I know every parent thinks that they are raising the next Einstein....but there is something to be said about learning to tie your shoes in 2 tries...so let me brag about my Einstein for a minute.
No kidding - I sat down with Tim last night prepared to take the next week to teach him how to tie his shoes before school starts. The kid got it in 2 tries. Then he starts the "ok, now look how fast I can do it...."
Show off!
Tonight's homework; E=MC2
Wednesday, August 31
Tuesday, August 30
Out of Practice
I babysat my friend's 2 little boys today -- and I realized how much I've forgotten throughout all the different stages of the last 5 years! Her oldest is 5 (Tim's best friend) so that part was a breeze. Not only do they entertain each other, but 5 year olds are pretty easy when it comes to babysitting. Plus, his mom is a lot like me so he gets my sarcasm and jokeyness (not a word but I don't care) so I don't have to worry about changing the way I say things and being all sweet and sugary. Like when he leaves his food wrapper on the ground I can say "oh yeah, cause I love picking up your garbage"....and he totally gets it!
The 14 month old, however, reminded me that although I look after younger kids every morning, apparently I am way out of practice for the simpler things. I only went through that stage less than 4 years ago with Tim -- so how hard was it going to be? Every parent swears they'll never forget.....well, just so you know; you do forget!
After letting him get knocked over by the big boys on the swing and watching him eat dirt - for about 30 seconds before I realized what he was doing -- I woke up. And I remembered that this is why I love my little corner room at the Y that the kids can't get out of - and where there is nothing to get into! Here in the real world however...things are a bit more of a challenge.
We both survived outside play and then; Spaghetti time came. My plan that I was going to be neat and feed the child in an orderly fashion was met by fierce screaming and a control issue kind of battle over the fork -- and he wasn't too happy either. I gave in, a little, and decided to let him eat as I held the bowl -- apparently this isn't allowed either. That ended with him dumping the spaghetti on his highchair tray and throwing the bowl at me....oh and I think I stuck my tongue out at him somewhere in there too.
As he ate, I watched the mess around us multiply at lightening speed, knowing that bath time was definitely going to be in order...and I was so out of practice on bathtime I'm not even recalling memories. I sighed as I thought about how nice it is to have a 5 year old! Don't get me wrong - I love babies -- I adore the time I get to spend with them everyday -- but OH how I love the independance, neatness and ability to speak that my Tim has!!
Just as the round 3 in the Spaghetti war was nearing an end my sweet little Tim came up and said "Hi...I love you, mom." Aaaaawww I melted.
Then his little voice said "Mom? Where's his bib?"
Oh yeah. That probably would have been helpful. Another thing 5 year olds are so great at - reminding you when you screw something up. Note to self; 1 year olds need bibs when eating spaghetti.
When their mom called a few minutes later - I answered as bright and cheerful as I could. "Everything's awesome...." and then as I looked down at the tiny blue shirt now stained a very bright orange in every place imaginable; "but I think I owe you a shirt."
The 14 month old, however, reminded me that although I look after younger kids every morning, apparently I am way out of practice for the simpler things. I only went through that stage less than 4 years ago with Tim -- so how hard was it going to be? Every parent swears they'll never forget.....well, just so you know; you do forget!
After letting him get knocked over by the big boys on the swing and watching him eat dirt - for about 30 seconds before I realized what he was doing -- I woke up. And I remembered that this is why I love my little corner room at the Y that the kids can't get out of - and where there is nothing to get into! Here in the real world however...things are a bit more of a challenge.
We both survived outside play and then; Spaghetti time came. My plan that I was going to be neat and feed the child in an orderly fashion was met by fierce screaming and a control issue kind of battle over the fork -- and he wasn't too happy either. I gave in, a little, and decided to let him eat as I held the bowl -- apparently this isn't allowed either. That ended with him dumping the spaghetti on his highchair tray and throwing the bowl at me....oh and I think I stuck my tongue out at him somewhere in there too.
As he ate, I watched the mess around us multiply at lightening speed, knowing that bath time was definitely going to be in order...and I was so out of practice on bathtime I'm not even recalling memories. I sighed as I thought about how nice it is to have a 5 year old! Don't get me wrong - I love babies -- I adore the time I get to spend with them everyday -- but OH how I love the independance, neatness and ability to speak that my Tim has!!
Just as the round 3 in the Spaghetti war was nearing an end my sweet little Tim came up and said "Hi...I love you, mom." Aaaaawww I melted.
Then his little voice said "Mom? Where's his bib?"
Oh yeah. That probably would have been helpful. Another thing 5 year olds are so great at - reminding you when you screw something up. Note to self; 1 year olds need bibs when eating spaghetti.
When their mom called a few minutes later - I answered as bright and cheerful as I could. "Everything's awesome...." and then as I looked down at the tiny blue shirt now stained a very bright orange in every place imaginable; "but I think I owe you a shirt."
Monday, August 29
in.sur.ance.cr.ap.o.la
So we have been dealing with the insurance people all summer -- the flood, the condo corp, the car...it's all been so fun, really.
Today we got the list that they made of all the garbage that they picked through and put a monetary value on everything - then a depreciated value on everything. It's weird because some items have been depreciated 10% and others as much as 50%....
The one good thing is that our deductible was cut in half because they paid us for our labour - by the time that the cleaning crew came in we had already done everything that they would have done.
And the other good thing is that we only have 6 months to replace everything -- which means that the rush is on to finish the basement!!
I have to remember that there is a reason for everything - and that sometimes bad things happen as a blessing in disguise. I truly think that this was a blessing in disguise - because it will be so nice to finally finish the basement -- I just wanted it to be under nicer, not so messy circumstances. There have been so many other times in my life when I seriously thought things couldn't get any worse and I was ready to die -- but now that I look back something beautiful and amazing happened.
We have to experience the valleys to appreciate the mountains right?
and on that cheesy note,
xo J
Today we got the list that they made of all the garbage that they picked through and put a monetary value on everything - then a depreciated value on everything. It's weird because some items have been depreciated 10% and others as much as 50%....
The one good thing is that our deductible was cut in half because they paid us for our labour - by the time that the cleaning crew came in we had already done everything that they would have done.
And the other good thing is that we only have 6 months to replace everything -- which means that the rush is on to finish the basement!!
I have to remember that there is a reason for everything - and that sometimes bad things happen as a blessing in disguise. I truly think that this was a blessing in disguise - because it will be so nice to finally finish the basement -- I just wanted it to be under nicer, not so messy circumstances. There have been so many other times in my life when I seriously thought things couldn't get any worse and I was ready to die -- but now that I look back something beautiful and amazing happened.
We have to experience the valleys to appreciate the mountains right?
and on that cheesy note,
xo J
Friday, August 26
Happy 5th!!
Garnet and I have been married for 5 years today! Wow...such old married folk we are :)
We're not really doing anything special, since he's working midnights -- and I had to remind him this morning what today was...
Yep, 5 years and the sparks are still a flyin' :)
Wednesday, August 24
Camping Trip
cuddling in the dining tent...hiding from the rain (Garnet and Steve were on the coffee/hot chocolate run)
Krista trying to start the fire with an umbrella!
Rain stopped and we went to check the hiking trails and the falls
Hiker Garnet and Tim
All the kids posing for a cute pic
Touch the fish?
Emma caught one!!
Garnet and Tim trying to figure out the fish --
and breaking news: I didn't have to remove the fish for Garnet he did it all by himself!!
Campfire
The sun came out the day we left so we headed for the beach on our way home (The heads waaaay out there are Garnet and Steve...like big crazy kids :)
Krista trying to start the fire with an umbrella!
Rain stopped and we went to check the hiking trails and the falls
Hiker Garnet and Tim
All the kids posing for a cute pic
Touch the fish?
Emma caught one!!
Garnet and Tim trying to figure out the fish --
and breaking news: I didn't have to remove the fish for Garnet he did it all by himself!!
Campfire
The sun came out the day we left so we headed for the beach on our way home (The heads waaaay out there are Garnet and Steve...like big crazy kids :)
Tuesday, August 23
Aaaaahhhhh....
I actually get to sleep in my own bed tonight and it's calling my name very clearly so this will be a very short post!!
I was home for about 45 mins on Sunday afternoon and that was to have a shower and pack for our camping trip with friends for the next 2 days. So this is the first night home since August 8th. I'm tired - but had a great time up north and camping. Shared a bunch of fun crazy times with family and friends. I'm sharing a bunch of pictures from the wedding and my last few days up North...the camping trip pics will have to wait. Wow it's amazing how good it feels to be home....can you hear me sighing???
G'night....enjoy the pics.
xo J
I was home for about 45 mins on Sunday afternoon and that was to have a shower and pack for our camping trip with friends for the next 2 days. So this is the first night home since August 8th. I'm tired - but had a great time up north and camping. Shared a bunch of fun crazy times with family and friends. I'm sharing a bunch of pictures from the wedding and my last few days up North...the camping trip pics will have to wait. Wow it's amazing how good it feels to be home....can you hear me sighing???
G'night....enjoy the pics.
xo J
New Baby!!!
Nathan and Amber had a baby BOY!! Elliot Ben-David was born on Friday August 19th!!! I am so happy for both Mommy Amber and Daddy Nathan!! I'm calling tomorrow - we are almost settled in from our vacation and can't wait to hear all the details. Love you both xoxox
Saturday, August 20
The Wedding!
Congratulations Nick and Lanna!!
First Dance
Nick and Sue (his mommy)
Nick and Grandma
Me and my big cousin Nick
All the girls (back - Angela, Erin, Michelle front - Bobbi, Jess, Hillary)
Me and Bobbi being the crazy girls that we are :)
Best cousins and friends through all the years :)
Hillary and Michelle ripping up the dance floor:)
Daddy and his girls
Me and Mom
Hillary, Josh (yes he always looks like that), Mom
Jess and Josh (I'll teach you to cross your eyes!! YOU - ON THE ROOF!)
attn: there was no harming or injuring little brothers of any kind in this photo.
SURPRISE! Small world!!
My old friend Christine (from Kindergarten!!) turned out to be related to the Bride's side of the family -- we were supposed to get together the week that I was up and I was feeling really guilty about not setting up a time! What a surprise to see her at the wedding!
First Dance
Nick and Sue (his mommy)
Nick and Grandma
Me and my big cousin Nick
All the girls (back - Angela, Erin, Michelle front - Bobbi, Jess, Hillary)
Me and Bobbi being the crazy girls that we are :)
Best cousins and friends through all the years :)
Hillary and Michelle ripping up the dance floor:)
Daddy and his girls
Me and Mom
Hillary, Josh (yes he always looks like that), Mom
Jess and Josh (I'll teach you to cross your eyes!! YOU - ON THE ROOF!)
attn: there was no harming or injuring little brothers of any kind in this photo.
SURPRISE! Small world!!
My old friend Christine (from Kindergarten!!) turned out to be related to the Bride's side of the family -- we were supposed to get together the week that I was up and I was feeling really guilty about not setting up a time! What a surprise to see her at the wedding!
Friday, August 19
Family Dinner
We all went out the night before the wedding because it's so rare that this many people in our family (Dad's side) are all together at once.
Family Dinner (from the other view)
Family Dinner (from the other view)
Old friends
Jess and Kim
Kim and Dan
I wanted to get a picture of their beautiful yard -- but by the time I got the camera out it was too dark. I'll save that for the next visit -- but you can enjoy the cute faces for now :)
Kim and Dan
I wanted to get a picture of their beautiful yard -- but by the time I got the camera out it was too dark. I'll save that for the next visit -- but you can enjoy the cute faces for now :)
All by myself...
So my boys left last night. Garnet wanted to get home early to deal with all the insurance junk and Tim has his soccer last game/ceremony on Saturday. I miss them - but am enjoying the time to myself...ie sleeping until noon today!! :)
I went out last night to see my old friend Kim. She had just bought a beautiful new house with her boyfriend Dan and they were so excited to get a visitor! On the (long) drive out I was appreciating living in the city -- even though it was a beautiful drive. And I was shaking my head at Kim saying "Didn't you learn anything growing up in the boonies!?!?!" But it is a gorgeous spot with a cute little bridge crossing the pond, cedar fence, a big coral in the back and a beautiful open concept house. I am so happy for them! And it was so nice to catch up with her!! There are some friends that are just meant to last through the years.
I have a big dinner tonight with family and Nick and Lana's wedding is tomorrow. I wanted Tim to experience a wedding - I know that there are a lot of girls that were excited to dance with him at the reception :) And oddly enough Garnet has never been to a wedding before (well, except ours but that doesn't count because there were only 7 people there -- and that's including the 3 of us and the Justice of the Peace.) But we'll have to wait for the next wedding that we're invited to.
With Garnet gone that means that our computer is back in Sarnia as well as our card reader -- which means that pictures won't be posted until after I am back...:( But you can use you imagination.
And by the way it IS feezing up here....I don't care what anyone says. I think I've already lost sensation in my fingers and toes. Garnet was driving last night and had to turn on the AC in Toronto because it was 25 (at midnight) --- it was 15 here and I slept in full clothing and socks.
But we are getting a lot more than we expected from insurance so this poopy basement is looking like a blessing in disguise!! Our house will be back to normal in no time :)
signing off, missing my boys and my card reader (yes in that order :),
xo J
I went out last night to see my old friend Kim. She had just bought a beautiful new house with her boyfriend Dan and they were so excited to get a visitor! On the (long) drive out I was appreciating living in the city -- even though it was a beautiful drive. And I was shaking my head at Kim saying "Didn't you learn anything growing up in the boonies!?!?!" But it is a gorgeous spot with a cute little bridge crossing the pond, cedar fence, a big coral in the back and a beautiful open concept house. I am so happy for them! And it was so nice to catch up with her!! There are some friends that are just meant to last through the years.
I have a big dinner tonight with family and Nick and Lana's wedding is tomorrow. I wanted Tim to experience a wedding - I know that there are a lot of girls that were excited to dance with him at the reception :) And oddly enough Garnet has never been to a wedding before (well, except ours but that doesn't count because there were only 7 people there -- and that's including the 3 of us and the Justice of the Peace.) But we'll have to wait for the next wedding that we're invited to.
With Garnet gone that means that our computer is back in Sarnia as well as our card reader -- which means that pictures won't be posted until after I am back...:( But you can use you imagination.
And by the way it IS feezing up here....I don't care what anyone says. I think I've already lost sensation in my fingers and toes. Garnet was driving last night and had to turn on the AC in Toronto because it was 25 (at midnight) --- it was 15 here and I slept in full clothing and socks.
But we are getting a lot more than we expected from insurance so this poopy basement is looking like a blessing in disguise!! Our house will be back to normal in no time :)
signing off, missing my boys and my card reader (yes in that order :),
xo J
Monday, August 15
Garnet is 24 today!!
We spent Garnet's Birthday at my Aunt Sue's(Bobbi's Mom) Beach Today!!....Beautiful!!
JUMP!!
Michelle caught a fish!
Aunt Sue and Tim
Jess enjoys some Dakota kisses...
...before Jess puts her to sleep!! (I told you I had the magic touch!!)
Sand castles
Feeding the Chipmunk
Birthday Cake!!!
Happy Birthday Hubby :)
JUMP!!
Michelle caught a fish!
Aunt Sue and Tim
Jess enjoys some Dakota kisses...
...before Jess puts her to sleep!! (I told you I had the magic touch!!)
Sand castles
Feeding the Chipmunk
Birthday Cake!!!
Happy Birthday Hubby :)
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