I just realized I should have put a link on the page in my Christmas cards (half of which are not yet mailed, sorry!) and that would have taken the place of a Christmas letter.
The kids are getting very excited. They finished school yesterday and Connor was sick to his stomache last night. I thought it might just be all the junk they ate all day at school, but he is still warmish and not himself today. We're going to take it pretty easy tonight and hope he'll be better tomorrow. He's supposed to be an angel in the Christmas Eve mass, so I hope he's feeling better. A puking angel would kind of ruin the moment I think.
Delaney came to work with me on Tuesday (at Red River where I had to hand in my final exams and the marks) and she was quite thrilled to be helpig the teacher! I had Wednesday off so we hung out and did the last of the present shopping and all the grocery shopping. We also had to do lunch duty in Aidan's classroom which I was dreading because they are usually pretty cranked up and it being the last day of school I thought they'd be incredibly cranked up, but they were actually calmer than usual. That was a great Christmas surprise for me. Today was my last Red River day, but sort of a day-in-lieu since I did all the marking over the weekend last weekend (hence the late Christmas cards!)
We also went to the dentist and are happy to report no cavities. Now everyone can eat Christmas treats without feeling bad. Except Connor who alreay feels bad!
Sean has to work today and tomorrow morning. Last year we went to the Forks in the morning and met him at Earls for lunch. It was really nice and I was thinking it would be a good tradition to start. But, this year we have to go to a rehearsal for the angel. Then we'll probably come home and make cookies and go to Mom's about 3:00. Mass is at 5:00 so we're going to have tortiere before we go at Mom's, and we have to be there early to get a seat. Then we'll head to Mason's for a visit and then home to watch the Grinch and put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for Rudolph and put the kids to bed. Then the grown-ups get to watch White Christmas (one of my favorites, though I want to buy It's a Wonderful Life so I can alternate them, and Sean has fond memories of watching A Christmas Carol at the Frost's on Christmas Eves so we should get that too).
Well, must be off to do my Christmas cards! Will post some pictures of Christmas morning and possibly of my little angel as well. We wish you all a merry Christmas and hope that we see you in the coming year!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Friday, December 10, 2004
Ho ho ho
I am feeling much better today - almost human again, in fact! I have been sicker than I've been in the last five years this week, but am finally on the mend. What a lousy time of year to get sick!
Delaney's Christmas concert is on Sunday and then she is finished school on Thursday. She's been all excited the last few days because Santa Claus is coming to school on Wednesday. We were going to go to Breakfast With Santa tomorrow, but ended up not getting tickets, so I'm glad she'll get to see him. I may take them to see Santa at one of the malls this week too.
Aidan and Connor's school Christmas party is next Thursday. It's an outdoor party so we all have to dress warm. Not my favorite type of thing but the kids love it.
Sean and I haven't finished Christmas shopping yet, there is no baking done but we did manage to get the tree up and the house decorated a bit. It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas I guess, but not much yet still! Work has been crazy for me. I'm REALLY looking forward to our trip to Florida in January/February!
Delaney just came in singing Rudolph with antlers and a red nose. It feels like Christmas to the kids! And that's what is important.
Delaney's Christmas concert is on Sunday and then she is finished school on Thursday. She's been all excited the last few days because Santa Claus is coming to school on Wednesday. We were going to go to Breakfast With Santa tomorrow, but ended up not getting tickets, so I'm glad she'll get to see him. I may take them to see Santa at one of the malls this week too.
Aidan and Connor's school Christmas party is next Thursday. It's an outdoor party so we all have to dress warm. Not my favorite type of thing but the kids love it.
Sean and I haven't finished Christmas shopping yet, there is no baking done but we did manage to get the tree up and the house decorated a bit. It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas I guess, but not much yet still! Work has been crazy for me. I'm REALLY looking forward to our trip to Florida in January/February!
Delaney just came in singing Rudolph with antlers and a red nose. It feels like Christmas to the kids! And that's what is important.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Connor's first hockey game.
Connor's first hockey game.
Originally uploaded by LisaOH.
Here he is folks! His skating has improved a lot, and he's working on the stick-handling. He's scored 5 goals in the last 2 games! The kids and I missed them, because they were at 7:00, and Aidan had his ear infection. But he's sure enjoying it.
December already?
Sean has been trying to post, so I haven't done anything. Somehow his login got messed up though, and I may have to invite him again. Oh well.
Colleen and Rocco and Bianca are back! They sound very happy but tired. Bianca sounds terrific. I can't believe I'm going to have to wait a few months to see her! Pictures have been promised, but haven't yet been e-mailed. Guess Colleen doesn't have quite as much time as she used to... :)
Poor Aidan has an ear infection. He has some antibiotics and seems okay, but woke up on Saturday morning saying his cheeks hurt. Took me a while to figure out what it could be (especially at 3 in the morning)! Definitely a sinus cold and now an ear infection.
Connor is working on reading really, really hard. He loves hockey and still likes violin, but he thinks his teacher gave him too much work to do. He is really doing great though.
Delaney is still dancing away - her party is coming up and she's all excited. All three had parent-teacher interviews and are doing well. They all seem to be working hard this year, so Santa should be good to them.
Sean took some live action shots of the kids at basketball and hockey but has been having trouble getting them posted. Not sure why, but I'm sure it will work out.
Still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do - yikes! And Bianca's birthday is early next week so have to get something in the mail for then. It would be nice to send Christmas presents too - I'm not sure how I can manage that though.
Well, must go, Sean's home and everyone's hungry!
Colleen and Rocco and Bianca are back! They sound very happy but tired. Bianca sounds terrific. I can't believe I'm going to have to wait a few months to see her! Pictures have been promised, but haven't yet been e-mailed. Guess Colleen doesn't have quite as much time as she used to... :)
Poor Aidan has an ear infection. He has some antibiotics and seems okay, but woke up on Saturday morning saying his cheeks hurt. Took me a while to figure out what it could be (especially at 3 in the morning)! Definitely a sinus cold and now an ear infection.
Connor is working on reading really, really hard. He loves hockey and still likes violin, but he thinks his teacher gave him too much work to do. He is really doing great though.
Delaney is still dancing away - her party is coming up and she's all excited. All three had parent-teacher interviews and are doing well. They all seem to be working hard this year, so Santa should be good to them.
Sean took some live action shots of the kids at basketball and hockey but has been having trouble getting them posted. Not sure why, but I'm sure it will work out.
Still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do - yikes! And Bianca's birthday is early next week so have to get something in the mail for then. It would be nice to send Christmas presents too - I'm not sure how I can manage that though.
Well, must go, Sean's home and everyone's hungry!
Monday, November 15, 2004
The Incredibles
We went to see the movie yesterday and all thouroughly enjoyed ourselves! It was very good.
We were also excited to hear about Colleen and Rocco and Bianca. I guess they got her their first day there and were exhausted and jet-lagged and poor Bianca had a cold and was teething - sounds like they have had to be pretty incredible themselves. Talk about being thrown into parenthood! They'll be home Thursday so we hope to talk to them this weekend.
Not much else is new. The kids have been off since last Thursday and we're all ready to go back to work/school/whatever! We all seem to have this cold where we are tired and grumpy. This is entering week three for me - I'm going to curl up on the couch with Delaney and hope that we can recover.
Went to the Rememberance Day ceremonies here. I always find them very emotional, especially seeing the veterans who are fewer and fewer and older and older. The pipes led the march and they are so impressive. At the end, we went to put our poppies on the wreaths and Connor disgraced himself by gathering all the poppies he could. I don't know, he seems to be at a stage where he thinks everything is a big joke, but nobody else thought it was very funny!
We also had a dinner party on Friday night where friends brought their 18-month old. What a cutie! But busy... you forget how busy they are at that age. Definitely cures me of wanting another!
We were also excited to hear about Colleen and Rocco and Bianca. I guess they got her their first day there and were exhausted and jet-lagged and poor Bianca had a cold and was teething - sounds like they have had to be pretty incredible themselves. Talk about being thrown into parenthood! They'll be home Thursday so we hope to talk to them this weekend.
Not much else is new. The kids have been off since last Thursday and we're all ready to go back to work/school/whatever! We all seem to have this cold where we are tired and grumpy. This is entering week three for me - I'm going to curl up on the couch with Delaney and hope that we can recover.
Went to the Rememberance Day ceremonies here. I always find them very emotional, especially seeing the veterans who are fewer and fewer and older and older. The pipes led the march and they are so impressive. At the end, we went to put our poppies on the wreaths and Connor disgraced himself by gathering all the poppies he could. I don't know, he seems to be at a stage where he thinks everything is a big joke, but nobody else thought it was very funny!
We also had a dinner party on Friday night where friends brought their 18-month old. What a cutie! But busy... you forget how busy they are at that age. Definitely cures me of wanting another!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
New Safari Room
New Safari Room
Originally uploaded by LisaOH.
This is from the door towards the window. Connor has a shelf for a head-board too. And all the drawers for their clothes are underneath, with extra storage for toys. They also have a fake tiger-skin rug and are getting some spiders that will march across the wall. Connor is sleeping there, but they have to quit chatting!
D's princess bed
D's princess bed
Originally uploaded by LisaOH.
It just seems to finish the room, and she was feeling a little blue because the boys got a new room.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
I added a Flickr feed so that the last 5 pictures I've loaded to Flickr will show up on the 'blog. I know, I'm pretty sporadic, but it will show what's up. I'm going to actually blog some photos, 'cause there's one of Bianca just before Rocco and Colleen are going to get her (on Monday! they'll have a little girl on Monday!) and there's some of the kids' bedroom that we worked so hard on.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
This is from Delaney and Connor
Connor: I love you all and I hope Auntie Colleen and Uncle Rocco get their baby soon. I hope you like her!
Delaney: How are you all? What are you all doing?
Delaney: How are you all? What are you all doing?
Monday, October 25, 2004
Redecorating
Argggh, I wrote a whole bunch and it disappeared! We're redecorating the boys' room in a safari theme, although the walls are going to be pale yellow (saffron?) and we're finally getting rid of the bunk beds. Actually, they are already gone and I spent the afternoon priming. Now I'm tired and grumpy and nobody can think of what they want for supper. Delaney wants macaroni and the boys want pizza. They always want pizza!
It's been a while since I updated this blog. Things have been busy but I'll get to it more often now I hope.
It's been a while since I updated this blog. Things have been busy but I'll get to it more often now I hope.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Spelling tests
Forgot to mention that Aidan got 10/12 on his Dictee, and I had hid the list on him for most of the week (accidentally of course!) so he only got a quick look at it the morning before the test. He's a smartie that one!
Friday already?
Yup. Aidan's off to basketball and Connor has his friend Jake over for pizza night. I ran into one of Connor's friends mother's at school today and she said they are moving in December to Ottawa! Too bad, they also have a daughter Delaney's age and they got along very well. Now Delaney won't know anyone she'll be starting kindergarten with. Although a lot of the kids don't know each other. Actually, Connor and Aidan didn't know anyone either, but it would be nice! It's also too bad since they are a very nice couple and we'll miss them. It seems like all the friends I've made since I moved back to Winnipeg have left! Hmmm.
I haven't written much this week. It has been crazy and hectic and I'm kind of glad it's over. On Tuesday Sean dropped Delaney off at school only to find that it was an inservice day! They took her to the daycare part and all was well, but I can't believe I missed the notice.
I finally got all of my marking done and have one more week until the students are on their field placement. I'll be very happy to have some actual time to get the marking done (not outside of my regular work hours!) and to get everything ready for the last six weeks of the term. And then I'm done! I am enjoying it, and kind of like going between two jobs, but it would be much better if I had some actual time for prepping outside of home time. I teach 6 hours the days I'm there so there isn't any time and then I have my other full-time job the other three days of the week. Okay, okay, I've complained enough - I know!
We're starting to think about booking our trip to Florida and are seriously thinking of taking the train. It sounds great, and I love to travel by train and watch the country go by. They have feature films every night in the club car, and if you get a roomette (or a family room as we'll have to do), you get all your meals and everything. I doubt we'll ever do it again, so we thought it would be good experience for the kids. We hope to fly back, but I was just telling Sean that I wouldn't mind taking the train back again too...
I haven't written much this week. It has been crazy and hectic and I'm kind of glad it's over. On Tuesday Sean dropped Delaney off at school only to find that it was an inservice day! They took her to the daycare part and all was well, but I can't believe I missed the notice.
I finally got all of my marking done and have one more week until the students are on their field placement. I'll be very happy to have some actual time to get the marking done (not outside of my regular work hours!) and to get everything ready for the last six weeks of the term. And then I'm done! I am enjoying it, and kind of like going between two jobs, but it would be much better if I had some actual time for prepping outside of home time. I teach 6 hours the days I'm there so there isn't any time and then I have my other full-time job the other three days of the week. Okay, okay, I've complained enough - I know!
We're starting to think about booking our trip to Florida and are seriously thinking of taking the train. It sounds great, and I love to travel by train and watch the country go by. They have feature films every night in the club car, and if you get a roomette (or a family room as we'll have to do), you get all your meals and everything. I doubt we'll ever do it again, so we thought it would be good experience for the kids. We hope to fly back, but I was just telling Sean that I wouldn't mind taking the train back again too...
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Happy Thanksgiving!
It's time to think about what we're thankful for, and I have to say I'm very thankful for my little family. As trying as they can occassionally be, I sure can't imagine life without these little people around! And I'm also very thankful for my extended family, especially Mimi and Nana and Grandad who are so involved with the kids and give them such a sense of being loved and cared for. And their aunts and uncles who provide the fun and help out whenever we ask. Finally, I'm thankful for the beautiful fall we're having too! I don't think I could have handled an early cold spell this year after the horrible winter and summer we had.
And thank goodness it is a long weekend! We are more than ready for it. The kids had swimming this morning and Conno is off to hockey. I'm going to bring Delaney and Aidan to watch him for a bit, he's feeling a bit hard done by. We went shopping at Cosco after swimming and he kept getting scolded for one thing or another. We're also off to watch the geese landing on the lakes at Fort Whyte at about 6:00 - they're having a family night with popcorn and stuff so that should be fun.
I've still got an exam to mark, an assignment to prepare and a lesson to get ready for, but that can all wait until tomorrow or Monday. Mom is making Thanksgiving supper on Monday because Kevin didn't want to come home for the weekend. He's bringing his great good friend Hugh from Nova Scotia for supper, so it should be good. And he's requested both apple and pumpkin pie, so my bunch will be happy too.
And thank goodness it is a long weekend! We are more than ready for it. The kids had swimming this morning and Conno is off to hockey. I'm going to bring Delaney and Aidan to watch him for a bit, he's feeling a bit hard done by. We went shopping at Cosco after swimming and he kept getting scolded for one thing or another. We're also off to watch the geese landing on the lakes at Fort Whyte at about 6:00 - they're having a family night with popcorn and stuff so that should be fun.
I've still got an exam to mark, an assignment to prepare and a lesson to get ready for, but that can all wait until tomorrow or Monday. Mom is making Thanksgiving supper on Monday because Kevin didn't want to come home for the weekend. He's bringing his great good friend Hugh from Nova Scotia for supper, so it should be good. And he's requested both apple and pumpkin pie, so my bunch will be happy too.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Lunch out with Connor
Connor and I went out for lunch today before he had a doctor's appointment at 2:00. We both felt like we were playing hookey, and the weather was so beautiful that we ended up going for an ice cream after his appointment and sitting in the sun.
We also got to watch Delaney's dance tonight. She's improving all the time and is pretty cute. Still takes after her mom a bit (she's got a sense of rhythm but the coordination is lacking!)
We're all tired and are just now getting to our tomota soup and breadsticks. Man, it's almost bedtime! No way I'm getting any marking done tonight. I think I'm going to end up spending at least one day of the long weekend doing work... ick.
We also got to watch Delaney's dance tonight. She's improving all the time and is pretty cute. Still takes after her mom a bit (she's got a sense of rhythm but the coordination is lacking!)
We're all tired and are just now getting to our tomota soup and breadsticks. Man, it's almost bedtime! No way I'm getting any marking done tonight. I think I'm going to end up spending at least one day of the long weekend doing work... ick.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Home again, home again, jiggety jig!
Well, Sean and I are home from Montreal - what a great city! We both think that would be a great place to live, but we'll need to brush up on our French. I was surprised how much I understood, but I really can't speak it. By the time I translate what I want to say, the conversation has moved way past me.
It was a really busy conference but we walked a bit and saw some of Montreal and had some really great meals. The leaves were turning and it was really beautiful. I'd love to take the kids next time, but it was really nice to have a little get-away, just the two of us.
The kids did fine with Mimi. She managed to get them everywhere except basketball (Aidan) and Connor's second hockey practice at 6:30 Sunday morning (can't say I blame her!)
Seems to have been a bit of a fight at school on Friday and the boys went to the office to talk to the principal today. Connor says he missed recess and Aidan says they aren't allowed to play with the grade one kids anymore. I think I need to find out what is going on. I doubt that the problem really has anything to do with grade one and grade three kids playing togethere, I think it is more the grade one kids picking on one of their own. It doesn't seem to me that the grade threes had much to do with it. Arggh - I hate this kind of stuff! I don't want to interfere, but I know that they were really having fun building a city in the sandbox so I need to find out more.
Back to real life!
It was a really busy conference but we walked a bit and saw some of Montreal and had some really great meals. The leaves were turning and it was really beautiful. I'd love to take the kids next time, but it was really nice to have a little get-away, just the two of us.
The kids did fine with Mimi. She managed to get them everywhere except basketball (Aidan) and Connor's second hockey practice at 6:30 Sunday morning (can't say I blame her!)
Seems to have been a bit of a fight at school on Friday and the boys went to the office to talk to the principal today. Connor says he missed recess and Aidan says they aren't allowed to play with the grade one kids anymore. I think I need to find out what is going on. I doubt that the problem really has anything to do with grade one and grade three kids playing togethere, I think it is more the grade one kids picking on one of their own. It doesn't seem to me that the grade threes had much to do with it. Arggh - I hate this kind of stuff! I don't want to interfere, but I know that they were really having fun building a city in the sandbox so I need to find out more.
Back to real life!
Monday, September 27, 2004
Hockey and more
Connor had his first hockey practices this weekend. He was doing really well, and was taking charge of the puck at the end (but what do I know?) He seems to really like it, and is pretty worn out today after playing hockey and swimming and bike riding all weekend.
We also got a new crab since one was found belly-up in the fish tank this weekend. Apparently they will try to suck out each others' brains. So, we've decided that if these two can't live together, the survivor will take all and that's it for crabs!
Delaney and I went to "Get Set For Life" and saw Clifford and got a cowboy hat and a loot bag yesterday. We actually went on Saturday too, but it wasn't on! I'm just too organized these days, showing up for things a day early. Then we went to the church supper last night and forgot the tickets. Ah, we can't win for trying!
Aidan is hooked on reading these days and whipping through the Pokemon series. He's pretty selective about what he reads though. I've tried to interest him in some other stuff, but Pokemon it is for now. I'm sure his tastes will change as the year goes on. I hope so anyway!
Sean and I are in a rush to get everything done before we go to Montreal. Thank goodness for Mimi! She's going to have to take the kids to music, dance and swimming and might even have to do a hockey practice in there. Yikes! When I start ennumerating everything, it seems like we've got everyone scheduled to death, but in reality they are all only do two activities plus swimming and music (that does sound scheduled to death, but honestly, they seem happier than ever!) We've still got the tv off, which has been easier than I thought it would be. The kids seem happier, we're spending more time together and everyone just seems a lot better off, so I guess it will stay off.
Delaney is done pooping, must run!
We also got a new crab since one was found belly-up in the fish tank this weekend. Apparently they will try to suck out each others' brains. So, we've decided that if these two can't live together, the survivor will take all and that's it for crabs!
Delaney and I went to "Get Set For Life" and saw Clifford and got a cowboy hat and a loot bag yesterday. We actually went on Saturday too, but it wasn't on! I'm just too organized these days, showing up for things a day early. Then we went to the church supper last night and forgot the tickets. Ah, we can't win for trying!
Aidan is hooked on reading these days and whipping through the Pokemon series. He's pretty selective about what he reads though. I've tried to interest him in some other stuff, but Pokemon it is for now. I'm sure his tastes will change as the year goes on. I hope so anyway!
Sean and I are in a rush to get everything done before we go to Montreal. Thank goodness for Mimi! She's going to have to take the kids to music, dance and swimming and might even have to do a hockey practice in there. Yikes! When I start ennumerating everything, it seems like we've got everyone scheduled to death, but in reality they are all only do two activities plus swimming and music (that does sound scheduled to death, but honestly, they seem happier than ever!) We've still got the tv off, which has been easier than I thought it would be. The kids seem happier, we're spending more time together and everyone just seems a lot better off, so I guess it will stay off.
Delaney is done pooping, must run!
Friday, September 24, 2004
Pizza night!
Thank goodness. Aidan has Dusty over and Connor has Simon. I thought Delaney would be mad, but the boys are all being very nice to her, so she's happy. She's still loving her school and they were tasting apples yesterday. Delaney's favorite is Granny Smith - I thought she wsa saying Grandma Sniffs!
Well, Connor starts hockey tomorrow! And Sunday... talk about not easing into things. Sean and Aidan will be taking him because Delaney and I are off to "Get Set for Life" to see Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dot and Haley. We missed Lunette the Clown at the Park this summer, so this is a treat for the two of us. I'm busy looking for a book for book club - may have to ask Deanne for a suggestion from her book club. It's been so busy lately I haven't even thought. I tried a couple of times to search the catalogue at work today but kept getting distracted.
Well, Connor starts hockey tomorrow! And Sunday... talk about not easing into things. Sean and Aidan will be taking him because Delaney and I are off to "Get Set for Life" to see Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dot and Haley. We missed Lunette the Clown at the Park this summer, so this is a treat for the two of us. I'm busy looking for a book for book club - may have to ask Deanne for a suggestion from her book club. It's been so busy lately I haven't even thought. I tried a couple of times to search the catalogue at work today but kept getting distracted.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Bianca_Lun_Baviera.JPG
What a peach! But do you think they might have to deal with a bit of a stubborn daughter every now and then? I love this picture, and the little pigtails, and that determined look...
beautifulbianca.JPG
Here she is in color! She is so cute, we can't wait to meet her. I think she has a mischievious twinkle in that eye and will keep Colleen and Rocco on their toes!
Friday, September 17, 2004
Moose spotted on the way to Pelican Lake
Here's the moose Nana, Grandad and the kids spotted when they went to Pelican Lake. Sean and I used to see him occassionally when we lived in Regina, and Mom and I saw him once galloping across a field and said "what a big horse!" before we knew it was a moose. That is if it is the same moose - maybe there's a whole family of them?
Time flies...
when you're having fun? Well, it's flying anyway. The boys started rock climbing on Thursday and thought it was pretty good. Wow, kids are just little monkeys! Delaney can't wait to try, and I wouldn't mind either, so I might have to book some time that the two of us can go.
Delaney had her first gymnastics class, and thought that was alright. She tells me her teachers are death and I'm thinking What??? Then she says no DEATH - oh, I finally get it, deaf and I'm wondering how deaf teachers could teach hearing kids gymnastics. Maybe one was deaf and the other signed? So I asked her how she knew they were deaf and she says because they couldn't hear the kids' names and said "I guess we're deaf." Oh...
They all start swimming tomorrow, and Delaney's class is going to start swimming in the pool at her school next week too. That's great for her, she loves swimming and has been wondering when she'd get to go in the pool at school. I'm really happy with the Montessori, it is working out great for her. She's learning all about Canada this month and made a very nice flag. Yesterday she came home with a gold star on her shirt because she was one of the best listeners in her class. Of course, she slept in the shirt and is wearing it today. I can't get the gold star off in one piece to put on another shirt, but told her she absolutely has to change tomorrow or the gold star will jump off by itself!
I'm finding teaching and working is way too much to do. I like being busy, but this is crazy. I'm really, really looking forward to going to Montreal at the end of the month. Although I will miss the kids - but it's going to be a busy trip since I'm on the conference committee and will probably have lots of last-minute stuff to do when I get there. And I haven't volunteered for one extra thing this fall! Thank goodness, I didn't realize teaching was going to be as much work as it is.
Sean is also awfully busy. They're launching their online catalogue at work, and he has been running back and forth to Autopac since he got rear-ended. The only good thing is that he's going to get a new(er) car to drive this winter. Since the car is officially mine, I have to go sign it away tonight and we'll pick up the new(er) car tomorrow. It's a 96 Grand Am with very low mileage, so that should keep us going a few more years. Really, the car only gets driven to work and on the occassional errand, so this one will probably last us another 8 or 9 years!
I'm off work today and Monday, but have been catching up on everything from home, and here it is 2:00! I've almost worked a whole day. Oh well, that should make up for some of the time I've been missing with having to drop off the kids while Sean's been carless.
So, time does fly, but I wish it would fly a little more slowly...
Delaney had her first gymnastics class, and thought that was alright. She tells me her teachers are death and I'm thinking What??? Then she says no DEATH - oh, I finally get it, deaf and I'm wondering how deaf teachers could teach hearing kids gymnastics. Maybe one was deaf and the other signed? So I asked her how she knew they were deaf and she says because they couldn't hear the kids' names and said "I guess we're deaf." Oh...
They all start swimming tomorrow, and Delaney's class is going to start swimming in the pool at her school next week too. That's great for her, she loves swimming and has been wondering when she'd get to go in the pool at school. I'm really happy with the Montessori, it is working out great for her. She's learning all about Canada this month and made a very nice flag. Yesterday she came home with a gold star on her shirt because she was one of the best listeners in her class. Of course, she slept in the shirt and is wearing it today. I can't get the gold star off in one piece to put on another shirt, but told her she absolutely has to change tomorrow or the gold star will jump off by itself!
I'm finding teaching and working is way too much to do. I like being busy, but this is crazy. I'm really, really looking forward to going to Montreal at the end of the month. Although I will miss the kids - but it's going to be a busy trip since I'm on the conference committee and will probably have lots of last-minute stuff to do when I get there. And I haven't volunteered for one extra thing this fall! Thank goodness, I didn't realize teaching was going to be as much work as it is.
Sean is also awfully busy. They're launching their online catalogue at work, and he has been running back and forth to Autopac since he got rear-ended. The only good thing is that he's going to get a new(er) car to drive this winter. Since the car is officially mine, I have to go sign it away tonight and we'll pick up the new(er) car tomorrow. It's a 96 Grand Am with very low mileage, so that should keep us going a few more years. Really, the car only gets driven to work and on the occassional errand, so this one will probably last us another 8 or 9 years!
I'm off work today and Monday, but have been catching up on everything from home, and here it is 2:00! I've almost worked a whole day. Oh well, that should make up for some of the time I've been missing with having to drop off the kids while Sean's been carless.
So, time does fly, but I wish it would fly a little more slowly...
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Violins part two
Connor loved his first violin lesson. His teacher is a quirky guy named Brent, and they will probably get along just fine. He learned how to hold the violin properly and how to hold his arm when he plays. Brent says he is very brave to tackle the violin first time up, and that we're pretty brave to let him. I felt like an imposter, he kept talking to me like I knew something about music! Finally I had to tell him that Connor's was the first violin I've ever seen close up. Ah well.
And Aidan was really dragging his butt going in to his lesson. Long lip, shoulders slumped, feet dragging. His teacher was 15 minutes late (she'd told me she might be) and is very young and pretty (and Brent's girlfriend!). Well, Aidan came bouncing out of his lesson all excited that he was learning to play the theme from "Star Wars" on the piano! All week we've been hearing "Da daa, dadada DAAA daa, dadada DAAA daa, dadada daa". In fact, it is in the background as I type.
And, they are now offering Orff music lessons at Delaney's Montessori, so Delaney will also be taking music one morning a week too. She is very happy, and tells me that she is going to play the flute. I don't think she can play an instrument this year, but probably next year.
I'm impressed with all three! They sure don't get their music from me, it is definitely an O'Hara thing (right Nana and Colleen?).
And Aidan was really dragging his butt going in to his lesson. Long lip, shoulders slumped, feet dragging. His teacher was 15 minutes late (she'd told me she might be) and is very young and pretty (and Brent's girlfriend!). Well, Aidan came bouncing out of his lesson all excited that he was learning to play the theme from "Star Wars" on the piano! All week we've been hearing "Da daa, dadada DAAA daa, dadada DAAA daa, dadada daa". In fact, it is in the background as I type.
And, they are now offering Orff music lessons at Delaney's Montessori, so Delaney will also be taking music one morning a week too. She is very happy, and tells me that she is going to play the flute. I don't think she can play an instrument this year, but probably next year.
I'm impressed with all three! They sure don't get their music from me, it is definitely an O'Hara thing (right Nana and Colleen?).
Friday, September 10, 2004
Delaney scaring Daisy & Lisa
Aidan took this picture of Daisy balanced on my chair just before Delaney tried to get too cozy and chased her off.
Everyone goes to school
Can you believe it? Delaney is going to preschool at Montessori Academy, Connor is in grade one and Aidan in grade three. Where did my babies go?
Good news!!
We are so excited! The kids are going to have a cousin and I'm going to be an auntie for the first time! Colleen and Rocco got a picture from China of their new daughter and she is beautiful. I'll post the picture if they don't mind, but I need to ask them first.
So, it's been a good week. The kids like school and their lessons, and we're getting a new family member.
So, it's been a good week. The kids like school and their lessons, and we're getting a new family member.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Bike riding & violins
Connor finally made up his mind to ride his bike. And we have been riding ever since! Spent part of Sunday running along beside holding the back of his bike until he was confident enought to go and then man, did he ride! And he's been going ever since. We rode to Mimi's yesterday and around the golf-course today. Sean still hasn't had his bike fixed (2 years later) so he roller-bladed behind us. Connor did one fast stop and Sean had to hop to avoid him and wiped out on the grass. Poor guy! The day before he stepped on a loose board on the deck while painting which popped up and smacked him in the forehead. I still giggle to picture it, but it isn't really funny...
Anyways, we've been biking, and biking and biking! Today we rode around the golf-course and he would go out again if he could talk anyone into taking him.
He also got his violin today and has composed a couple songs. Aidan wrote them down "Echoes in the Eerie Hall", "Mushrooms", "A Black Cat with White Shoes" and "Shrieking Man". Tomorrow is his first lesson, we'll see how he likes it then!
Anyways, we've been biking, and biking and biking! Today we rode around the golf-course and he would go out again if he could talk anyone into taking him.
He also got his violin today and has composed a couple songs. Aidan wrote them down "Echoes in the Eerie Hall", "Mushrooms", "A Black Cat with White Shoes" and "Shrieking Man". Tomorrow is his first lesson, we'll see how he likes it then!
Friday, September 03, 2004
Everybody's back
And it's pizza night thank goodness! Connor is not swollen and not red, although he still has a few bumps and patches. Aidan has two little patches of poison ivy too. Delaney and Nana have colds. But they say they had a good time!
Connor is off to Simon's this afternoon for a play date and it is pizza night. And a long weekend! Hurrah!
Connor is off to Simon's this afternoon for a play date and it is pizza night. And a long weekend! Hurrah!
Monday, August 30, 2004
Tired, tired people...
Connor has been scratching and scratching and SCRATCHING all night for the last three nights. Sean and I are very, very tired. Thank goodness he's on holidays tomorrow. I definitely need a good sleep tonight since tomorrow is my first day teaching at RRC and I need to have it together a little bit anyways.
Nana and Grandad arrived on Saturday and we are glad to see them! Not only are they keeping the other two occupied while I'm taking Connor to the doctors and stuff, they've been here to let us a have a little bit of a sleep-in on Sunday.
The weather is supposed to be getting nice, so they may be off to the lake tomorrow if poor Itchy can get some sleep tonight. The doctor upped the prednisone dose today so I hope it helps. His poor face is all swollen and he looks quite a bit like a pumpkin except he's bright red instead of orange!
Nana and Grandad arrived on Saturday and we are glad to see them! Not only are they keeping the other two occupied while I'm taking Connor to the doctors and stuff, they've been here to let us a have a little bit of a sleep-in on Sunday.
The weather is supposed to be getting nice, so they may be off to the lake tomorrow if poor Itchy can get some sleep tonight. The doctor upped the prednisone dose today so I hope it helps. His poor face is all swollen and he looks quite a bit like a pumpkin except he's bright red instead of orange!
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Poison ivy! Yikes!
Connor has it. He actually picked some up at the lake last week and my friend Wendy made him wash his hands and we put some of her daughter's eczema cream on it and it seemed to go away. That was over a week ago, and now he's covered head to foot. Looks like a very bad case of acne on his face, poor guy. I'll try to take a picture and post it later. We're off to the doctor at noon because the itching is driving him crazy.
I just read on a poison ivy FAQ: For those rare people who react after their very first exposure, the rash appears after seven to 10 days. Sounds like Connor, he is a rare person!
I just read on a poison ivy FAQ: For those rare people who react after their very first exposure, the rash appears after seven to 10 days. Sounds like Connor, he is a rare person!
Friday, August 27, 2004
Number two...
Okay, I invited people to comment and then didn't bother to add comments. I hope I've fixed it now.
First day, new blog
Howdy. I'm just trying this out to see if my template works and all my RSS feeds work, etc.. This blog is meant to let friends and family know what we're doing, particularly family in Ontario... (since Nana and Grandad finally got a computer and we can communicate a little easier now!) It'll tell day-to-day what the kids and Sean and I are up to and we'll all be posting (well, Connor and Delaney can post once they can read and write).
And Daisy and Comet will be posting occassionally too...
And Daisy and Comet will be posting occassionally too...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
