Tyler and Blake

The big reunion is on the way. As I was saying in "my heart...", Blake found his child's mother after many years. There has been a lot of e-mailing back and forth...initially between she and Blake, but Michelle and I write as well now. We are getting to know one another as mothers, and looking forward to seeing this special event. There is just so much to it... so much happening. They are moving here to HRM. Blake and Tyler are going to have a relationship! Yay for both of them! They chat on the telephone every evening, discussing daily events and 9 year old passions. He will be here in approximately 1 more month. To Blake, it certainly feels like an eternity, but Michelle will arrive first to settle in and I think it will be nice for the 2 of them to talk about things, become acquainted as parents with a common goal. They will do just fine, I am sure.

My boys are going on vacation to Ontario with their father and family, so while they are away, and before Tyler arrives, Blake and I are going to paint the boys' bedrooms. Seems like a nice time to prepare and surprise them with something new and fun. I have just another week with them before they leave. Ahhh summer activity! So busy and so much fun!

My Tiara Is Off To You, My Friends

I want to say a very special thank you to all my wonderful lady friends just for being you! You have all helped me, stood by me and loved me.

Tammie...you have always been just as sensitive as I am. We pay attention to how often we talk... we have such wonderful conversations and share so much. You have helped me feel so much better about Monica's role in the boys lives. While I have always accepted it, you eased it with your stepmother experience. You love my boys, and they love you very much.

Rebecca...you are so much fun, and so independent. I have learned much from you, girl! We share so much as women and enjoy many pastimes together. You are extremely loyal and accepting.

Brenda...I love that we spent time through our year at college, but I love more that we still keep in touch. We have shared many emotions together. From the beginning of our friendship we connected and had a great comfort level. We have spent periods without talking (just cause life sometimes gets in the way) but it always feels so good to hear your voice...so cheery and kind.

Adair...our friendship has spanned many years. We have always updated by phone if we couldn't get together. We can still laugh at the silly things we have done over the years. You are so thoughtful and kindhearted. You also give the most practical advice!

Tracy...to think we have known one another since your birth, yet we didn't really know one another until adulthood! I am thankful everyday to have you in my life. You are not only my family, but a truly special friend. I am lost for words to describe...

Midge...the newest addition to my special friends list. We share a deep motherhood bond which allows us to share feelings about our children very freely. So strong, determined and persevering. You inspire me.

Eve...although you are very far away, I feel very close to you through your blog. It has always made me feel so good to read about your life and family. You are so generous, loving and supportive. I miss you, my sister. The Popsicle kids rule!!!

I have many other friends who deserve a tiara tip and I love you all.

Why do I Relay?

I Relay for my Mother, Audrey Snooks...and for all my friends and family who have been touched by cancer.

I participated in the Relay For Life this past Friday. It is a 12 hour relay with teams of 10. Someone from each team is to be walking at all times for the duration. It was a very emotionally moving experience. For those of you who are not sure what the hell I am talking about, it is a relay to raise money for cancer research. A cause near and dear to my heart. I am so thrilled to have been a part of such a wonderful event, and will definately do it again next June.

Honesty

I added the "honesty box" feature to my facebook. This means that people can type in an anonymous opinion about me that only I can view when I log in. Blue writing indicates that it is a man, and red for a woman. As I clicked to add it, I knew it could be a good thing or a bad thing. Time will tell.

The first comment I received was 100% true, but still unpleasant to see in all it's bold red glory. It said: "you are stressed out and high-strung". I have to agree, I am both of those things. I mentioned it to Tracy, and she added one to make me feel better. It said: "you are a hot mamma". Thanks Tray...you too! The third had no color, but I know who wrote it as well. It said that I take things to heart (not always a bad thing) and that I am one of the best friends a person could have. Thank you Diana, cause I know it was you. It can be bittersweet to have a means of getting real opinions from people you know. Because it is anonymous, they can say whatever they want. I will wait and see what else comes out.

The Brothers Proud

Here they are in all their big brother glory!

Company with Benifits

My cousin Vanessa and her husband Pierre came to visit on Friday night. She and I are the same age and grew up knowing one another. Pierre grew up in the house 2 doors down from my grandparents, so same with him. Pierre just happens to be a fisherman.

I spoke with Vanessa a few days before to discuss what we would have for supper. She said, does Blake like seafood? Hell yeah! She brought fresh fish, scallops and lobster to make a seafood chowder. I really didn't aquire a taste for shellfish until I was an adult, but it was around from time to time as my mother grew up in a small fishing villiage.

What a wonderful meal we had. What a wonderful visit as well. They left their children with Vanessa's parents, and my boys were with their father, so we just talked and ate and enjoyed. There was more to come on Saturday morning with lobster, eggs and scallops! What could be better? First time having something like that for breakfast.

Thank you, Vanessa for the delicious meals. It was great to have you over. We will do it again sometime!

Pure Sweetness

Just wanted to share with you a moment in my day that I really love.

Part of my bedtime routine includes taking off my beautiful necklace and hanging it on the lampshade so that I don't twist it when I sleep. Every night, as I do this...move my hair aside and raise my arms...Blake watches and smiles at me. Sometimes I only catch it in the peripheral, but I know he's doing it.

Is 6 Horsepower really neccessary?

Up until last summer when I started renting my little townhouse, I had never mowed a lawn before. Many years ago, my ex and I purchased a lawnmower at the Sears appliance store. It had been returned by an older gentleman who (bless his soul) just couldn't keep up with a 6 Horsepower self-propelled lawnmower. It's only every younger man's dream mower, and we got it at a bargain price! Shortly thereafter, I tried to use it--once! Man, it scared the hell out of me, honestly! I was practically chasing the thing.

For all the summers he was away and I was on my own with Seth, and then the 2 boys, I never once had to use that mower. A friend's husband, and neighbour, my friend Jodie's son...someone always got it for me. Princess? Yep, that's me.

A friend pointed out to me when I moved here that I would need to mow my lawn. Much to my horror, I found myself purchasing an electric lawnmower at Wal-mart. It's a start, all right? Mission successful, I mowed the grass all by myself last summer . Did both the front and backyards today, as a matter of fact. psst! Blake does it most of the time now though--hehe--lucky me!

Don't Push Me...

Have you ever heard of "Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five"? They are a huge 70's rap group. Anyhow, their song "The Edge" is still very well known. A few months back I heard (for the first time) a great sampler of it in a Shaun Desmond song called "Get Ready". I think most would know it from Happy Feet. If you have young children, you have probably seen it a time or 50. Sidney was home sick on Tuesday and we watched it again. My favorite part was when Mumble, Gloria and the other penguin children are having their first singing lessons with Miss Voila. It goes like this...

Miss Voila: "Does anybody have a heart song to share?"

Seymour: "Oohh pick me, pick me!"

Seymour: "Don't push me cause I am close to the edge...I am trying not to loose my head." accompanied with a little rap beat, of course...

Miss Voila: "Yes, I like that one, I could really get jiggy with that!"

Makes me laugh out loud every time I see that!

The Stroller

So, anyone that has been through a marriage/relationship break-up has an understanding of how petty things can get sometimes. When Sidney was born, my parents bought me a new stroller for him. I had said no when they first asked if I wanted one, since I already had the first one they gave when Seth was a baby, but then I saw one that I really loved and they bought it. It has 3 huge wheels, allowing for large strides and brisk pace. When I moved all of my things I just couldn't fit everything in right away, so I left some things (including the stroller) with John temporarily. Anyhow, I asked to have the stroller back on several occasions and he would say, "oh yeah, I forgot" or whatever. He had no intentions of giving it back. I don't say this to be mean, it's just what happened at the time. We fought back and forth, and I finally got it back about 1 year later.

I got my "tubes tied" when I had Sidney, so I am not having more babies myself. It is with mixed feelings--some frustration as well as some happiness--that I am giving the stroller back to John to use for Jones. I could sell it to someone else out of spite, but that is not who I am. After the baby was born I said to Blake that I was giving the stroller back, and he said "so he gets it in the end anyhow!" to which I replied with a nasty grumble that I will not repeat as it included bad language. I can't say there isn't a little bitter part of me that just doesn't want to give it up, but as usual, my kind thoughts override and I will give it to them. I can also say in truth that I can do it with a happy heart. Babies are expensive!