Chase those Winter Blues Away

 

I'm posting and sharing another picture this Friday. I thought by displaying a beautiful sunrise photograph it would chase those winter blues away! We're expecting more snow in the next few days but I really can't complain because we've pretty much had a mild winter. So, a little snow doesn't hurt! Also, the boys are feeling better, and that's a good thing. However, they're home; resting and recovering - which means I have little time to write in peace.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Happy Friday!

The Notebook

Just a quick post today. The boys are sick - yes, at the same time! Double the fun for me! Ugh! I've been sleepless for a couple of days - running around, checking temperatures, and handing out Tylenol. Life is pretty hectic right now. And my timing is so off! Everything seems late. To make things easier and avoid confusion, I have a notebook to record the date, time and medications given to each child. I'm also using this notebook for my writing. I prefer the pen and paper as opposed to sitting at the computer, and typing away my thoughts. Every time I'm at my desk, the boys barge in, make noise, and are constantly asking me for something. I don't have privacy either; hubby sits next to me, and likes to peek over at my monitor, and read my posts. So, off I go with my notebook in hand. And I write while I'm listening to the news; while I'm baking, waiting for clothes to dry. All I need is my notebook, and my pen. Or maybe I just like my handwriting now. No chicken scratch here.

Where and when do you like to write?

What I Couldn't Give Up

What are you going to give up for Lent?  I asked this question to my husband, and he answered "desserts". I laughed hysterically when he told me. You see, hubby has a sweet tooth, and I know he can't last a day without it! He smirked, and in turn, asked me the same question. Here's what I told him:

I'm giving up Facebook. This is going to be tough. I usually keep in touch with my family and relatives through FB. They'll be surprised. Anyway, they can call me, or send me e-mail. I'll be Farmville and application free. Yay!

I'm also giving up soda pop. I think I can live without a can of Coke and a bag of chips. *Sigh*

After the winter Olympic games are over, I'm going to give up t.v. I'll have more time to read and write. Mind you, this is easily said than done.

But what I couldn't give up is chocolate. How could I? I'm not that crazy! I like having my piece of dark chocolate every day. I just don't have the will power to let it go. Sad but true.

Maybe next year.

Pfft..yeah, right.

What a Beauty

I've been reading and seeing lots of pictures of pets this week, and I thought I'd share this one with you. Since I like to end the week with something that makes me happy, I might as well post this picture of our beloved pet. Here's Ivana - a British short-hair cat. What a beauty! She was a wonderful family pet and my angel. I love this picture. I tell my boys she was just like Duchess in Aristocats. This is exactly how I remember her - so elegant and graceful.

Seeing this photo brings me joy!

Brotherly Love

My boys are very close; they're inseparable. Their bond is special, you would think that they were twins.

But they have their moments. Let's just say things can get ugly.

As much as they love each other, their love fest can easily turn sour. Since they're old enough, I usually let them resolve their differences. I want them to learn how to compromise, and to co-operate with one another. If things get physical then I step in, and stop the fight. Most times, it's just a lack of communication, or it's all a misunderstanding.

It's the petty squabbles that drive me insane. Why do boys always fight over a game? Arrgh! And it's their strong personalities that often clash. A.R is the instigator; he knows how to get on J.P's nerves. He's also stubborn, and won't take no for an answer. J.P is hot-tempered, and can stand his ground. Weren't they just playing nicely minutes ago?

From their bedroom, I hear them argue. The bickering goes back and forth. No one wants to relinquish their rightful spot and turn. Noise levels have reached an all-time high. The madness continues as my head spins round and round. Finally, I have had enough.

 "Stop it now, or no one plays computer on the weekend!"

 More heated words and cold stares are exchanged.

 J.P yells, "I'm telling mommy on you!"

"Go ahead, you suck!"

I shake my head, and grin. Ahh, there is nothing like brotherly love.

Family Day

It was a busy and tiring weekend. J.P was sick on Saturday, and I spent most of the time taking care of him. He still has a mild fever but his spirits are good. Poor little fella, he was stuck in bed, (or on the couch) for a couple of days. At least, he's in the mood to play. You know something is wrong when your kids don't want to play! For Valentine's Day, hubby was sweet to order food for the long weekend so I wouldn't have to cook. As I mentioned before, my husband isn't romantic but he's very thoughtful. He also helped A.R with his science project, and that gave me time to relax, and one less thing to worry about. It was nice to see father and son working together. Also, A.R gave us this cute booklet of coupons. On each coupon he offered to do something nice for each of us. Hubby wanted to use the breakfast in bed coupon but I said that was mine! He would have to settle for the car wash instead. When A.R overheard us say that we'd use a coupon, we heard a loud, "Nooooo!" He didn't expect us to use it so soon but was ready to fulfill our wishes.
Today is Family Day, and the kids have no school. Actually, it's a lovely holiday - it celebrates the importance of families, and family life. A much needed break especially during the cold winter season. March Break doesn't seem so far off; or spring for that matter! Although, this year will be spent at home since J.P is still sick. We're looking forward to hubby coming back home from work, and spending more time with us.  We already miss him!

Happy Friday

Just a quick post today before I take J.P to school. The boys were so sweet helping me out with laundry last night. Hmm. I wonder why. This doesn't happen every day so I'm rejoicing in this rare occasion! A.R actually folded his clothes nicely, and J.P put his clothes away. I couldn't believe he wanted to do more work! Also, he presented me with this Valentine picture. He coloured it, and proudly said it was for me. Isn't it cute? I love it!

There's a whole lot of Olympic fever going on here in Canada right now. We are so excited that Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic games. The kids have caught the Olympic spirit; and they can't wait to watch the opening ceremony tonight. I have yet to purchase these cute mittens for the boys - it's selling like crazy, and I hope I can get some before they're sold out again. Anyway, that's all for now.

Have a great Valentine weekend! Happy Friday!

Let There Be Sunshine

Since there have been many blog awards circulating this week, I might as well join the fun, and pass these two awards along. This award was kindly given to me by Janine at  My Kids are Fun! and Christie The Introvert Mom. Check them out! I enjoy reading both of their awesome blogs.

Thank you both for making my day!!!

The rules for accepting this award:

Put the logo on your blog or within your post,

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers,

Link the nominees within your post,

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.


I pass this Sunshine Award to the following:

Kristin - One Day at a Time - Alpine klein Bunch 

The Girl Next Door Grows Up-  The Girl Next Door Grows Up                                                                  

Alyssa -  Bloggin2Noggin

Mama2Monkeys -  The Happiness in Headstands

Annissa Rae - A Page in My Book

 ( I know, I only picked 5; apparently I don't know how to follow the rules but who's judging or counting!)


 I received another one....I was very surprised indeed!

 Thank you to The Girl Next Door Grows Up for this award! Check out her blog. It's fantastic!

I pass this One Lovely Blog Award to the following:

Jing -  Hypermom

Melissa - My Life and How It's Going

Christie - The Introvert Mom

Danielle - Humes, Party of Three

Janine - My Kids are Fun!

Congratulations! Enjoy ladies and share the love!

Wordless Wednesday

The Teddy Bear

As much as the boys enjoy Nintendo, Wii, and computer games. You'd be surprised to know they love stuffed animals. When we go on trips, and visit the local gift shops, they would ask if they could have a souvenir. We'd agree, and usually, they'd run over to the toy section and pick out a stuffed animal. Over the years, I have watched this collection grow; so much, it became a mountain of toys! Clearly, it was getting out of hand, and I asked the boys to pick and choose the ones they wanted to keep. The rest would be given to charity. The cute, plush toys that now remain are their favourites. A few keepsakes, and gifts from family members given to them when they were babies - a puppy, a bunny, a penguin and a couple of teddy bears.

One evening, my husband was very tired after work and slept early. He didn't spend much time with the kids. The boys were disappointed but understood why he was tired, and didn't wake him. J.P took one of his teddy bears named Mama Bear, and placed it in the arms of my husband while he was sleeping. When hubby woke up the next morning, he asked why the teddy bear was on our bed. I told him that J.P placed it there just for him. My husband was surprised, and touched by J.P's thoughtfulness; that he went to return the favour before he headed off to work. He tucked Mama Bear beside a sleeping J.P, and kissed him softly on his forehead.

Upon waking up, J.P was upset that Mama Bear was on his bed.

"Daddy!", he cried. "This is yours, why did you give it back!"

I ran upstairs to calm him down. He's quite the sensitive type. I explained to him why daddy gave back the teddy bear.

"Oh."

He turned, scratched his head, grabbed Mama Bear and walked over to our bedroom. He placed it gently back on the bed, and propped it slightly on the pillow. Then hurried to get ready for school.

Mama Bear has been on our bed for over a week. Keeping us warm and snugly at night. A constant reminder of our sweet, little boy. The thought of removing it would only break his heart. Who knew that a teddy bear could mean so much?

The Great Escape

I love Sundays, and even though the boys are awake early and making a ruckus downstairs. I'm enjoying a peaceful morning upstairs - reading your blog! As the only female in the house, I can't talk about girly stuff. Anything related to crafts, baking, hair, clothes, and shopping is considered boring around here. You get the picture, right? So, this is my little great escape, my getaway. Since, I'm following and reading many blogs, I might as well get to know you.  I have a few favourites, you'll see that on my blog roll, and I add more each time I get to know you. Just when you thought no one is reading - you'll be surprised to know that someone is reading. On days I don't write, I'm here, poring over your latest post and admiring your lovely pictures, and creations. This is my time to sit back, enjoy a good story; laugh, and cry. I may not always get a chance to comment but do know I'm in dire need of some girl time, and I am reading your blog!

I just had to let you know... and later, I'm off for some retail therapy!

Happy Sunday!

Feel Good Friday

I'm running a little late today so I'll simply post another Feel Good Friday. Check it out if you haven't already.

1. The boys were awesome this week. No hassles, no stress, no talks! Yay!

2. I spoke to my brother even if it was only a brief conversation. We're very close. He's my one and only brother that I love and miss.

3. Hubby is being extra nice to me. My birthday is coming up. I'll take anything from him.

4. I've reconnected with my old classmates. So happy that I did.

5. We survived a week of no television. We spent more time reading, writing and being together as a family.
    You should all try it!

    Have a great weekend everyone!

Did You Find Me?

I can't believe this but my friends from grade school found me on Facebook!

Oh my....I know... I'm so busted!

I still keep in touch with a few of my childhood friends but I haven't seen them in a long time. So, they planned a get-together; a reunion brunch last week. I wasn't able to attend but I said I'd go to the next one. Apparently at this brunch they discussed having a class reunion! A couple of days later, I started receiving friend requests from my old classmates - people I haven't seen, or heard from in twenty five years! With all the new changes on Facebook, and all my privacy settings - I'm amazed how many people can still find me! Oh, why did I use my maiden name?!

I like my privacy. I love my obscurity. I tell hubby about the growing list of classmates that have added me, and he just laughs and scoffs, "You're practically on every social media site that's out there! You even have a blog!"
  
Oh, shoot...I'm so screwed.

Honestly, it's great to hear from them but it's a little awkward. Weird.

But I have to confess my childhood was a happy one. I had a beautiful circle of friends; our friendship was so special. I don't think I'll ever meet a group of people like that again. Even my grade school, and the teachers were incredible; they were our mentors and inspired us all to be the best that we can be. Wow, did I just say that?

So, I guess I'm off to add them, and to rekindle the magic of my youth.

And by the way, if you should ever find me, anywhere, just go ahead and add me.

The Tough Guy

I think the funniest things happen when I'm with my husband. We're constantly laughing and joking around with one another. I wish I could share these moments with you but out of respect, and consideration I must withhold all that information! Instead, hubby has allowed me to tell you this - he says I'm bossy! Humph! Can you believe that? I beg to differ. Well, maybe just a little. Someone has to take charge around here! You see, hubby is laid-back, happy-go-lucky. Me? I'm shy. No, really I am! I'm clumsy but I'm also a neat freak. I dislike clutter. (Hence so I don't trip or fall) I like to be organized; and I like to be on time. If I ask him to do something for me; I expect him to do it now!  Hubby, on the other hand, likes to take his time - sometimes it takes him an hour, a few days, months or even years!  He can be impulsive. I watch in fascination as he works on a project then moves on to another in a blink of an eye! When it comes to parenting, he's a wonderful father but he tends to "give in" to the boys, while I stand firm on my "no". I consider myself a planner; he says he doesn't have a plan - he lives in the moment. Is he romantic? No. Sentimental? Yes. Hubby says we're like yin and yang; that we complement each other so well. I know our marriage isn't always perfect; we have ups and downs, and have our daily struggles. Hmm...I guess this post is really about him and not being bossy! I write about my boys all the time but I fail to mention that I have such a wonderful husband. He's very funny, smart, generous, sweet and one big "softie". Of course, he'll deny this and state that he's a tough guy!

Now that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, what do you love most about your husband or partner? Do you celebrate it every year?

Honey, are you reading this? You better take notes!