Mark Grant, starts reading books about other big dogs and boys and volcanoes, cheerfully moving through his weekly Paws to Read session. It’s a program of Therapeutic Paws of Canada that helps children in grades 2 to 5 who struggle with reading.

The free program provides a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere where reading flourishes and friendships form, says Grant, a Paws to Read volunteer at Halifax-area libraries for three years.

That’s the secret of the one-on-one program’s success, adds the volunteer, who leads Saturday sessions at the Spring Garden Road library in Halifax and Wednesday-night classes at the Tantallon branch.

"He’s focused on the dog," Grant says of Keegan, one of seven students he and nine-year-old Herc see on Saturdays. "And that’s the (core of) the program. It’s not about me. It’s not about the library. It’s the bond (between) the child and the dog."

That bond has helped Keegan’s reading skills soar, says Grant who first worked with the child last spring.

"His reading has increased 10 times" from what it was, and that’s also a tribute to his parents, who read with him nightly, Grant says.

"He just needs some extra help with reading, and to read with Herc it’s more of a pleasure," says Keegan’s mom, Patti Martin. "He’s very attentive . . . and Keegan would read to Herc every day."

"I’d never stop reading to Herc because he’s nice and he doesn’t interrupt," the Prospect Road Elementary School student chimes in as the St. Bernard nods off and starts snoring. "I didn’t like it as much, but now I like reading it with Herc."

His interest is obvious as the session unfolds, starting when Grant opens a book about Clifford the Big Red Dog.

"The boy sees the dog," Keegan begins. "Excellent, excellent," encourages Grant. "The dog sees the boy," Keegan continues, leaning on the sleeping pooch and smoothly reading through the book as Grant encourages and prompts when needed.

Then it’s on to a new book about volcanoes, Keegan easily tackling words like "erupted" and "scientist."
"Holy smokes, those are big words for a little guy like you," Grant praises at one point. "Excellent, excellent."
Keegan is keenly interested in the subject, stopping to fill in Grant on his extensive knowledge of volcanoes.
Herc gets up and walks away.
"Look what happened," Grant says. "You stopped reading and your buddy went away. You better go get him and bring him back."
And he does, guiding the large, lumbering animal— "so gentle," says Keegan’s mom — back to the blanket, where he flops down again.

Even though he’s getting on in years, Hercules still gets excited when Grant puts on his Paws to Read vest and gets him ready to go to the sessions, held at about seven local branches.
The library ( http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/) recommends calling your local branch to see whether the program is offered there.

The Bedford man, who has worked with more than 50 children through the program, is enthused too.
"It’s very rewarding for me personally to be able to give back to the community," he says.
"The dog and I, we’ve had a wonderful show career. (Now) we just get so much enjoyment out of helping folks move forward with their reading skills."

Keegan’s mom says her son has moved forward with skills and confidence since starting Paws to Read.
"It’s a great program," she says.
"I don’t know why there’s not more children banging at the door to come in and do this. For one it’s free, it’s short, it’s only a half an hour. Mark’s excellent. . . . He’s super with the kids and it’s such a treat for them. It’s not work; it’s just a pleasure for him to read to Herc."

Keegan is now finished his session. A Hercules pin in hand, which is also ink-stamped with paw prints, he agrees.
"Herc," he says, "is like the best friend in the whole universe."

The Paws to Read program is looking for more volunteers.

The Lights Are On!

Got the Christmas lights up on Saturday...wanted to take advantage of the good weather. Mike and I were having guests for supper and I wanted the lights on the house for when they arrived. So while Mike toiled in the kitchen, I did the lights (some may say that's a bit of a role reversal but it works well for us). I had bought some new LED lights...colored ones, per Graham's request. I had great intention of hanging them on the gutter...so I sat there and attached all the plastic hangers to the lights, then got up on the ladder and it was then that I realized that the wonderful new rain gutters we got to keep the leaves out will not allow the clips to attach...okay, plan B. I pulled all the clips off the lights and hung then on the railing with the garland, and then used the old icicle lights on the top. I thought it looked nice, but Elysia informed me that they don't match...she liked it better when they were all white, Graham likes the colored ones...I think it's actually a good comprimise.

We also have the polar bears that I love and the little Christmas tree on the step. This year we added these little LED snow flakes that change color along the path...I think it looks nice, with just a hint of tacky (not too Griswaldy).

Elysia spent a couple of nights in the city with her friends from Halifax, they still keep in touch. She came back last night with Josee...who was picking up Jeff and Connor from the airport. Their flight was very late, so my tired little daughter arrived home at 1:30 in the am...stumpled into the house, up the stairs and fell into bed...hmmm...sounds like something I used to do in my youth.

Graham had two birthday parties to go to yesterday, which he loved. He was out while we had our little dinner party. As usual Mike pulled out all the stops. We had a lovely meal and apparently some good wine (I'm not much of a wine person). My husband did partake in the wine consumption and was feeling a little glow last evening which was evident in his snore volume!

Today Elysia had a soccer game and scored the winning goal. She did really well, especially considering she was ready to have a nap, this late night thing is not for her.

Oh yeah...the worst thing happened...the dishwasher is on the fritz! Not exactly what you want to happen when you are having guests for supper...I was up until 11:30 last night cleaning the dishes...all the while hearing my husband snore...not exactly a mating call! Just kidding honey, you know I love you. He did say he was sore this morning, I may have "nudged" him a little to try to get him to stop. He says I snore but let's be honest, it doesn't bother me because I don't hear it!

Pretty Snow!

Yes...it snowed and it snowed and it snowed! Not sure what the tally is but it seems that the snow started Friday night and did not stop! Mike said "That's it, we're getting a snow blower!" We were going to last year but by the time we decided they were all gone...then you forget what it's like and think it won't be that bad...well it is! Shoveling snow sucks! We did not see a snow plow in our subdivision until 10 last night. I was able to get the car in and out, only because we spent a small fortune on studded snow tires this year. One guy asked if our Caliber was four wheel drive...I told him no, but I was! We invited mom to stay Friday night, did not want her home by herself if the power went out. So her and Sofie moved in and were only able to leave this morning. Once we got the driveway cleaned and mom's car on the road for her, she wasn't long in leaving...come to think of it, she almost ran out the door...hmmm...should I take that personally?

I told Tracey I would post some pictures of the snow in case she forgot what it looked like to have more than 5 cms fall at once (and shut down the city of Nanimo).

Graham has been enjoying the snow. Him and his friend, Connor were out almost all day yesterday, trying to tobaggon in the back yard, or making a fort, or shoveling. He's out with Connor now. Elysia was at a sleepover on Friday night, took me two tries to get her, wasn't a problem with my vehicle but the three pickup trucks blocking the road to her friend's house because they were stuck! Last night she slept in our room on the cot...told her she had three choices: sleep on the cot in the room with Grandma, sleep in the bed with Grandma, sleep on the cot in our room...she wanted another choice, so we mentioned the cot in her brother's room...she slept in our room...apparently she was concerned about the snoring from her Grandmother and her father (okay...maybe me too). She said she had to get her Ipod to drown out the noise. She had two soccer games today, an hour apart. They won one and lost one...she played well, nice cross in for an assist on a goal.

On a sad note: Mike's uncle Lester passed away last night. He had been battling cancer for a while...so if there is a God in heaven, that man is perched up there with the best seat for every Nascar race!

Ode to Mike

Well, apparently I did not mention my poor, poor husband, Mike in my blog today...as he was so kind to point out...

MIKE
MIKE
MIKE
MIKE

Flu Shots!

Yes, it's that time of year again. It's time for flu shots. We've received since Graham was born, so his sister blames him for it...I told her she has it because of her asthma and that I blame both of them for it! It's not that bad, about every 3 years though I think they leave the needle in...there's no way around it, it does sting. The kids know that they are allowed to cry after the fact if it hurts but not before...they've been really good about it the last few years, I usually bribe them with ice cream though.

We had our first snow of the season last night. It was a pretty good one too. Elysia and I had hair appts in Wolfville and quite honestly, the drive there was not that great. We have spent a bloody fortune this year putting studded, winter tires on both cars but unfortunately not everyone on the road has done that. I found both cars have worked well in the snow. Graham was very excited about it, Elysia...not so much, she was worried it would still be snowing in the morning and it would curl her straightened hair. The woes of a teenage girl. Elysia and Sarah had died Elysia's hair black on Sat night, I really liked it but Elysia did not and kids at school were making comments, the hair dresser was able to soften the color a bit last night so she seems happy with it now. I was there to remove the skunk stripe from the top of my head. How did I get so much freaking grey hair?!

Mother is heading out Sat night so we will be babysitting Sofie...sorry Sarah and Connor, I offered. We love having the dog, she's pretty cute. Mom said she loved the snow last night, ate about a pound of it and was having fun slipping in it.

Guess I best head back to work...haven't checked my lotto ticket yet so I have to work!

Mammogram

Yes...that's right...now that I am the big 4-0, I have to have an annual mammogram. So I called the 800 number today to get an appointment and guess what, they had one today at noon...so I thought, okay, I won't be able to work myself into a state so I took it and went. It was painful but was not the horror I had imagined. The nurse/technician was awesome, although I told her when I was done that I wasn't staying any longer because she was no fun! She chuckled.

Got Graham's head beaned (sp?) the other day, some kid in his class has lice and we are not taking any chances. I was only going to get the sides done with the clippers and the top cut with scissors but he said "nope, get it all"...I like it on him but I worry about his little coconut getting cold.

Elysia and Sarah dyed Elysia's hair black the other night. I like it alot, I think it looks great on her but some of the idiot kids at school have been making comments (skunk, goth)...AGH!

Mike has been working at Capital Health in the city the last couple of days. He's home tonight. I will say that I may have slept in the middle of the bed for two nights with no fan to freeze me and there was no snoring beside me and no one to complain if I snored...but, of course, I did not enjoy it.

My dad had his hernia repaired last week and all is well...he started to tell me that it was a little stiff and swollen and I told him those were words he could never use with me to describe his "nether regions".

Work as always is interesting. My boss is leaving...which I am not happy about. She's my buffer and my saving grace in this place and she has taught me alot and I will miss her! Had a meeting with the big bosses yesterday to kind of lay things out there and told them I hate meetings, that most are a waste of time (especially depending on who is running them). God, I hate when people ask my opinion cause I have to give it. Not always what they want to hear.

Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day. It has a special meaning in our house. Yes, we remember those who served. My father was in the airforce over 20 years. My great uncle (my Grandma Roy's brother) is buried in France.

But nine years ago today, our son Graham received a gift of life! Actually our whole family received the gift of his life. Graham received a heart valve transplant 9 years ago today...we also remember that today! Some days it seems like yesterday and some days it seems like an eternity. Some days is so very real to us and some days it's like it was a dream. I have very specific memories of that day...the nurses taking him early in the morning and thinking we just saw him alive for the last time...I was hopeful but really didn't think it was going to work...he was so sick and why should we be so lucky...anyway, enough of that! We are thankful and happy and he has some souped up parts in him that we cannot keep up with all the time.

I am not working today...that alone is a miracle, I am sure if they could have they would have made us work. Yesterday about four the boss brought it up...yeah, that's the time to make a decision...good management skills as always. So what do I do, I wake up at 6:15! What's up with that??

We had a pretty busy weekend. Watch Connor play a couple of games of hockey, they were in a tournament, won all their round robin games but lost a tough battle in the cross over. The game against Dartmouth though Sat night was pretty exciting. Elysia had a soccer game on Sunday, they tied but it was a good game and Elysia is having a great season.

Josee and I are heading to the city on Thursday to do a little Christmas shopping, would like to actually be organized this year. Ah, who am I kidding, I'll still be out there at the last minute!

Halloween

We managed to carve about a dozen pumpkins this year...and yes, lady, we used stencils. Some lady made sure to inform her husband and children who were admiring our pumpkins that we used stencils like it was some crime against the Great Pumpkin...buck up lady...!!

Oh yeah and another thing that bugs me...when your child is so small that they cannot walk to the door, do you really think you should be trick or treating when their bag is full and the bag in the wagon too...do I really think the 18 month old is going to put away two bags of candy?? I'm not really fooled by that.

We had a super Halloween this year. Thurs night was the family dance at the school...I dressed up in all my batty splendor, much to my children's dismay. I told Elysia the only thing missing was my sign that said "I'm Elysia's mom". I took Graham and his friend, Connor to the dance...Elysia is too cool for the family dance, of course. Graham had to meet his "date" Nina there...she was there, I wasn't introduced. Not sure why, maybe it was the two foot bat hat I was wearing. I don't know why they call it a dance, when it's the family dance, it's all the little kids and all they do is run. Graham was the character from the Scream movies. Worst part was that his costume was equipped with a blood pumping heart, that when he squeezed it, blood would run down the mask...yeah, enough to bring a tear to a mother's eye, what happened to the good old days of sports heros and animals??

Elysia and her friends dressed up as a pajama party, they were pretty cute in their pig tails and pj's. Elysia trick or treated with her friends, while Mike or I took Connor and Graham around.

Sofie was with us for Halloween. She came equipped with her own Halloween costume, she was a pumpkin. She didn't like the hood part, if it was over her head, she wouldn't move...poor thing, it had come down while she was coming down the stairs and she just stayed there, not sure how long she was there, but I found her in the middle of the steps with the hood down. She managed a couple of turns around the block and then she sat on my lap giving out candy but she was pretty pooped so I put her in the house and she passed out on the blanket on the couch still in her costume, she wouldn't even open her eyes when I came in the house.

Sunday, it was leaf day...we had to clean up the yard, I think the skunk was looking for grubs and slugs hiding in the moisture under the leaves...oh yeah, skunk made an appearance during the trick or treating, he did retreat back under the culvert next door before he decided to "trick" anyone. Back to the leaves...best thing we did this year was buy a mower with a bag attached. We just mowed over the leaves and dumped them into the green bin. Our back we blow them down the back bank. Something that took us two days last year, took us a few hours this year. Elysia had her second soccer game. She did really well, set up some nice passes and even scored a goal. It was a little anticlimatic as we all thought it went in behind the net, but it was a goal none the less.

Oh yeah, and my mother, who seems to think she has some claim over the dog, came and took her back last night, we miss the silly mutt!

The Nocturnal Beast!!

This week we have had mom's dog, Sofie for a sleepover while mom was visiting Tracey in BC. I get up early in the morning to take her for a walk/pee/pooh before I get ready for work...it's the only time that works for me and I kind of enjoy it. It's still quite dark at 6:15...this week has been especially frightening as people decorate for Halloween and all of a sudden you notice the ghosts and skeletons hanging in the trees. It's also been windy so you don't hear anything until it's right on you...like the lady running with her dog the other morning, I didn't hear her footsteps, I only heard an animals footsteps running towards me...I jumped! This morning though was the topper...let me back up a little though...yesterday morning I thought I saw something scurry into the culvert when we left the house, I flashed the flashlight but didn't see anything. So it's been in the back of my mind. This morning we went out the door, Sofie and I. I lock the door and start to turn around just as Sofie barks (she's never barked outside unless there's been another dog). Low and behold...a freaking skunk, in my front yard, not 15 ft from where I am standing and the door is locked. I grabbed the dog, not sure if I actually picked her up or hauled her up by the leash (sorry, Sofie). Grabbed my key from it's "hiding" spot and went back in the house. Then I tried to get the skunk to go away..."go away little skunk" "shoo little skunk" and then "GET OUT OF MY YARD SKUNK!" It kind of gave me that look like "you do not scare me, I only have to lift my tail and you'll be gone" (oh yeah, in my head as I am typing, I am doing by best fake French Pepe le Peu voice)...so Sofie and I went out the side door and I carried the first few houses away. Pepe was still there when we got back...Sofie sat on the back of my couch watching it for quite a while. It was gone when I had to go to work and it didn't leave any scents behind!

October 27th

On October 27th, my baby girl, Elysia turns 14...boohoo!! My baby is growing up! Way too fast for my liking...here's some pictures of my little baby...I love the picture of her on the beach, it's one of my favorites. You can also see how curly her hair is, you don't often get to see that because she feels the need to straighten her hair all the time or put it up. She had her first game of the indoor soccer season, she had a good game, and they won their opening game against a team that is known for being quite good. I tried to be quiet but it's soccer so you can imagine. I drive her nuts but that's my job as her mother.

We went to Patti and Tim's house last night for their annual Halloween extravaganza...they are a little nuts when it comes to Halloween. I told her she's the only person who can tell me there's a casket in her dining room and I don't think it's odd.

Right a Wrong!!

While mom's little dog, Sofie was at Josée's house, they scarred her soooo deep, I don't know if she will ever recover! They put her in a Toronto Maple leaf shirt and sent the picture to my mother...my poor mother has not recovered...so here you go mom...your favorite daughter has made right the wrong that Josée made!

We finally got the dog last night, I think Josée will miss her. I know the kids will. I took her for a walk last night and this morning and it would have been much faster had she not wanted to chase every single leaf that blew in the wind. I cannot believe I pick up dog poop! I know it's not big but it's still sh*&!

Moncton

This year myself and my friends from high school turned the big 4-0!! We decided to mark the occassion with a little gettogether. We all boarded a van and headed to Moncton...Kathleen (Katie) Naylor, Shawna Lynk, the crazy Proctor girls, Debbie and Darlene and myself (Annie Roy) jumped into Shawna's van and drove to Betty Belliveau's house. We chatted all the way there, eating Shawna's fresh made fudge (which apparently was missing the vanilla...yeah, like we would have known). Made a few wrong turns causing Shawna's GPS system to "recalulate" but we made it there.

We bombarded Betty's poor husband, Tony and her daughter Hannah...sat around the table eating too much junk and drinking a few drinks. I still do not know how Tony and Hannah managed to fall asleep with the racket we were kicking out...cathing up with our lives, with other people's lives...who is where...what they are doing...etc. It was great. It's soo funny, you can not see some people for soooo long and when you do, it's like it was yesterday. We are all at such different places in our lives, whether it's in school, home with kids...kids off at school...so different but still so much the same. I always find when I finally see someone I haven't seen in a long time, that I forget how much I miss them and want to have them in my life more. We talked about making this an annual gig and I sure hope we stick to it.

Saturday we did a little shopping...cause what group of women does not do that?! We also went to the Old Triangle Pub for some supper and entertainment...I had a wakeup call when Debbie was looking for something in her bottomless purse and doused me in ice water...brrr... We listened to the singer for a little while and then our age showed a little. We were out of there by ten, I remember a time when our night didn't start until ten! How the times have changed!

I almost forgot, yesterday morning, Betty's husband, Tony made us breakfast. He's from Nfld and he made us toutons (sp?)...basically, it's fried bread dough with butter and molasses...holy yumminess!! Nothing like a lot of sugar and fat to start the day off.

This morning we got up and did some pictures and then headed out...it's okay, Betty we saw you crying...that made me misty eyed! We stopped at the Masstown Market and had lunch and looked around...you know, because there was so much room (not!) left in the van for more stuff. I think we all need a little nap! I know I will be heading there soon.

My house survived while I was gone...the bluejays attacked my Indian Corn on the front door and scared the kids so Mike biffed the corn into the yard. Mike ran the dishwasher but we were out of dishwasher soap so he decided to use the liquid detergent...yeah...you know where I am going with this. Soap out the door of the dishwasher out past the fridge....wish he had taken a picture of it!

Life

Life...that's what we've been doing...

Sunday night, Elysia and I headed off to Halifax to see Carrie Underwood...she's quite the singer. We met up with Elysia's friend, Kaylie and her mother. Had a quick bite to eat at Swiss Chalet and then off to the Metro Centre..."little big town" was the opening act...they were good. Elysia and Kaylie took their seats first and then half way through thought ours were better so they switched. I enjoyed both spots but it was more about them. Kaylie's mom, Kathy is crazy. I think she would run right up on stage given the opportunity (I don't think it would take much of an opportunity).

While we were at the concert, Mike and Graham enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the Ross family. Apparently Janet makes the best potatoes for a non-chef, according to my son. They had a great meal and lots of fun. Graham even said he was thankful for his family and friends...but he was also thankful for ketchup so take that for what it's worth.

Monday I had to work...I don't have one of those nice jobs that gives more than the days required by law. Not much a girl can do though. We went to mom's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Josee and the family were also there. We only have to make sure we bring Mike's gravy and we are allowed in.

Yesterday Graham had his first basketball practice, he really enjoyed it and seemed to have no problem keeping up with the other kids, you can really tell the kids who have played for a while.

Today we took Graham for his cardiology checkup. We had his holter monitor put on two weeks ago and they still don't have the results for that...pitiful! Anyway...went well...heart function numbers are the same as last time...valve narrow but he's still tolerating that well. Dr Finlay indicated that the valve is fine for a few more years...we'll take that!! Have to go back in six months. Dr Finlay asks Graham questions about his abilities in sports. Anyone who knows my son can imagine those answers. Graham has alot of pride in his abilitities and has no problem sharing it.

Colours of Fall

If anyone ever asks me how we deal with the humidity of the summer and the cold and snow of the winter, I think the answer has to be fall...there is nothing quite like it! The colors of red, orange and gold...the pumpkin fields...these pictures are all around our house...we have a little guest who had moved in under our basketball net...

Tonight we (Elysia and I) are headed to the Carrie Underwood concert...this was part of Elysia's (upcoming) birthday present. She is quite excited about it...she has made a CD to listen to on the way there so I will know the songs (I do know a few) and she said her camera is fully charged.

It was funny, mom stayed with the kids while we were away and the bag she had for Sofie, her little dog was bigger than the one she had for herself!

Ottawa

Our visit to Ottawa was great! My dad met us at our gate when we got off the plane...guess there are some advantages to working at the airport. I cried of course, sometimes you forget how much you miss a person until you see them. Mike headed to the hotel because he had a tour to go on with some of the other chefs who were there. Dad and I headed to his house and had a nice breakfast with Evanice. Dad needed a little nap as he had worked all night. Evanice and I went for a walk, in behind their house (within a ten minute walk) are all the box stores...agh...I would be broke! Evanice wanted to make little gift bags for me to take back to the kids. It was nice, gave us a little chance to chat.

After dad's nap, we picked up the twins, Patricia (Patchy) and Vanessa (Nessa) and then we headed to the high school to get Maria (Ma-e-a)...they have grown!! We went out for lunch and Evanice's sister, Rosie came along...she is quite the hoot! Her and dad like to tease each other alot. It's that Evanice has her here as the rest of her siblings are in Brazil. After lunch we headed back to the house and looked at some photo albums. Dad showed me the master bathroom he redid...OMG!! I soooo want that bathroom, it looks like something from a magazine. Dad drove me back to the hotel where I had to say goodbye to the girls...only had a few hours with them...short but nice. I think I waited until I was inside before my eyes gave me away...

That night Mike and I went to the big gala...they outdid themselves. It was their yearly meeting and awards dinner. They had it at the Museum of Civilzation in Hull...if you ever have the chance, go and see it. The First Nations Hall makes it worth while. The room is hundreds of feet high and filled with the largest indoor collection of totem poles...part of me thinks they should still be outside but part of me sees why they are there, they were spectacular....most of my pictures are quite dark but you may still see them.

The whole gala had a Mardi Gras theme, complete with a band and people dancing on stilts...okay, there were also beads but you didn't have to "earn them"...there was alot of great food and wine.

After dinner was served the awards started and Mike's was first...he got the coveted green jacket and a nice picture of his original presentation. My first thought was "where's the cash"...haha...he even gave a little thankyou speech, which I will honestly say was very good and heart felt...although he forgot to mention his wife. It was funny though, we were seated with the CEO of Pepsi Canada (beside Mike), the CEO of Compass Group Canada, the CEO of Compass Group North America (beside me)...when the rest of the awards were announced, they said there was a 3 grand prize with them. The CEO of North America looked at Mike and said "all you got was a picture??", said he would have a chat with Jack (CEO Canada)...come on baby, momma needs new winter tires!!

Long day but lots of fun. The next day we got up and rented a car and headed to my dream place...IKEA...we were limited in what we could get though as we now had this picture to take back. We met dad and Evanice for a nice lunch and then headed back to the airport. We were both pretty pooped when we got home. It's nice to go away but there is nothing like the feeling of crawling into your own bed (which by the way is very high...just ask my mother who stayed there with the kiddies while we were gone).