Let's get this GREAT party started!

On Sunday we had an anniversary celebration for my in laws, who were celebrating 40 years of marriage.

As the guests were arriving the kids were running around and greeting everyone.

DJ saw that Great Grandma (91) just arrived, with her boyfriend Herald (93).

All excited, DJ yelled out to everyone, " Great Grandma and Great Herald are here, let's get this party started!"

The two love birds (party animals) enjoying the BBQ.

Yep, in all our minds, they both are GREAT!

Private Parts - Priceless

While driving through Alberta, Canada we stopped at Drumheller - Dinosaur land! No trip to this dinosaur discover meca is complete without visiting the WORLD'S LARGEST DINOSAUR.

After we safely parked our van far enough away from the enormous T-Rex (and Madigan was sure he would not eat our van!), we paid the wallet-gouging, tourist-grab admission price to hike up the stairwell, to look out the observation deck.

As we climbed, and climbed, I pointed out interesting parts of the wall murals. Oh yes, the innards of this giant depicted many dinosaur scenes. I also pointed out all the dinosaur bones embedded into the walls.

"Look guys! There is a T-Rex thigh bone! Oh, look, a brontosaurus foot, and a wing from a archaeopteryx, wow, a skull of a triceratops! Cool!"

Then Anderson suddenly piped up and excitedly exclaimed, " And I see his penis! I see the dinosaur's penis!"

GULP! What did my son just yell out loud enough for everyone within 20 feet to hear?!?!?!?!

"Um, Ander, what do you see?"

"His penis. His penis! Look - right there!"

Do you see it??? Ander could be right! (which might explain why they went extinct) It does LOOK like a penis! But...

... it is actually an emergency light fixture!!!!

Oh, the snorts, laughs, giggles, and snickers that were caused by this observation! I thought the mother ahead of us was going to pee her pants, and the man behind David commented it was too bad that was not caught on video!!!!

My son, Anderson - future paleontologist? Who knows!!!!!

Did you have a great day too?

It is always important to start your summer vacation off right. Our first day of summer vacation plans had been in the works for a few days. The boys had decided that to truly celebrate the end of the school year they wanted to take a bus adventure. All year they took yellow school buses to school, passing the red city buses.

So, on Friday, with a huge bag packed we set off on our adventure.

We started at Baseline Station, where we bought Mommy $4 worth of tickets (all three kids were free!). Then we waited for the #95. Oh, the excitement was mounting!

The bus pulled up and our squeals of delight brought smiles and chuckles from even the most hardened public commuter!

It was all so exciting! With transfer in hand, the bus pulled out of the station. You cannot believe the excitement a little boy has when a bus pulls off the main road and goes onto the transit way - Little Anderson was looking out the window and then he started to shake, "Mommy, Mommy, look it, we are going onto the big bussie roads! Only RED BUSSIES can go on these roads Mommy!"

We arrived at Bayview station, and excited the bus. Have you ever tried to get off a crowded bus with a 5,4 and 2.5 year old??? Let's just say, it is a bit challenging, to say the least - especially when you throw in a 20 pound picnic/supply bag!

We walked from the bus stop to the O-Train platform. Here in Ottawa we have a bus system and then a new fast train system - well, I would not call it a system, it is actually one line! None, the less, we were off for stage 2 of our public transportation adventure!

We got onto the train. It was basically empty, but apparently, great care must be taken when choosing the perfect seat!

And then we were off. All three kids LOVED it. When we went through a tunnel, you would have thought we were on a big amusement ride at Disneyland!

About 10 minutes later we pulled into the station. Just for fun we exited the train, then made our way to another train car. We all switched seats, so those who had rode backwards, were now forward and those originally forward, were now seated going backwards! Fair, is fair, you know!

And off we went!

As we pulled back into the Bayview station, I asked the conductor if my transfer was still valid. Yep. I had another 45 minutes. So, I hustled the kids back up to the bus station and we hopped onto the first bus heading downtown.

We arrived downtown. We were making our way towards, what I thought would be an ideal picnic spot. Instead, we stumbled upon a promotional concert for the upcoming Jazz Festival. So, we grabbed chairs, broke out our sandwiches, fishie crackers and apples, and enjoyed a wonderful free concert.

We then hiked (yep, hiked, since I took a wrong turn) to a local establishment. My work was having a summer BBQ lunch and my boss had encouraged me to stop in. So, my plan was to drag all three kids! Little did I know that the excitement, just would not stop!

As we made our way to the restaurant, a fire truck sped past. Then, imagine our surprise when we discovered the fire truck stopped right in front of where we were going. (Apparently the BBQ set off the fire alarms!)

Well, the kids were in heaven! I could not have planned it better. And you know firemen, they are soooooo cute, I mean friendly. They let the kids look at the truck and chatted with them, and even let them stand on the back!

Anderson, came over and hugged my leg and exclaimed, "Mommy, I think this is the best day ever!"

I assured him, it was not over yet!

We joined my work gathering, and the kids were great! They were friendly, well behaved, and kind of cute in the mix with all my co-workers!

After hotdogs, pop and cookies we made our way to Chapters. This is a huge book chain that has a kids section that features a Thomas the Tank Engine play area. The kids played, I read, sipped a coffee and we all had a great time.

Then we walked up to Sparks street. Cannot miss Ottawa Ribfest! We all voted on which vendor smelled the most tastey, had the most trophies and which had the best decorations. We found our winner and waited in line. I bought a full rack of ribs with all the fixings - oh ya! Dinner would be SWEEEET!

We walked to the ice cream store. All chose our favorites, and then headed back to catch a bus home.

We climbed on board a packed train. I looked at all the weary, tired, annoyed commuters - all heading home. I lovingly looked down at my three, exhausted, but very happy (and sticky) children and smiled. This is what summer time is about. Fun and adventure.

These smiling faces sum it all up!

DJ stuck up a conversation with a fellow commuter, and he detailed his day. The love, happiness and excitement in his voice was amazing! My heart swelled when he ended his conversation with, " So, I had a great day, it was the best day ever in my life, how about you? Did you have a great day too?"

To quote Sigmund Freud...

Verrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeey Interzessssting!

Below are the cheer posters my little people made me for my big race on Saturday.

Artist: Madigan, 27 months

According to the artist, Mommy is yellow and running fast. DJ is red, Anderson is blue, Daddy is green and Madigan is black. The route is clearly marked!

Artist: DJ, 5 years old

Mommy is wearing her race number. She is very fast. She is using her arm to push everyone out of the way so that she can win. Everyone in the race is kicking her and trying to push her down and make her loose.

Artist: Anderson, 4 years old
Daddy is on the far right. Mommy and Anderson are in the middle holding up the gold trophy for winning the race. Madigan is the tall, second figure from the left. She is saying, "Anderson", because she loves Anderson (note the "A" above her head). Great grandpa is standing on the far left. DJ is the little figure. He is just a baby and his arms and legs are broken. He only has one eye and one ear. He was too small to see Mommy win the race and he could not help Mommy hold the big golden trophy.


Oh, ya, Dr. Freud would have a field day with these drawings!!!!!

Powerful Apple Ducklings

DJ and Ander have a bake sale this week for school Since it is national peace week and the school is celebrating multiculturalism, each child is asked to bring in a bake good that reflects their heritage or country of origin.

DJ suggested he make "the special apple pie-cake that Pepe's mommy taught him to make".

Translation: "Meme's Apple Dumplings"

DJ called my father to discuss the recipe for "Apple Ducklings" . We needed to confirm if doubling the recipe would be enough to make 6 small flats of this yummy, tasty, French-Canadian treat.

So, after a wonderfully cute conversation between grandson and grandfather, DJ was all set to

start baking.

I pulled out all the needed ingredients and realized I was short 2 items. I told DJ we would pick up the items when w went out for the afternoon.

Daddy walked into the kitchen and asked what we were planning to bake - totally oblivious to the morning recipe hunt.

DJ replied," Daddy, we are making Apple Ducklings, but we need to buy some shorteners and some baking power - to make them strong and good like Pepe makes."

MMMmmmmmmm powerful apple ducklings - YUMMY!

Reflections

I ushered them into the small crowded room. Shut the door. Hung up the three dresses I wanted to try on.

They immediately started to make funny faces into the wall of mirrors. Giggling.

SHHHhhhhhhhh!

Giggle. Giggle.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of the all?"

I unzip the first dress. Trying to be quick. Slip it over my head thinking, "Oh why did you boys not go with Daddy and Madigan to the pet store? Why did you both insist on staying with me?"

"Mirror, mirror, I ASKED, who is the fairest of them all?....OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!" haa haa haa haa.

Giggle. Giggle.

"Your turn DJ!"

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's got the best hair in town?.........OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!" haa haa haa haa. "Your turn Anderson!"

Giggle. Giggle.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's got the nicest nose in town?.........OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!" haa haa haa haa. "Your turn DJ!"

Giggle. Giggle.

Best mouth? ... OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!
Strongest teeth? ... OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!
Coolest fingers? ... OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!
Nicest arms? ... OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!
Funnest belly button? ... OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!
(you get the point!)

Giggle. Giggle.

Silence.

"Mommy! You look BEAUUUUUU-TI-FULLLLL!"

"Thank DJ!"

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's got the prettiest and bestest mommy?.........OH! ME? Well, of course I do!!! "

"Mommy, I was going to say that, but Anderson said it! Me and Anderson have the prettiest, bestest, Mommy in town!"

Sniffle. Sniffle.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the best two boys in town? Me? Yep. You got that right!"

Hugs. Hugs.



** I so wish I could get an audio clip of their over-exaggerated "OH! ME? You GOTTA be KIDDING ME!" It was so friggin' funny! When we walked out of the dressing room there were lots of smiles from the staff and customers who were treated to this cute little skit!

** I did not buy that dress - it did not fit all that great - but I promise to post about the dress I did buy and how there is no way I will be out-shining the bride at the wedding we are attending next month!

A Sissy Fuddle Duddle!

You know you had a great weekend when you need a day to recover!!!!

Tuesday is the new Monday, don't cha know!

OK - Let's get Monday Menu Plan out of the way!

Monday - Yummy spicy shrimp stir fry with quinoa

Tuesday - broccoli and chicken casserole

Wednesday - Family Pizza Night

Thursday - Three Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili - recipe from Weight Watchers - sounds yummy good, easy, kid friendly and only 5 points per serving. Then I will have to factor in my homemade cheesy whole wheat garlic bread for dunking!

Friday - A wonderful friend and I are embarking on a regular Friday exercise date. Our families will eat together first and then head off to swimming laps in prep for our "Try-a-tri-athon" in May. I was thinking maybe I would do a pasta dish with a nice salad.

Saturday - Fire up the grill! Nicely aged steaks and lots of veggies cooked on the bbq...summer cooking is just around the corner!!!

Sunday - Pot roast with carrots, potatoes and onions - nothing too fancy.

Ok - so now for the weekend recap!

The smile on my face in this photo, sums it all up!!!

Friday I drove the kiddies to my parents' place. If you are a frequent visitor to The Fringe, you know how much they LOVE going to Nana and Pépé's house. But, here is yet another cute story that shows the very special bond my parents have with my kiddies.



Mid-way through our 40 minute drive little Madigan, all strapped in her car seat yells out:

Bye-bye Dadda!

Bye-bye house!

Bye-bye Keymew (our cat Cleo)

Helllllllllloooooooooo Nana!

Helllllllllloooooooooo Pépé!

Ok. Seriously, I almost burst a gut! Here is a little 2 year old, in a squeaky, high pitch voice bidding goodbye to one world and welcoming the new! Her HELLO was hilarious - all drawn out and a bit deeper than her regular voice. It was priceless!

Anyways - Friday night friends came over - the plan was for the gals to go swim lanes (prep for "Try-a-tri-athon" and then meet the boys for Pho soup. Comedy of errors, we misread the lane times...so quick change of plans - we went for dinner first and then swimming.

Side note - I need to work on my breathing technique in the front crawl. I am sure I could shave some time off if I got a bit more rhythm in my breathing and stroke.

We had a great Friday evening. We always have a great time with Stephen (the best-man at our wedding) and his wonderful girlfriend Danielle (Hello Danielle, since I now know you visit The Fringe! Yep. Friday sounds great - check your email!)

Saturday AM we woke up early and took off for Mont Tremblant, Quebec. It is about 2 hours away. It was an enjoyable drive. Spring is in the air!

The mountain was very busy - perfect spring ski conditions bring lots of people out! If you ever get a chance to visit this first-class resort - I highly recommend it!

We skied all day. I will not lie - I had a rough time. I really only started to ski when I met David - back in 2000. Then since all my babes are winter babies, my ability, desire and time for skiing dropped in priority. So, I was getting a bit frustrated. I could not seem to get my old rhythm back. I was really fighting my skies and forcing the tails of my skies instead of carving with my edges. On top of that, my middle toe on my right foot was SUPER sore. (I would later discover that when my soccer opponent stepped on my foot last week she cracked my nail and it swelled up) And my feet hurt in my boots. My boots are from the before kids era and my feet are bigger, flatter and more sensitive now. And finally, I was having a fear thing - totally mental! I am not sure what it was, but I was so nervous of falling. Maybe it had to do with Natasha Richardson succumbing to injuries suffered on this very hill? Or maybe I was just nervous? I was having trouble finding my centre of gravity and therefore did not feel stable...could it be from my rapid weight loss? My body has definitely changed! Whatever the case, the first two runs were terrible.

In fact, I almost gave up. But my wonderful hubby talked me out of it. We stuck to fairly easy hills. David got to do a few bump-runs since Windigo and Upper Fuddle Duddle were mainly moguls. I stuck with Sissy Schuss and Fuddle Duddle...oh ya! I do see the irony of the run names and my state of mind - but, hey! thanks for pointing that out!!!!!!!!

After lunch, I calmed down a bit and was able to find some of my skiing mojo. So, our afternoon was a bit more enjoyable. Besides, it was sunny, warm and I was with the man of my dreams!

A good friend of ours offered us her chalet for the evening (Thanks Jo!). It was great. We went and got cleaned up and headed back to the mountain for dinner and to enjoy the night life. It was great. We had a great dinner - I had yummy trout with veggies, and even was successful at NOT having any of the fresh dinner rolls that kept appearing at our table!

After dinner we strolled around the cute shops and then took in the aerial competitions. Man, they were amazing! Friggin' dare devils to the highest degree!

We returned to the chalet and well, "enjoyed each others company"....wink wink nudge nudge.

It was a wonderful weekend for sure.

We drove back to Ottawa. Picked up the kiddies - one of them very ill with the stomach flu (sorry Mom, but thank you for looking after the barfy-sick kid!). So, it was right back to the grind!!!!

So, how was your weekend?????

PS - I am cheating and keeping the Tuesday date stamp...even though it is now Wednesday morning...now I have the barfy tummy and Madigan is crabby...oh joy! This is going to be a l--o--n--g week...or maybe I am just being a big sissy fuddle duddle?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Green Pancakes

After a heated game of Junior Monopoly, I compared DJ to Donald Trump. Well, that comparison still rings true!

Today was the annual Scout Pack 144 Pancake Breakfast. It is a big fundraiser - and lots of fun. There is an amazing silent auction (fingers crossed I won at least one of the items I bid on!) and lots of pancakes, syrup and laughter.

Tickets are $3.00 a single or $10.00 a family.

DJ volunteered to help. He was very proud to be asked to be a server.

Oh! How my heart melted as he approached a group of senior ladies and said, "Hello. I'm DJ. I am a Beaver. How many pancakes would you like?"

One of the ladies asked for two pancakes. So, off DJ went to the kitchen. He returned clutching a plate with two pancakes. He then asked the other lady how many pancakes she would like to eat. "Surprise me!", was her reply.

DJ looked perplexed. So, the kind blue-haired lady leaned over and said, "You decide how many I should have. Surprise me! Here is my ticket."

DJ took two steps back. leaned over to me and whispered, "She wants me to decide, Mommy! I get to decide!!!!" He was now visually excited.

I noticed the pancake line was long, and did not want DJ getting side-tracked, so I joined him in the wait to place his "surprise order".

DJ looked up at me grinning! He was all excited.

We got to the front of the line and his Leader asked, "How many pancakes do you need, DJ?"

DJ looked at me and smiled and said, "I would like one small pancake please."

What? One? I smiled and said to DJ, " Honey, I am sure that nice lady wants more than one small pancake. She asked you to surprise her - you should maybe get 2 or 3 pancakes for her."

"No Mommy. I want to surprise her with one small pancake. She sure will be surprised when one pancake does not fill her up and she has to buy another pancake ticket...then Beavers will make lots of money!"

CHA-CHING! I could see the dollar signs in DJ's eyes.

I straightened out DJ's hat and kindly said, " DJr, it is all you can eat, if you only give her one, then you will just have to get her some more later....for free."

DJ, with his beautiful grey-blue eyes looked up at me and with a thick air of innocence and disgust asks, "How the heck do you make money like that?!?!?!?!??!"

Yep, I think I have a little entrepreneur on my hands!

Sam or Georgia

Mommy, do you like the names Sam and Georgia?

Yes, DJ. Those are nice names. Are they friends of yours?

No, I was just thinking when you have another baby we could use those names. I like Sam for a boy and Georgia for a girl.

OH. What makes you think Mommy is going to have another baby?

Well - I am all grow'd up and Anderson is all grow'd up and Madigan thinks she is all grow'd up and she is almost all grow'd up. I am 5 and Anderson is 4 and Madiginny is 2 and so now we need another baby.

Oh.

Plus, your tummy is still big enough for another baby to get in. So, I think you should have another baby.

Oh.

Mommy?

Yes.

I think you should have another baby cause you have a big enough tummy and cause you are the best mommy in the world. Those are good reasons, right, Mommy?

Sunglasses and Astronaut Suits

My parents arrived home - safe, sound, relaxed, and tanned (no, I am not jealous!).

The kids and I picked them up at the airport and we headed off for dinner at the Take What You Want restaurant.

All the three kids were so good and friggin' cute! Madigan ate like a line-backer and entertained the wait staff with wonderful renditions of Rollie-Pollie and 10 Little Lions. The boys visited the buffet at least 3 times each and they even participated in the conversation, with DJ initiating the conversation with a hearty, "So, Pepe, how was your vacation?"

We had a great time talking about their "trip to the sun".

As I was putting the boys to bed, I commented on their great behaviour at the restaurant and told them how proud I was of them both.

DJ grins and says, " Mommy, it is fun to hear about great adventures. I was listening carefully and being very polite."

"Yes, it is great fun and you sure asked Nana and Pepe some great questions about their trip."

"Mommy, I am glad Pepe and Nana wore their sunglasses when they went to the sun. The sun is very hot and sunglasses protect our eyes."

From the other side of the room, all nestled in his blankies Anderson pipes up and says, "Maybe Pepe will show us his astronaut's suit the next time we go visit?"

Sunglasses and astronaut suits.

DUH! Of course, you need sunglasses and an astronaut's suit when visiting the sun. THE sun.

Wii-ly Annoying!

So, we got Wii Fit for Christmas.

And we have a 23 month old who is just starting to really talk. And is imitating everything she hears.

Now, the 23 month old is Wii-ly annoying.

Case in point:

"Madigan, give Mommy a nice big hug!"

"OK. Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done!"

Additional evidence:

"Madigan, sit down and eat your dinner!"

"That's obese!"

Another Wii-ly annoying example:

"Madigan are you having a poop? Want to use the potty?"

"Ya! Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done! That's obese!"

It is Wii-ly starting to annoy me - she even uses the perfect pitch in tone to imitate that smug little machine!

It just slipped out...

I was serving lunch and DJ was helping to put out the milk glasses and I asked him to go tell the little ones that lunch was ready.

He looked up at me and screamed,"ANDERSON, MADIGAN, LUNCH IS READY. GET YOUR LITTLE BUTTS UP HERE!"

I looked at DJ, not really amused, and it just slipped out, "DJ, I could have done that!"

"I know Mommy, I learned it from you!"

Helmet Head Protector

Health Canada is requiring manufacturers to relabel over-the-counter cough and cold medicines with certain active ingredients to indicate that they should not be used in children under 6. The effectiveness of such medicines for children is in questions, along with reports of misuse, overdose and very rare serious side-effects have raised concerns about the use of these medicines in children under 6.

DJ (5), Anderson (4) and Madigan (almost 2) are all very sick. So, heeding the warning from the Canadian government agency, we are not treating their cold and flu symptoms with over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Instead, lots of cuddles, tissues, children's Tylenol, chicken soup, ice cream, TV, extended computer time and rest is our current course of treatment.

This afternoon, a very sick DJ came up to me and asked me if we could make this:

I told him, that would be a great afternoon craft. Grandma and Grandpa sent this cool book of Knight games and crafts...and it is common knowledge that DJ is TOTALLY into horses, knights and medieval time stuff. I commented that maybe we could play knights after and have lots of fun with his new knight's helmet.

"Mommy, I am not making a knights helmet, I making a helmet head protector for my wobbley head. It is to help keep my brains from dripping out and to make my head stop being wobbley and bangy - that's why I want to make it."

Poor little man...here he is curled up in bed, with his helmet head protector on...and still feeling under the weather.

Fancy Dancy

Everyone was getting ready for bed. Same old, same old. Ander was searching for the fleet of cars, gaggle of stuffed animals and cartons of books he wanted to sleep with, Madigan was jumping on the boys' beds, and DJ brushing his teeth - when suddenly DJ had a great idea...

"I have a GRrrrrrEAT idea Mommy and Daddy!"

"Ya, Bud, what's that?"

"Well, tomorrow, let's all go out for dinner - you know, to a fancy, dancy dinner! I could wear my fancy clothes and we could all look really sharp in our fancy clothes and eat a fancy meal. Isn't that a great idea?"

"WOW, a fancy, dancy dinner? That might be a nice idea. What is the special occasion?"

"I don't know...I just want to go to a restaurant and have a fancy, dancy dinner in my fancy clothes."

"Where were you thinking we could go?"

"The 'Take-What-You-Want' Restaurant would be perfect. I LOoooooVE the 'Take-What-You-Want' Restaurant."

Translation - Chinese Buffet, where, yes, you get to take what you want!!!!!

Princess Diva Jigga Jumps!

On Saturday Madigan and I got to spend some time together - just us girls.

Now lately we have been having lots of challenges with our little Princess Diva. She will refuse to wear clothes, will loudly voice her opinion and will throw the most awesome temper tantrums ever witnessed in this household. Oh the joy!

So, I did not know how out outing Saturday morning would go - heck, I did not even know if she would get dressed and agree to leave the house!

We went to the little mall in the area, I had heard that the "stars" Judy and David of a Treehouse kids' show were preforming.

We arrived early and the morning started pretty stress free. I think Mags could sense something exciting was about to begin.

The show was AWESOME - yes, it was hokey and "mall-y", but it was fun. Madigan and I, along with about 150 other kids and parents all had a good time.

Judy and David! It was a fun energetic half hour about how David could not be allergic to exercise! Madigan loved it!

Mags went CRAZY when they came out with Bagel the dog! I had to hold her from running onto stage! She was so friggin' cute - Madigan, not the puppet dog, though, she was cute, for a puppet!

Madigan leaning and scooting closer and closer to the stage!

Madigan and Mommy had a great time!

All smiles and giggles!

Madigan even got to go up to touch and talk to BoomBox!

When we were leaving Madigan wanted to play on the little truck outside of Wallmart. so, we were just hanging out and Mags pointed to the escalator and squealed, " Ju-Ju Jump Mama! Ju-Ju Jump Mama!" And there coming down the escalator was Judy and David with their son, who was just a bit older than Madigan. Their son bee-lined it for the truck and Madigan let him get in with her and they played for about 5 minutes together. Madigan got out of the truck and walked up to Judy and gave her a hug and said, "Tanks Ju-Ju! Bye-Bye"

My heart melted. I just love my Princess Diva...especially when she is not being so much of a Princess Diva!

Gift Wrapped in Love

On Monday I worked an extended shift from 4am to 430pm. When I called home throughout the day there was never an answer.

I kind of figured that hubby had braved the stores with three young children. (Fool!)

Due to terrible traffic, I did not get home until hubby was feeding the kiddies.

As soon as I walked into the kitchen, Anderson squealed with excitement and shouted," Mommy, Mommy, go into the garage and look to see if you like your new 'puter we bought you for Christmas!!!"

DJ then yelled out, "Anderson, SHUSH! We hid Mommy's new computer in the garage 'cause it is a surprise, SHUSH! Don't tell her about it!"

Wide-eyed at all the sudden excitement, Madigan then calls out, "'puter, Mama, 'puter, Mama!"

Yep, guess I am getting a new computer...while it will not be a surprised, it certainly is wrapped in love!!!

(Thanks Hubby, you are the best. Love you so very much!)

Naked Ladies and Cake

The Barenaked Ladies - an AWESOME CANADIAN band - was suppose to play in Ottawa this weekend. Hubby and I are HUGE BNL fans, and have been for years.

While in the car yesterday, the radio guy announced that The Barenaked Ladies concert has been cancelled due to a band member's mother falling gravely ill. I commented out loud, "Oh, that is too bad, how sad. I hope she is ok."

From the back of the van, DJ asks, " Why is she sick Mommy? Do you know her? Is she my friend?"

I replied, "No, Honey, Mommy does not know her, but I like The barenaked Ladies and I am sad that some one is sick."

"Oh."

A few minutes pass.

"Mommy, I really, really like bare naked ladies too. I would really, really like to see lots of bare naked ladies. And you know what Mommy? If I saw some bare naked ladies, I would give them cake. Cake always makes you feel better, and we have lots left over from all our birthdays."

Can't argue with that reasoning!

Cake for Anderson's celebration on Dec 6

Cake for Friend Party on December 7
Cake for DJ's celebration on December 10

Cake for celebration for Ander, DJ and my Dad

(DJ and my dad share the same birthday!)

PS. I do not think I am going to do any Christmas baking...I am all baked out!

Hockey and Horses

The boys were so excited.

Nana and Pepe invited them to go see the Lippizaners Horse Spectacular. DJ is horse crazy and Anderson is always up for an adventure.

Their excitement grew as they drove into the parking lot.

Anderson started to cheer, "Go Sens Go!"

Why?

Well, the show was being put on at Scotia Bank Place - the home of the Ottawa National Hockey League team - the Ottawa Senators.

Go Sens Go!

Go Sens Go!

Go Sens Go!

The boys were beyond excited!

The horses and riders started to come out to preform the show!

The boys were in awe of the precision, music and dancing horses.

Filled with excitement and wonder, Anderson yells out,

"There are the Senators riding their horses! Go Sens Go!"

Based on their record so far this season and the fact they are in LAST place in their division, maybe they should take up horse back riding?!?!?!?!?!?

Come on Sens - pull yourselves together and start playing some hockey - and stop prancing around on the ice!!!!

Adverted!

Whew, WW III has been adverted.


Yes, the world was put on high alert yesterday when chaos led to pandemonium. Battle lines were drawn and NATO moved from level one alert to Code Red.


The level of hostility and violence escalated to levels never seen before.


The main issue:





The leader of the 3-almost-4-year-old brigade referred to the above snack product as " a rice-crispy square".


The leader of the mom brigade chuckled and replied, "It is actually called a rice cake."


The leader of the 4-almost-5-year-old brigade sarcastically replied that "it is not a square, but a circle, it is not made of rice, but of popcorn, and it is not a cake 'cause there is no icing." This resulted in the naming of favorite snack product as, " a popcorn circle."


The leader of the 1-almost-2-year-old brigade believed strongly that the entire package of snack treat was hers for the taking.


Lines were drawn. Tempers flared. Voices screeched and all hell broke loose...till the leader of the Mom Brigade informed all parties that no one would be claiming victory over this battle.


Peace was returned when Mommy let Anderson have a "Rice Crispy Square", and DJ got to have a "Popcorn Circle" and Madigan, "got HER snack.


Whew.... WWIII adverted!


File this under you say tomato and I say tamato, let's call the whole thing off!

Getitng Rid of Germs

On Sunday evening Anderson was not feeling well and vomited. YUK!

He innocently looked at his mess and declared, "I had so many germies that they came out of my mouth!"

Later that evening he vomited again and declared, " My germies just won't stay inside me and now they are all over me!"

Poor little man. He is feeling better now - thankfully.