Still winning...still playing hockey!

Michael's team is doing very well at the Bell Challenge Cup in Mississauga this week. After another two games today...we are off to the semi-finals and hopefully the finals. It has been a long week for some families that have had to stay in hotels. We have driven back and forth each day as we live the closest at an hours' drive away.

In between games, we went to Square One shopping mall in Toronto today. Wow, what a mall! We all ate supper at a place called Johnny Rockets. Very cool. Place looks like a slightly updated version of 'Arnolds' off of Happy Days. Waiters and Waitresses do these little impromtu dances to the BeeGees, Aretha Franklin etc. Milkshakes cost more than our entrees, but were the best tasting milkshakes we've ever had!

Michael was in net for tonight's game. He did an awesome job! He was up against a girl goalie (this is the first girl goalie we have seen at this level of AAA hockey). She was absolutely fantastic! Jenny was watching this game very closely (for a change!)

The flu seems to be sweeping through our team...so hopefully, we can get in and get this tournament done before it hits Michael! He is sleeping alot, so that is good!

Coach now has to live up to a bet made awhile ago...if the team won ten games in a row, he would buy them a CD player.

Coach is going shopping tomorrow morning...players are bringing their music...parents are bringing aspirin and earplugs!

playing with the big boys...

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas...we certainly did!

We spent a nice quiet day at home in our jammies playing with our new games and watching new movies.

Unfortunately, on Boxing Day, we had to put away our toys and go play hockey in Mississauga. The Bell Challenge Cup is an International Major Peewee Hockey Tournament held at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. Michael is playing in this tournament and his team has one game a day for the whole bloody week. Back and forth, back and forth. At least, for us, it is only an hour and twenty or so. When I start feeling a little cranky about the drive, the lack of sleep, the lack of money (if we were rich, we would stay in a hotel like the rest of the team!), and the fact that I will accomplish nothing at all this week, I think about the poor saps (I mean other teams) that have travelled from the States. I mean, there are teams from New York, Michigan, Illinois, and Pittsburgh. This sounds familiar, I know. The Shanahan Tournament a couple of months ago was similar. There is just a TINY difference with this tournament.

You know you're playing with the big boys when the coaches for the New York Ranger team include Mark Messier and Adam Graves. For those of you that live and breathe hockey, you can say "Ooooh...aahhh" now. For those of you that do not know hockey (or care), Mark Messier is the Lay's chip spokesperson. Oohh, Aahhh.

I'll let you know if I see the chip guy...

Until then, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the zamboni...

keeping up with the Jones'

Amidst a leaky water pipe in the guest bedroom that created a bit of a stir on Friday, an oven element that had severed completely (how dare it do this to me when I'm about to put a batch of rum cakes in?!), a family Christmas, hours on the road and in arenas, and a disappointing cable internet appointment, I maintained my cool to finally arrive today at a fixed pipe (now the hole in the wall has to be patched up), (thank you, John, for assisting Henry with this stubborn pipe ~ I truly appreciated being able to shower before attending Roefs Family Christmas), a fixed oven, and finally....higher speed internet via a cable connection instead of dial-up. We are finally catching up (slowly) with all you higher techie people out there!

For the short amount of time we were at Roefs Family Christmas on Saturday, I do apologize for having to eat, grab presents and run out the door to Sarnia for hockey. Turkey was wonderful, dessert was great, and Jenny and Michael played with their new gifts all the way to Sarnia! Here is Jenny with Godmommy Wendy... along with Michael and Adrian listening to the latest tunes...









When I figure out my email and how to import all of my addresses into the new system....I'll be sure to send you our new email address.

Until then...don't complain if I'm silent for awhile. This is intended to be a pun...read below...

p.s. Don't phone me either...my voice is non-existent due to a ridiculous cold.

The Replacement

I'm surprised it took this long...only 49 days without a net!

The three of them are happy now. Of course, we upgraded to an official "regulation" size net. Now there will be no squabbling...uh huh.

According to Henry, this esteemed net will even have its own place of residence in the garage. God forbid, a hockey net (accustomed to snow and ice) should have to reside outside next to the house.

Of course, from the nets' point of view, it is probably SAFER alongside Henry's truck than...well, far be it from me to say any more...

Chocolate euphoric haze

Jenny had her first game in net on Sunday. She did extremely well!

Being a goalie is hard work, as Jenny found out...she sweated more as a goalie than a forward or defensive player!

Monday I did mundane things like housework and more housework (to catch up from the previous week end-of-term papers that were due).

Today, Tuesday, was fun, fun, fun!

My friend, Shelley, and I went out for the day. Our plans changed as the day unfurled, making our day blissfully euphoric.

You see, we had plans to catch a movie at Silver City, but never even made it close to the North end of London.

We started out at 9:30 this morning...went to the bank (don't know why really, as Shelley's VISA card was pretty warm by constant swiping by the end of the day). After the bank and post office, we went to Dollarama in London for three things on Shelley's list. Shelley came out with three BAGS. No, we didn't need a cart...I just carried the 'extra' items and knocked over things along the way with the five tubes of wrapping paper that extended across the narrow aisles of tightly packed dollar trinkets. Of course, I could not leave without adding some items of my own (you can always use extra stocking stuffer 'stuff', right?)

Our next stop was this neat Vachon cake outlet store that Shelley knew of. Vachon cake boxes for $1.65 that are coming close to expiration date. No problem...easy fix...buy, and throw in freezer...HELLOOO? Those of you that know our family, know who I was buying these for...yep, the big guy. Henry's staples in life are two fried eggs each morning for breakfast, numerous sandwiches, cookies (Sesame Street's Cookie Monster was, in fact, modeled after Henry), and Vachon cakes. For those of you that do not know our family, Henry does not look like a blimp as might be imagined after telling you of his eating habits. Henry's metabolism is off any counter I've ever seen and his cholesterol is sadly (in my view) lower than mine. Of course, keep in mind that Henry eats tons of healthy stuff too; hence why he has six pack abs...makes me sick...

Our next stop was to see my nail guy. Shelley and I both had our nails done with Christmas themes (trees for me, snowmen for Shelley). You'll have to complement me on them when you see them, as my camera could not focus on such fine details (i.e. couldn't figure out what setting to use).

We then decided to skip the movie and go to Kingsmills, as Shelley had never been there before. Awestruck, we wandered around this beautiful store for hours. Don, skip reading the rest of this paragraph. Shelley and I oohed and ahhed over all the Christmas decorations, housewares, linens, furniture (they ship to our neck of the woods), lingerie, clothes, and food. I kept my purchases to a minimum (you see, I DO listen to Henry's threats). Shelley...well, let's just say that she spent WAY more than I did! As we were at the checkout, we asked the salesladies where we should go for lunch. This is a question they must get asked quite frequently, because their response was whether we wanted to include cocktails with our meal or not? Hmmm....better not. They sent us across the street to a newly opened establishment called Bistro Chocolat (at the word Chocolat, we were heading out the door at a sprint)

Shelley and I were virtually giddy from lack of food at this point. We both agreed that it was probably not a good idea at this point to go right to the chocolate phase of our meal. We were good girls and shared a plate of 3 meats, 3 cheeses, warm buns, lovely mayonaise, and coffee (what was I thinking?). Then Shelley insisted on buying one of each chocolate confection to see what was best. Who was I to argue with my bestest friend?

The European decor of this place is fabulous...

Even the plates look as if they have been dipped in chocolate. Truffles and all other chocolate treats are made at this location. They also sell their product at the Covent Garden Market (sadly Shelley has not been there EITHER). Maybe that will be our next road trip...

By the time we left, we were in a chocolate euphoric haze that was equal to drinking vast amounts of cocktails (but a whole lot cheaper). Thanks, by the way, girlfriend for treating! My turn, next time! We were just a LITTLE wired when we left...

I wonder what other drivers thought of us on the way home? We were banging our heads to the music like the guys on "Wayne's World". Stopping for a train, we looked at each other, paused and made the same comment, "&*^%$". Ah, life is good. I had to set the cruise control on the way home.

I will have no problem staying awake tonight to watch the season finale of Amazing Race...ciao, bella!

my home...

This disaster zone of a desk has been my home for the past three days. I tell you, the end of a school term bites!

Today, I moved from this chair to add wood to the woodstove, go pee, and make coffee. To that end, I completed my last Mohawk assignment of the year. It was a ten page doozey with 3 attachments. On a positive note, I completed it ahead of the midnight deadline! Then again, I got up with birds at the crack of dawn this morning (much to Henry's delight ~ he always complains that we never get up when he does for work).

Now I can fully throw myself into the Christmas preparations with gusto!

• Baking
• Letter writing (I think I'll avoid my desk for a few hours at least!)
• Digging out from the housework I've let slide all week (Yuk!)
• Gift wrapping
• A little more shopping
• Roller Coaster Tycoon (leave me alone!)
• Reading romance novels (my overworked brain needs fluff right now!)
• Watching the past three week tapes of Lost and other shows I have missed
• Chasing Henry around the house (and not with a fry pan!)
• Hugging my children (and actually meaning it)
• Visiting with friends and having coffee (o.k., I didn't really stop doing this one...)
• Going to the movies on a 'date night' with Henry
• More baking...

Ah, yes, I have only five "free" days in December that do not involve hockey....hmmmm

awesome raffle prizes

This year, Michael's hockey team has decided to do one major fundraising event. Normally, our family "eats" the cost of whatever we are selling (and we certainly will on this one!).

However, this time, they are doing a Raffle of Prizes. I must say that these prizes are pretty good! Therefore, I will post the list and the details and you all can decide for yourselves if you would like to purchase tickets towards this awesome raffle...

List of Raffle Prizes

1. Rick Nash autographed jersey
2. Knights tickets for 2 – Feb 3 & two chicken dinners @ Swiss Chalet
3. Knights tickets for 2 – March 17
4. 18 holes golf w cart – Ingersoll Golf Club
5. 18 holes golf w cart – Buck’s Crossing @ Hanover
6. 18 holes golf w cart – Tarendowah new @ Avon
7. Greenhills Golf and Country Club – Golf/Gift Certificate
8. Autographed Knights’ hockey stick (s)
9. $100 Gift Card – Davis McCauley Fuels
10. Hot stone massage (value $80)
11. National Sports skate sharpening pass (value $70)
12. Yurek Pharmacy gift pack
13. M & M Meats Gift card
14. Full service oil change (value $34.45)
15. Famous Players nite out (2 General Admissions + Concession. Value $25)
16. Boston Pizza Gift Card
17. Source for Sports gift pack
18. 2 Hour unlimited pass @ Eastpark (value $20)
19. St. Thomas Stars Jr. B Hockey tickets – Passes for 4
20. Jacket and hat (Vanroboys)
21. Golf shirt and sunglasses (Vanroboys)
22. “ ”
23. “ ”
24. Jacket (Vanroboys)
25. John Deere T-Shirt & Hat
26. John Deere Hat

Ticket prices for the Elgin Middlesex Major Peewee Chiefs Raffle:

$2 Each
or
$5 for 3 tickets

Ticket sales end: January 14, 2206

Draw Date: Friday January 20, 2006 (Players will draw tickets after the game)

If you are interested in purchasing tickets from us, either request through the comment section on the blog, or get in touch with us.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MICHAEL AND I HOPE YOU WIN!
(AS LONG AS IT ISN'T THE ONE I WANT!)

junior girls volleyball

Yesterday, Jenny and her school participated in the junior girls volleyball tournament. They played very well, winning two of the four games. The other games had very close margins.

Each year, (time for Mom to brag) Jenny just gets better and better in her ability to play this game. I can just imagine both Godmother’s perking up at this and getting ready to claim credit! However, it must be said that I (yes, I) was quite the volleyball player in my day. Henry claims Jenny gets her volleyball skills from him. Well, this girl just can’t go wrong, now, can she?

Now that I think about it, Henry and I met playing basketball/volleyball. However, I digress…that is another story…O.K., novel in itself for another time!

After having attended this tournament last year, I (unlike the other mothers) was prepared for the shrilling, shrieking, high-pitched screeches after each point was earned for each of the EIGHT (yes, 8) teams. This tournament was held in one school gymnasium on a regular size basketball court. Parents viewed four games at once from the stage at one end. This chaos resulted in some parents covering their ears and others straining over the ends of the stage trying to gain a better vantage point for picture taking. Do you need to guess where I was? Yep, you
bet…front bench…zoom in place!



After playing their four games, the two teams (our school is lucky enough to have many talented players) waited to see if they had made it through to the championship rounds. No such luck. So a few of us parents that drove…took the long way back to school and took the players in our care to McDonalds! Very scandalous! I just beam when I hear one of Jenny’s peers say, “wow, this is great…my mom wouldn’t do this!”






The billboard music awards was on last night…I’m still waiting for the “Mom of the year” awards show. When exactly is it, anyway? Oh, that’s right…there isn’t one. That’s why I continue to grant myself this honor whenever I deem fit!







At least once a week should be sufficient…

and then there were THREE...

The circle (O.K....triangle) is now complete.

There are three goalies in our family now! For a 7:00 a.m. practise, every single one of us got out of bed to assist Jenny in her new team role as goaltender. It was very cute seeing Michael and Henry helping her into her pads and putting the neck shield on her helmet. Through the glass, Henry and Michael were on the edge of their seats using all of their telepathic abilities to try to move her into the proper position to take each shot. Mother Hens, the two of them!

Yes, I am the only hold-out (in other words, the only one that has the natural instinct to duck or move when a projectile is about to hit any part of my body)! I received many a sympathetic glance and a few vocal words of disbelief that I had to endure such a lot in life. Hey, I don't mind...as long it's not me in that net!

Jenny's first time on the ice this morning as a goalie was surprisingly successful. Not that I had any doubt about her athletic ability, but being a goalie takes a particular type of temperment. One I have a little bit of worry about when it comes to our daughter. Jenny is very independent and lets people know how it is (bluntly, most of the time). I just hope her stick stays flat on the ice and does not end up wrapped around the neck of an unsuspecting player who scores once too many times on our new goaltender...

in the mood

It is a winter wonderland outside our home right now.
Today is a PD day for Michael and Jenny. Their Christmas shopping is all done, so we decided today would be the day to listen to Christmas music, wrap presents, put up the Christmas tree, decorate the house, and make cookies. Our Christmas CD and antlers on Bailey help put us in the mood!


This morning was parent/teacher interviews. In Michael's case, it was parent/student interviews. Michael and his classmates took the teacher's position and conducted the parent interview. They had an outline to follow (tell us about the organization of their school day and show us their professional folders containing all of their marked papers for perusal). I was very impressed with Michael and his interview skills. Both Jenny's and Michael's teachers are astounding. Michael and Jenny are thriving once again this year, I am very happy to say.

Once home, we dug out the decorations and found Bailey's antlers.
Amazingly enough, they are still on her head a half hour later! This novelty giving spirit to amuse the rest of us in the family will no doubt wear off shortly!





However, she does look very cute...