My, how fast they grow!

I figured since I'm back that I should let you all see how big my sweet boys are getting. Time passes so quickly. I don't want to miss a moment of it. I want to take them to get some family pictures done over the next couple of months. It sure would be nice to have something lovely to hang on the wall. I've only got 1 picture of the 3 of us together. That's just not enough for me. I need to fix that, yep.

~~my little boy looking coy~~

~~yay! we found monkey!~~

~~me and my monkey~~

~~showing me his new wristband--rockerboy~~

~~showing me the fake smile~~


~~best buds~~

The redemption of the tooth fairy

Yes, I am really lame at keeping up here. In truth, there has been a lot of good going on in my life but I've not been sharing here. Not fair. Sorry about that. I'd really like to ease back into princess mode. It's funny learning how to be single. I've never done it for any length of time in my life before this, so it's a big change. I like it. I love being my own boss...not that I was bowing down before, but certainly always eager to please. I'm learning to trust in my decisions and not second guess myself. I've always been responsible and capable of making good choices for myself and my family, but I have always consulted...always.

You know? Those 2 months without the boys changed me. I'd literally never in my life spent that many consecutive days alone. So strange. I thought a lot, I learned to be alone and be comfortable with it. I stressed less about my housework, learned to relax a little bit...I still believe the boys would have done fine with the transition along with me, but it is what it is and it's all done now. As I've said, Sidney has been difficult to deal with at times, but overall he's still his sunny self. Seth is growing so tall and beginning to take interest in older things. We enjoy time together watching "The Big Bang Theory"...our favorite. We discuss music and watch videos together sometimes. It's nice to become his friend, someone he trusts to share his thoughts as well. I'm a happy woman.

There is a little residual drama from the fall. I'm being sued by the landlord from the townhouse. I did break my lease, as you know, but it's for a large sum of cash and for many things I disagree strongly with. My hearing at the Tenancy Board is coming up in a couple of weeks. I've got a couple of people coming as witnesses and I've written a response letter which I faxed a few days ago. All I can do is wait now. I've gotten a little discouraged from time to time considering how big the effects of this...the breakup, the move, the pain...really are. How much it's effected everything. We'll see how it all goes. I've come out of a dark place in my life with a much stronger mindset. I won't be fooled again my friends. I'm doing this my way now. It's all about the princess.

Tracy and Baden are coming for the weekend. I'm so excited! Making a big turkey tomorrow and all the trimmings. I've got the boys right through until Monday morning...sweet!

A little over a year ago, I wrote this post when Seth lost a tooth. I'm not so good at remembering to do the tooth/money exchange. I will think of it when they go to bed, then forget by the time I go to bed. Sidney last his first tooth a couple of weeks ago and I forgot AGAIN! I snuck in after he'd gotten up in the morning and he just figured she came late. :) So, yesterday, they EACH lost a tooth! I fear Seth will eventually need braces. He has teeth growing up over the others...you know how that sometimes happens. Anyhow, since both boys had lost teeth, it was essential that I remember to play tooth fairy. I'm pleased to say that I managed to do it with finesse. Both boys are happy this morning.

~very enthusiastic about losing his first tooth~

~his shirt says: "My Mom Is #1"~

I will take some pictures of the boys over the weekend so you can see how big they have gotten. I'd really like to get Tracy to take pics of the 3 of us also. I don't have enough of those.

Happy Easter Everyone!

kisses

the princess

RRRRR! why do the words get all scrunched like that? I've edited it 3 times, and still all stuck together.

This and that...random stuff

My child still appears to be possessed by the devil. The first couple of days weren't too bad, in fact, I had just commented to their father on the phone what a good boy he'd been when all hell broke loose! I was telling Sid it was bedtime (a little early because he was flippin his lid)and I had to pick him up (while he clung to the stair rail and screamed like a banshee) to take him upstairs. He simply said "No! I'm not going to bed!!!". In the process, he proclaimed in an extremely loud voice how mean I was to him, and how I was not a nice mama...and he tried to bite me twice. Not cool. Ah well, the joys of parenting. I truly believe it will just take time for him to re-adjust to our new circumstance. I believe he is testing me since there is no longer someone here to back me up when problems arise. I think he is finding that it's not really working out all that well. He no longer has any toys in his room. They are all in the storage closet where they will remain until the demon is gone.

Seth traded the electric guitar his father bought him for a bass guitar. He is thrilled beyond measure! He ended up going to his dad's Saturday night just so he could see it. The very idea that it was there and he wouldn't see it until Monday was just too much to bare (or bear?) for him I guess. He was going on Sunday anyhow for a birthday party, so it was fine. It was pleasant to spend an day with just Sidney also. I think it helps a little.

Yesterday, Sid and I went to visit Midge and help prepare for miss Kaira's 5th birthday party. We all went swimming later in the afternoon, followed by pizza and cake. After that was over we drove out to pick up Seth. On the way back home Sidney said something funny...

"Hey mama, did you find a nice guy to marry yet?"

what? Do I seem that desperate? Naw, just kidding! I know they are just looking out for my happiness. Funny hey? I just said that no, I hadn't but that's ok. I'm very happy the way things are.

Later on after Sidney was tucked into bed, Seth suggested that I try E-Harmony to find my match. Bwaa Haa Haa! Again, just looking out for my happiness.

I told him that I really didn't want a boyfriend/relationship in my life right now and that I wanted it to be just us 3 for a while. He seems satisfied. I also reassured him that I do have friends and I do have things to pass my time. It's ok, really.

Seth tells me every day he's here how much he loves our new place. We are all feeling very comfortable and happy in our new surroundings, that being said, these are my little peeves:

every evening between appox. 6:30-8:00, we have no hot water. I think they must have too small of a hot water tank to accommodate all the units. It's a minor inconvenience since the boys are only here every second week. I just have to alternate bath nights and get them done early in the evening.

my assigned parking spot is across the street, not in my lot. strange, but true. the nice thing is that I can look out my front window and have a clear view of my car, but the downside is that we have to walk a little further in the slush, snow and ice to get to it.

coin laundry. i cannot express to you all how much i miss my washer and dryer. i have discovered that friday and saturday nights are excellent for getting it all done. there are 3 washers and 3 dryers. i did 5 loads on friday night. not too bad, but still a pain.

That all being said, it's still quite wonderful to be here and to have my life back on track. I am feeling so positive it's not even funny. I'm glad to be back.

kisses,

the princess

ps: I noticed on my last post that the comment line keeps disappearing. strange.

Let me do it!

Seth has really begun to develop his own unique tastes in music, art and entertainment. He has taken a real liking to Mad TV, have you seen it? Some of the skits are too mature in content for him but he'll turn it off if asked to do so. He favorite character is Stuart. He is often scanning youtube to watch the different scenes. I've decided to share this one with you, cause if you are unfamiliar with Stuart, he's got the devil in him just like my little bubba!



School was cancelled today due to inclement weather. Oh the joys of Nova Scotia! It looks absolutely fine out there, but having just gotten back to regular time with the boys I have to say it's nice to take a day off with them.

Before bed last night, Sidney threw the biggest fit. He tends to repeat himself and raise his voice when he doesn't get what he wants. I had to drag him upstairs to bed, push him to brush his teeth, and listen to him screech because "he wanted to play playstation2--not go to bed!" This morning was no different. He just doesn't listen all that well sometimes even though the rules don't change. He tries my patience very much and is damn lucky he's so cute.

I know I haven't been around all that much. I have been writing, but just elsewhere. I am doing very well and just finding my groove in my new single status. I still don't go out much but last week was an exception. I had plans every night but one the whole time the boys were at their dad's. Man, I have to say I was a little overwhelmed, but I had a lot of fun as well. I actually had a dinner date with a man I met in the fall. I'm not used to this dating stuff and I'm not looking for a relationship at all, but it was nice to have good conversation and enjoy a meal out. Free food is always good. We'll see if he calls again.

After all this time blogging, I finally figured out how to insert a video into a post! Progress is marvelous.

Back to life, back to reality

The last couple of weeks have gone by very quickly. I am done moving for a long time to come. I plan on staying right here until I buy a house, which I don't expect to do anytime real soon.

The boys came home yesterday. They are here for the next 9 days, then back to dad's for 7, then completely back to normal. How great is that? After putting all my stuff away, the more I look around, the more I love my new place. It was freshly painted and carpeted just before we got here so it's very perfect.

I can't tell you how great I feel having gotten things all back together again. All I could think of yesterday was...

I'm getting my balance back.
I'm getting my life back.
I'm getting my boys back.
I'm home.

So far 2009 is looking pretty good. I can't believe all the things going on with the boys these days! They are growing so tall and learning so many new things. It's not like I haven't seen or talked to them, it's just things I haven't told you yet that are certainly a great deal more noticeable when they are here. For instance, Seth told me some time ago that he and his buddies were taking girls to the Valentines dance at school. By the time his cousin came to visit close to Christmas, he was telling him how he had the phone number of the prettiest girl in the school and he had the piece of paper to prove it! I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry. How did he go from being my little boy to this oh so tall "tween" as he calls it? Wow.

Sidney is his usual ball of energy. He's been somewhat difficult through this fall. He's been missing me and acting out some. He's normally very dramatic, but it seems to be getting even harder to get through to him in those moments when he's frustrated or whatever. He's a sunny, good natured little guy, just starts wailing at the first sign of "NO!". He's really glad to be back with me and I am hoping things will tone down for him shortly. School is going well for him, and he has made a couple of great friends. No worries in the comprehension department with the french immersion either. All is well.

I am happy now. Moving on to a more positive phase of life. Ahhh...

My kids are the bomb! Little geniuses I tell ya!

I had my boys for the weekend and boy, did we have fun! As you know, their father had some issues with my temporary living accommodations and decided to keep them the majority of the time until I move into my new place at the beginning of January. Being the older son, Seth has a pretty good understanding of the situation but Sidney has a different view. We were walking back from the local Tim Horton's yesterday when he pipes up:

sid~"Mama, why do we have to wait such a long, long, long time to see you and we see Daddy more?"

me~"Well, Daddy just thought it might be better until I get all our stuff into the new place. It's not much longer now Bubba then everything will go back to normal."

sid~"Well, I want it back to normal now."

me~"Me too Sidney."

Then at bedtime he says:

sid~"Mama, are you picking us up tomorrow?"

me~"No, Daddy is picking you up."

sid~"Awwww...I want to come back here with you. Mama, I don't think you should have made that deal."

Out of the mouths of babes, wha?

We had a snow storm on Friday night. Since I had heard all the weather warnings, I collected the boys and we went to rent movies, I bought a shovel and a scraper, and whatever snacks we needed to spend the weekend at home. A friend of mine was even kind enough to let us borrow a playstation2 so we could play guitar hero!

Seth and I spent some quality time cuddling up watching tv once Sidney had gone to bed. He seems to be doing well and patiently waiting to get all his packed stuff back in his possession. He is a quiet thinker that boy, so he probably only says a portion of what's really on his mind. I am glad to see that he is doing well though. Grades are staying completely level...not to brag, but they are both near or at the top of their classes! It was such a great weekend and I am very grateful that we had such a nice time...snow storm and all. It's only another 5 weeks. What's that in a lifetime really?

My back is sore today from all the shoveling! Come on, rain! Wash this all away before the snow comes again.

Sidney's First Day

First Day

Every one has a "First Day"

when they feel sad and all alone.

It can be so scary

when you're out on your own.

Take my hankie, dry your tears.

You'll find lots of things to do

and you'll probably make new friends.

I promise we'll be together

when the school day ends.

Here comes the teacher,

blow your nose and be brave.

Come on now wipe your eyes,

this is no way to behave.

"Well good morning teacher.

We really must beg your pardon.

No, Mommy doesn't always act this way

but it's my first day of school."

````````````````````````````````````````````

I met Seth and Sidney at the school on Wednesday morning. My goodness I can't believe they're getting so big and growing up so fast. My baby is in school now and he's going to be just fine. I have been a little pre-occupied this week and completely forgot to bring my camera. I was there though and I saw it. Seth waved us off like an old pro...grade 5 is so close to king of the school. We went into Sid's classroom to give some information and watched him find a seat and all. He got up to put his backpack on his hook and when he turned, someone had taken his seat. He didn't miss a beat and simply found another one. I warmed my heart to watch him...my baby no more. I cried in the car.

A Whole Hand

My Sidney is 5 years old today. You guessed it! That means that the NS School Board better watch out, cause here comes a tornado! He He...I suppose he isn't all that bad, but he IS quite a handful. He has more energy than 10 children and he is sharp as a whip.

As upsetting as it is for me (as a mama) to accept, there will be no more nap time cuddles and super silly pre-school games. He is growing up so fast. I can't believe he's starting school in a little over 2 weeks. I mentioned at work the time that he was born. Someone said "wow, you even remember the exact time?" You bet your ass I do!

Sidney's birth was a planned c-section. The first attempt (with Seth, of course) ended up being a 2 day affair, followed inevitably with a c-section. That's right folks, 2 days solid labour pains. I didn't even want to consider doing it again, so because of my bone structure and inability to pass a child through the birth canal, we planned out a date for me to have my second baby. I didn't know whether it was a boy or a girl but definitely settled on the name.

I was prepped for surgery only the freezing didn't take on the first try. They gave me another shot in the spine and I could still feel hands applying iodine on my lower belly. I remember feeling really panicked and calling out "I CAN FEEL THAT!" They assured me that everything was all right and to tell the doctor where you can feel. Ummm...everywhere HELLO! So third time's a charm right? They decided to give me an epidural instead so that they could dose me with more medicine if necessary. It finally worked. Once that was done it was only about 15 minutes before my little Bubba arrived to see the world for the first time. He was born at 9:14am on ( I am pretty sure) a Tuesday.

You can't possibly imagine how long it took for me to get feeling back in my lower body after all that freezing. Good thing I was there to stay for a few days. It was a much more pleasant experience to for-go the labour. Yep! Much nicer for the princess.

Housework and Magic Tricks

Sidney loves to help me wash the floors. I don't use a mop, but a rag and bucket. I gave him a 2 litre ice cream container with a little dish soap and water and a designated area to clean. He was using a j-cloth and yelled to me...

"Mama! Watch my magic trick! I can make the cloth disappear."

He then proceeded to lay the cloth over the bucket, then look my way to make sure he had my attention. "You ready Mama?"

"Hoka-poka!" Then he stomps his foot into the bucket and the cloth disappears. Funny stuff. Just a magical moment in the day of the princess.

My song choice for today (yeah, I haven't forgetten) is Bleeding Love...just cause I really like it.

A Day of Lasts

I received a call from my children yesterday afternoon at work that was so cute and funny. They were on speakerphone and they were both talking excitedly about their lasts.

Seth was telling me that he graded AND got the best report card he's ever had...1 B and the rest A's. Yay for my wonderful, smart boy!

Sidney had is very last day at daycare where he's been going since he was 6 months old! My baby is starting school in September, and will to be going to the same childcare facility as Seth now. The summer program is loads of fun and it will teach him to be responsible for his backpack and lunch in preparation for big school. He was also yelling into the speakerphone telling me how he graded and that I should be very proud of him as well. I told him I certainly was proud of him! Yay for my sweet baby boy!

Both boys will be in French Immersion and I am quite certain Seth will be able to help Sidney with any trouble he may have. I also think that no matter how much Seth teases is little brother, he will watch over him at big school and make sure no one is mean to him or anything. Big brothers rock!

Silly Car Conversations with Children, and My Sojourn to the DMV

I had to go switch the plate registration for the new car on Thursday night. I had been waiting until the last possible moment because the DMV office has recently gotten a new computer system. Actually, I went a week ago last Friday but I walked in to find small pockets of standing room only. I looked for another 20 seconds or so, then went to get a case of beer and come home. Thurday was it. No more chances. It was nearly as crowded almost a week later. A lady glanced my way to catch my desperate, trapped look as I came in. she smiled at me and said "If you need a "B", here's one". Ahhh..."B" is plate renewal and transfer! I said "I do need a B, that's great! Thanks a lot". "Merry Christmas" she replied. They were at B250. Mine was B283...time to run my spring jackets to the drycleaner and still keep my ticket. Excellent! It took almost 2 hours and there were children running and people milling the whole time. The DMV is open Thursday and Friday nights, and only until 7:00. They lock the doors but continue to serve the customers in the building. Well, it's done now. Whew!

Friday afternoons are busy. The boyfriends gets off work 1/2 hour earlier than me, drives accross town to pick up both my boys, then me, then opposite to home to get Tyler. We do this every 2 weeks, so we usually just order pizza on the way home so we can eat supper at a decent time. Once they picked me up yesterday, there was a buzz of silly conversations with some really great stuff mixed in.

Seth: "I weigh 103 pounds!"

Sidney: "I weigh...Sethy, how much do I weigh?"

"43 pounds, Sid. Guess what? If there were 2 Sidneys I would still weigh more than you." says Seth.

"2 Sidneys? Sweet! What if the other Sidney stood on my shoulders? Then we would be bigger than you."

Interjection from mama: "Bubba, you would certainly be taller, but Seth would still weigh more."

"Oh, but what if there were 99 Sidneys?"

The boyfriend, me and Seth in sync: "oh no, one's perfect" *or some form of this sentence* Also, each time Sidney was not part of the conversations, he was singing "Ty, Ty, Tyler...going to get Tyler!" Over and over again.


Seth pipes up as we were approaching Ty's place and says:

"Mom, this might sound funny but I am kinda glad you and dad aren't together anymore because if you were there would be no Jones (their baby brother) and Monica (stepmom) and no Tyler. Well, there would be a Tyler but we wouldn't know him. Oh, and we wouldn't know (the boyfriend) B either."

How impressive is that? Does it seem odd for me to be so proud of this? I just think it's an incredibly positive attitude for him. Sidney doesn't remember us ever being together, but it was hard for Seth for a while. I am so proud he has turned the situation into such a happy one. I really believe this will help him later in life.

I had more to say, but I started this on Saturday and couldn't post until Sunday. I worked Saturday, which only happens a few times a year. I worked until 2:45, got a ride right to the gym to get Sid out of the pool for gymnastics class. After class, we all met to go home and eat. Seth then has to be back to the gym at 5:30 for boxing. Saturdays are busy too it seems, even without throwing a few hours of work in the mix. It's quieting down now and the boys will all be going by tomorrow. I enjoy my "every second Monday" as you know. More to post later.

Sookey Queen

Sidney had been playing Guitar Hero and handed it over to the boyfriend before heading downstairs to get ready for bed...

He was playing Mississippi Queen (background noise when I am otherwise occupied, so I wasn't really paying attention) and Sidney says "who's playing that Sookey Sookey Queen". I'm like, "Pardon?". He goes "on the guitar hero mama, who is it playing the sookey queen song?"...the lightbulb..."Ohhhh, he's playing Mississippi Queen, Bubba". CUTE

Dreaming of The Summer Sun

Oh how I miss summer. It is far and away my favorite season. It is cold and snowy and we are supposed to get a big storm tomorrow. One of my coworkers is going on a trip to Cuba as we speak...BASTARD! That's it! I need to go tanning with the sessions the boyfriend gave me as a Christmas gift. I bet that will make me feel a little better. I think I may even book one for this evening.

look at the baby blues on my little bubba

The Bean Sprout Cafe

I took Sidney to his cousin Emily's birthday party this past Sunday. It was held at this sweet little cafe. I read the e-mail and carefully followed the map directions, although I have been that way many times, so it wasn't difficult. Sidney asked where the party was and when I told him the name of the spot he was quiet for a moment, then says:

"Mama, that sounds like a girl's place to me."

"Yes Sidney, I can see how you would think that. It does sort of sound girlie, but Emily's a girl."

"But boys are still allowed to go there. It's ok."

"Oh yes! Boys can go there too Bubba. We'll have fun for sure."

I was really impressed with the cafe. What a wonderful little family place. They have a whole play area with a small fence for children to play, which gives a chance for the mamas and daddies to have coffee in relative peace. They had decent rates both for everyday things and parties and they really did a great job. I believe I will find a reason to go there again sometime.

Here are just a couple of pictures that Kelly posted on the facebook...

all smiles

a tilted head for added cuteness

Zombies and Venoms and Fish, Oh My!

This was not my halloween with the boys. They went to their father's and had Trick-or Treating with Monica and Jones, as John was away. We did talk when they got home, and Monica sent me these wonderful pictures.

everyone's looking forward

the kick-ass Spidey pose

There are a few more, but these are my favorites. They are going to stay with their dad an extra week as he will be away for a while after that. Then, I will get them for 2 weeks...whooo hooo!

How's That Zest Tasting?

According to Sidney, very spicy. That is the word he uses to describe a flavor he is unfamiliar with. Yesterday we had a bit of a ruff day with him. He ended up in the corner 3 times, and when he wouldn't stop screaming at the top of his lungs, he got a BIG taste of Zest Soap in his mouth. Sometimes being loud and sassy just doesn't pay.

I had to laugh a little after it was all said and done because he kept saying "the taste is still in my mouth!". I said, "well, I am not sure how long it will take to go away, just eat those oranges and it might help a bit."

Sometimes I feel like the meanest mama on earth, but I just can't let them run me over, you know? I somehow think that the threat of soap in his mouth may just prevent a similar outburst in the future.

Big Boy's Birthday

blowing out the candle

weeeee!

getting ready for the guests

He's a Senior Now

My baby is turning 4 tomorrow. MY BABY IS TURNING 4 TOMORROW! How did the time go so very quickly? It seems to me that since having children, the months--even years seem to just fly.

Sidney has been elevated to the "senior room" in daycare. There, he will learn many skills that will aid him a year from now when he starts school. They have a great program called "School Readiness". Having had Seth in the same daycare, I am aware of how much work these ladies put into the program to prepare our children. Sidney is feeling so proud and so big just now. He is in a booster seat instead of his old car seat, he is making some new friends in the class. I remind him, though, that his "junior" friends will move up before long--so don't forget about them.

We are having a kiddie pool/slip 'n slide party in the backyard tomorrow. Sidney put in a special request that I invite Daddy, Monica and Jo-Jo (baby Jones) to the party. Consequently, I have been just a little on edge this week--as Big Brother 8 contestant Joe would say..."AWKWARD!!!". I realize it's a bit silly, but I have never actually had them in my home before. It's all good because it's my turf and it makes it infinitely easier when I have my own support system. No longer me and them, but us and them...more balance, see?

I am so excited for the children to arrive. I am picking up Midge and her daughter when I go to get the cake in the morning so she can help me decorate and stuff. I will post some pictures on Sunday.

Mid July Already

Wow! This month is going so quickly. The boys ended up staying a few extra days with Blake and I before going on vacation, so we had an awesome double sleepover and they were here for my birthday as well. Now they are gone for a little over 2 weeks, and we have already begun washing walls and rearranging things. I enjoy that sense of accomplishment around the house. Here are some pictures of the boys having fun in the pool...

The Brothers Proud

Here they are in all their big brother glory!