Embrace Life

anticipation | hello summer 2014

It was the last day of school around here yesterday - and Chloé and I are on our road trip! After a very long winter and extended spring, summer feels like it is almost here. We just have exams, ASCENT and POL's (presentation of learning) academic evaluations to complete and then after Closing Ceremonies summer will start!

The other day I saw that someone had visited my Summer Manifesto post from last year and I realized time was ticking and I wanted to do it again this year! I do like the idea of setting forth an intention. A manifesto. For this summer 2014, this is the plan:

HELLO SUMMER

1. Finish unpacking and settling into the new digs - that includes purchasing and arranging everything by the end of summer. 100%
   
2. Attend Chloé's softball games and Caden's baseball games.
3. Meet friends for swimming and fun at the Oakville Club.
4. Watch two or three television series from start to finish: Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist and The Good Wife are at the top of my list!
   
5. Have all of my blood tests done and follow up - again. Maybe get some answers this time around? Fingers crossed!
6. Sign in and check on Cole's trip to Eastern Europe. A trip of a lifetime - and hard work, after all, he's going to get his grade 12 World History credit while he's there! How awesome is that?
7. Dust off my camera and retrain my eye.
8. Enjoy our annual holiday in Cape Cod.
9. Try to keep up with Claire's forever changing baseball and social schedule.
10. With no excuses, plan to take long walks or ride my bike every day - rain or shine or oppressive humidex.
11. Take day trips to Stratford and Niagara Falls.
12. Enjoy stories of Chloé's roughing-it up in Temagami for two weeks!
13. Write morning pages. Every. Single. Day.
14. Share lazy lunches and laughter with friends at JACs or Stoney's or Jonathan's.
15. Take Caden up to leadership camp, and volleyball camp, too.
    
16. Soak up as much vitamin D as possible.
17. Get out to the driving range a few times.
18. Buy Chloé a whole new non-uniform wardrobe to wear at her new school.
    
19. Settle Cole into his dorm room for his last year of high school.
20. Celebrate my 50th birthday!

Our days will be full. I look forward to many teenagers walking in and out of my house on a regular basis through the twelve structure-less weeks ahead. I anticipate much laundry with all of the packing and unpacking that is going to happen - I'm so happy to have a full-on full-sized laundry room again. Along with late nights at the ballpark and concerts, I hope for many lazy mornings with a lot of sleeping in. Me? I will enjoy my mornings with a cup of coffee and quiet time to journal and reflect, followed by a nice long walk or bike ride around the new neighbourhood.

In essence, I will spend my summer grateful and full of appreciation that I am able to live my life on my own terms and spend even a portion of it with my wonderful children!

How about you? Big plans? Small plans? Big changes? No changes? How do you manage your summer?

claire | the bahamas

Normally I'd not be going anywhere in mid-February but this year has been hard. Hard on everyone, but especially hard on my Claire. She has eczema and on the best days it is awful, but this winter the condition has gone to a whole new level of painful. What do you do with an 18-year old who is suffering? Simple: take her some place sunny and salty for at least a few days during her reading week break from university.

Note: this is the trip that almost didn't happen. At 9PM, the night before we were to be at the airport at 6AM, we realized Claire had left her passport at school - a 3-hour drive away! A frantic drive to Kingston and back - her brother in the truck to keep her company, and awake - and we were off to the airport and our holiday on time! Have I mentioned that there is never a dull moment around here? Hoping that never happens again!

This is the view from our room. See that lazy river down there? Fabulous! Went around a few times :)

 Our first stop was the beach. Oh, that bright orb beating down heat? Bliss.

 Aah.

My poor sweet girl. Eczema. Cold sore. She was so happy to have her toes in the sand.

Plato's was, essentially, the lobby bar. That television you can't quite see over the array of liquor? Dedicated to CBC (Canadian) Olympics coverage! A little bit of home while away.

The aquariums were breathtaking. Truly beautiful.

Much like Las Vegas, everything was BIG and OVERDONE. Not my scene, at all, but worth experiencing once.

The casino is, like everything else, over the top. The surprise to me is that there is smoking. It was weird to walk though and realize between the noise and lights, it was dense with cigarette smoke.

Though, when we passed the cigar store on our way to dinner at Carmine's, Claire exclaimed that it smelled like her Grampy, my dad :) I don't know that he's smoked one for years, but it's fun that it brings such fond memories to his granddaughter!

These boats? Outrageous. Simply stunning. We took a slow stroll since our reservations weren't until 9:45PM - the earliest we could get in ANY of the restaurants!

I love me some twinkle lights. It really was lovely down by the marina.

To me it was blistering hot with a lovely tropical Caribbean breeze. Clearly our lifeguard was of a different mindset. He was completely bundled up!

Every day - even a couple of times each day - Claire took a dip in the ocean. The heat, the salt, the sand, all of it worked magic on her! By the time we left her skin had a remarkable recovery. It won't be long lasting, but it was so nice for her to have a few days of relief mid-winter. Spring and summer cannot come fast enough this year.

Olives was beautiful. Another very late dinner, but it was tasty.

There is a little snack shack by the beach. Of all the margarita's enjoyed, I have to say the best was made at this spot! In order for Claire to feel 18 rather than 8, I spent a lot of time here reading and writing while she enjoyed her time in the ocean and getting to know other young people in the beach :)

Everywhere we went there was the sound of water. I loved it.

Virgil's BBQ had the BEST Macaroni & Cheese I've ever had in my life. The ribs were burnt and not in the least bit tasty. (In a previous lifetime I've had awesome hickory smoked ribs and I was really hoping to share that memory with my girl.) From the time we arrived for our 8:30PM reservations to the time we were served our food and given our bill - no dessert or coffee offered - it was 17 minutes. Claire and I just looked at each other and laughed. There didn't seem to be any other option!

So love this face - even more when it's looking clear and she is in less pain!

A highlight was the turtles - well, turtles and the stingrays. So lovely to watch their graceful movements.

By the end of our trip I realized that no one can ask for a better dining partner than Claire. Never a lull in conversation - and wow, all of the topics covered! It is so good to have such an open and honest relationship with my eldest. Love this girl!

And then it was time to pack up and say goodbye. Sun. Beach.

When we landed in Toronto it was a BLIZZARD! Fabulous.

* * * * *

It is generally agreed that Atlantis is excruciatingly expensive. I can confirm that yes, it is. Would I go back? Only if a child who hasn't been there yet - so any one of my remaining three - absolutely insisted.

I felt like I was being nickled-and-dimed to death. Not my preferred condition on holiday. Between the $20+/day cost of WiFi, the $10+/day cost of lockers (if you want to go into the ocean or on the lazy river you don't want to leave your belongings - they will be taken), $25+/day cost of using the gym, transfers to and from the airport were significantly more than hiring a taxi, and you have multiple stops. Crazy.

The room? It was nice but tired. Really felt worn - the whole building (Royal Tower West) did. The sheets were clean when we arrived, but the bedskirts were stained and when they made up the room they simply turned the used sheets around. At $700+ per night? And, I had to call downstairs as we needed toilet paper. Sloppy standards.

The restaurants?

Night One: Carmine's we ranked 3rd. I suppose they couldn't control the fight that broke out, but it really wasn't that good an experience. Oh, and they have those really skimpy 6oz glasses of wine for which they charge $10+.

Night Two: Olives we ranked 2nd, even though out waiter abandoned us and never came back after taking our appetizer plates away except to give us the bill. The food was good and well prepared.

Night Three: Virgil's BBQ we ranked 4th. Really? 17 minutes and $150 bill for burnt ribs and mac & cheese?

Night Four: Nobu we ranked 1st. With a reputation for "rip off" I cannot disagree more. The quality of the food was outstanding and the service was fabulous.

All in all, I'm thrilled I was able to spend some really good time with Claire. She really needed a break from the pressure of upcoming mid-terms and the weather. The beauty of the Bahamas? The Bahamas and its people. If we were to return it would be to a place with less chaos and something worth the $700+ per night.

real right now | back to school

And then there were three! The obligatory Back to School portrait of my growing-up-too-fast-but-not-fast-enough children. Yesterday they went off to their first day of school after eleven weeks of holiday. I hope they remember how to learn!

I got a couple of "good" shots and far more "goofy" shots.

After years of experience, I've learned to stay home the first day of school. The parking lot is gridlock and the "newbies" are clueless as to how it all flows. Best to just wave and have them walk.

I did pick them up. Wow! What a bundle of energy in the truck. We spent the evening pouring over schedules, discussing how "awesome" all of the courses are and how "excited" they all are for the year ahead. I'm grateful for the mindset since I know that what you believe becomes real.

This is going to be a great year.

No back-to-school portrait of Claire, but she did send me a quick iPhone shot of her first lecture. Classics. She too is optimistic and had a great first day.

things we do | week in the life 2013

For the last few years I've participated in the Ali Edwards-inspired Week In The Life project, with varying degrees of success through each effort. I enjoy the project as it really gives me a here-and-now look at my life and gives me the focus I need to really realize what I want to keep, what I don't need anymore and where I want to go with things for me and my kids.

As with any creative endeavour there are tons of ideas when projects start.

• Do I incorporate my Week in the Life into my Project Life?
• Do I participate at the same time as the project is "assigned" or choose another time?
• Do I make the project 12x12 or 8.5x11? Will it be digital or traditional paper and glue?
• Will I put it in its own album or will I print it via Blurb or some other publishing place?
• Will I use Ali Edwards' templates or some other inspiration?
• What will my colour theme be?

So many choices!

This year, as in the last couple, I am hoping to keep things simple:

• I will participate in this project on the designated dates - Monday, September 9 through Sunday, September 15, 2013, using Ali's handy-dandy daily document sheets.
• This will be a project separate from Project Life with Ali Edwards' 8.5x11 templates to be completed 100% digitally.
• Once done, I'll print them off at Persnickety Prints to fill an empty album just waiting on the shelf. (I'm doing my best to use what I have left - a lot of albums and page protectors!)
• You can only plan so much in advance. I think I'll let the days dictate colour, but I'm thinking of basing everything in simple gray or brown with only pops of colour here and there - visually calm and easy with a few words that reflect feeling more than actions.

You know the Arthur Ashe quote: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." That seems to be my motto and I shall continue to embrace it.

My past projects look like this:

2012 :: 23 April - 29 April 2012
2011 :: Monday - Friday :: Saturday :: somehow I missed Sunday - c'est la vie!
2010 :: 19 April - 25 April 2010
2008 :: 20 October - 26 October 2008

I'm looking forward to documenting my week! What about you?

real right now | letting go

Today is the traditional first day of school for just about everyone. My kids don't start classes until NEXT Monday - the 9th. I'm still reflecting and anticipating ...

Entering any new stage of parenting is a challenge. When these opportunitites for growth arrive, I often wonder if I'm up for it and feel like I muddle through rather than ease my way to the next stage.

This week I'm letting go in order for Claire to embrace her life.

Letting go means a fresh new start for my girl. New place. New people.

Letting go means driving to Kingston, Ontario, three hours away from home, a couple of days early so the sibs can be comfortable with Claire's new surroundings. Their approval and support is a key component to her comfort level.

Letting go means driving to Kingston, Ontario, three hours away from home, a couple of days early so Claire - my "anxiety" girl - can be comfortable with her new surroundings :)

Letting go means putting my boys on the VIA train so all of Claire's belongings could fit into the Suburban. It was a wonderful adventure for them!

Letting go means giving Claire a strict budget from now through Thanksgiving. Then through Christmas. Then through February reading week. Then through exams. Then we'll start all over again.

Letting go means someone else will have to be trained in the position of "shotgun". Claire rocks at "shotgun". I wonder who will be my new co-pilot? In this instance birth order counts for nothing!

Letting go means allowing for non-catastrophic mistakes to be made. Fingers crossed and notes to the Universe that any mistake made will build her character and create a firm foundation for learning. Fingers crossed and notes to the Universe that I remember that mistakes are to be expected!

Letting go means remembering frosh orientation week at University only happens once in a lifetime and it can be more fun than anything else up to this point in her life.

Letting go means worrying if she is eating okay, taking her medication/supplements, the condition of her eczema, her level of anxiety, her waking in time in the morning to make it to class on time, her making new friends, her enjoying classes and professors, her new sheets don't itch. Realizing and embracing that I have no control over any of it and she'll let me know if and when I can help.

Letting go means finally having the truck back to myself. Well, until I have to start teaching Cole who has just completed his DriveWise in-class course. His first in-car lesson is on this coming Thursday.

Letting go means I can curate and mail out some kick-ass awesome care packages.

Letting go means I have to learn Skype, SnapChat and FaceTime. Claire and I have just purchased identical mugs for soup and tea which will be part of the whole touch-base ritual. Now we just have to settle in and choose a regular time that will work in both of our schedules. I'm looking forward to hearing from her.

Letting go means it's time to have another baby - just not one in human form!

Letting go means I don't have to give voice my differing opinions. I am allowed to think whatever I want, but don't necessarily have to express my concerns. Breathe.

Letting go means I have to find someone else to go with me to Yame Sushi and Chapters.

Letting go means I am trusting that my girl has been raised well and knows how to make good choices. Good choices for her.

As a parent I don't often have opportunity for feedback since creating a full-fledged adult is years in the making. Even though she was in boarding last year, Claire was still with all of her siblings in a school less than a kilometre away from home. This year? THIS is my report card.

MORE important, this year is the time my girl will figure out who she is and who she wants to be. I'm so very proud of her and can't wait to hear all of her stories and discoveries! Well. Those she's willing to share ;)

places we go | grail springs lady faire

Last week I left to go to Bancroft, Ontario (about 300km NE) with a plan to stay overnight and visit Grail Springs to attend the Lady Faire. The theme this year, their fifth, was The Colours of Woman. Colour is my thing, so off I went to explore this new aspect of my woo-hoo experience.

I arrived just in time.

Though the weather was volatile, with high humidity and huge thunderstorms rolling through, the setting is just lovely and calm.

The vendors had some interesting ware to sell and I couldn't resist picking up a few things. Perfect for my research!

THIS had to be captured for Claire - pop tab version of chain mail. Just amazing.

The gardens were spectacular - even after the rain came though.

I was nervous leaving home in the morning. I'm always tense leaving the kids, even when all the arrangements have been made for their care. Between my anxiety and the horses - I'm very allergic - I left to head home by mid-afternoon. I missed a speaker I wanted to hear, but hope to hear her at another event - maybe - someday!

I don't know that I learned anything particularly earth shatteringly new to me, but I did keep my heart and mind open to new things. And there was plenty of energy to absorb. One thing is for sure, as an introvert there are times being surrounded by a group of extroverts can be overwhelming!

What I did discover is so simple: driving is my meditation. My brain is calm and almost thought-free, except for paying attention to the traffic around me and the general rules of the road. Six hours behind the wheel was truly restorative, except when driving through the massive thunderstorms between Bradford and Peterborough! Yowza!

Will I go back? Yes. With a dose of Benadryl, a functioning power inverter for the truck (to keep my iPhone charged) and a friend.

nourish | growth

A couple of months ago, I received notice in my e-mail that Deepak Chopra would be coming to Toronto for a talk. I immediately ordered four tickets and then promptly forgot about it :)

The day before I left for Arizona, I got a reminder on my phone set, oddly, well ahead of the event. Luckily though since I completely forgot to ask anyone to join me! I sent a note out to 10 girlfriends, expecting a bit of interest, but received an immediate reponse from 5! In the end, it all worked out and I headed off to Toronto with a combination of high expectations and a completely open mind.

I was not disappointed.

My friend, Helen and I headed to a Japanese joint that had "floating food". Very fun.

I will definitely be back! Yum :)

Then, on the way to Roy Thomson Hall, I was reminded of the fun and silly that used to be part of my daily wanderings. It's nice to enjoy a reminder. A guy, in a suit, playing a guitar (very well), with a bag over his head? Yep. Fun and silly.

Then the event of the night. I have to admit that a lot of it was "out there" in a place I cannot grasp, but an equal amount was right where I needed it to be. Like the Grinch who's heart grew three sizes, I believe my brain grew three sizes as a result of this evening.

All good stuff. Limiting beliefs. Meditation. Atoms. Space. Time. Unanswerable questions. Set points. Wellness. Choices. Understanding.

You can like him. You can dislike him. What I like is that, for an evening, he made me think in a way I haven't in a very long time - or ever. I was completely captivated for over two hours.

All good stuff.

nourish | good choices

Last week I found myself back in Tucson, AZ with my sister, Beth. I went to have some tests run in an effort to try to figure out the whole over-weight thing. Ugh. Frustrating! After all blood tests were run and analyzed, it turns out I am a remarkably fit heavy person. Blood pressure is low. Thyroid is fine. B12 is fine. Liver and kidney function are great. Vitamin D is in the tank. With a few tweaks things should be fine. Reluctantly, the doctor agreed that once my cortisol levels lower, my body should be more receptive to shrinking! We'll have to wait and see. Patience is not one of my virtues.

Right now I'm just waiting for the results of some allergy tests. Who knows, maybe they hold the key to what's holding me back?

While I wait, listening to the rain hit the windows, I've been going through the photos taken on the trip. Hundreds were taken, below are just a few of them to keep me warm until Spring arrives here at home:

It was a 17-hour ordeal to get to Tucson with major flooding leading to delays in Chicago. I landed in Phoenix and drove the two hours to Tucson. I started at 5AM my time and ended up at Canyon Ranch at 9PM their time. I have to say, it was totally worth it. Even when I realized - a week later, just as it was time to leave - that I left my passport on the plane! Further proof that there never is a dull moment.

Every day I walked the 2-mile loop around the property, though, unlike my sister, I did it just the once and avoided the "big hill" even though it meant more steps :)

Every day I swam at least 20 laps of the T-pool and took at least one water-fitness class.

Every day I ate oatmeal brulée, chicken sausage and kefir for breakfast.

Every day I met someone new and heard their story.

Every day I spoke to or texted with my kids. Though, I have to admit, Caden is a bit too quiet for my comfort! They had a great time with their cousins, and limited independence :)

Every day I discovered something new. I also discovered more things I can - and will - do.

Every day I did at least one thing outside my comfort zone.

Every day I enjoyed conversations with my sister. I did a lot of listening. I learned a ton!

Every day I realized how far I have come since my first visit to Canyon Ranch two years ago. Dr. Brewer barely recognized me and confessed his fear for me when I left in 2011.

Every day I realized, with gratitude, how wonderful my life has become - extra weight and all!

I really enjoy the desert. There is something incredibly beautiful in the stark heat and vast expanse of cracked brown earth and endless blue sky. This year my focus was more outward and I took everything in - from the beautiful buds of spring, to the turtles in the pond, to the people around me.

Only 350-some days until I return!

hello monday | 65

hello justin trudeau. coronation. really? just the idea of that word puts me off. never a fan of his dad, but i get it. the son? not even a shadow.

hello rugby. yes, i've caved-in and both boys are playing again - though only for their school teams. cole is thrilled to be 8-man, and even happier to have scored 3 trys on his first game back. caden is happy to simply gain the respect of the older boys on his team.

hello soccer. who knew i'd have a soccer player in my brood? chloé decided to play this year - the first time since she was five - and she loves it. it's never been my sport so I'm happy to have her follow her heart and discover something new!

hello new dishwasher. it feels like only a little while ago that i had a new one installed - and i did! two weeks out of warranty and there is a crack in the base of the drum. my lovely plumber checked it out and it was clearly a defect. not happy with kitchen aid.

hello canyon ranch. for our third annual trip my sister and i talked. a lot. we always do, but this time it was different. i loved every minute of it though the topics were often tough. oh, and it turns out that - other than dismal vitamin d levels - i'm totally healthy. the doc cannot figure out the weight thing, but he seems to agree with my naturopath that once the cortisol levels are regulated - fingers crossed and positive vibes to the universe on may 14 - it'll come off. i'm totally setting up myself for success!

hello morning walks. there is a 2-mile walk (as well as others) at the ranch. before the sun got too hot - yes, too hot - we would walk the route. it was amazing to get 6,000 steps in by breakfast! definitely implementing the practice now that i'm home.

hello passport. long story short, it was left in a plane on the way to arizona. a 17-hour ordeal. sigh. not discovered until it was time to leave. never a dull moment!

hello facebook news. last friday morning cole made a noise i had never heard before (and hope to never hear again!). i jumped out of bed after 3 hours of jet-lagged sleep to comfort him. he had just read that his paternal grandfather had passed away. it was heart-wrenching. it brought out the mama-bear in me!

hello nyc. how do you honour a grandfather recently passed? after such an emotionally exhausting early morning, cole went on a planned trip to new york city with his other grandfather - my dad. i think grandpapa would have approved.

 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.

Photo Walk | St. Lawrence Market, Toronto

I have not been back to the St. Lawrence Market, in downtown Toronto, for a very long time - more than 30 years! I remember it being vast, busy and filled with food. Very little has changed :)

Every Saturday afternoon for the next few months, I will drive to downtown Toronto as Chloé has started in an acting program. The traffic can be questionable so it doesn't make sense to drive home, 45+ minutes away, when she has only a 3-hour class. There's a lot to do in my home town.

Located less than 2km away from her lessons is the St. Lawrence Market. Last weekend, I took the opportunity to visit again. This time, I wasn't the child, I brought Caden along.

I have to admit, it was stimulating - the sights, sounds and (I'm sure) smells. Caden does not appreciate crowds and he was more than a little uncomfortable with the chaos of it all. It is such an unfamiliar experience for him. Further proof my kids need to have the suburban knocked out of them - I have succeeded with the first two, now it's time to citify the next two!

Caden was far more comfortable walking along outside the market. The problem this particular day was he decided not to wear a coat. Not a good idea! Though it was only -1C outside, it was damp and gray - bone chilling. Not conducive to a nice leisurely walk around town.

I was able to get a couple of shots:

Looking North toward the market from where we parked.

The one thing I think I love most about my hometown is the mixure of old and new - architecture, cultures, traditions ... all of it. So wonderful to see this old church tucked among large modern skyscrapers.

One of my most favourite buildings from my childhood? The Flatiron building. Gorgeous! The view behind has changed, but the building remains the same. Toronto is vibrant and always changing but holding onto the old parts that make it wonderful, to me.

Then it was time to take my shivering boy back to the truck then on to the studio to collect Chloé from her class.

The weather was not on our side today. At all. I was still happy to share a bit of Toronto with Caden. With Chloé's classes close to King Street and Parliament, there is still a ton to see: the Distillery District, Queen's Quay, The Beach, and many more places - maybe up by where I grew up in mid-town or around the Annex (oh, how I'd love to live there!). We can have an adventure every weekend. Toronto is such a great place and I'm hoping my children will learn to love it as much as I do.

December Daily | 22 - 31

Finishing up! My December Daily for 2012 has been completed, but in the crush of Christmas and the excitement of the new year, I completely forgot to close out this project by sharing it here!

Wow! What a full month. I love that this December is the same but different from last December is the same but different from the one before. I really wouldn't know that unless I did this project which is what makes it special and worthwhile. It is a definite "must do" for next year.

Now that the layouts are done maybe I should get to putting the album together!

places we go | barbados

Claire turned 17 on December 20th.

A few years ago I had promised her that we would go away and do something special for this 2012.2012 birthday. Even though our family circumstances have changed, there was no changing or modifying this promise! Last year we started looking at our options and Claire, who is always cold, chose Barbados as her destination to celebrate her birthday.

Along with Claire, we packed up Cole, Chloé, Caden along with friends Austin and Victoria. Yes, me and SIX kids on a "road trip" to Barbados for a few days before Christmas.

We got to Pearson for 6AM and the journey began!

Such a GREAT group of kids.

I love that the kids were always involved. Either with the entertainers at the resort - or participating in making their own entertainment. There was A LOT of singing!

For me, other than the constant sound of the ocean waves, the best part of the trip was eating breakfast every morning. I would head over to the restaurant with the two younger kids while the older kids were still fast asleep. It was lovely.

My boy Caden HATED the heat. It was about 30*C every day and Caden is really a cold weather boy. He spent a lot of time in the warm ocean and the cooler swimming pool. Many laps were swum to keep him in condition for the Appleby swim team.

My mermaid LOVED it. Hours were spent in the ocean. So wonderful to see that smile!

I'm sure the kids thought I was taking photos all the time, but really, I didn't capture enough group shots! Have I mentioned how great these kids were? Everyone made comments about how I must be crazy to be on "holiday" with all of the kids, but by the end everyone was commenting on fabulous they all were.

Lots of critters everywhere.

Getting ready to leave, we enjoyed our last lunch and the last rounds of rum punch (for me) and strawberry daqueris (virgin - kinda) for the kids!

Ready for another wild opposite-side-of-the-road trip. We were all relaxed and happy to have enjoyed a wonderful holiday. Christmas Eve had arrived and it was time to head home.

Hello Montréal? Yes. All plans aside, direct flight be damned, there was a mechanical issue and we ended up being redirected to deplane, clear customs, get luggage, get new boarding passes, go through security again and change planes. We landed in Toronto at exactly 11:58PM.

Merry Christmas!!

places we go | stratford

The last time we were in Stratford it was for a baseball tournament. This time around, all four kids were with me and we had a chance to take a look around and enjoy some shows. It's good for them to know that Stratford is known world wide for it's Theatre as well as the birth place of Justin Bieber! This weekend, as many have been, was interrupted by a baseball tournament in Cambridge, but we got a lot of good stuff in a short period of time!

So glad to get a good shot of all four kids. Actually, I got a few of them.

The swans look lovely but they're mean creatures. A good metaphor.

I could sit under this tree, on this bench, for days!

Keeping it real. Big space or small space, boys wrestle.

I've promised the kids that next time we're in Stratford we'll rent paddle boats for an afternoon.

Our play adventures started with Much Ado About Nothing. Claire is a Shakespeare nut and LOVED every minute of it. My others? They appreciated it, but had a hard time understanding it.

In two days we saw:

Much Ado About Nothing, traditional Shakespeare - Claire's favourite show; 42nd Street, Broadway musical; Elektra, Greek tragedy; and Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert and Sullivan musical - favourite of the other three.

The performances were brilliant. I have always wanted my kids to be exposed to all kinds of different stage shows so they could decide what they like and what they don't. And, when else would they get a chance to see a traditional Greek tragedy? A tough watch for Caden, but greatly appreciated by everyone else. I don't know if I can express how happy I was that the kids are now old enough to not like or enjoy a performance but appreciate the talent and effort of the performers.

There are painted upright pianos all through town. We heard many talented players as we walked the streets. No, Cole was not one of them!

The shops are very quaint and boutique-y. Yes, that means outrageously expensive!

Claire, the duck whisperer! She and Caden got kibble and fed them as we waited for the theatre to open for the evening performance of 42nd Street.

The Festival Theatre has a ball diamond out front. The story of our summer :)

Years ago, I went to Stratford with my dad to see Maggie Smith perform in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. It was wonderful. We ate our lunch at The Church Restaurant and I took my kids there for lunch on the Friday. Unlike me, my kids were totally spooked about eating in a church. It was kind of funny to see their reaction, so different from mine!

I love this town. The architecture and culture of it all is such a surprise out in the Middle of Nowhere, Ontario. I love that my kids had the time to fall in love with it, too. They are all determined to return. I am too. Caden wants to go to camp at the Culinary School, Cole and Chloé are hoping to find an acting course or two to participate in and Claire is happy to just enjoy good entertainment and good food!

How can you not love a place that fuels enthusiasm and dreams?

places we go | darien lake

WARNING: for those who know me this adventure is entirely out of character for me - but yes, I was there and I did enjoy myself.

Yes it does say "hotel" but we were indeed in the campground line. I am not a fan of camping, but for the sake of my kids and their sense of adventure I struck a compromise. We rented a cabin on the camp grounds. It was brilliant!

All unpacked - and another trip to the Batavia Target later - it was time to hit the water park. This is Claire's typical "take the photo" pose. Um, okay! Keeping it real here, folks!

Really real!

Austin participated in the odd spoon-hanging-from-nose ritual my kids seem to enjoy with his own hanging-from-chin twist. One of my very first jobs when I moved to Buffalo in 1984 had me working at the Darien Lake Country Store right next door to this restaurant. Very nostalgic this whole trip, for me. Even the food - I started with Pizza Rolls as an appetizer (totally not healthy!) and followed that up with a Beef on 'Weck as my meal. To make it really authentic, I should have ordered a Vodka Tea!

Thank goodness for Wanda and my kids or we'd never have a fire! Goodness knows I don't have a clue what to do. Then it was off to bed after a very long and full day.

We woke up and started a lazy day and my kids discovered a new and exotic piece of furniture called a "futon". :)

LOVE getting a decent photo of the youngers.

Many stuffed animals were won.

The joy of this trip was found in the complete and utter freedom the kids found at the park. I really loved the idea that while I was at "home", the kids were able to come and go and enjoy the amusement and water parks at their pace, not mine. Perfect!

While they were away, I indulged in my new found desire to find some decent recipes. Imagine if I actually managed to make every recipe on every page I've dog-eared? THERE is a challenge!

My girl has a big heart - picking up strays and wounded creatures everywhere she goes. This little guy fell out of a tree and broke his wing. She brought him back to the cabin in hopes he'd feel better. (I can't tell you the outcome as our "neighbours" took the bird for their pre-schooler to play with ... )

Should I mention the episode of our keys locked in the truck and the trying to find a locksmith? He was lovely - and only $45 - after hours on a Saturday!

The boys headed off to the Brad Paisley concert and Wanda set a fire with Claire's help.

Claire (wearing my glasses) enjoyed her first ever s'more. I know, first one! Have I mentioned the kids never went camping en famille? Well, they have now! Sweet vindication - I am no longer a "bad parent" :) Well, at least where camping is concerned.

The Moe became quite an expert marshmallow roaster following the knowledgeable directions of Wanda who explained about flame and coals. Good lessons - good student.

Roasting continued when the boys got back from the concert.

 

And just like that, blink, the weekend was over and it was time to pack up and head home. Our adventure had come to an end. We had such a fabulous time, definitely something I'd consider doing again. My only regret? Not discovering this idea a couple of years ago. I have already keyed in a "reminder" put into my computer to book something for next year.

What great idea have you discovered? Something that has you going back year-after-year?

places we go | cooperstown

On our way from Cape Cod to Darien Lake we had a gap day. One where we had no plans. A little more than half-way is Cooperstown, New York - home to the Baseball Hall of Fame as well as a lovely lake and picturesque town. As with all great plans, when you have four kids you have to adjust. In this case, it was a combination of kids and weather!

We had a lovely spot to stay. One block to the right was the Baseball Hall of Fame. One block to the left was the lake. Miraculously I got all four of the kids to pose - nicely - in front of our hotel.

We passed beautiful stately homes. Really lovely.

So typical a sight in this part of the world.

With all of the steamy heat this summer, it was good to see something thriving!

We passed along some neat displays. Chloé mentioned "if you don't like baseball, I don't think you'd like this town". She's right, Cooperstown really is ball-centric. It was at this point in our walk that Cole mentioned he wasn't feeling well and asked for a good restaurant at the information kiosk.

We continued along the main street with a plan to stop for dinner then head over to the museum. No photo of the restaurant - The Pit, which, unlike it's name implies had deceptively good food though the décor leaves a lot to be improved!

No photo of the museum either. As we left the restaurant the heavens opened and we were drenched with water! The thunder, the lightening, the water didn't stop for over 12 hours. It continued in to the next day and fortunately gave us a 15 minute window as we packed up the truck in the morning.

And that was our 18 hours in Cooperstown!

places we go | cape cod

This has to be our most favourite place to visit on earth. The kids were giddy with excitement - and happy to get out of the truck after 10 1/2 hours of driving!

Even when the weather is not ideal, it is a lovely visit to the beach house.

We took our first trip on the Lobster Roll. We watch it as it floats by but have never actually had a ride. The kids insisted so we booked our spots. Jury is still out on who loved, who hated and who got the most sea sick! (I'm just happy to have a photo of me with the kids - for once!)

Our annual "to the beach" shot of all four of them.

The heat of the day was intense. If it wasn't sweltering, it was pouring. The best time to head to the beach was around sunset.

The kids went off to Fenway Park with my dad to catch a game - Red Sox vs Texas Rangers. This was followed by a wonderful tasty meal and a quick trip back to the Cape.

My favourite meal is always a lobster roll. I think on this trip I had lobster every day ... at least, I tried! For the first time ever my kids were open to trying it. The boys enjoyed it, the girls are a harder sell. More for me :)

one frame at a time | weekend

Given that I didn't have my camera out of my hands much this weekend, I was surprised to see how few of our activities were recorded! Funny how our perspective can be wrong by the time the memory card is uploaded to the computer. I must be more mindful of the photos I take of OUR lives, rather than those of group activities.

At any rate, a bit of what it's like around here on the weekend:

It often feels like we are all together as a family, a lot. The reality is we are together but in fits and starts, not often all four of my kids all together at one time. Friday night I was determined and we all went to see Claire in her tournament in Mississauga. We enjoyed Cole's +1 who joined us at Jack Astor's for dinner then the game. It was a GREAT game and so glad all of my kids watched their sister - and her team - play so well!

It really is random what you can see at the back of a ball diamond. I often pass by this structure when getting off the 403 (highway) and to be so close, I took a ton of photos :)

Lots of action to capture on the field. I took over 400 photos of the three games on Friday and Saturday. I got some really great action shots!

No time is more optimistic than a group of players before a game. The energy is always so positive and upbeat. Love watching everyone relate to each other.

Claire uploaded all of the photos to Facebook. While at River Oaks, for the Provincial Championship for the age level above, she was showing the photos to her teammates who came by to cheer on the "Big League" team.

A new Starbucks opened by our house. I am not a fan of most of their products, but on a hot day I do enjoy the Mocha Frappacino - hold the whip!

The older kids needed their bikes repaired and we took them in. Not only did they get serviced, but I came home with a new bike. My balance is a bit off, but I'm looking forward to riding as an option to walking - and certainly better than driving!

What was not captured:

Watching the Wimbledon finals. Amazing! We were rooting for the Scot Murray, though, with a soft spot for Federer. A fabulous final. (We also watched a bit of the ladies' finals, Serena rocks!)

The boys went with their Titans team to London, ON for a football game. Cole as a coach and Caden as a player. The game was a challenge - losing 34-0. Caden was rarely on the bench as he played both ways (offence and defence) all game long.

Cole went off to a friend's house to play Dungeons & Dragons. I love that he tries a bunch of new things with is friends. One of those things is riding his bike to places. Saturday night I had to pick him up as the tire blew on his bike. :(

Nostalgia was relived with visits to Dairy Queen: after the big win on Friday night and then after the two losses on Saturday.

Not missing a beat, Claire is back with Conor, her math tutor, on Sunday afternoons.

My boys at the ball diamond helping the umpires. Caden was in charge of collecting foul balls and Cole was in charge of watering and caring for field umpires. With the exception of Cole taking a bathroom break, while Caden was off getting a foul ball, all went well.

The weather has been crazy hot. This has created a few freakish thunderstorms, but nothing really effected any sports. Right after I washed the car on Saturday morning, the heavens opened. Of course!

Lessons learned:

Too many to mention! I am so enjoying myself while getting to know my kids, their interests, their friends, all of it. I find people and the dynamics of relationships fascinating. I am really putting myself "out there" and embracing my vulnerability - and that of others. It has been so rewarding and, at times, utterly heart-breaking. I wouldn't change a minute of it.

Another Year Has Ended

Our worries about the weather were put aside when the sun came out in the morning and blazed all day long! My kids found their grade bands and made themselves as comfortable as they could for the Closing Ceremonies of their school.

Somewhere in the sea of uniforms are my kids:

While I sat on the hill with Wanda, listening to (seemingly) endless speeches and graduates (the largest class in the history of the school), I tried to find my children, eventually locating Claire with her friends:

Cole was just a mop of thick dark hair and broad shoulders, happily sitting with his buddies, to the far right and outside the frame of this shot.

The surprise of the day? Hearing Chloé's name called for the Middle School Arts award. Huh? YAY!! You could hear Cole and Claire cheering and clapping all over the campus! I love that they support each other with such spirit and enthusiasm.

Chloé won for Grade 7 and her friend won for Grade 8. They'll switch off the cup around Christmas time. I love that Chloé's name will go right beside her brother's name! My kids really rock Grade 7. The pressure is now on Caden for next year and to convince them all to rock through to Grade 12 :S

So proud of my Moe!

The best part of the day, in addition to Chloé earning Optimates (Honours) and the Arts award, was the treat of a brilliant Valedictory address by Justin Samardzik, the Academics Prefect. I've known Justin since he was about six years old and am so very proud of him and the brilliant words he chose to close out the Centennial Year of the school.

Time to enjoy the next few weeks and recharge knowing it all starts again on September 10!

anticipation | the next 10 weeks

With the longest day of the year comes dreams of hazy and hot days ahead.

Generally, this is not my preferred season. If the heat could come without sweat - or bugs - I'd be all for it, but alas, summer in Southern Ontario doesn't happen that way. I tend to spend my time in a nice shady spot - or inside with the air conditioning wearing (ironically) a sweater.

We have a few plans for our time away from school. Ten weeks of bliss. Aside from my weather woes, I really enjoy this time to get to know my kids, though with them getting older, I feel - keenly - the lack of structure and pushing of limits.

We're looking forward to:

Enjoying Baseball Games & Tournaments, Football Games and Stage Performances
Riding bikes, blowing bubbles and swinging on park swings
Engineering Camps at a local university
Theatre Camps - two weeks each at two different camps
Summer School for Math (Credit) Courses
Enjoying lazy lunches on the Jonathan's patio
Our annual holiday in Cape Cod
A Theatre Trip to Stratford
Days rowing & paddling on local rivers
Computer Camps
French & Math headstart programs
Days at Canada's Wonderland, Niagara Falls and Marineland
Barbeques and fun with friends
Rounds of golf with new clubs
Visits with the cousins - and not just because they have a pool!
The spitting of watermelon seeds, licking of ice cream cones and sipping icy drinks
Watching Downton Abbey to find out what the fuss is all about

I anticipate a lot of time will be spent in the truck and a lot of late nights will be spent waiting for children to return home.

I am hoping there will also be plenty of time for me to lounge around and read, rest up and prepare for the next school year. In ten weeks I'll have all four of my children at one school - for one year.

In the meantime, here's to a full and fun ten weeks ahead!

What are your plans? If you want to know what others are up to, head on over to Ali Edwards' blog and check out the links in her Summer Manifesto article. Truly inspiring!

* * * * *

I just remembered, through the winter, I was so looking toward summer that I made a "Subway Poster" on a particularly cold day, in a winter with very few! This is what I came up with:

It's a 5x7 print. Go ahead, download it!

What are your favourite things to do in the summer? Any plans?

Project Life | 11

PROJECT LIFE | 11
11 March - 17 March, 2012
Big Events: March Break!

INSERTS | I had to include my 12of12 layout for March! I also printed out a blog post that needed to be included as part of where we are now.

Still behind, but steadily catching up!

How are you enjoying your Project Life, so far?

A Week In The Life 2012 | The Pages

I had started A Week In the Life 2012 with every intention of having it bound into a "real" book. Then a few things happened:

1. Life got in the way
2. The gutter

So, in my effort to use what I have, I found an old Creative Memories PicFolio from a hundred years ago and sent my pages of to my go-to developer, Persnickety Prints.

This is what I ended up with at the end of my week:

Each of my kids have given me the answers to a "questionnaire" this week and that layout (of sorts) will be included with each of their personal layouts . There are 15 2-page spreads with a cover page and final page available in the 12x12 Picfolio and I've given you 13 2-page spread and just the cover page - some stuff is just ours to enjoy :)

A few details:

The fonts: Arial and Channel
The templates: modified Ali Edwards
The overlays: banners and title Ali Edwards
The digi-papers: Karen Lewis Moment In Time
The program: Adobe PSE 6 (I do have 10, but can't figure out how to install!)
Camera: All photos taken with my Canon G12

As always, A Week In The Life is a completely worthwhile project! Still trying to reconcile with my Project Life, but I'm sure I'll figure out something.

A Week In The Life 2012 | A Success

Starting a project like A Week In the Life while on the road is not ideal, though it definitely focuses the effort and simplifies the approach! I thought I'd share a peek at my week with a "photo of the day" - only a hint of what my day looked like through the week.

MONDAY, APRIL 23
Location: Tucson, AZ
Hilight: LOVE the underwater treadmill at Canyon Ranch

TUESDAY, APRIL 24
Location: Tucson, AZ
Hilight: Oatmeal Bruleé, Chicken Sausage and Kefir - perfect start

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Location: En Route from Tucson, AZ to Oakville, ON via Denver, CO
Hilight: Last morning, capturing my surroundings

THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Location: Oakville, ON
Hilight: Home just in time for "dress down" day at school

FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Location: Oakville, ON
Hilight: The boys enjoyed Camp Lee for their (surprise to me) PA Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Location: Oakville, ON
Hilight: Claire on stage in RENT

SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Location: Oakville, ON
Hilight: Morning dragonboat meeting and practice

The plan? Simple.

Simple Fonts.

Simple Templates.

Simple Process.

I will be combining our collective stories of our week and putting it all together into a 12x12 digital book! I'm very excited about this and am anxious to show the final results ... once they're organized and ready to be shown.

What about you? Did you participate in A Week in the Life this year? Let me see what you created!

I hope to be able to show you how the whole project is coming along soon, but as you can imagine, life is full and it may take some time to get it all together. As far as projects come and go, this one is worth the effort, and I will get it done :)

Stop and Turn Around

I drive by the same spot twice on the way to Caden's elementary school and twice on the way back, every weekday. I promise myself each trip that I will stop and take a photo at the bridge on the Appleby campus. Last Thursday we had another thick blanket of fog wafting over Lakeshore Road, this is a pretty common occurance and has been happening the last few days as it always does when winter turns to spring turns to unseasonably warm. I was running late on my way home and figured I'd just capture the photo another day. 

Then it dawned on me ... what if there isn't another day? The sun at the right angle, the fog just dense enough, and my camera in the truck with me.

So, I stopped and turned around.

These are a few of the shots:

This is the bridge, that from the road has a better angle. I just couldn't get it down at creek level. Meh.

Again, the bridge, from the other side of the creek. Again, meh.

So then I got smart and walked onto the bridge. Stopping in the middle I was struck by the fog, the sparkle on the water, the hazy sunlight. This is exactly what I wanted to capture.

Walking back to the truck, there was dew on the grass and the real sign of spring ... bugs ... in the air.

They may not be the greatest photos ever taken - just snapshots really, but the joy to me is that they were taken. I stopped, turned around and seized the perfect moment to capture a view I am priviledged to see every day. Now I have it forever.

12 of 12 | January 2012

01. Getting ready for school - Cole was still looking a bit startled to be awake.

02. On the other hand, the girl is all set and ready to go.

03. The kids laugh that we live "in a bubble". It can be snowy and cold in all the surrounding communities, but here it was +7C and raining on our drive to school.

04. Three delivered and one to pick up. Caden's hockey equipment was still not on his "tree" so it had to be done before we ran our before-school errand.

05. We headed over to the YMCA and got memberships for me and my boy.

06. Once he was dropped at school and I handled some correspondence it was off to the College Shop. I was Day Chair for a friend. Lovely group of ladies on Thursday! Nice to get to know them.

07. It was so nice to hang out with Lisa and get a massage - a bit too short, but a half hour is better than nothing!

08. A quick trip to pick up Caden from school and back to the chiropractor's office to meet the new doctor, Stefan. He's lovely and really knows what he's doing. Caden was happy, all thumbs up, with his adjustment.

09. Back to the school to pick up the rest of the troops.

10. Claire is the best sous chef - she put together the salad for dinner for me.

11. My list for today. I actually managed to get a ton scratched off - the best kind of list! Looks like there is still plenty to do tomorrow.

12. I finished up my evening with a bit of handwashing pots and pans. I really don't like coming down to a full sink in the morning!

525,600 minutes + 1,440 more

Are you familiar with the song from Rent?

As the chorus goes:

525,600 minutes, 525,600 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love?
Measure in love. Seasons of love.

Well, this year is filled with 527,040 minutes given that it's a leap year. One more day of daylight, sunsets, midnight and plenty more coffee! No inches or miles around here (we prefer centimeters and meters) but I expect plenty of laughter and I hope strife stays in it's place - back in 2011! No matter, it will always be measured in love. Seasons of love.

In order to celebrate each and every one of those 527,040 moments, I've elected to participate in Project Life. The older and more independent my kids become, I find it more difficult to find the time to scrapbook in any traditional way. This knowledge has filled me with fear: I am afraid of losing our stories. Our everyday memories and traditions. So many have been recorded, but there is so much more now that we are all making full and rich lives for ourselves.

THIS project will be the keeper of our life stories for this year. In addition to the ever changing photos and stories, it will hold:

• Mileage (since I spend so much time in my truck)
• Weather (hey, I'm Canadian, it's all about the weather)
• BBM Conversations (a source of much joy and poor grammar)
• Facebook/Twitter Updates
• Blog Articles/Comments
• Gas Prices
• New Recipes/Kitchen Experiments
• Receipts
• New Discoveries: songs, books, blogs, stores, foods, quotes, ideas

I'm hoping to format each week with a Left Page, Insert, Right Page

Inserts will include:

Long journalers for bigger stories, 4 Simple Goals, 10 Things Project, The Current, TGIF, Wishcasting Wednesday, Reflections, and whatever else I discover through the year.

So far it's feeling a bit chaotic, but now that I have most of the elements understood and the opening page put together, things should be manageable. I always find things go more smoothly when it's been thoroughly prepared. Much like my Week in the Life or my December Daily projects, the more time spent in the preparation for success makes the result worth it! The theory also works with painting rooms and laundry :) I'm excited to get started - I'm even more excited to live the stories that will be recorded.

In addition to the Project Life kit (I purchased the older turquoise version), I supplemented with the coordinating digital elements and some Basic Grey stickers I've used in the past and LOVED. I even found a Canadian supplier for my We R Memory Keeper albums and got myself one in orange and aqua. I also got a LOT of cardstock. Oh, and PLENTY of post-it notes which will litter the pages as reminders for what to put where once photos are developed!

Yes, if your keeping track, this is a rather expensive undertaking BUT if this ends up, as planned, being the primary method to store most of my stories - in addition to a couple of other self-contained projects - it should turn out to be more cost-effective than just purchasing at random too much beautiful and addictive scrapbook supplies with some vague idea of purpose. It's about using, not collecting. Right?

What about you? How do you record your stories? Your photos? Your life?

12 of 12: December 2011

01. After delivering the girls to their school, I dropped my boy, Caden, off to school first thing this morning. Oh how I wish he'd do up his coat. It's starting to get cold around here!

02. Back at the house I was greated by all of the mess that we didn't manage to address while Cole was in the hospital. Now there is no avoiding it!

03. Each Monday I volunteer with a group of lovely mums at the College Shop - where we sell candy, logo wear and - today - a ton of calculators. Clearly exams start tomorrow.

04. Home to a waiting load of laundry. Well, more than one load.

05. All prepared for the big pick up - happy to have Oprah and Dr. Oz keep me company. I'm guaranteed to know more when the kids are picked up!

06. They are all home and getting ready for singing lessons, rugby visit, some studying and then off to "Rent" rehearsal.

07. The drive up over the QEW for Chloe's singing lessons and Cole to see Tyler at rugby. Tons of sun and traffic.

08. Cole gave Tyler the story of his recovery - walk and fart, walk and fart - what can I say, it's a guy thing! Cole also got a few questions answered as he can't come back until after the new year and wanted to make sure he was on the schedule for the indoor games starting in January.

09. My sweet girl made sure the lights were all turned on.

10. My other girl couldn't turn away from the camera quick enough when I delivered her to play rehearsal.

11. While all of this was going on, my mushroom-garlic-tomato-spinach concoction was simmering on the stove. YUM.

12. The Winter Warlock, my favourite. "Put one foot in front of the other" is one of my favourite 12-months-a-year songs. It may sound strange but this half hour clay animation Christmas Special is my favourite! Before collecting Claire, and settling in for the night, I watched "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with the boys.

The one photo of the day I didn't capture? When I told Caden we received notice that he was accepted to join his brother and sisters at school for grade 7, next year. He was so very excited! I'm so happy for him - and so is everyone else :)

* * * * *

TAKE TWELVE PROJECT | If you get a chance, pop over to Ella Publishing and check out Elizabeth Dillow's article Take Twelve about her many "12" projects. I have participated in 12 of 12 in some form or another since early 2008 and look forward to joining in for a fourth year.

12 photos taken on the 12th of the month through 2012. Bliss.

For a symmetry lover like myself this is a great year! Go over and find a project that suits you in the Take Twelve Project Kit: a collection of ideas to encourage you through the year. The release was yesterday! I was so honoured to be included! Be sure to join in.

 

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.

 

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.

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?

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!

Return of Routine | Part 2

Delayed Post: I couldn't find the back-to-school photo!
Originally intended to post on Monday, September 12.

. . .

Caden has now had a week of school under his belt and he's loving it - having the same teacher as last year has really made it an easy transition in a time when nothing is easy. I am grateful.

It is now turn for the rest of the kids to head back!

CLAIRE is entering Senior 1 (Grade 11) and she is looking forward to a busy year. Her schedule has changed a few times with the flip flop between taking or not taking Physics. We decided three science courses would be too much and she's now settled on taking Drama instead. I think that is a good choice. She has gone back to the original plan to take kinesiology at University and that's how she chose her classes. Mid-term update: French was dropped and Media English is being studied instead. There is a plan to take French over the summer. We'll see how that goes! Claire seems to have settled in and is far more comfortable in the environment than she has been in a long time. She chose to be in music - singing in Appleby Rocks - for her first term elective and she was fantastic! Now she spends her weekends studying and practicing for the upcoming varsity volleyball season.

COLE is entering Upper 1 (Grade 9) and he is looking forward to his first year in high school. He doesn't have a lot of choice in his courses but he did make on interesting choice in his language elective: Mandarin. Um, okay. He never makes anything easy on himself. As of today the plan is to focus on engineering, though no one knows what discipline. No doubt that will change a few times in the next couple of years. Mid-term update: Cole is involved in two of the choirs and has just auditioned for the school play: Grease. Just today I received his first test mark for Mandarin ... 93%. He did manage to get hypothermia while in Temagami and within 24-hours decided to run instead of walk, the 21K walkathon, with no preparation. Sigh. I think this will be an interesting year for Cole as he figures out where he wants to fit in and the areas he wants to focus on.

CHLOE is starting her first year, Middle 1 (Grade 7) and she seems to be looking forward to this, her first day in a new environment. A uniform (she gets her tie at a ceremony today), a cafeteria - with hot meals, e-school (classes on computer), early starts and late days, 70+ new kids to get to know ... there will be a ton of adjustment. Chloé is a smart and engaging girl and I'm sure she'll find a great group of kids to hang out with. I know Claire and Cole will look out for her! Mid-term update: Chloé is settling into the long days and new routine with very little upset. She has a great group of friends and is very supportive of them and their endeavours. She played on the middle school basketball team and managed to walk the whole walkathon - in about four hours! The new community seems to suit my girl perfectly and I know she will thrive.

This is the first time in a long time, two years, I've had three kids in one school. Our mornings will prove busy as the olders head to school for first class at 8AM, Caden's first class is 8:45AM and I want to walk or swim every morning before my day starts. I'm also scheduled to volunteer at both schools which is a nice, and unexpected, change.

So though we are returning to routine in our days, our days have changed with new challenges and adventures ahead. I know the kids are looking forward to it, and so am I.

Sweet Words

What are some of the sweetest words a mama can hear from her boy?

"Bring your camera and take pictures of me, please?"

My older three run from the camera, but Caden loves having his photo taken, especially when he's doing what he loves. Since I can't take photos of his playing on the Wii the next best thing is hockey! I got myself a lovely new lens for my birthday last month and it's only been tested a couple of times. THIS was a perfect opportunity! Low light, fast action, quite a test:

Caden's Predator team tied the game against the Blues team, 3-3. I took photos, chatted with mums, took more photos, cheered when they scored, and then looked around for guidance when penalties were called and ejections were made. It was a pretty interesting game. It was also a good test of the lens, and the photographer.

12 of 12: October 2011

01. Some mornings it's unavoidable - I come downstairs to a sink of dirty dishes because the washer is full and I left starting it to just before heading to bed. Ugh.

02. Caden is the only one who still has to pack a lunch for school. He's really good about packing good, healthy, fresh made food - all food groups are represented.

03. I opened e-mail to find a notification for Cole who has been nominated for a sport award! Rugby, of course. (I wish he were home to tell him, but he's 7 hours north!)

04. When I leave the house I have to pass Claire's room. Good thing the new carpet will never be worn - it's always covered in clothes. I was exactly the same when I was a teen.

05. Caden is the last to be dropped off most mornings - though Wednesday is sleep-in day for the olders. A logistically challenging morning, today.

06. Back to the house to turn on the lights. Another showing today. Fingers crossed!

07. The baskets on Kerr Street are still full and blooming. I had to capture a photo as Jocelyne and I walked back from our lunch at Stoney's.

08. Only to discover I had no tea at home. We went off to Fortino's to enjoy tea and M&Ms with peanuts - a favourite enjoyed by us both.

09. This was one determined snail. I had fun taking photos from different angles and testing the different cameras and lenses.

10. I was helping with the display cases over at the school and took this watery photo through the windshield while parked in front of the chapel.

11. The Moe is addicted to my iPad!

12. Claire arrived home after a late-ish evening at school. She and her classmates were making a video. I can't wait to see what they created.

Return of Routine | Part 1

After a wild summer of unexpected change and much upheaval, we are welcoming the return of routine.

Caden headed back to school today. This is the first time he has been in school without a sibling to look out for him, tease him, walk with him, pass him in the hallway or wave to him on the playground. He can't wait! On the other hand, I'm nervous for him and hope he has a start to a wonderful final year of elementary school. Grade Six. When did that happen?

He and I (with sibling support) spent last evening getting everything prepared:

his outfit laid out
school supplies organized
an early-ish bedtime of 9PM
alarms set
napsack checked and packed
school lunch prepped

Then there was the obligatory back to school photo at the front door and the playground photo with his buddies. Both of which are done to completely embarrass my boy - or so he thinks!

I wonder what adventures the next nine months hold in store?

Link Party | Favourite Things In My Town

As many of you know, the kids and I recently moved from our home on the lake. We have filled our days with packing, moving and unpacking. On Saturday, we decided to take a bit of a stroll through the new neighbourhood. My kids, affectionately, call it "The Ghetto":

It was a glorious day. Almost cloudless, a cool breeze and no humidity with the temperature about 25C - when we started out - 32C by the time we returned. A little after noon we left the house and headed toward Kerr Street.

I really enjoy late summer gardens - especially those that peek through white picket fences. This garden is filled with these beautiful cone flowers.

Make an offer! It was fun listening to the ladies haggling. Cole is interested in the ship on the table. He may have to head back next weekend and get it. Can't wait to hear him negotiate.

Doesn't every ghetto require a hemp store? Right next to the comic store. And I'm sure there is a tattoo place close!

I'm anxious to see what this space becomes when the fencing is pulled down. It looks very inviting so far.

If you like wood-fired pizza, and you happen to be in Kerr Village, this is the place to go. Fantastico Pizza is simply amazing - by all accounts. I continue living my cheese-free existence. The kids would eat here every night. Goodbye Gino's!

The Kerr Street Cafe is incredible. We decided ahead of time that we would head here for lunch. It was a fantastic choice! Great coffee. Lovely lunch. And they have rugby on their Twitter feed. What more can we ask for of a place?

Kerr Village is going through a revitalization and it is so fun to now be a part of it. For the last 14 years we have lived in Oakville, the area has been something of an eyesore - yes, even in the 'burbs there are "bad" areas. For me it has always been an area with some flavour: neat stores, colourful characters and interesting restaurants. An area a bit off-downtown. Perfect. I'm looking forward to the changes ahead.

I've driven by a few times but never had a chance to stop in to the Arts in the Square. I am always a sucker for a craft fair - I love the good ones. I know the intent is good. I'm sure this will be wonderful, in time.

Heading a bit north you run into the non-revitalized area. It is a bit of an eclectic walk. Full of personality and lead the kids to ask a ton of questions.

Yes, it does say "Pole Dancing". Cole was amazed and caught a pic on his BlackBerry and immediately had it posted on Facebook. It's a whole new world when Pole Dancing and Fitness are synonymous.

In the area there is one home, actual house, that is still standing. Most of Kerr Village is lined with businesses. This place is falling down upon itself. Sad, really. Though, I'm sure someone will turn it into something!

Over the past few years the only place I've visited on Kerr Street is Stoney's. The food is incredible! I meet girlfriends here for the occasional lunch and a lot of laughs. Now it is my "local" choice. Love it!

Time for a bit of a break. So nice to get a photo of my kids! Well, three out of four :)

In appreciation of our troops, the Kerr Village BIA has tied a yellow ribbon throughout the area. I had wondered what was going on and had a constant reminder of Tony Orlando and Dawn through the day. (I know, I'm dating myself!) The oak tree has been replaced with light standards, but the sentiment remains the same.

Um, yeah. Scared the crap out of me.

Chloe found a sugar cookie she couldn't resist at Elm Hill Cookies. What a gorgeous place!

The Hustler Board Shop is probably the store that has created the greatest number of arguments in our house. You know, imagine having the skateboard safety argument ... x4. Exhausting. No doubt, soon, someone will save up enough money to visit (and argue) again soon.

Almost home again, looking over at Oakville Arena. An institution in this town. It's scheduled to come down sometime soon. I really hope they just build another rink in it's place. Honouring the flavour of the building. The problem is that often, history is sacrificed in the name of progress. Sigh.

Home again.

What was missing from our little tour of the new 'hood?

The girl was off to another few hours of training at Metro. She and a couple of girlfriends have taken on the job of cashier. A real learning experience!

(Yes, I've noticed there is a spot on the lens, too. Ugh.)

That is but a small view of my favourite things in my town - our current portion of it. Of course, my most favourite things in my town are the young people who live in it with me. I really enjoyed this walk with them and exploring our new surroundings through their eyes.

What about you? What is the favourite thing in your town? Link up over here.

Cape Cod 2011 | The Pages

This year, I decided to create an all-digi photo-based album to celebrate our visit to Cape Cod this summer. Other than deciding on the size: 8.5"x11" and the occasional template: Cathy Zielske, of course; I let the photos determine the stories and the size.

Now that it's complete the album is made up of 40+ pages of photos + words. I'm not sure if I'm going to send it out and put in a bound book or maybe printed out and slipped into page protectors. I shall continue to mull. The "hard" part is done. Most of them you can see below:

There are a few pages of pure journaling. Each of the kids has a page of their own with their personal reflections on their time away and I have a couple as well. 

It is so nice to head back to some place so familiar each year. I'm sure if this was a once-only event the album would look much different, but as it is, so much has already been photographed and said in previous versions that this is a simple continuation of an experience we love.

(I can't believe I finished this post on August 3rd and completely forgot to publish it. I just found it in my Drafts folder! Eek!)

Reflections | July 2011

Are you getting tired of hearing that we were busy? Well, this month things did slow down ... a tad. The pace was a little different with more spontaneous days and complete lack of structure. I have to say, for a control freak like myself, it was a challenge!

Adding to the slower pace: our annual holiday in Cape Cod!

The kids really enjoyed the freedom the month had to offer with requests to go here, there and everywhere. Pushing boundaries and rules every minute of every day. With all that going on, we managed:

• Cole participated in the training camp for Rugby Ontario. He was chosen in the position of lock for the U14 team. Plans were quickly underway for tournaments in Ottawa and BC!
• Both Chloe and Caden needed to get new glasses. They look fabulous in their new frames! Even better? They can see.
• I finally got in with our naturopath with my blood test results. He switched things up a bit and things are all working together now. Feeling better every day.
• Passports were collected and consent papers were signed. We were all set for our annual drive to the seashore.
• Claire has re-joined rugby this year and she is enjoying herself.
• Caden is a hooker and a very aggressive rugby player. He really enjoys tackling! He's pretty good at is as he's had plenty of practice over the years with Cole as his teacher!
• There were a number of pool parties - planned and unplanned. Tons of fun! Thank you to our many friends with refreshing water in their yards.
• Cole managed to keep up a crazy pace of Rugby playing for his local Crusaders club as well as the Ontario Blues. He's being injured regularly, but he loves it. The worst injury was a questionable concussion right before we left on holiday. Good timing! Not.
• We took care of him with regular visits to the chiro and RMT. The boy has to find a sport that doesn't regularly turn him into a pretzel.
• Caden loves his hockey and has managed to run away with the penalty title at 3on3 over at Canlan. You just have to roll your eyes. He's so mild mannered off the ice - and off the pitch :)
• Chloe continues to sing up a storm. We're organizing singing and piano lessons in the fall. Any recommendations are welcome!
• I'm also looking for a math tutor, for all of them :) Confidence is key, right? They are good, but not confident, so I need someone to bolster that aspect. Recommendations?
• My very social teenagers are enjoying life as teenagers. There is a ton of drama, lots of questions, tons of laughter, some very off-colour and crude humour, more spontaneity than I can handle, and I now think I know every neighbourhood in Oakville! There really should be a gas subsidy for mothers of teens.
• Someone has to tell my kids that I really do not need to go onto match.com or any other type of coupling site. Really. (But they are so funny about getting me "out there" and dating. Cracks me up. They are so lovely and concerned and funny.)
• Caden took me by surprise suggesting his ideal change in my domestic situation - which made me react with an extreme "throw the baby out with the bathwater" knee-jerk response. I've now relaxed and realized he's only just eleven and he's entitled to his outlandish ideas. I, on the other hand, am not.
• Claire and her good friend Nikki headed into Toronto via the GO train to see Hugh Jackman in his one man show. They were overwhelmed with how wonderful it was - going on and on about how lovely he was - and how they were the youngest members of his audience! Gotta love girls that recognize good looks and talent no matter the age :)
• Disappointed that Cole was unable to attend the Mini Chowder Cup in Foxboro. We were 90 minutes away, with his equipment, but we didn't want to risk his "possible" concussion and turn it into a more serious issue. Lounging at the beach was better for his recovery than a hockey tournament.
• In order to not disrupt the seaside holiday of all my kids, I took Cole home early to make it to the rugby gams vs Lindsay then on to the Ottawa tournament. Often, due to Cole's athletic success - and previously, Claire's athletic success - sacrifices have had to be made. This time around, with much thanks to a helpful community, the only one disrupted was me!
• We received an impossibly low offer on our house. Insulting, really. What are people thinking? At least offer what we paid for the place!
• Our holiday was wonderful. HOT and sticky, and wonderful. So nice to see Grampy and Nanna in such a relaxed and low-key environment. Lazy days were spent at the beach; playing croquet on the lawn; learning to drive (Claire); learning to play pool; listening to new summer music; eating watermelon, ice cream and seafood; mall shopping (ugh); reading summer fluff; napping and lounging around. It was a bit too hot for a few things - tennis or go carting, but fun nonetheless!
• While away I was featured on the Simple Aussie Girls blog. So honoured!
• We were so happy my sister Beth and her family made it up early so we could have a BBQ with them before we had to leave for home.
• I am amazed at the number of people on the road talking, texting, even using their computers in their cars! And speeding. Sigh. Caden observed this behaviour and commented that it was only mums with kids in their vehicles that seemed to drive the speed limit with few distractions. (Little does he know how distracting the kids can be!)
• I participated in the Ali Edwards-lead A Week In The Life project and it's slowly being put together. I went 100% digi this year. LOVE the results! Now just have to find the right printer.
• It seemed much like the month-without-Cole with him being so involved in his rugby. The Ontario Blues U14 team did well in Lindsay then on to Ottawa for the U16 tournament to prepare them for the competition in British Columbia. All I know is there is a big difference between a U14 rugby player and a U16 rugby player - and that is usually around 40 pounds of muscle!
• The end of July has Cole (still) in British Columbia with his team. They are representing themselves well and Cole has fallen in love with BC.
• Much of our time is spent doing very little inside or outdoors, in order to keep the house spotless. The hot and humid was gone - and now it's back. So tired of summer!
• Upon our return we were right back into rugby. Oh, how I prefer the character of this sport to hockey. It is far more brutal but it is also far more honest. I'm thinking I'd love to see some of those SOBs from hockey try to survive a season of rugby - if they did, they'd no longer be SOBs, of that I'm sure.
• I also returned to some drama regarding the new abode. Turns out the sellers want to back out of the part of the deal that made it a deal. Holy smokes! Heaven and earth has now been moved and we're back on track. Though 15 days delayed. Some stress I just don't need.
• I am reading! Fiction! By chance, when walking through Barnes & Noble I found The Girl Who Chased the Moon and it was lovely, enchanting. Once done with it, I ran out and got Garden Spells and will be on the look out for any and all books by Sarah Addison Allen in the future!
• I may have lost a son for a couple of weeks, but Nikki has filled his spot and I still have four to look after, and I'm happy for it. She's a lovely girl.
• Chloe started private singing lessons with her OCC choir director, Janet. She loves it and I love that she has a passion for it.
• Through summer our Pub Nights are a bit few and far between, but the last evening of the month saw us over at the Abbey Arms. I haven't been there in 10+ years. It was good - as long as they can pour beer and wine it's a good pub experience, right?

And with July finished that brings us to August. We still have six weeks before the kids get back to the routine of school and I desperately miss having a routine! This summer has been far more hectic than most and I'm feeling a bit discombobulated. The kids are loving every minute of it with no structure to our days and the embrace of lazy!

12 of 12: July 2011

Sorry for the delay! Our days are full :)

01. Tuesday is always garbage day. Recycling is picked up every week but garbage is every other week. Usually this is an okay system - except when you're putting your house on the market! Luckily they took it all.

02. Cole had an early morning appointment with Dr. Jason Lee - our health hero - and local naturopath. After years of my nutrition advice falling on deaf ears, Jason has made headway with our young athlete and the changes have been remarkable!

03. Up and down Lakeshore. All. Day. Long.

04. The lovely Lisa is a wonderful massage therapist - she first saw Cole and I ran errands. Then it was my turn. We always feel better - body and mind - for seeing her!

05. While I was having my massage, Cole was over at the Hustler Shop checking out longboards. He settled on this orange wheeled beauty.

06. The lock box is on the front door. It's official, the house is up for sale! Less than two months from a twinkle of an idea to reality. No moss gathering here!

07. Time for another fill up! From E to F costs about $75. Crazy.

08. I have to admit, I will miss this view.

09. The final loads of laundry to be folded and put away. The best part of having a house ready for sale - all of the kids are cooperative and everything is always put away properly!

10. Goofs! I love how they look in their new glasses - and they love seeing everything around them :)

11. Nikki joined Claire at the Hugh Jackman concert in Toronto. All reviews were fantastic and they had a wonderful time.

12. The final thing to organize - all of the supplements!

Reflections | June 2011

You would think with June being a "wind down" month that things would have been calm and slow. WRONG! This has to be one of the busiest of a year of busy months! This was a month of transition with a whirlwind of changes for everyone. The pace is certainly not sustainable for the whole family going at a break-neck pace - with the high stress demands of exams and deadlines, but a whole lot got done! Some planned, most not.

(KUDOS if you make it through this whole post! Hard to believe it was whittled down.)

Oh yeah, Athlete of the Year, again.

• Did you know you can walk through downtown Toronto underground? Well, I didn't. Totally new experience. Gotta say, the ScotiaBank offices are HUGE and intimidating.
• Both of my boys are conflicted: they don't know which they prefer, hockey or rugby. What?!? I didn't see that one coming!
• Caden enjoyed his trip to the salmon hatchery and regailed us with factoids for most of the first week of the month.
• I got a cute short haircut for the summer. It definitely fits my current mood!
• Cole finished up his course of allergy shots. I hope they work as well this year as in the past so he can see in September when the ragweed arrives. We're heading to our Naturopath, Dr. Jason Lee, to be on the safe side!
• The annual AGM for the MOHA resulted in the unfortunate re-election of the old regime. Disheartening. But the invested members have spoken so someone has to listen. Glad I'm not involved.
• The olders participated in the annual Relay For Life held at Appleby College. I went and "checked" on them and watched the start - the Survivor Walk. Took a lap around with friends, old and new, and then headed home to mind the youngers for the night. Weird not having everyone home! The Relay For Life goes overnight from 7PM to 7AM and Cole had to leave EARLY! He had a rugby game in Peterborough. Ugh. So up and on the road for 6AM. Happily he got to sleep in the truck and the Crusaders team WON! Claire, on the other hand, came home and crashed for the day.
• In preparation for the walk, I took the olders to a new chiropractor. Bill Nazar's practice is within walking distance from their school which is just what we need. I had met the doc at the "going away" skating party hosted by the Renneker's the week before. Cole even had his very first deep tissue massage. I figured with all of that hockey and rugby he was probably pretty tense - and he was. It is a lovely practice. So, if you're local and looking for a chiropractor, or a massage therapist (Lisa is great), give the Nazar Family Chiropractic Clinic a call at 905.337.9998 and Mary Lou will get you all set up.
• There is plenty of voice cracking going on around here. Sigh. I'm going to miss my baby when he's gone.
• I started a new morning routine. I drive myself over to the school - it's 50 acres of land on the shore of the lake - and I walk the perimeter. Over bridges, up hills, down hills, along the shore, behind a barn and an arena, along a rugby and soccer field. Twice. I have been going 4x each week. I have no idea how far it is, but I'm enjoying the 45 minutes of complete freedom and get lost in the music in my ears. Most of the time I feel like I'm dancing along the shore, I'm sure I'm a sight!
• Holy storms! You know it's crazy when the rain is teeming down and the lightening and thunder crash simultaneously above your house! It was spectacular!
• It was so nice to have dinner with my parents at Cucci in Bronte. Even better to have my sister Andrea, and her family, enjoy with us - they have a crazy busy schedule, too.
• Mid-month, the olders enjoyed a bit of extra freedom - movies and trips downtown - while managing the stress of exams.
• Chloe finished her choir year with a recording session. I can't wait to purchase the CD come September!
• Honest to goodness, I didn't think the rain would stop! Finally it did and the deck managed to be sanded and stained.
• Disappointed that some choices are just so poorly considered and selfish. Not in the least bit surprised, but truly disappointed. Happy, though, that they reinforce my decisions.
• Who knew "The Bachelorette" would have such meaningful lessons for my girls ... and my boys!
• 1000 Awesome Things arrives in my mailbox every day. Every day I smile.
• Going forward, I am determined to fill our lives with kind and positive people, things and experiences. The freedom of not having to deal with daily disapproval is so incredibly freeing and validating. I don't know what the hell I was waiting for ... this, all of this, is worth it.
• My children want me to be happy. I want them to be happy. I need to find a way to explain to them, in a tender and kind way, that though they are in the throes of adolescence and pre-adolescence, that my being with someone isn't necessarily the cure all. But I love that they believe it's possible.
• My girlfriends have to be told the same thing!
• I'm working on a series of mini-letters. It has been cathartic.
• Caden's best friend is moving away. Caden will miss him and I will miss his mum (and dad). We are in the process of trying to find "replacements" though it is an impossible mission. So, really, I suppose we're trying to find "distraction" and then the "replacements" will come. In the meantime we have Skype and Facebook!
• I am thrilled the same family who is moving away, managed to fit in a BBQ (and copious amounts of wine consumption) during the week of their departure.
• It turns out, during the Great Purge of 2011, my helpful kids threw out my old laptop. The place I stored my digital photos from 1998-2006, about 30,000 images. Sigh. Moving on. Realized there is always a way to remember people, places and things and it doesn't always have to be with photos (though it makes scrapbooking way easier!)
• Flabbergasted ... I'm still trying to understand how people can destroy their own city - the place they call home - in front of the eyes of the world.
• I have not spent much time on-line, but when I do I enjoy Pinterest. What about you? Any interesting distractions?
• Chloe's best friend, Kayla, threw a surprise sleep-over birthday party for our girl. So sweet!
• I bought a new house. Let's hope it is more manageable than what I have now. Just have to find someone to smudge it for me!
• We have entered a whole new dimension. Each of my kids now owns a BlackBerry - and they'd better pick up when I call! We are loving the BBM technology :)
• Mid-month, hell, late-month, my house looked like it had thrown up all over the place. I pulled everything out of it's cupboard and started purging. Big time. End-month, it's better but not yet perfect.
• It is amazing how fast, once you've made a decision, that you can move on with hope in your heart. No more anger, no more frustration, no more shame, no more negative. Life right now is lighter.
• Have I mentioned I have the best girlfriends EVER? I do.
• Saw so many friends and watched their children on stage at the Stage It year-end performance. Good to catch up with everyone and cheer - loudly! CC is a ROCK STAR!
• There was a bit of a passport panic - the NAPS tournament had Cole playing in the Buffalo area instead of our side of the border. All is well and he played with the Red Wings team with no border trouble. The trouble was in the rink where he managed to (clean) hit a kid hard enough his opponent had to be taken off the ice!
• You know how when you're getting a house ready for sale, something unplanned happens? Chloe got her first nail polish (received as a birthday gift) and decided to do her toenails in her room. That's okay. The spilled nail polish all over the rug? Not okay. Wall-to-wall replaced!
• Fortunately that should be end of the proverbial "3 Things". The tub that was going to come through the kitchen ceiling: FIXED and disaster avoided. The nail polish incident: FIXED. The computer in dumpster disaster: SIGH.
• Much fun was enjoyed at the Rangers hockey party. What a great group of boys on this, another, new team configuration. It should be a wonderful season with many plans already underway!
• Congratulations to my boy, Cole. He was selected to join the U14 Junior Blues Rugby squad representing Ontario. His first season playing! So proud :)
• Cucci is a lovely local restaurant - even at lunch time - as I found during my second visit of the month. I laughed for over an hour and a half. The food? The wine? The company? A must to do again!
• I took Chloe and Caden over to our new eye doctor. Glasses for all!
• Love that Caden has fully embraced a purge outlook rather than a hoard outlook. Or maybe it's just his new found entrepreneurial spirit!
• I will no longer have space for a studio and 99.9% of everything MUST GO!! It is a bit sad, but you know, I find I'm more creative with less. And then I read this article and felt so much better that it's part of this journey to hightened creativity by embracing minimal.
• I was tempted to try the 31 Strangers in 31 Days project I found over on Tina's blog - which she found here - and was originated here. Then I realized, over the course of the last month, I've met - with no blog, photography or writing agenda - more than 31 strangers. I have spontaneously gone way out of my comfort zone and I'm enjoying greatly talking and laughing with complete strangers. Soon they're not strangers at all!
• Chloe has a new full-sized bed. After years of loving her loft bed (a twin up top and a desk below) it was time to move along. The loft found a new home with a lovely - and very happy - 7-year-old who is loving it!
• The new full-sized bed was put together for Chloe by her big sister as her mother is not fluent in IKEA. Oh, and when Cole came with me to IKEA, you have to know we checked out with a bed. Nothing else. Miracles do happen!
• Inspired by their friends, the olders auditioned for RENT. I love that they are smart, athletic, and willing to get on stage!
• The last day of school was also the last day of the month. A full one. I need a vacation to recouperate from the last 30 days.

I am looking forward to July: anticipating the joys of the slower (?) pace of summer and keeping up with my kids - an oxymoron to be sure. Who knows, maybe I'll pick up my camera and start shooting again. Or even start writing again? Bonus: Not only am I embracing minimal in a very real and practical sense, I am participating in a "Clean Eating" challenge for the month of July with my friend, Jill Conyers. If you're interested, be sure to check it out: here. I don't know if I'll be able to do it, but if I don't try, I'll never know, right?

And with that? July? Bring it on.

Photo Walk | Bronte

A week ago, I was joined by my friends Jane and Kelly and we took a walk from my house to the harbour in Bronte. It was one of those mornings that didn't know what it wanted to be! I took my new point-and-shoot, a Canon S95, and used this walk to test it out. What do you think?

It turned into a glorious day with a lovely cool breeze, bright sunshine and not a bit of humidity. It was as nice a day as it can be.

I think the camera did well on her maiden outing.

Good friends, great conversation, lovely scenery and a bit of exercise. A wonderful Tuesday morning. Definitely something I plan to do again ... soon!

12 of 12: May 2011

01. So nice to see an empty bed, instead of a tired boy, first thing in the morning. Happy not to have to cajole him out of bed! A good start :)

02. One thing knocked off the list. The stovetop is finally clean. Really clean.

03. The maple tree is bursting with leaves. For the last four years it has always been the last tree to bud, this year? Ah, it's the little surprises that make you smile.

04. Even all this laundry got done. Four loads today.

05. Mid-day it was drizzly, the begonias we planted on the weekend were happy for the rain.

06. Once the rain stopped I was able to do more scraping of paint. This is proving to be a very big job.

07. Home from school and all showered up. Chloe's extra time is spent watching a movie and snacking on popcorn.

08. You have to love a girl who spends her time studying for her year-end exams in Mid-May. Even better, she is colour coding her notes. Who does that?

09. The beginnings of our pasta sauce: olive oil, fresh garlic, spinach, roma tomatoes - just waiting for goat cheese and farfalle.

10. Of Mice and Men is what Cole is reading in English. Who knew I didn't have a copy? Who knew I couldn't just download it onto my iPad? A trip to Chapters ... which means over $50 in books! We got a copy of East of Eden (Steinbeck's favourite work) and Catcher in the Rye (the timing feels right). My boy is growing up. We even talked about the mythology of the Bible in the car. He is really growing up.

11. We went off to the Rugby Pitch to wait on Caden and his team. This was their second practice and Caden's second practice - ever. He was a joy to watch.

12. Well, after the results tonight, all I can hope is that sweet and talented James flourishes in his loss. After all, aren't the best lessons learned through disappointment?

Capture Your 365: Blog Hop!

Welcome!

This is my first time participating in the Capture Your 365 Blog Hop which is hosted by my good friend, Jill Conyers and inspired by the community at Capture Your 365. Such a great place. So much so, I've actually picked up my camera again and after much doubt and indecision have hopped back on the 365 bandwagon - I've even started a Project 365 - kinda. I know. Crazy.

I enjoy that Katrina Kennedy provides prompts for us through the month, though April was a bit wonky. The arrival of Spring in my world was very late in coming and in actual fact did not show up until late last week in the form of thunder storms, high winds and mud. In between I spent 1/3 of my month in southern Arizona with desert heat and barren yet inspiring landscape. These collection of photos were all taken during that trip. Enjoy!

APRIL PROMPT 03 - growth

APRIL PROMPT 13 - a bunny

APRIL PROMPT 15 - a flower

APRIL PROMPT 17 - a palm

APRIL PROMPT 20 - something blue

APRIL PROMPT 27 - up close

Here is a complete list of blogs participating in todays blog hop! (Note: the blog hop will go live by all participants no later than 8 AM EST).

1. Jill http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
2. Kate http://www.katehadfi...signs.com/blog/
3. Katrina http://captureyour365.com
4. Kathleen http://jkplusthree.blogspot.com
5. Christi http://randomactsofc...i.blogspot.com/
6. Tammy http://lens-and-pens.blogspot.com/
7. Anne http://limeblog.net
8. Tracy http://www.tracyannelittle.com/
9. Sharon http://sharonlinnefaulk.com/photo
10. Lee http://thelinarstudi...om/embracelife/ << YOU ARE HERE
11. Michelle http://www.ourhereandnow.blogspot.com/
12. Beth http://www.ourtypicallife.org/
13. Michele http://rhicarian.wordpress.com/
14. Christine http://christine-lifeorsomethinglikeit.blogspot.com/

Relax, grab a favorite beverage, and maybe a cookie and visit the blog hop participants for a just a small glimpse at the talent that is overflowing at Capture Your 365. Then when you're done with that, head on over and check out the May prompts as part of the May Merriment celebration and join in the community. Be sure to say "hi" - you'll find me with the really original board name: Lee!

Your next stop on the CY365 Blog Hop is Michelle at Our Here and Now. 

Photo Challenge | 30 Days | finishing up

A while back, I announced that I was going to dust off my camera and get back into the practice of taking photos every day by participating in Katie's 30-day photo challenge, a couple of months late. I posted my first fifteen photos, which were almost all taken by me. Based on the topics, these are the rest, most of which were not taken by me!

Day 16 | A picture of someone who inspires you.

I am inspired, every day, by MANY someones! I went online and snagged some photos of the top five who bring thoughtful positivity into my life. My life is better with them in it.

Day 17 | A picture of one that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Without my sister, I wouldn't be confident in my future and my health. No, not a good photo, but as beautiful as she is, she is not a fan of the camera.

Day 18 | A picture of your biggest insecurity.

My biggest insecurity has always been my size - well, my weight. It has been for the last 15+ years. Now that I have the key and the plans in place to lose it all, I'll have to find another insecurity! I wonder what it used to be?

Day 19 | A picture of you when you were little.

I'm guessing this was taken when I was about three - so that would be 1967 - with my other younger sister.

Day 20 | A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

I've always wanted to go to Morocco. (Click on the photo for the source.)

Day 21 | A picture of something you wish you could forget.

It's already forgotten.

Day 22 | A picture of something you wish to try.

Ever since I saw it on one of my kids television shows, I've always wanted to go INDOOR SKYDIVING!

Day 23 | A picture of your favorite book.

This was HARD! I have so many which include CLASSIC Pride and Prejudice, YOUTH A Wrinkle in Time, RE-READ The Mitford Series, KICK IN THE PANTS Gifts of Imperfection, and ABOVE Lady of Hay which is filled with fantasy, history, scary, mystical, time travel and complete fiction, I think.

Day 24 | A picture of something you wish you could change.

I don't know how to take a photo of my children when their hearts have been bruised. I wish I could protect them, but it's all a part of the lessons life gives us. I just wish I could take away the pain.

Day 25 | A picture of your day.

Every day includes at least one load of laundry. It is the most consistent activity in my life.

Day 26 | A picture of the view out your back door.

Though not technically my "back door" as in opposite front door, our back yard is really our side yard. Love our wonky - and beautiful - location :)

Day 27 | A picture of your favourite hobby.

Photos + Words + Paper = JOY

Day 28 | A picture of something that inspires you.

I like this photo. It really appealed to me the minute I took it and I was happy to see, when I got home, that it was exactly as I expected: a prickly plant and angry looking cactus which, in the right light, is glorious. There are a few lessons in that, I think.

Day 29 | A picture that can always make you smile.

Any picture of any of my kids is guaranteed to make me smile.

Day 30 | A picture of looking forward.

A lot of this will be incorporated into my moving forward. Key word: MOVING.

I really enjoyed this exercise. Plenty to consider and capture.

Reflections | April 2011

Like every month, April was full. Unlike most months, it was highly emotional with many victories and an equal many disappointments. I am often left breathless with the disrespect and cowardice of some people and then overwhelmed with the inherent kindness and generosity of others. This month was one of extremes.

• A lot of technology changes around the house: no more voice mail, call waiting or mailbox; amped up the high speed and the digi capacity; and, changed the satellite services. Saved some money, paid some money. But finally got services that work, for us.
• Enjoyed a volunteer appreciation evening for the hockey association. So good to see hard work and dedication be appreciated and rewarded.
• Chloe joined the Oakville Children's Choir at the retreat centre in north Oakville as part of their recruitment efforts. It was a short visit, but fun.
• Early in the month, Cole's schedule opened up enough that he was able to head over to BTNL on a more regular basis. When they were around to open the door.
• Caden joined his friends for a sleepover and then a morning at their church. For Christmas they had given him a graphic novel bible and ever since he has been fascinated. He loves church.
• Pub nights continue. Love spending time with our friends.
• Caden had his end of season hockey party. What a great bunch of kids and parents. So many stories this season. Lots of laughs, too!
• Can I tell you how nice it is to live in a country that has an election campaign that runs for just little over a month - 36 days to be exact. Election is set for May 2nd. No exhausting American-style election bash and trash marathon.
• Not only that, but for one French debate, when the choice was hockey or politics? Hockey won and the date was changed for the debate. Only in Canada!
• I had my first real dose of pre-posting crazy. Hopefully everyone enjoyed what went up from the 11th through the 27th! I was also computer-free for much of that whole time. THAT was hard!
• Caden participated as the computer programmer in the Halton Skills Competition. His school team did really well! He's so pumped.
• Mid-month, Chloe and the choir spend 14 hours driving to, performing at, and coming home from a competition in Stratford. Chloe had a great time and was chosen as a soloist. She has a beautiful strong voice, and loves using it!
• More church for Caden! I wonder who will be recruited to take him when P and family move to North Carolina in the summer?
• I had a project featured over at Ella.
• The birds, holy smokes, are they ever LOUD. I swear every single bird in our town wakes up in my back yard. What a noise!
• I flew to Tucson with my sister and spent 10 Days and the world renown Canyon Ranch figuring out things.
• While on my way to my holiday, changing planes in Chicago, I got word that Cole - a day late - was cut from his hockey team and left with no options. Well, he had options, but that would have meant doing something mean to someone else, and that is really no option at all.
• It took a lot of effort to get on the connecting plane to Tucson.
• But I'm glad I did and a new journey has begun.
• In the meantime, back in Oakville, kids went to school, hung out with friends, did laundry, made meals and kept house.
• Tryouts continued and Cole is with one of his closest friends again - they had been together 2 years ago. Even better, his best buddy from last year is also on the same team. Always, always, look on the bright side of life. If I can give my children nothing else, I want them to learn and live in the knowledge there is always a bright side.
• The youngers were given, with many guidelines, Facebook accounts. 
• Chloe spent a lot of time with her buddy Kayla and Louis got to know her parents and learned how to manage her "playdate" logistics - and made plans for everyone else.
• Louis got a real dose of parenting in a quick 10 days mid-month. Claire and her boyfriend of almost a year called it quits - well, he did; Cole was blindsided; Chloe and Caden are social butterflies with lots of plans and places to go; there really was very little down time.
• I returned home with renewed energy and purpose - and a clean house!
• Claire attended a show choir with one of her good friends and she might join in next season.
• All of the house was disappointed the Habs did not beat Boston to advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Around here this does not mean they stop watching hockey! We're in for the duration.
• Looks like it's going to be a very stormy spring, though I'm hoping it won't be as devastating as the storms earlier in month down south. Scary stuff.
• Claire was in a big performance at school and it was lovely to watch and support her and her friends on stage. Bravo to them for doing such a great job!
• Everyone was up ridiculously early to watch the Royal Wedding. Lots of pomp and ceremony - a great history lesson without getting caught up in the history part.
• And wasn't Kate's dress ridiculously elegant? So lovely and understated.
• Caden decided to run for class Prime Minister - again. Apparently they do this every term. I wonder what crazy slogan he's going to come up with this time! His campaign is even shorter than the national one.
• We missed the deadline for a field trip, the first time ever the form wasn't handed in on time. Chloe will never forget! So I'm coming up with a field trip of our own.
• Caden is in the middle of try outs for the school track and field team. If the kids are chosen based on enthusiasm he'll make it for sure!

Holy smokes, that was a lot of stuff! Great stuff. Rotten stuff. Life is full. Life is good.

Onward into May which will bring my participation in StoryADay, LOAD, WholeHearted Living, May Merriment and One LIttle Word. Those are just the few things I can remember off the top of my head! I'm sure there is plenty more I'd like to do, if only partly, to gain the experience and embrace the inspiration.

The kids have tons of activities starting up!

I wonder how the great plans for May can go awry?

Change of Scene

This was my view over the past 10 days:

as my sister Beth and I walked to breakfast. Hot sun, cool breeze, clear skies. Sigh.

This was my view this morning:

Welcome home!

I miss the Arizona weather, great food made by someone else, the company of my sister and endless activities; but, in the same breath, I'm so happy to be home with my family. I've never been away that long. It was the perfect trip at the perfect time.

I have to ponder a few things and then share all that I learned. There is just so much ratting around in my head! It needs some time to settle.

Guess what? I returned to a clean house! My family went bonkers while I was away and it is a joy to have fresh flowers on the sparkling clean glass kitchen table. That is where I sit, right now, watching the fog as it does it's best to stick around.

Today is going to be busy:

1000+ photos to edit
1000+ blog entries in my Google reader
1000+ ideas rattling around in my head
1000+ calories to burn today

and no doubt 1000+ other things to do.

I'm off to make a list :) The best way to ground myself and get back into the swing of things.

Happy Wednesday!

Cue eye-roll ... mine

otherwise known as why do I even try to get a photo of my kids - together?

A few weekends ago, in between the divide and conquer that is our life, we had all four of our kids in one place at one time! This does not happen often and I wanted to capture it. Even though we were indoors with no natural light and really putrid colours, it was worth an effort, right?

Do you think my kids cooperated?

And with that, our minute and a half window of photo opportunity is done.

Sigh.

At least I got a "keeper" sort of, and a series of photos that really lets you know the personalities of each of my kids: Claire is happy to, with accompanying eye roll, humour her mother and pose nicely; Cole is all about the party and the pick on his brother; Chloe is torn between behaving and enjoying a good laugh; Caden fulfills his role as little stinker brother very well.

The keeper, with adjustments:

Even better:

I'm thankful that I have four children who will humour their mother and pose for a photo, as difficult as it is, in a dull and busy hockey rink when there is so much going on to distract them. They delight in tormenting each other, but usually with good humour and a sense of fun. They are really lovely little people. I'm thankful to be their mama.

. . . . .

I'm also thankful for Ali Edwards and her ideas. On her blog, she has an "occasional series" of Thankful Thoughts. Not only that, but each time she posts a Thankful Thought it will include a free numbered overlay download. BONUS: Included in her first post is a rounded-corner photo mask.

. . . . .

Life is good. Especially if you have a sense of humour and photo editing software!

12 of 12: April 2011

01. That's my boy, eating his oatmeal - with a smile and a fork!

02. Since it's Tuesday, this week it's recycling and compost - have to wait another week for garbage collection. It sounds pretty inefficient, but it really does work. 

03. Homework done, packed up and waiting by the door. Cole is happy not to drag his hockey bag to school anymore. Rugby season has started, a far lighter packing job.

04. There is always a big line of cars to get out of the school driveway in the mornings. Usually caused by some *&^%^ who wants to turn left when it is not allowed during rush hour. Sigh. Some things never change.

05. A break from laundry, cleaning and work, treats from the Souvlaki Hut - spanakopita, a gyro and Greek salad. Delicious. Washed down with some Perrier. Too much, but oh so tasty.

06. Photos are edited and dropped off to have them developed.

07. A break in the day and the sunshine had me outside checking out the condition of things. This little orange ball has had quite the workout over the last few months!

08. It was a joy to see some of my Tiger lilies poking through! Spring may actually be on its way ... finally.

09. After an early dinner I took Chloe up to her Oakville Children's Choir rehearsal.

10. On the way home from the church, I swung over to the school to collect Claire from her softball practice.

11. Cole then got his equipment ready for another night of hockey tryouts (I don't understand the meaning of the Sean-inspired hand gesture) and he came with me to collect Chloe on our way to dropping him off at the rink.

12. We came home to watch the much anticipated second season of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. It was fantastic in it's candour and urgency, but equally sad in it's display of aggressive ignorance of those who are supposed to be looking out for the well-being of others.

Today was one of those days when plenty got done but nothing got done. Kids to one school, kids to another school, a forgotten lunch delivered, errands run, lunch collected, more errands, kid hurt and collected from school dropped at home, the other delivered by bus, off to get another to bring home to feed, three fed, one delivered to choir, one collected from school, another picked up for hockey, one collected from choir, the other dropped off at the rink. Somehow everyone managed to get fed and washed up and where they were going - whether it was originally on the schedule or not! Crazy.

Do you participate in 12of12? If so, let me know and leave a link so I can see how you captured your day!

Photo Walk in Kingston

The end of winter is never a great time to take a photo walk. It's more than a little dirty and muddy, and often the skies are gray and dull. Unfortunately sometimes the timing of my travels are more dictated by hockey which takes me to some lovely places in some less than lovely weather.

In this case, last month, our travels took us off to a tournament in Kingston, Ontario. It is about a 3 hour drive East of where we live. I haven't been there in years but was quickly reminded that it is a beautiful small college town (population 117,000) with a rich history. I really enjoyed how they were able to marry the old and new throughout the town. Some urban planners could go and take notes ...

I have no idea where our travels will take us next year, but I will definitely be taking more walks, regardless of weather, when I don't have to be in a rink. Caden kept me good company through the walk and he was very interested in reading all of the historical plaques erected all along the waterfront.

Reflections | March 2011

March came in like a lamb so the inevitable lion was expected - though I could have passed on the 10+ centemeters of blowing snow at the end of the month! Winter did start late, but it seems to have lasted forever.

• A lot of emphasis was put on math before leaving for break. The kids wanted a solid understanding and took it upon themselves to ask each other and learn. It was fabulous!
• The washer was finally fixed!
• Creative Conversations continued in my basement and on line. What a wonderful and talented group of women, I am inspired and priviledged to have them in my life.
• The master closet - and a few others - were completely cleaned out. I've since fallen behind on many of the Project Simplify assignments! We haven't been home much which seems to be key to project completion :)
• Received and read Blogging for Bliss in our virtual book club - it has been mailed out to the UK for another to enjoy.
• No one in this house adjusted well to the time change.
• Reading The Gifts of Imperfection - twice - is the best gift I've ever given myself. Thank you, Brene Brown.
• Chloe won the trifecta of school awards: Eagle Award, Honour Roll and Citizenship Award. She is a rock star student, that's for sure!
• We got nailed with snow early in the month. And we thought that would be the end of it. We were wrong!
• I gave Marilyn Dennis and her new show a couple of weeks and thumbs down. Back to watching Ellen - far more enjoyable.
• The first weekend of March Break was spent in Welland with Cole's hockey team who participated in the SCTA championships. The Rangers won! Which meant the next weekend, the last of March Break was spent in Kingston.
• This was the month of the Grandfather as my dad was able to come out to Welland to watch some great hockey and Guy, my father-in-law was able to come out to Kingston to watch some better great hockey.
• I went a little digi-crazy and got a bunch of "stuff". Now I have to figure out how to use brushes!
• The boys got "faux hawks" in solidarity with Cole's hockey team. Then when the team went blonde so did my boys! Crazy.
• The kids took the bus to Kingston, I was lucky and just drove. In silence. It was a wonderful 3 hours!
• The trip itself was a bit disappointing as the boys lost the bronze medal game - in triple overtime - to the previous year champs. Proof they can play with just about anyone. Winning seems to be an issue.
• Caden's team won their final game of the season. I convened the game. As it turns out some parents are constantly unhappy and obnoxious. Some executive members will not adjust their agenda even when they know they are wrong. Not the best end of the season.
• Claire went to St. Lucia with her best friend Marley and her parents. They had a spectacular time! She was well and truly missed but had a great adventure. She returned happy, rested and crispy.
• With hockey over it was a LONG break for Cole. He filled in his time getting up relatively early for his 10AM skating lessons with Kevin. We'll have to remember that some places that are supposed to open at noon - don't. Off ice training will have to wait!
• Chloe and Caden started their break in Welland and ended it in Kingston. Some day we'll take them south for Spring Break! I hope.
• Caden was asked to join the Lego Robotics team for his school! He LOVES both Lego and Robotics so I imagine he'll enjoy the challenge.
• Four stores visited and four stores in Kingston did not have a hockey stick to replace the one Cole broke at the tournament. Upon our return home it was off to Corbett's for new ones. And new skates. We've learned a lot about equipment this year!
• I was so fortunate to join a bunch of brilliant ladies to take a couple of Donna Downey courses in Kitchener. Now I know what I like and what I don't. Lots of needless questions of my own creativity have been addressed. Happy sigh.
• The final Rangers team party was fabulous even when I was reminded that I am desperately allergic to dogs. Thank goodness for neighbours with puffers - and a lovely hostess!
• Caden's best friend is moving to North Carolina. It was great to have Payton and his family hang out here at the house while theirs was open for viewing - and it sold! Glad for them. Sad for us.
• I've always loved Kirsty Alley. Her being paired with Maxim? LOVE!
• The glass was finally installed in our basement shower. We've only been waiting since last December!
• I am officially addicted to Pinterest.
• Dana Delaney's new show "Body of Proof" is really good. A bit contrived but I have a weakness for strong female characters.
• I'm suffering scheduling discombobulation! The idea of using a paper calendar for our family schedule, though nice in theory, does not work in practice. So? I'm embracing iCal and colour coding. I had to erase and rearrange too many things to make the Moleskine book practical. I'll be using it for creative ideas - and perhaps mapping out things for this here blog of mine.

My Month
inspired by Katie the Scrapbook Lady

What new things did I learn? Some people are unable to let bad things go. Some people don't know how to accept positive. There is always a negative spin. They want to live in negative. I can't let that affect me as I dwell in a place of positive. I have to embrace my own sense of self worth and leave them to their own destructive behaviour and not engage. Onward.

What fun things did I do? I indulged in creativity and lots of socializing this month. Completely unexpected and that was the best part!

What interesting people did I get to know? All people are interesting. So fun to get to know them better.

What important events occurred in the world? The disasters in Japan: earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor meltdown; UN air strikes in Libya; the space shuttle retired; not as important, but noteworthy: Earth Hour in our house was a bust.

What special purchases did I make? I am at the stage where I can not pick and choose product to aid my creative endeavours that are true to my likes and dislikes. I'm by no means a slave to the "latest and greatest" which makes choosing easier! It doesn't lower the bill though - I got a ton of stuff from The Art House while at my Donna Downey classes.

Any noteworthy accomplishments this month? The month was so crazy busy that my only accomplishment was simple survival!

What were my disappointments this month? I was sad for Cole and his hockey team. They work so hard and are so dedicated to excellence. They fought hard but just missed the mark. 

Anything else? I got away from my daily walks at the mall. I really have to start again. 

My Month in Pictures
Inspired by Rebecca Cooper

 

What about you? How do you document your months? In pictures? In words?

There was a lot going on in March and I do hope for a bit of a slow down. In order to make sure that happens, I'll be taking a holiday in April. So, though the life of my family will still be going full-speed ahead, I'll be enjoying some sunshine and quiet. Yay!

Life is good.

Mama and Moe Time

(My first effort with blackberry photos. Not bad. Not good, but I'm learning!)

With active four kids it is often hard to find much one-on-one time, so I take what I can get! During a recent tournament, Claire and Caden headed back to Oakville with Louis to attend their Saturday morning commitments and it was just Chloe and me as Cole was busy with his team.

We had a wonderfully relaxed, easy paced, food filled day.

Chloe has the gift of the gab - gift might be an overstatement - and she kept me entertained with stories and ideas and plans. She is currently writing a novel and brought her black composition book and pencil everywhere. Except the pool, in which she spent hours!

We enjoyed some great meals and plenty of treats. Moe definitely has a sweet tooth and often I find myself telling her "no" to her many requests. This was a "yes" day so there were plenty of cookies, ice cream and a frappaccino! I avoided most temptations and let her indulge, but did manage a slice of carrot cake, but gathered some restraint and had a green tea rather than the fancy drink.

It was so nice to enjoy her company, away from her siblings. I'm glad we were able to find a small bit of Mama and Moe time! It is so hard to manage, but so worth all of the effort.