Embrace Life

Reflections | November 2011

Photo taken November 25, 2011. A few things to note: short sleeves and no jackets being worn; Cole is, again, lifing Caden; Caden is starting to get big enough he may be unliftable soon!

Another full month has come and gone. This one overflowing with more than the usual dose of drama, joys, disappointments and genuine acts of kindness:

• Auditions for the school musical, Grease, started early in the month. Both Claire and Cole were asked to participate. They loved every minute of it. In the end, Claire has elected to play volleyball next term, and Cole got the part of Teen Angel (Frankie Avalon). I can't wait to see them both in their chosen activities.
• The time changed kicked us all. Well, me anyway. I've been pooped all month! Maybe it's just the lack of daylight.
• Cole is participating in the Upright Rugby Program and enjoying every minute of it. Especially his time at ATC with Rich. Rich is a hardass, perfect. (Cole has elected not to play hockey anymore. Indeed, at this point he would still not be cleared to play with his shoulder a painful mess. I think it was the best choice. Hopefully he's healed by Spring so he can fully partipate and employ all of the lessons learned this winter at rugby!)
• Caden is loving every minute of playing for Coach Andrew and Coach Hess of the Predators. He's a defenceman this year and enjoying learning all these men have to teach. I think they are enjoying his passion and commitment to the game.
• Chloe continues to attend voice lessons on Monday afternoons. Janet is amazing and always encourages Chloe to be her very best. I think we might even convince my girl to learn the piano. We must be subtle :)
• I am really enjoying my time at the Barn at the kids' school. The ladies are lovely and the experience of purchasing is really getting me back into a groove. A buyer/retail mindset I've missed the last decade, or so.
• Claire performed in two big nights: "Appleby Rocks" and the Cabaret Night. What wonderful experiences. The students are so incredibly talented. I am left in awe.
• It's about time I took better care of myself - in a pamper way. Civello is "the" local salon to visit. Given that I am not embracing "mo"vember, it was time to deal with things!
• Contradictory to my "scrapbook" ways, I am not much of a lover of "things". I love stories. But sometime those two things become one. I was crushed when, due to the utter lack of consideration of someone, I lost a very dear gift from my late grandmother. A ceramic Christmas tree. I know it sounds silly, but I was well and truly shaken by it's destruction.
• Pub night. We love it!
• There are a couple of young teachers at the school who have been, at different times and unpromted, wonderful to my children. I was so happy they were able to attend the Maple Leafs game on a day there was no chance we could. I'd love to do more. They are wonderful young men.
• Cole attended his first house party. Years of being a "hockey boy" had prevented him from participating in this particular rite of passage. Dropped him off at 8PM and picked him up at 11PM - with no arguments - he was none the worse for wear.
• Maintenance of the Highlander is a priority (thank you ALC Automotive!) It is the only way we get around hell's half acre and more every day. With the lease coming up it's time to consider a new vehicle. We definitely need something bigger. I never thought I'd do it, but a Suburban looks like the choice!
• Claire's bed arrived from Sleep Country. Soon thereafter we left for IKEA to finish off her room. Now if only she'd put the pieces together!
• Cole is learning good lessons. Specifically: you can only control your reactions and when you don't react well there are consequences. Accountability is key. Good thing he's learning young. Some men never learn, ever.
• Our first snow? November 17. Nothing stayed on the ground, but it was still a bit of a shock to the system! The weather has been so incredibly warm - in the mid teens - all month long.
• Chloe was scheduled to perform at the school "Dignitas" Open Mike night. She was AMAZING singing both Katy Perry's Firework and Adele's Rolling In The Deep. Then we were treated to Claire singing the Maroon 5 She Will Be Loved to close out the evening. My girls are very different and that includes their voices, but boy is it nice to see them on stage loving every minute of it! Chloe was spotlighted in an all-school e-mail and got a special pin for her effort. Another PMM (Proud Mama Moment).
• There is a Spring Break opportunity to go to Europe. I hope Claire enjoys every minute of London, Paris, Florence, Rome and Pompeii. I've already asked if they need an extra chaperone, and alas, they do not.
• Caden's first tournament of the season was up at the Nottawasaga Inn. For the most part it was a lovely weekend, though the boys ended up leaving after only three games. We were home early on Saturday. Not what we expected.
• My children are not perfect, not by any stretch. I think it's better that they are raised by someone who sees them as human as opposed to some parents who believe their children are flawless. Sigh. Especially when those children are known stinkers.
• Claire walked with her friends in the Santa Claus parade in support of the annual Courage Polar Bear Dip. I love her attitude and enthusiasm.
• We were home in time to help with the annual neighbourhood decorating. We got a ton of help from our lovely neighbours and ended the day at Bill and Sandy's for cookies and hot chocolate. I'm enjoying the twinkle lights, and will more when our outside outlet works properly!
• With the help of those neighbours they helped Cole figure out where the water shut off is located for the front and back water supply. In a million years we wouldn't have found them without assistance. Crazy.
• A bit of disappointment at the Appleby Hockey Tournament. Mind you, if the rink were a bit more inviting - metal benches in an arena are not comfortable! - it may have been more appealing.
• I really enjoy the ladies at the College Shop. So nice to engage on a regular basis with adults rather than being perpetually surrounded by pre- and full-teens!
• Cole has been busy with Chapel services at the school - 5 holiday services in a row! It turns out that not only is he in the Chapel Choir and the Cantus Choir - he had two solos he neglected to mention to me! He said he'd be too nervous if I had been there - especially with my perpetually present camera.
• As much as 6:30AM volleyball practice stinks for the kids, I think it may just stink more for the parents who have to get the girls to the school at the crack of dawn. Claire's having fun though, and that's all that matters, right?
• Claire celebrated her Sweet 16 at our old house a month early. December 20 is a bad time for a birthday, so I figured why not? After all, it's totally cleared of all valuables and there's plenty of space. It was a great evening. She was very happy with the simple evening of loud music, pizza, ice cream cake and plenty of friends!
• How do you spell relief? S.O.L.D. As in, the house is SOLD. I found out just as we were putting everything in order for the party. Bonus: a quick closing of December 6. Things are going to be a bit hectic around here for the next little while.
• The morning after the big party we had to get Cole off to Pickering for a Rugby Ontario event, Caden off to a friend's birthday party and then Chloe off to an Oakville Children's Choir performance. It was a really busy day!
• This is an overwhelming time with all of the big "projects" and essays being completed in advance of exams and testing. My job? Maintaining a sense of humour, making lots of food and enforcing bed times.
• I continue to hear "banana poke" every time we pass a yellow car. It started this summer and drove me crazy ... still does! You'd be amazed how many yellow vehicles are on the road.
• Caden destroyed his first pair of glasses - truly mangled them. He just got another pair. Lets hope this pair lasts longer than three or four months!

And with that we start December which promises to be filled with more adventure.

Bring it.

 

hello monday | 06

hello morning coffee. nothing beats the first sip.

hello sold sign. you have been greatly anticipated.

hello teenagers. you are a joy. okay, a challenging joy.

hello gingerman social eatery. meh. will wait to return.

hello canada am. i miss seamus already.

hello time. stop flying by. please.

hello nutty hockey mom. you parent yours, I'll parent mine. thank you.

hello plans. change is inevitable.

hello my favourite things. so glad to have you surround me again!

hello monday. you are my most favourite day of the week.
i love that you provide me with 52 fresh starts every year.

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

Eat Better | The Plan

eat better = asparagus, olive oil, garlic sauteed in a cast iron skillet.

I've never been much of a foodie, I'm more of an "eat to live" person. Ironic since I spent most of my childhood and my career in the retail food industry! My lack of interest coupled with the picky pallets of my children, food has been somewhat dismal and routine around here for a while. A long while.

Claire | has always been a good eater, preferring fresh offerings and the occasional bag of chips. Oh, and ice cream, lots of ice cream!

Cole | has been my pickiest eater with a hyper sensitive gag reflex. He has made mealtime a bit of an adventure for a long time.

Chloe | will eat anything as long as it's white and starchy. We've introduced a few green things but really, her preference is pretty bland.

Caden | is a foodie. A complete lover of all things food. Not only does he like eating, but he really enjoys learning to cook.

It is through Caden's eyes and enthusiasm I now approach food and feeding my family.

The easiest part of this new adventure is my natural aversion to "plastic" food. I'd far rather eat the real things - butter, cheese, cream, full fat foods - than the "fat free" and chemically manipulated alternative. Remember that reference to being in the food industry my whole life? I know of what I speak and "fake" food is to be avoided as much as possible!

When I went to Canyon Ranch last spring, with my sister, I was reminded of how good food, prepared well, tastes, and what portion control is all about. For ten days I followed the eating protocol and never once felt hungry or deprived. (Though a glass of wine would have been nice!) Mind you, all of the food was prepared and served. It made things far easier than simply bringing the protocol home.

At home there is no simple. There is a lot of work. Worth every minute of it!

The Canyon Ranch recipes are wonderful and can be found on their website. Our family favourites include:

Asian Braised Flank Steak with Bok Choy (especially the Mongolian BBQ Sauce!)

Breakfast Chicken Sausage

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Hummus

We have now ventured out a little bit and while incorporating the ideas and portion controls learned through the Canyon Ranch, and considering the instructions from our naturopath, I feel confident we can move into some new territory.

While waiting for Chloe at her singing lessons a couple of weeks ago, I took the boys to Chapters to wander around for a bit. I had no intention of purchasing anything. We hit on a table full of cookbooks. Both of my boys spent quite a bit of time going through the books and asked if they could buy one. One each. I was so thrilled they were interested! Of course they could.

We now own the new Jamie Oliver's Meals in Minutes and the Donna Hay Fast, Fresh, Simple.

They both look amazing in very different ways. With those books, combined with Jamie's Food Revolution, Barefoot Contessa At Home and Family Style, we are now putting together a monthly eating plan.

The key? NO DEPRIVATION.

We are expecting a lot from a food program: I want to lose weight; Claire wants to maintain while making better choices; Cole wants to gain a lot of muscle, at least 15 pounds; Chloe needs to maintain or lose; Caden is a growing boy and needs healthy calories. It all comes down to portion control. Same food, just different amounts to meet each need.

Over the course of the next while, I'll be keeping a record of what we eat and give it a pass/fail by participant. I'm excited to try some of the things the kids have flagged to try, and hope they make an effort at a few of the recipes I'm interested in trying.

The good thing is that we enjoy a lot of the same foods: savoury Mediterranean inspired foods with lots of garlic, fresh and biting Asian inspired noodles and stir frys, and comfortable crock pot meals. It's the nit-picky little things that are going to drive me bonkers! I'd like to incorporate something new - like beets and salmon for them and maybe (eek!) I'll re-try zucchini or some Brussels sprouts. Okay. Not the zucchini.

Do you ever fall into a meal rut? What do you do to shake things up a bit? Are you totally organized with a weekly meal plan or are you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants cook? What do you want to do better?

the current | twelve

developing an appreciation for herbal tea. cranberry is preferred.

accepting the simple fact i cannot do it all by myself all the time. sigh.

sending thank you notes. so many have been helpful lately.

lamenting that there are not more than 24 hours in each day. life is full.

returning positive energy and good thoughts to those who send them.

celebrating all of my new experiences and opportunities. well, most.

planning our holidays - the when and where of it all.

embracing unseasonably high temperatures. love being on the plus side!

enjoying the independent spirit of each of my children. though exhausting.

keeping hope in my heart. sense in my head.

remembering to count to 10. often.

hoping for a full night sleep. soon.

dreaming of a maxwell sectional from restoration hardware

waiting for nothing. onward.

looking at daily inspiration.

admiring the courage of my kids - all on stage!

searching through many, many photos for the best selections.

editing my choices. my words.

taking deep breaths. in. out. slowly.

thanking so many for so much kindness and encouragement.

idea discovered on this blog. where is your current taking you?

hello monday | 05

hello dark afternoons. i do not look forward to your daily arrival.

hello rotisserie chicken. you keep my son fed, daily. Yum!

hello young teacher. your kindness is greatly appreciated.

hello water main. what were you doing hiding there?

hello jackson triggs. when will you be back in stock?

hello laughter. you've been missed.

hello (oblivious) crush. you keep my head in a good place.

hello hockey perspective. i can't believe how silly some people can be!

hello neighbours. so nice to spend some time with all of you.

hello monday. you are my most favourite day of the week.
i love that you provide me with 52 fresh starts every year.

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

Hitting Delete :: Reader Clean Up

I don't know about you, but I've been suffering from information overload. Our lives are so full and I'm constantly running here-there-everywhere. Lately, every time I sign into my Google Reader I'm met with over 1,000 unread entries! So much wonderful stuff, but something had to give.

Since I signed up for Google Reader - October 29, 2008 - I've read close to 120,000 articles. Late last week I was subscribed to 342 blogs. Some of which - Scott Kelby, PetaPixel and Pioneer Woman - are quite prolific with multiple entries each day. After my first pass, I managed to whittle my subscriptions down almost in half, to 174 blogs. Now after a week of continued focus, I am now no longer subscribed to 242 blogs, which leaves me with my new limit of 100.

I suprised myself with some of my deletes, I suprised myself even more with some of my keeps!

Things in my life are changing and I am no longer looking for the latest and greatest in scrapbooking ideas and trends from every source available, I've found my style. I continue looking for healthy eating and moving more ideas. I am always looking for inspiration, reinforcing my commitment to positivity, and many of those wonderful blogs stayed.

My top inspirational blogs are:

Brene Brown

Carolyn Rubenstein

Postitively Present

Under the Sycamore

Cathy Zielske

Ali Edwards

The Creative Mama

Wish Studio

Jamie Ridler

Centsational Girl

What are yours? Link me up in the comments ...

 

hello monday | 04

hello pedicure. my feet are happy.

hello new project for 2012. i look forward to the lessons you hold.

hello parents of unruly children. next time, please call a babysitter.

hello new bed. you bring sweet slumber. thank you.

hello advil cough & sinus plus. i think you'll be a regular in our house.

hello rachel ray. best chicken stock, ever.

hello list. thanks for keeping me on-task.

hello moleskine journal. i can't leave home without you.

hello oprah life class. finally finding the time to absorb.

hello monday. you are my most favourite day of the week.
i love that you provide me with 52 fresh starts every year.

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

12 of 12: November 2011

01. Cole was off to ATC early this morning. Trail mix, apples and a lot of water should keep him going!

02. Caden is such a joy wto watch eat - breakfast, lunch and dinner - and many meals in between.

03. Cole really enjoys his Granny Smiths dipped in peanut butter.

04. I was running on empty. Crazy the cost of gas!

05. Once Cole was dropped off at the gym, I was gassed up, it was time to put together boxes to pack up my craft room!

06. Caden's favourite, peameal bacon. Delish!

07. The Ikea delivery finally arrived! Claire now has cupboards to hang her clothes. Well, she will once they're assembled.

08. Yikes! Tons of crafts to be sorted and SOLD!! Tomorrow, the 13th, is a big day. Hopefully everyone can come by and get what they want.

09. I really love the end of Great Lakes Boulevard.

10. Cole has been helping out at Caden's hockey team practices. It is fun to watch him interact with the younger boys - and the younger boys kid around with him - Rainbow Care Bear?

11. After hockey we were off to meet Jocelyne and her kids at Harvey's and then the kids were off to see Puss in Boots and In Time over at Silver City.

12. Jocelyne and I passed on the movies and enjoyed a lovely meal and conversation at Milestones instead. Then back to our place with all of the kids to end off our evening of fun.

Project Life | 2012

I have always found the Becky Higgins Project Life to be really appealing but didn't know how I could possibly:

1. Manage the ephemera
2. Find the time to keep up
3. Justify the cost - Canadian costs are always ginormous

Each week I've seen blog entries from Ali Edwards, Monica McNeill, Liz Tamanaha and Marcy Penner, all living full and active lives. I visit the Project Life community on occasion, also filled with people with active and full lives. The reality is, I have no excuses!

Recently I came to the realization that this is the perfect time to gear myself up and record our time, right now. We are on our journey to find our new normal and there is lot of change underway. I'll figure out how to manage the (lack of) ephemera, I'll find the time to take photos and record our stories and I'll rationalize the cost.

Last week, I signed onto amazon.com only to find out that the products couldn't be shipped to Canada. I then discovered via BeckyHiggins.com that I could order the materials from Scrapbookers Inner Circle located in Alberta. Bonus? Free shipping for orders over $80!

Any day now I expect to receive:

and I knew I'd need some of these, so I ordered two:

All of these cards, filled with stories, combined with photos and the (dreaded) ephemera, will go into these pages:

and these pages:

and these, too:

I have a ton of other protectors, so I can always supplement with more if I need more. I got enough to get me started.

For those familiar with the program you'll notice that no, I did not buy the "new" offerings for this year. Two reasons: they weren't available on the site at the time I ordered and, more important, I've never been sucked into the theory that new = better, it's just newer :)

There is a new digital option, and Becky Higgins announced other big news yesterday, but I really want this to be a tactile experience for me. I miss that part of scrapbooking and this may be the way to keep me engaged - in an orderly manner now that I no longer have a huge craft room to contain my creative messes!

What about you? Do you participate in a Project Life project? What have you learned from it?

hello monday | 03

hello shift at the shop. seeing the same kids makes me smile.

hello rain boots. so glad you arrived, just in time.

hello green tea. my new favourite mid-afternoon treat.

hello extra hour. you have us all messed up.

hello children. how i love hearing you sing in your rooms.

hello leftovers. happy to finally know what to do with you.

hello laundry. why can't you fold yourself?

hello long black sweater. i can't bear to part with your threadbare comfort.

hello new garage shelving. you are greatly appreciated.

hello monday. you are my most favourite day of the week.
i love that you provide me with 52 fresh starts every year.

what are you saying hello to on this brand new monday?
head on over to lisa's blog and link up in the comments.

The High School Quiz

Yes, this snapshot was taken at my high school graduation. So long ago!

I enjoy Positively Present as it always offers up something to think about and encourages the maintenace of a great attitude. Recently, she offered up what she refers to as a "high school quiz" and I figured I'd take it:

1. Who was the last person you held hands with? Caden, my youngest, crossing the street to the grocery store. I have to sneak it in when I can!

2. Are you outgoing or shy? Shy, but I make a good show of being outgoing :)

3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? My family - nieces and nephews - at Christmas. And friends, too.

4. Are you easy to get along with? For some, yes. For others, not so much.

5. Have you ever given up on someone? Yes.

6. Do you enjoy school/work? I enjoy learning, and I do every day.

7. What person do you think about most often? Collectively, my children. I'm not in the right head space to think of anyone else.

8. What does your most recent text say? "OK" in response to my BBM for Cole to come downstairs. I prefer the BBM to yelling!

9. Who did you last speak with for over 30 minutes? My sister, Beth.

10. Do you believe in good luck? I believe you make your own luck and "good" or "bad" is directly influenced by your own attitude.

11. How do you feel in a big crowd of people? Uncomfortable, yet at the same time strangely energized.

12. What was the best thing that happened this summer? I put my life in order.

13. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? No.

14. Do you think there is life on other planets? Yes.

15. Do you still think about your first crush/love? Yes, every time I "see" him on Facebook. I love that we're still friends.

16. What bad habits do you wish you could break? Oh, so many! I suppose my exercise avoidance would be at the top of the list.

17. What's the first thing you do when you wake up? Stretch. Make a mental list for the day. Brush my teeth.

18. Did you dream last night? About what? No dreams, at least none that I can recall.

19. Who is the most comfortable person to be around? Mary Lou - the lady at my chiroprator's office - she is so lovely, warm and understanding. Love her.

20. What made you happy today? I got up and had something to do.

21. Which celebrity would you want to date and why? Sam Elliott or Tom Selleck or Michael McDonald. Sigh. Maybe it's the mustache? Nah. It's all about the voice.

22. Do you enjoy playing sports? Yes. I'd like back to playing tennis. Soon. In the meantime I'm walking and plans to swim are underway - now to just get in the water.

23. When was the last time you wrote a thank you note? Yesterday, by hand. Right before posting this, by email.

24. Would you rather live without TV or music? TV. Though I'm enjoying my Galaxy music coming through the TV - channel 314.

25. Are you currently keeping a secret from someone? No. Secrets are dangerous, so I keep none.

26. Do you think age matters? Yes.

27. What was the last store you went into? Fortino's for groceries.

28. What is your dream job? Still trying to decide.

29. Do you believe in second chances? Yes, but not third. Contrary to popular belief, life is not a game of baseball.

30. Do you smile at strangers? Yes.

31. Is your voice quiet or loud? LOUD.

32. Would you rather go to space or to the bottom of the ocean? Space. The bottom of the ocean scares me.

33. What are you most afraid of? The health and safety of my children.

34. What is the nicest thing someone ever said to you? Thank you.

35. Have you done anything you hope no one ever knows about? No.

36. If you could write a book, what would it be about? Minor hockey. Or parenting. Or both.

37. Do you enjoy bubble baths? No.

38. How would you describe your perfect day? Waking up to an early sunrise, with an open window and cool breeze. Followed by a cup of strong coffee. A day where I could read, write, take photos and not have to clean, cook or do laundry. A late afternoon game of tennis, or a golf lesson followed by a long shower. Then I'd enjoy a nice seafood filled dinner and tasty white wine followed with a light dessert of fruit and custard. I'd make my way back to my room where a masseuse would be waiting. I'd have a 1/2 hour massage and then head off to bed for a lovely night sleep.

39. Would you rather lose your vision or your hearing? Hearing.

40. What astrological sign are you? Virgo.

41. Do you know the meaning of your name? It's Gaelic in origin - for clearing or meadow.

42. Do you prefer indoors or outdoors? Indoors when it's hot out. Outdoors the rest of the time. Preferably with my camera in hand. And appropriate footwear.

43. What was the name of your first pet? The first one I remember would be Scotty, our West Highland White terrier.

44. Do you have a crush on someone right now? Most definitely.

45. Where would you travel if you could go anywhere? Morocco or Istanbul.

46. What do you do during an awkward silence? Depending on who I'm with I either fill it, or enjoy the quiet.

47. What part of your body do you love most? My hair.

48. Who did you last say "I love you" to? My kids.

49. Did you make your bed this morning? Yes.

50. Are you who you want to be? Not yet, but I'm finally on the right track.

What about you? Link up in the comments if you choose to participate, I'd love to get to know you better!

Chauffeur Duties

Last weekend, our Sunday was typical-ish. The only difference being that all of the travel started after 10AM and ended around 8PM - oh, and it was within the confines of our small-ish town, though it went as far east, west, north and south that the boundaries would allow!

According to Google Maps, I spent close to 4 hours in the car and travelled over 150km. It's no wonder I had to stop and fill up the gas tank. I often feel like I spend my life in my Highlander, but lately things have become more than a little nuts - and that is without any out-of-town travel!

What about you? Are you a slave to your vehicle? To the busy schedules of you and your children? I really wouldn't have it any other way, but when I mapped it out, I was surprised by the amount of time spent and the distance travelled.

Funny how last Saturday, much like today, there was nothing on the schedule to drive to on Sunday except for a quick trip to the rink and the training centre. I wonder how much time will be spent in the car this weekend?

4 Simple Goals | November 2011

August 2010, Elsie Flannigan posted a simple and doable challenge.

My 4 Simple Goals, November 2011 edition, includes:

1. Organize College Shop. I've taken on the task of purchasing the "fun" apparel items at the kids' school and really need to get the current inventory organized, labelled and learned in the next month. By the end of November I'd like to have a system set up so that I can easily find and easily order and replenish as needed. Fun stuff!
2. Digital Scrapbook Files (aka iPhoto). What a MESS. I'd like to get them off my computers and onto one external hard drive and use as I need them. I have a couple of empty drives hanging around so I'd best put them to use!
3. Put together plans for the holidays. I've left this so late! I'm sure everyone already has their Christmas plans put together but now that we have recently realized we have TWENTY days to fill and no hockey tournament to attend we are free to research some new ideas. So fun!
4. Collect all favourite photos. I have taken some really good photos over the years. I'd like to gather them all together and do something with them. What I'm going to do? I have no idea, but I'd like to get them collected and then decide what to do.

REWARD: My kids are forever borrowing my headphones. I'd like to get myself a nice "untouchable" pair that are for my use only! And maybe plug them into an iPod that works - all the time :)

What about you? Do you have a few activity oriented goals you'd like to meet? If so and you participate, let me know! I'd love to see what you have planned.

New Space = New Colours

Though we are still stuck in "transition" with half of our furniture in the old house for staging purposes, we've been able to get some stuff done in our new place to make it feel like home. The very first thing we did was pick colours. Personally, this is my favourite aspect of moving!

This time around we changed things up completely! No more earth tones in the main areas - which is now just one HUGE room, the whole main floor - and the kids were able to not just pick their colours but to paint their own rooms. That was an adventure.

It's a huge job to transform a whole new house and I was happy for some help cutting-in. There was a TON of that to do!

As much as I loved my "Maple Syrup" and "Spiced Rum" of the old place, I fell in love with the idea of having gray walls and decided on:

HC-164 Puritan Gray

On the wall it is a bit more blue than I had expected, but since I was going for a complete change it really was in keeping with the theme!

All of the trim is my usual (thanks to my step-mum who, close to 20 years ago, recommended it):

CC-100 Flurry

Claire has been begging for bright green for ages now and when you decend into her room you'd think you were entering a space ship for the glow:

2031-40 Spring Garden Green

Chloe decided on a "feature wall" with the same green (convenient, or totally manipulative of her mother?) and the other three walls covered an odd taupy-beigy-pink with:

CC-110 Muslin

The boys are so funny, a study in contrast, and their colours are so reflective of their personalities. Cole went with his favourite from our old house, the colour of our kitchen, the invigorating:

CC-92 Autumn Leaf (Canada only)

And Caden chose the soothing:

2050-50 Waterfall

Me? Well, I really LOVED my old room - especially the colour. Since this one is not that much different in size, I thought I'd just stick with what I like:

CC-390 Rusty Nail

What a mish-mash of colour!

What is your home like? Do the colours flow seamlessly from hue to hue or does it reflect the range of personalities and tastes of the occupants?

I promise, once we're fully furnished, assets divided, and the last picture is hung on all well painted walls, I'll post pics :)

Reflections | October 2011

I think I simply have to give in and just get used to our months being of the whirlwind variety! Our October had us going here, there and everywhere, every day packed full of opportunity and change.

• I really enjoyed heading up the Scott Kelby photo walk here in Oakville. It was a cold and blustery day, but a few hearty souls joined in and many wonderful photos were taken. I learned a lot through the process and should I lead things next year, I'll plan my time better as it seems to slip though my fingers!
• Claire is a rock star! Really. At her homecoming (and then at Walkathon) she got up on stage and rocked out singing with the band. She knew all of the words, all of the notes, everything!
• I am not a shopper. The idea of spending a Sunday - 11AM to 5PM - in a mall is outrageous. And I did. With four kids. Save me.
• Typical of Caden: his class was expecting a foreign student to attend. He was arriving from China. What did Caden do? Downloaded the "Mandarin" podcast and spent a day studying so the new student would feel welcome. He really is that thoughtful.
• Warming my heart? Claire is now studying potential universities to attend. I sit in the living room listening to her talking with Cole about their plans for the future and which schools should go onto the "short list".
• My Uncle Bud passed away early in the month. I will always remember his voice, humour and frequent bursts of laughter; that he taught me to play solitaire when I was about 7 or 8 at a summer cottage in Shediac; that he barbequed the most tasty lamb chops; that he happily (I think) played chauffeur on a couple of occasions when I was at university; shared more than a few bowls of vanilla ice cream and nuggets of advice while watching the weather channel late at night; and, that he and my Aunt Beth were married - happily - for 64 years. Wow.
• Hockey season is underway for my little guy. He is so keen he shows up at least an hour before his practices so he doesn't miss out on anything. I love his enthusiasm. Hockey season has ended for my older guy who has elected to hang up his skates and put on cleats instead. The kindness and understanding of his coach really made me think there's hope for hockey!
• We enjoyed (?) a crazy warm Thanksgiving weekend in New Brunswick - it was 30C+. Not condusive to the velvet and cashmere finery I had packed! It was lovely to see so many of my family and family friends. It was a jam-packed few days.
• Chloe is on the school basketball team and got to play in her first game - ever. The Middle One's do a lot of bench warming. She was very good and for a kid who has never played before this year, and did a great job understanding her position and cheering on her teammates.
• I feel somewhat vindicated in my firm belief that you learn more from your mistakes than from your successes with the publication of this New York Times article.
• Mid-month Cole received an invitation from Sport Oakville to attend a Recognition Ceremony. His Crusaders team had been nominated by the Oakville Crusaders Rugby Club to receive a "medal to honour excellence, perseverance and dedication in the area of sport development, performance and contribution to the community." It was a lovely ceremony and nice to see many of the boys and their parents.
• Caden is very happy to be #6 on his Predators team - sharing the same number as his favourite NHL hockey player, Shane Weber. Too bad they aren't coming to the ACC this season. But who knows, he may change favourites mid-season. Fickle, that boy can be fickle!
• So, it turns out I'm on the Parent Association at school now. This should be interesting.
• Cole suffered from hypothermia while away at Temagami with his class. It is never a good thing to get a call from the program director while your kid is away: immediate panic. Cole was fine, but the next time he packs he should be more prepared than cocky ;) otherwise he'll end up back in the silver burrito!
• While Cole was away we, Claire and I, attended the big fundraiser for his team. I was given strict orders from Caden to bid on the big barbeque. I did. We're now waiting on a deliver of a big barbeque! So happy to be able to help one last time and grateful to those guests of ours who attended even knowing Cole was no longer a member of the team.
• I volunteered at two of the four Picture Days at school and it was so nice to put faces to the names that I've heard for years. There are some really wonderful kids, and some real stinkers. I had forgotten how hard it can be to navigate high school. What I did enjoy was some really great conversations with the other mums there with me for the day.
• Claire has caught the first cold of the family. It has really effected her ability to sing and she is so very frustrated. A lingering cough is not helping matters.
• Over half of the blogs in my Google Reader were purged and things are now manageable. Until I add more!
• Nothing beats a quiet tea - following a lovely lunch - with a girlfriend in a quiet corner. Especially if there are peanut m&m's nearby!
• I don't sleep well when my kids are out of the house. This really felt like the month of the sleepover with all of the kids away overnight at one point or another. Maybe if I could coordinate that it all happens at one time?
• Broadway look out! Claire has joined the cast of RENT and attends weekly rehearsals with a new group of friends. She really enjoys it. Cole has auditioned for the school play and hopes to get a part in the school musical, Grease.
• For those four people on earth who didn't know, Appleby hosted Harvest Colours and the middle school baked many delicious treats. Our kitchen was busy with a few dozen vanilla and chocolate cupcakes made ... and eaten!
• Caden was invited out with a teammate to the new family shinny night at Kinoak. The dad was thrilled to have my guy so keen to learn. Big lesson: it's easier to teach someone else's kid. Bigger lesson: there are some really kind people out there - just get out there.
• I met a girlfriend who was in town - well, Burlington - for a tennis tournament with her little guy. So good to see them both and watch him play "my" sport.
• I love that a mandatory part of the Upright Rugby program is yoga.
• Our weekends, for the first time in a decade, are now far more open than ever before. We actually have an opportunity to sleep in and catch up on much needed rest - by all of us. What an amazing change. Good for all of us!
• Now that Cole's hockey season has *poof* gone away, so also has all of the tournaments and commitments. However will we fill that time?
• Parent/Teacher conferences were held at school over two nights. I only made it to the first night so I'll have to catch up on the phys. ed and art teachers along the way! The good news is the kids seem to be thriving with their studies.
• Caden attended his entrance interview. There was laughter coming from the office, so I think that's a good sign. Fingers crossed.
• Claire has started her varsity volleyball practices on the weekends - well in advance of the season. They are a very dedicated group of girls. I'm looking forward to seeing her play this year.
• I'm really enjoying my photo walks. I'm learning a lot about my camera and learning a lot about my emerging photography "style".
• Caden was our only trick-or-treater this year. He went out as Luigi (of Mario Bros. fame) with his buddy Sam. A huge haul, but unlike other years there were no Tootsie Rolls and lots of Bubbles and juice boxes.
• We are all stunned over all the snow in the North East. Nothing here ... yet.
• For the first time ever we are contemplating a road trip - south - for Christmas break. We have 20 days to fill and no hockey tournament. Yes, that's right, NO HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Hello dolphins and sunshine :)

October reinforced a number of lessons, one key reminder being "if you want something done, do it yourself". And I am. It's exhausing but good. November will be busy with the kids getting to and from activities, rehearsing for performances and studying for exams. I thrive in routine and November seems to be the one month a year where all of it comes together. One variation will be adding Maple Leafs games to our rotation!