Lucky day?

I did not post to the blog this morning because, well, I didn't want to jinx what might turn out to be my lucky day.

It seems the second time is the charm for sending in my resume to the organization that I want to work for when I am done my schooling.

I sent my resume in last week. They received it yesterday, called, and left me a message on my answering machine yesterday afternoon.

Before I could return their call this morning, they called before 9 a.m to "expedite" things and request my presence for an interview THIS AFTERNOON!

I calmly said, "Yes, I can be there."

After hanging up the phone, I just about sank to my knees. Wait a minute...I did sink to my knees. I phoned Henry (and everyone else I could get ahold of) to tell him the good news and spent the next three hours showering, making the all-important 'what do I wear' decision, fixing my hair and makeup 'just so', and researching online all the information about the organization I could possibly retain and pull out at the interview.

You would think raising two children, and having a miriad of other jobs over the years would prepare me for an honest to goodness "work" interview. I tried to portray a vision of calmness. I clasped my sweaty hands on my lap and focused quite well considering. If I read between the lines properly...I think the interview went very well. However, emotions run pretty high, and I tend to look through rose colored glasses to begin with! Hopefully, I will obtain my dream job out of this interview. The only 'glitch' to this, is that it may come along sooner than later. I may have a job and my intense schooling overlap for the next three months. Oh well...this is what I want, and I'm quite willing to push the proverbial envelope to achieve it!

I was shaking then...and I'm still shaking now.

what shall we do?

I thought that I would dig into the archives for some photos today. When I first met Henry, he did not like to have his picture taken.

This is the first picture taken of Henry from my side of the family when introducing him to my brother Mike, and sister-in-law, Jane.

I soon learned that after he'd had a few...well, he didn't seem to care about the camera!

He soon learned that he wouldn't be able to hide forever from my side of the family and our itchy camera fingers.


We will miss his infectious smile this week, as he is out of town working...

Of course, I'll be able to get more done at my computer now, read in bed, stay up late, be in charge of the TV remote control, make pancakes and grilled cheese for supper everynight, sleep in the middle of the bed on my back (and if I snore, I won't receive any jabs in the ribs ~ I never believe him when he does this anyway ~ women don't snore, they just moan loudly!), I'll be Bailey's favorite for a whole week, and I won't have to save him any hot water for a shower.

In spite of the upsides mentioned above, I will miss him.

This is Henry with sister-in-law, Jane.

You realize that the wide smile and dark hair were BC (before children)!

Now that I think about it, we certainly don't go out to parties with tuxes and limos anymore either! What's up with that?

It's only been two hours (and he even phoned home to talk to Michael and Jenny before they left for school ~ and to remind me to pick up his blocker at the sporting goods store where it was being repaired!)

but, sigh, I miss him already...really, I DO!

our new daughter

Last week, Michael and I went shopping at Old Navy (a big thing in our house as we don't get to go shopping for clothes very often ~ sports equipment is another story). I digress for a moment, but to set the scene, you must know the complete story. When Michael and Henry went to Port Huron for Silver Stick hockey a couple of weeks ago, Michael was supposed to dress up a little. The thing is, his cargo/khaki pants were a little on the tight side. I told Henry that the minute they were across the border, to go buy Michael some pants at Target or some other store.

I ask you...how difficult was this request?

After three days they return home with a new goalie stick, and a new goalie mask for Michael (it is really nice).

Me: Let's see your new pants, Michael.
(Michael and Henry look at each other ~ not with horror or anything though)
Henry: We didn't have time to look for pants.

So that is why Michael and I went shopping at Old Navy, to buy him pants (which we did).

On our way out of the store, we passed the girls clearance rack and happened to see a beautiful pair of jeans in Jenny's size. I did hesitate a moment or two, but with Michael's declaration of, "Jenny will really like those, Mom", I put them in the checkout pile with the mountain of other things.

When we got home and showed Jenny her new shirts and jeans, she did not put forth the exuberant display of emotion that I was looking for. I am not shopping for her again.

It turns out that my tomboy is perhaps turning a fashion corner and becoming a diva. Apparently, she is only wearing DARK DENIM and not the light stonewash color of jean. This coming from our daughter (notice the 'our') that wears thin capri's all winter long! I repeat...I am not shopping for her any more.

Now, sweet Emily from across the street stepped up and berated Jenny so that I did not have to say a word!

Emily: Jenny, what are you...nuts? those jeans are awesome! I would love those jeans! (think Joanna would notice if I switched Jenny for Emily ~ after all, they are the same size)

Yesterday, after talking to Joanna, I had Emily over and she tried on the jeans and happily took them home. What a nice (appreciative) girl.

Did I mention that I am not shopping for Jenny anymore?

Mortgages and Games

There are two parts to the blog today: Request for Mortgage Advice, and Tag You’re It!

Request for Mortgage Advice

Our mortgage is up for renewal in the next couple of months. Each time Henry and I choose an institution, we seem to always have a higher interest rate than our friends.

I’ll set the scene for you all:

We are no where near paying off our home (our mortgage is six digits)
Our last closed five year stint at Bank of Nova Scotia cost us 6.625%.
Our mortgage before that was held at Canada Trust.

The Bank of Nova Scotia wants us to renew now for 5 years at 5.3%.

Any advice out there? Anyone deal with another institution that they respect? Should we lock in for 5? Is a floating or variable mortgage better? Does this interest rate sound good?

It seems the more Henry and I research something, the worst off we are. So we figured we would put it out there for all of you to offer up your pearls of wisdom for those of us that are not ‘mortgage savvy’. After all, your opinions, tips, and advice means more to us than some mortgage ‘specialist’ that is just trying to sell us their product!

We can’t wait to hear what y’all have to say!

Tag You’re It!

It seems that while Michael was playing hockey in Toronto over the Christmas holidays, I neglected to read Carrie’s blog and find out that she had ‘tagged’ me in a blogger’s game of ‘get to know you’ tag.

Five things about me…hmm, let me see.

1. I certainly live up to my horoscope sign of a Gemini. I like games, music, maps, globes, traveling and am curious about anything for about five minutes (or however long it takes for me to either ‘perfect it’ or buy one in each color). My clothes and other ‘stuff’ take up at least ¾ of every closet in our house. I also have a very understanding and supportive husband who indulges my ‘whims’ and latest hobbies most of the time. I really don’t believe I am at fault for most of his hair turning prematurely gray before age 40.
2. I truly believe (and Henry, my father, and my family would support this) that I could possibly outtalk anyone. I am flirtatious and expressive ~ in other words, a ‘touchy-feely’ person.
3. I like languages (who knew you needed French to obtain an English degree?) and like to write, teach, sell and promote (multitasking at its’ best) anything I believe in. Look out if you cross me though! Principles are important to me ~ especially when it comes to customer service issues, and I am like a dog with a bone when it comes to defending something (take the grocery store in town…the owner was really rude to me in the checkout line when I was buying groceries for a local children’s camp…I told him to stop… he didn’t. I have not set foot in his store since, and I have made certain that everyone in town knows my side of the story. Since this incident, a beautiful new store has been built…I will not set foot in the store until there is a new owner. For certain products, I have to drive about fifteen minutes out of my way, but hey…I’ve done it so far for four years!)
4. Music ~ MP3's, the radio, CD's and going to concerts are the highlight of my life. Surprise, surprise...I love social outings (only those that I want to go to, mind you!) I do like my prime-time television shows and going to the movie theatre. I like technical stuff (as long as I have the time to figure it out and 'perfect it') The blog is the perfect example here. I am a perfectionist and control freak (Henry is vigorously nodding his head up and down at this one).
5. I love magazines and books (Newsflash ~ I like the library, but really prefer to buy these things) I love finding out tidbits of information and pulling it out later in games like Trivial Pursuit or in social situations (probably why I want to become a librarian?). I love learning (hence going back to school and wanting to work in a school environment). I would take smart pills if they were available!

As Megan and Carrie are the only other bloggers that I know of, and Carrie has already been tagged…consider yourself tagged by me, Megan! Check out “Megan’s blog” in the left sidebar.

By the way…Joanna, Shelley, Mike and Colin…you all (and us) did not win anything in the Chiefs Raffle. Boooooo….Maybe next year!

Movie night

Last night, our family took advantage of ‘cheaper Tuesday’ and went out on a family date to the movies. Michael wanted to see Narnia, so Jenny went with him to see it again. Henry and I went in to see Fun With Dick and Jane. We all know Narnia is possibly the best movie of the year, so I’ll tell you a little about Dick and Jane. Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni star in this movie (along with Alec Baldwin)

When the company Dick works for becomes involved in an Enron-like scandal and he is confronted with the prospect of losing everything, Dick and Jane are forced to beg, borrow and steal to get it all back.
Some video clip outtakes:

Dick thinks that his wife should have a lawn (the landscapers took it all away to get their money back), so he steals a tiny piece from everyone in the neighborhood, including the golf course, and stuffs it into their tiny new rustbucket of a car:

http://movies.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=movies&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fsonypictures.com%2Fmovies%2Ffunwithdickandjane%2Fvideo%2Fclips%2Fdickandjane_clip3_lo.asx


At the beginning of the movie, Dick gets promoted (the bosses set him up for the big fall). When Dick is in the elevator going to the ‘Top Floor’ to see the executives, he bursts into song:

“I believe I can fly” video clip
http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=movies&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fsonypictures.com%2Fmovies%2Ffunwithdickandjane%2Fvideo%2Fclips%2Fdickandjane_clip1_hi.asx

Dick and Jane resort to “borrowing” from those that have treated them badly (namely the executives that have got off scott free). They hilariously disguise themselves and create scenes that are Jim Carrey worthy:

Home invasion:

http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=movies&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fsonypictures.com%2Fmovies%2Ffunwithdickandjane%2Fvideo%2Fdickandjane_homeinvasion_hi.asx

Jim Carrey is at his physical comedy best (although I can only take his humour in small doses). Here he is racing against an unemployed friend to get to the interview first.

Advice: Go see Narnia on a big screen.
It was funny, but wait to see Dick and Jane until it comes out on DVD.

bone (bracelet) of contention...

Every child pushes boundaries...whether it be with food, clothes, tantrums, or 'going for the Oscar'.

My friend and fellow blogger, Megan, is going through this with her daughter and her desire to wear only yoga style pants to school. Megan is boldly pushing her way through this issue and standing firm.

I, too, am dealing with a bone of contention with our daughter Jenny. It is actually a bracelet that Jenny purchased at some fru fru store. She absolutely loves it and can not believe that I will not let her wear it to school. She claims that I have no sense of humor. Well, so be it...she still isn't going out the door with it on. (I have 'mother eyes in the back of my head' caught her a few times trying to sneak out the door with it).

This is for all mothers out there...you really are not alone, even though you might feel as if you are!

At the moment, Michael is the only one in my house that is talking to me. Lack of work is keeping Henry at home this week (it better be JUST this week, Bill). Henry thinks nothing of my routine and constantly wants to chase me around the house (which I know is a good thing), but really...I have other things to do!

Bill, you have to find this man some work...AND SOON! (I heard he's going to Windsor on Wednesday...that's a good start!)

miles and miles...

I drove for miles and miles this weekend…but it was fun!

On Saturday, my brother Colin, his wife Sue and the boys came down. The adults left for Toronto and the children were in heaven being left to their own devices (playstation, playstation, and oh yes, more playstation) for the whole day, while we went to the RV show.

There were hundreds of tent trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and of course, the big motor homes (some with ‘appointment only’ viewing ~ no sticky kiddie handprints in these ones!)

We are not in the market for upgrading or anything, but Colin (not Sue) is considering down-sizing from their fifth wheel.

Colin seems to have found what he is looking for…

Henry is trying to sell Colin his truck so that he can justify buying a crew cab! Colin did not fall for this ploy (although Henry talked the ear off a salesperson selling three-quarter ton trucks at the RV show)

Trailer designs have come a long way in the last couple of years. It was fun (and warm) being able to view all the different models in the comfort of the Convention Centre.

On Sunday, Jenny played hockey early in the morning. Her team lost again by a pretty huge margin this time. Half the goals that slipped by Jenny were from her own team mates ‘trying to defend the net and help her out’. Poor girl is becoming a little deflated. So much so that Henry decided to stay home with her instead of making the trek to Windsor for Michael’s afternoon hockey game.

Of course, while the mouse is away, the rest of us go shopping (Old Navy here we come),

and go visiting (hello Megan, Cory and girls!).

Michael wishes we lived closer so that he could babysit Evelyn and Audrey...he played Polly with Audrey, but refused to put on her angel wing costume (he is not dumb...he knew Megan would take a picture and want to put it on her blog and the Chiefs' team blog ~ I think that was the biggest threat) Megan, I'm going to have to find a Starbucks to buy that Green Tea you thoughtfully served (along with cookies, I might add). Michael asked me on the way home why we hadn't been to your house sooner, as you had invited us countless times to come for a swim. I somehow think you'll be seeing us this summer!

Michael and I return home to a chorus of “look at the truck…we cleaned it inside and out! Isn’t it wonderful?”

Yeah, great.

Personally, I think they just moved everything from inside his truck into the kitchen, but I'll let you decide…

Bill, you have to find this man some work…he is going to drive me around the bend this week!

breakfast conversation...

I would like to think that Henry and I are raising socially conscious children that make informed decisions.

I am a little doubtful after the conversation this morning.

Michael was showing Henry the front page of the London Free Press.

Michael: So these are the guys running for Prime Minister?
Henry: (looking at the paper) Yep.
Michael: (Pointing to Stephen Harper ~ mispronounces his name) This guy has creepy looking eyes. Is he blind?
Henry: Not that I know of.

Survivor...Roefs style!

Outwit, outlast, outplay, and stay out of the way (of his sister, that is). That will be the key to Michael surviving the next 40 odd days to his thirteenth birthday.

Jenny seems to have had the mischief devil (you know, the one in red that sits on your shoulder, with the angel of reason on the other side) take over the last month. She seems to know the EXACT buttons to press to send Michael into a steaming fury. She never lets up (obviously, the angel on her shoulder isn’t even there, but has been knocked to the floor by the guy in red with the horns). Among other things, she keeps sneaking into his room and trying on his shoes (she really likes shoes ~ sound familiar?) Michael keeps a pair of his sneakers just to wear to the dances that they are allowed to go to now (how cool is that?)

Michael’s temperament is that of the appeaser (very much like Henry) and does not like confrontation of any kind. I’m pretty sure he is holding his own outside of my listening range, although I do come around the corner and hear muttering and grumbling and see the occassional wrestling move.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto...

Now, Dorothy, she had nice shoes...

Unexpected

You take things for granted until someone comes over to visit and gets roped into ‘helping’ with a project.

This happens to our friend, Pete, quite often. He lives around the corner and often comes over to watch the hockey game on TV with Henry and Michael (Pete is a single guy without children and obviously does not mind having to put up with sitting amidst our family piles of laundry in the living room to watch the midweek game).

Each time Pete comes over, there is always something that needs to be fixed or just ‘dealt’ with. Monday night (amidst the mountain of laundry), Jenny decided that her room furniture HAD to be moved around (more than likely, she was just copying us~ we did our room the night before).

Of course, Henry and Pete agree that this task is right up their alley (in commercial time of course). They try to get into Jenny’s room, but are blocked by pieces of ‘everything’ all over the floor. Henry tells Jenny to clean up the floor before they will do any work (sounds like at the job site, if you ask me). Well, the funny thing is that Pete starts helping Jenny (even I, would balk at this daunting and usually gross task).

I was standing in the doorway when Pete pulls the chest of drawers away from the wall and then tells Jenny that she should throw the ‘science’ experiment of food in the garbage. Let me tell you that this comment came as NO surprise! Obviously, it didn’t to Jenny either, because she gingerly peeked around the drawers. Pete just laughed and said, “made you look!”

I had forgotten what it was like to act in frivolity while doing normal tasks. We get caught up in everyday life and forget to have fun along the way. We all laughed when Pete picked up a teenage mutant ninja turtle wearing a dress and a diaper. You should have seen the look on his face.

That’s what having a girl like Jenny is like, Pete. Always expect the unexpected!

Welcome to our world…I think that’s why he keeps coming back!

Sharp Objects

I grew up in a ‘safety-comes-first’ kind of household. In other words, I was not allowed near sharp objects. Instead, Mom or Dad did all the dangerous stuff for me (if it really needed to be done).

That said, I did not learn how to do the basic things in life…like peel a potato using a sharp knife. Mom always peeled the potatoes (either with a peeler or using a knife sliding AWAY from the body ~ remember…safety here).

Luckily, when Henry and I were married, Henry’s ‘Martha Stewart’ of a sister, Mary (and John, of course) gave us a beautiful, well-made set of dinner knives and a peeler as a wedding gift. Perfect! I learned to handle that sharp peeler with precision and can peel potatoes at home faster than the not-so-average Swedish chef (my favorite Muppet character).

Nostalgic audio clips…

http://www.almac.co.uk/chef/chef/picsound/mup10.wav (Chef explains to Kermit what happened)

http://www.almac.co.uk/chef/chef/picsound/bork.wav (Chef sings)


Of course, this skill with a sharp peeler came in handy when I worked in the summers teaching children safety in the kitchen and how to peel vegetables. (They weren’t allowed to use knives anyways, so my secret lived on with no one the wiser!)

Once in a while though, my inexperience with sharp objects comes out of the closet. Take for example, the visit to my brother’s last Saturday. They graciously had us over for dinner after Michael’s hockey game. Sue and I went to the kitchen to prepare dinner and I asked what could I do?

Out come the potatoes. Immediately, I could see where this was going…

Sue asked me what knife I wanted (like it would really matter!). Trying to save face (and my fingers), I asked for her peeler. After digging into the bottom of the drawer for her peeler that hasn’t seen the light of day for decades (she is quite skilled with the sharpest of knives and does not resort to sissy peelers), I tried using the dull peeler to no avail. To my one potato, Sue peeled about ten. I quickly washed and cut them up. Thank you, Sue, for not saying ONE word (although I’m sure she thought I was slacking)!

(You probably wonder how I peel apples…all I can say is thank goodness for Pampered Chef’s apple/corer/peeler/slicer!)

I wonder what the rules of etiquette are for carrying around your own veggie peeler…

Winning the lottery...

Yes, Henry has been on a roll lately, winning the 50/50 at Chiefs hockey ($40) and winning on some of the scratch and win tickets given to him last summer in anticipation of his 40th birthday (coming up quickly on February 16). These scratch and win tickets have been on his night table for months (can you tell we never buy these things?).

We were cleaning up and moving around our bedroom furniture last night when Henry decides to give me all the winning tickets…woo hoo! $28 dollars worth for me to do with as I like! I think I’ll save it for groceries, as Henry is being temporarily laid off work next week.

Henry has a decidedly different opinion on Loto tickets, however. Although he is too lazy to take the tickets to the store to see if they winners, he isn’t above telling me that if they are winners, he is not going to share with me (sounds like the Woodstock lottery winner, Sobeski ~ the guy sat on his winning 30 million dollar ticket for almost a year while he divorced his wife and tied other loose ends up). Of course, Henry said this just to get a rise out of me…

Well, he won’t be laughing when I claim the millions and sit on it until he grovels…and grovels…

Oh, I can ‘Just imagine’…

Routines...

It is hard to change routines. I didn't think it would really be that difficult to add a couple of courses to my already full day. I am taking five courses this term (what was I thinking?) in order to finish the library technician program in the Spring. I want to do my two field placements and be done before the summer in order to accomodate the family vacation. (It's funny how everything revolves around the family first...even though it is important that I return to work in the near future).

I had a routine established for last term and it encorporated volunteer hours at the school library. I thought it would be easy to just switch the library hours to my extra courses. Not so easy, I'm finding.

My final courses of the program deviate from the library material that I am used to (that is why I took them last, because they are offered by the College every semester). My courses this term include:

Organizational Business Communications (this course scares me, as I have to do video presentations and send them in for marking!)

Computer courses (Word, Access, and Excel):

My last library course is Multimedia, which comes in the form of a printed module (not very pretty to look at so I did not take a picture!) and online exercises and assignments.

Not only is it difficult to sit at the computer all day (three courses are computer related), but one course (the business one) seems to be beyond my mental grasp at the moment. Perhaps it's just the change from predominately library courses to business and computers that I find throws confusion into the mix...perhaps it is knowing that there isn't a whole lot of room for misspent time. (I know...I know...this is the most difficult part for me ~ especially at the computer!). I am comparing this to pregnancy...the lack of sleep and need to pee in the middle of the night prepare you for when the baby comes. This need for a work routine will prepare me for, well, WORK!

However, now that the homework stress is kicking in, I threatened my family yesterday within an inch of their lives that they will live in a pit if they don't step it up and help out more with picking up after themselves. Bailey, is as usual, by my side (when Henry is not home), and sharing my daily routine every step of the way:

As usual, in one ear...

Calgon, take me away (wait a minute...I don't have time for a bath!) Shower, it is...

firmer with age!

Unfortunately, I am not talking about my body or any of its' parts!

I am finding that as I age, I have more tolerance for some things and less for others.

Take yesterday, for example. The dealership bodyshop phones at 3:30 to say that our van is finished (a new rear end). They also nicely say that they close at 5:00 and that I should drop by the automobile rental place first to drop the replacement off. Well, nice stay-at-home Mom that I am, tell them that I will be there.

Henry and I made arrangements that I would drive the replacement van to the rental place, then meet him down the block at the dealership. I wanted Henry to make certain the van was fixed properly (you know how repair people look at women when they walk in the door).

I patiently wait in line when dropping off the replacement van. The boy (he is just a pup out of university ~ he's probably the manager or something!) tells me that he does not have valid authorization from Wawanesa (0ur automobile insurance people) and that I owe him over $400 for having the van for the week!

This is where my tolerance registers at about zero...

My determination must have registered on my face. I looked him in the eye and said, "I...don't...think...so".

Of course, Wawanesa was closed for the day, so he couldn't talk to our oh-so-helpful adjuster (I was told today that they are just soooo busy ~ well hire more for goodness sake!). I told him to either make arrangements or I would keep the van another day. He told me that I could not keep the rental van because my van was finished and Wawanesa would charge me for another day!

At this point, it is creeping towards five o'clock, and I am hoping Henry is at the dealership securing our own van. I give him a call to confirm...the rear window wiper isn't functioning.
Get with the program, people!!

Henry pushes them to fix it immediately (obviously, his tolerance is at about the same level as mine). Everything is ready...the dealership tells Henry that will be $500 (for the deductible).
(By this time, the rental place has let me go on my own recognizance ~ who says I can't be firm?!, and has driven me to the dealership). About the deductable, let me see..."I...DON'T...THINK...SO".

After my declaration that the insurance broker had told me the deductable would be waived, and that they wouldn't be seeing our VISA card...they let us leave as well.

This morning I was on the horn to our insurance broker, telling her to contact Wawanesa, get things sorted out, and finish up the claim.

It pays to be firm (and spend countless time running after everyone telling them how it's going to be).

Van is back (looks lovely by the way)...Wawanesa adjuster phones me to tell me everything is hunky doory...Henry and Michael pack up the buggy this afternoon and leave for Michigan for Silver Stick.

Life is good...now, if only my body could be firmer (I guess I'll have to do something about that myself ~ I'll put it on my list of things to do ~ really, I will)

Jenny's hockey team was in a tournament last weekend. Her team usually does not win, but is improving every game that they play. They have asked Jenny to play the rest of the season in net (she was very pleased with this request!) The first game we played, the score remained close until the end. The other team won 5-3, but it was the best game our team has ever played!
The second (and final) game of the tournament, was a blow-out for the other team. I felt bad for Jenny, but she only let in a couple of soft ones. She handled it quite well (I think our 'little' girl is maturing!)

The team received lovely new jerseys from their sponsor and Jenny is now wearing number one like her brother. Team photos were taken... Jenny did not like the photographer telling her how to hold her goalie glove ~ what do photographers know, anyways?

I thought it was cute that Jenny requested I buy a 3 inch 'Jenny photo' button for my coat!

On Saturday, Michael's friend Drake invited him and another friend to the Toronto Rock season opener. Drake plays on a local lacrosse team and we often see him and his family during the summer while watching our nephew, Ben, play. Drake's team was invited onto the turf at this game, making it all the more memorable for Michael! He came home with a program and told us all about his evening out with 'the boys'. Henry just about choked on his supper when Michael mentioned that the Captain of the team was really old and should maybe think of retiring soon! I asked Michael how old this player was...Glory be... this guy is Henry's age (the big 40!) We agreed, absolutely, that the guy was out of his mind to think he could keep up with the 'young' players. Henry looked Michael in the eye and said, "mmm, he must play pretty well to be...CAPTAIN. I couldn't stop laughing...Thank you, Drake and Bill for including Michael in this special trip!

Happy birthday wishes to my friend, Joanna today!

Thanks, Sue P, for our visit today. I needed it before the crunch of my schooling takes over!

my side of the family...

I thought my cousin in England (who reads the blog) and other far away family members might like this photo of my side of the family.

Keep in mind, that Mike and Jane's adult son, Trevor, is not in the picture due to sleeping off the excess party frolicking the night before.

Check out the chick with the attitude...five guesses who this girl belongs to (she must get it from her father's side!)

Back row:

Sue ~ black sweater (Colin's wife), Jane (Mike's wife), Mike (my oldest brother), Katie (M and J's artist eldest daughter), Andrew (S and C's oldest son in highschool), me, Henry (my husband).

Middle row: Ben (S and C's youngest son ~ lacrosse goalie), Maggie (M and J's youngest daughter ~ ballet girl), Alex (M and J's youngest son ~ Boy Scout), Michael (our goalie son), and Jenny (our goalie daughter)

Front Row:

Colin (my older, but not oldest brother!)

It was always my Mom that wanted a family photo taken so that she could include it in the following year's Christmas cards! With tripods, automatic timers, digital cameras, computers and the blog...pictures sent almost instantaneously over seas! Absolutely amazing! I can just hear my mother ooooing and ahhhing now.

This was taken at Mike and Jane's on Boxing Day, as we had hockey and they took over the hostess with the mostess reins! The reins will be passed on next year to Colin and Sue when their house renovations WILL be complete. I say WILL, because even if they're not...TAG, YOU'RE IT, COLIN!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It seems I have been remiss in wishing those that only read the blog, 'Season's Greetings' and all that jazz.

As I send out about a hundred Christmas cards, I do not feel particulary bad about this omission.

For those of you that did not receive a card, this is the family photo that was included.

If you feel that you should be on my Christmas list, comment more on my blog, let me know your address, and I'll think about it!

Until December: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A new rear end...

No...not me (although, if given a choice, I would take a tummy tuck!).

Our van is in need of a new rear end, and will be receiving one as soon as the insurance adjuster stops playing Roller Coaster Tycoon and Sudoku and gets their ass in gear to contact me.

With a nasty cold making its rounds in our family (Michael is the current victim ~ Jenny is the only one left with the appropriate germ busters) over the Christmas holidays, we decided on New Year's Eve day to get our lazy butts out the door and drive to the movie store three blocks away.

Usually when you find the prime parking space closest to the store (next to the handicap parking) available, little alarm bells ring in your head, saying "too good to be true, too good to be true". Did we hear such bells? Nope...parked in the prime spot, nudging each other over our good fortune that we would get five less snowflakes on us before entering the movie rental store.

If we were listening carefully when we were in the store, we would have heard more than bells. We would have heard the crunching sound of a one tonne solid Dodge truck with a chrome grill (more like a monster truck, if you ask me) slide into the back of our baby. The back window shattered and the rear end is now concave.

Replacement surgery will be scheduled as soon as the lazy adjuster phones me (and it better be soon!).

Michael and Jenny's out-take on this experience, you ask?

"Wow, we get a rental car? What kind? Can it be a red sportscar?"

Thinking to myself, a family of four, plus Bailey, plus goalie bags...Sure, I'll take one of these...

Relaxing...

This is what I have been up to for the last few days.

I have a problem...I know.

Henry can not roll his eyes at me anymore. He found the Sudoku Challenge in the Toronto newspapers and loved completing these puzzles (numerical challenges are right up his alley ~ I prefer building roller coasters, making an amusement park financially feasable and beating each park criteria. After my computer mishap, I am starting back at square one!)

However, just before Christmas, I found a computer game with over 10,000 sudoku puzzles. Enough to keep him out of my hair for awhile over the holidays, or so I thought! You see, my plan backfired a little. I had to load the software on my computer (as Henry's is ancient and would probably blow up if it sensed it had to do any work). Techie Henry decided that these puzzles are way better to solve sitting at my computer than printing them out on paper! Damn! There goes playing MY roller coaster. He actually had enough nerve the other night to say that I needed a break from my computer. (irritating when he is right) He is as obsessed with his game, as I am with mine!

p.s. Michael's team went on the championship game at the Bell Challenge Cup last week. They played the Toronto Marlies. The game was close...Michael was in net, but succumbed to a 2-1 loss.

They may face this team again in the Silver Stick in Port Huron Michigan in a couple of weeks! Their training program has been stepped up a notch!

Lots of pressure for this age, but they seem to be handling it well so far!