Kids swimming lessons

Nate and Jade are both taking swimming lessons. Jade is doing very well and enjoying it. Nathan...not so much. Last week he refused to go near the teacher and he kept a safe distance out of the pool watching. Today Darren convinced him to go in with the teacher but Nate cried most of the time. Poor little guy. Every time the teacher asked him to join in he would respond "NO...I don't need to!!!!". I am hoping he will slowly adjust and start to enjoy the class.

Winter arrives!

Wow...we have been hit with a lot of snow early this year. Yesterday was the first snow fall, the kids were so excited and out playing in the snow even before breakfast. Nate had his undies and his PJ shirt on under his snowsuit. Today we got hit with tons of snow and the city has turned into a winter wonderland. Very magical and fun for the little ones.

SICK

I was sick yesterday. The nasty kind where nothing stays down and you wonder how you can get out of bed. Not good normally but even worse when you are the only adult in the house and there is a small child. I normally try to fend for myself as much as possible even when I am sick but yesterday I had no choice but to call for help. Thankfully my friend Roberta was off and she dropped everything that she was doing to come over and take care of things for me. She even took Nathan to preschool. Later in the afternoon Helen came over to help and brought supper with her. I am feeling very lucky to have people to call on and that will help. What an amazing blessing.

Out with the boys

When Nate starts running up and down the hallway chasing the dog, you know it is time to get him outside and give him some space to run. Yesterday was one of those days. Darren and I took Nate for a walk in the ravine to burn some of that extra energy. Unfortunately the days are short now and it gets dark early so the walk in the woods time is limited. We had a short walk but loads of fun. Darren turned the last part of our walk into a hide and seek game to keep Nate moving. It was an excellent idea and a great memory that I don't think Nate will soon forget. Nathan was smiling ear to ear and so was I. At the end of the walk Darren carried Nathan on his shoulders. FUN!!

the leaf collection

If you were to go for a ride in our truck you would wonder why we have so many leaves in the back seat. Every time Nathan gets in, he picks up a leaf from the driveway and brings it into the truck and puts it on the floor. We have a big collection going...I think it is pretty neat. Every time he picks up a leaf he shows it to me, feeling proud and tells me how beautiful it is. I am hoping that he will always appreciate the beauty of nature and for now I will enjoy his eyes twinkling as he adds to his leaf collection.

Remembrance Day

I was lucky enough to be able to go to Jade's school for their remembrance day ceremony. Jade was singing in the choir. The music was very well done and I felt very proud of Jade for being a part of it. Remembrance day presentations always make me teary eyed. Today was no different. I felt very moved by "Amazing Grace" which was played on the bagpipes. It brought back memories of a funeral that I went to many, years ago for a teenage friend that died in a car accident. The song is very moving but when it is done on the bag pipes...it sends shivers through me.

I had lunch today with a friend from high school. It was great to get out and spend the time with someone positive. My friend has had many issues and problems thrown her way yet she remains a grateful positive woman! Amazing. I like to think people come into our lives for a reason, perhaps the reason we are now reacquainted is to learn from each other.

My lovely hosts for the garage party:

Cute kids:

October 30th and 36 years young!

Birthdays and PMS don't mix. That I know for sure. I will only highlight the good parts of that day when I was not snapping at someone. (yikes!)

The day started fabulous with a little get together at Joy's house. Gaby, Joy and myself enjoyed champagne with raspberries, homeade raspberry pie with whip cream, homeade scones with jam and whip cream! Fantastic! Thanks girls for spoiling me and making the morning very special.
The afternoon my Mom visited and then Darren came home from a business trip with Lonestar. Excellent supper and great that I did not have to cook.

October 31st. Halloween!

Great day. Lunch at Rangoli's with Roberta and Rupi. Fabulous!

Garage party at Gaby and Eric's Halloween evening. So much fun to hang out with the neighbours. Emma came over to help ,that was an extra bonus. Darren took Nate out trick or treating and the little guy did very well. He came back to Gaby and Eric's house and had even more fun handing out the candies to the other kids that came. Jade had a blast trick or treating with Josh, Noah, Jonathan, Anna, Julia, Niana....
I personally had lot's of fun hanging out in the garage, glass of wine in one hand and swedish berries in the other chatting away to the neighbours. What else could you ask for?

Joy made a birthday cake for Judy and me...she did an excellent job. Very nice surprise! We also created a fun memory by walking down to the haunted house. Annik, Gaby, Joy, Emma and myself. Very fun, lot's of screaming and laughter.

Big thanks to everyone for all the great gifts, kind words and good birthday wishes. I feel extremely lucky to have such great Friends and family.