A Talent For The Arts

I may have neglected to mention that my son Seth is an excellent artist. He specifically loves to draw. I have been trying to convince him to take a class, but he doesn't want someone else to tell him how to do it. I keep trying to make him understand the benifits, ahh...perhaps someday he will understand.

He drew this one for Blake to take to the Ozzy concert next month.

Ghetto Fabulous

My Relay for Life team has decided to go with Ghetto Fabulous for our group theme this year. Last year we were "team camo", you know...battling cancer and all. Anyhow, camo is easy to find, and others started using it as well. This year will be different. We haven't gotten firm ideas about what to wear because realistically, we will be walking/running for 12 hours, so we have to be comfortable as well as fabulous. The shirts will definitely say: "Ghetto Fabulous" on the front, and "Holla!" on the back. It doesn't take place until June, but awfully fun to think about.

I have always been on a limited budget, but worked as hard as I could to be stylish, you know? It makes a difference outwardly as well as inwardly. Who doesn't feel better when they have confidence in how they look? Things that I miss:

bikini waxing every 5 weeks

buying salon hair products when I run out. not having to substitute for the time being

getting more than 1-2 hair cuts a year because it is too expensive to even consider

buying my coveted clinique makeup whenever I run out and just need more.

I do not complain, because there are more important things in life than having little creature comforts. I am so grateful to be where I am. I just look to the future in hopes of more career opportunities to provide more for myself and my boys.

I may have originally had more to say in the post, but it escapes me at the moment. I am having fun and feeling like the pretty lady I am (omg am I ever conceited!) . My sister once said that I am like a butterfly...who became more beautiful with age.

A Nice Family Christmas

Don't they all look happy here? The older boys received A LOT of clothes, so the gift opening was a little more boring than some years. They are reaching that age where they are on the cusp...between toys and other, more expensive gifts. Sidney is still thrilled with just about anything! He cheers for cars, books, and socks. It was a really nice day for all of us.

everyone is smiling and looking in the same direction...

how the heck do you get the plastic off this thing?

The Heros at Home

the most coveted gift of all

Just warming up

Seth and Tyler rockin' out

Sidney in deep concentration

I Really Suck

So here we are with only 2 days left until Christmas. Have I sent out any cards? No. Have I baked any cookies for friends? No. Have I sent the scrapbook to my parents? No again. I feel awful, but things just seem to come at me so quickly. I try to be organized about Christmas, yet I never quite get it all together. To those I love, I am very sorry for my negligence. I do so love and miss you, I just really really suck.

On a high note, all of the presents are wrapped and ready to put under the tree tomorrow night. I don't have the boys on Christmas Eve, but will have them after lunch time on Christmas day. Blake's son will be here for Christmas Eve, and also when my boys come back. We are going to have a nice family dinner with Blake's family. I am sure it will be delicious!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas if I don't post again before Santa comes.

Isn't There a Better Way to Advertise This S**t?

I am the keeper of the e-mail at my small office. Everyone has their own address, but anything addressed to "info@" comes through me. We are on a network and I am not sure what causes it, but we get a great deal of spam mail. I am running a very old system, and can't put the proper filters on to stop them from coming. I never open them, but the subject lines say it all. I actually typed them into an e-mail to send home just so I could share them with you...

Celebrate the new year with an unforgettable night of love. (well that sounds nice, doesn't it?)
Become the man that women desire. (couldn't you just try to be charming?)
Feel more excitement of your girlfriend in the new year. (ohhh! you must have tried something new)
Give your body an unusual upgrade in 2008. (that could mean any number of things, don't you agree?)
Give your wife better stimulation in the year 2008. (something to work on, gentlemen!)
Find the best way to be a sexual champion in 2008. (well, I can give you a few little pointers if you like...)

Now, I can't imagine that you haven't figured out the common denominator in these subjects, but here are some more that certainly clear it up...

Make it longer and more powerful with our pills! (couldn't you just ask your gal for a little assistance?)
Self-pity is not for you! Fight for your male self-perfection! (I didn't think that men obsessed about this sort of thing)
Experience more masculine power in the new year with your bigger penis! (more masculine power?)
Don't miss out! Grow a monster in your pants for the new year! (now this one just kills me...hilarious!)
Turn your wee-wee into a real monster! (hehehe they said wee-wee!)
Your bigger dick will be your best friend now! (well, if that's the only friend you need, I suppose.)

And lastly...
Learn all about safe penis enlargement!

Obviously, the people sending these e-mails to my desktop every morning don't realize that I am a woman, and that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I use now, thanks anyway.

Just Like That Commercial...

It's been a couple of years since it aired, but one of the jewelry stores ran a commercial where a man was proposing in an courtyard near stone buildings...and after she says yes, he declares:


"I love this woman."


then louder...


" I LOVE THIS WOMAN!'


Then, all the birds fly away as the newly engaged couple watch...the end.


Well, there was no proposal...is that where you thought this was going? Don't be silly, not yet! Anyhow, we had a picture taken that I absolutely adore. When I look at it, I think...

I Love This Man

Early December Bitch Fest

So... miss princess isn't feeling so merry right now. I get really tense because I'm such a planner, Christmas is so close and I am not ready . Incidentally, I had my last cigarette on October 31 (I will post more on this later). I know I posted last spring about having gone on the patch, but it didn't last. I am feeling very good about it this time. Very.

We are going to a party tomorrow night, and what I would really love is if I didn't have this huge f%#king pimple under my eye. I am so shallow...yes, shame on me. Good thing I know what I'm doing with my hair and have chosen and outfit that is gonna work. Objective for tomorrow afternoon: purchase the correct color of concealer and foundation to cover up this monster. I normally get make-up from Clinque. I always get it during the bonus times because it is very expensive and I love--no, deserve-- the free stuff. I missed this last bonus time by just 2 days. I have actually been letting my skin breathe. I need it tomorrow though--no make-up, no party. I just don't know what brand or tones to get that are a little less expensive. Any brand suggestions? I will write down my colors, of course.

Other December bitches...

The pressure of finding the desired Santa gifts-- if nothing else on that list--for the love god! I almost...almost paid a lot of extra money for a gift I didn't feel confident I would still be able to get next weekend when I complete my shopping. There was a guy selling one here in town for a greatly inflated price for pure profit (he was willing to take a post-dated cheque), but we were able to juggle money and grab one from Wal-mart on sale this week. I feel much better having that solved. I will save the unveiling for Christmas day. Be patient.

It gets very quiet at work. I have a difficult time concentrating all day when it gets so quiet... without the phones ringing madly and the deadlines. I have a great deal of filing work to do, but it's like folding laundry...which I can't stand. Oh yeah, that reminds me! The dryer broke--shut down, not fixable. I know the washer was right behind it the way it danced in the room, so we bit the bullet and got new ones. There is about 12 plus loads done here in a 2 week span for sure. Bad timing is all I can say.

Winter makes me sad. I miss my family (parents, siblings, cousins...you know) especially when there are fun things going on with the boys. I know they all love us, and I know they are safe. I am blessed, but I wish they were here with us. I especially miss my brother Rodney. We haven't talked for some time and I feel disconnected.

Anyhow, I guess that's all for now. I didn't get a chance to sit at the computer to get into this until late. I had more, but the words aren't there right now. I will post party pictures soon.

Let Me Clear My Throat

Ah-Huh, Ah-Huh, Ah...

The Value Of A Woman

(as said in the Hebrew Talmud)

"Be Very Careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears.

The woman came out of a man's rib.

Not from his feet to be walked on.

Not from his head to be superior,

But from the side to be equal.

Under the arm to be protected,

And next to the heart to be loved."

In any relationship I have had with husband/boyfriend--past and present, you know--I have set the same standard, which I later wished I could take back. I am not really a very relaxed person, so I keep busy around the house picking things up, tidying a little area, the usual. Often at the start of the relationship, these tasks are shared between the lovebirds, but slowly the man seems to feel less need to be concerned about chores, as if some little cleaning fairies will take care of everything. Removing oneself from doing these tasks simply piles more onto someone else in the house. As I have gotten older, I have been much more vocal about my feelings in this area. Jobs like that get done so much more quickly with 2 people than just 1. I appreciate it every time I get helped out in that way. Honestly. That's just it, I appreciate it, but don't make it a rule. Have I erred in some irrepairable way? I do realize that there are plenty of men out there who could say the same about their wives/girlfriends. To you, no offense intended.

I'm a Baker, Not a Magician

So this is how I spend a Friday night...I was getting cereal out for the boys for the morning and thinking about what I might make for dinner tomorrow night then became mesmerised with the notion of making something with the "Holiday Rice Krispies" and I thought..."How the hell are you supposed to get the treats out of the sweet little holiday treats shape makers?" So I looked it up, as you can see. I haven't really looked at the instructions yet, just sending my little thought for today.

By the way, I am making chicken legs in my own blend of sauces served with pasta and perhaps some broccoli.

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

Proud L'il Mama

I have to say a little something about Seth. Since Tyler has come into our lives, and into his, Seth has been so generous with him. He is somewhat materialistic and used to sort of having things his way, so I have been watching intently to see what would happen with another 9 year old around. Now granted, Seth lives here only every other week and Tyler only comes on weekends so they really don't spend a great deal of time together, however, Seth calls his bedroom "our room or mine and Tyler's room" without a second thought. My mom had a boyfriend and when his daughter came to visit I really tried to be nice, but I can remember feeling frustrated with her sometimes. I am so proud of Seth for being so open and sharing with someone. I am so pleased to see that he can so freely share his bunkbeds,space and other possessions. He can be so thoughtful--especially in regards to Tyler. I just wanted to publicly announce that he is a good boy. He tries my patience in areas, but he is good and he is going to be a good man someday.

ah ha! I just found this one while browsing...taken 2 yrs ago

Lest We Forget

Today is Remembrance Day. In the 11th month, on the 11th day, in the 11th hour we take time to remember all that our soldiers have done for us as a country. It is an important day that gets less recognition as time passes. Old veterans die, and the significance of the day seems somewhat lost to our youth, unless we teach them and show them that it is still important.

All week, I have been listening to people talk about their upcoming long weekend. Why do people get tomorrow off in lieu? This is not a day that can be substituted for another. It falls on a very specific day for observance. I do not have tomorrow off and it is a scramble for me to find childcare, as school and daycare are closed. Why should people have this extra day? Are they planning another observance ceremony? Likely not. It is just another day that workers feel they should be paid for and receive that extra day to do whatever they want with. If it were any other holiday I would feel differently. Are we showing the proper respect in taking an extra day? In my opinion, NOT AT ALL.

My grandfather, and his brother went overseas to fight for our way of life in World War II. My father spent much of my young life away from home serving in the military. My ex-husband and many of my friends and acquaintances over the years have served in the Canadian Forces. I do respect what they do for me and for my family. I will remember.

A Friend In Need

Is a friend indeed...

My wonderful friend Rebecca lost her father yesterday. He died as a result of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was diagnosed last fall, but he had been feeling unwell for some time before that. Last Christmas morning, Rebecca and her boyfriend got engaged. She has set her date as March 22, 2008. Since she moved into the townhouse next door...oh did I forget to mention?...we have been walking together and talking a lot about the situation. I am going to be one of her "Bride Girls", as they're called on The Rock, so we have been talking about all sorts of details, but mostly about her father's illness. She was determined to have him carried to the hall in his bed if necessary to watch the union and see the cake cut. She just wanted her daddy to be there on her special day.

I am not sure if she will keep the date or not. They are all very close, and Rebecca is the only sibling of 3 living away from their home town. I am wondering if it might be a little too soon. We spoke yesterday evening as she was packing to go home and my goodness, my heart goes out the her. She is so sad. I am grateful that her fiance was able to leave quickly from work and take her home himself. Say a little prayer of comfort if you will please...for her mother also who is feeling quite overwhelmed with grief. I am thankful that Rebecca went home last weekend to see him. It is a comfort that she was able to hug, kiss and tell him she loved him.

The Other One is Giving the Peace Sign

I was driving back to work after lunch one day, just thinking and feeling a little overwhelmed with life in general, and I heard this song on the radio. It lifted my spirits and somehow just made my afternoon a little bit happier and easier. Funny how music can do that, isn't it?

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.

The Twins

So, Tyler (Blake's son) comes over almost every weekend to stay with us. Before school started, he was able to come on some weeknights as well, but living in a different school district and city makes it logistically inconvenient. Homework must come first, you know.

Seth and Tyler are exactly 6 months apart in age, and enjoy many of the same pass times. They love calling themselves "brothers" and say that they are "twins". They say they have so much in common it is CREEPY! I am so happy that they get along so well. Sidney does get left out a little because the age gap is so great. He loves Tyler so much and gets very excited every time he arrives to visit. Although it is a big transition and can sometimes be stressful to have such a diverse little family, we are enjoying it very much. Blake is so thrilled to have an active roll in his son's life.

It is amazing to me to find myself in the roll of a "stepmother". Who knew that would happen? What an incredible series of events we have gone through over the past several months.

I Can't Even Help Myself...I Must Look!

I look over my blog entries quite frequently. As I give the link to various facebook friends, I look again to see if anyone has left a comment. I become more sure of myself in writing, yet when I see no comments, the irrational part of my brain says that not many people are reading it. That may well be the case, and even still I love to write my posts and tell my little tales. It has been an interesting experience over the past year, just allowing myself to say what I want and to let my family and friends into my everyday life even though they are far away.

Now we get to obsessive part...you know where it says "view my complete profile"? Well, I look occasionally to see if the number on my profile page has changed to determine if anyone is looking at it. I swear, at least a third of the number is ME looking at my own profile! What is that? I suppose it's because I am really beginning to enjoy it more and I want people to see it, and let me know what they think also. I have sent the link to some of my closest friends, and they say..."Oh yeah, I meant to look at that", or "I did look at it once, and it reads like you talk". For a while, I didn't feel like writing because I didn't feel like it was important or interesting enough for people to read, but after reading some other blogs, I realized that it doesn't really matter at all. Everyone is different and unique. I am pleased with myself just for making the commitment to write on a regular basis. I am loosening up and keeping in mind that just because people don't make comments doesn't mean that they don't read it, and even if only a handful of people do, I am glad that to have them in my little world. So thank you!

Obsess much, ya think?

This Is The End...

I received something in the mail today that I have been expecting for about a month. Just a small envelope (preceded by a larger one full of documents) containing a single page. My marriage, which was solemnized on the 10th day of August, was dissolved by a judgment which became effective on the 11th day of October. We were legally married 11 years but have been living apart for the last 3, split for the last 4. I do not take this lightly. Marriage is not a joke. It is one of the most difficult jobs a person will have and it requires so much and will certainly be very trying. It can be so much more when there is respect and understanding. ..

I am very happy to have this piece of paper. It has been a very long time coming, and so much has happened in the last 4 years. We do our best to raise our children in this situation and we are so much happier this way.

Oh! And by the way...Blake is no longer dating a married chick :)