Gushy Love Stuff

Yesterday was our 20th Wedding anniversary!!!!! It's hard to believe 20 years has gone so fast. I am a very lucky girl who was lucky enough to find my soul mate! My Hubbie and I adore each other and love each other for who they truly are. He accepts me unconditionally - faults and all!

I remember when I was a young girl asking my Mom - "How do you know" when you find your prince charming? She would always just say - "You just know" this answer was never satisfying for me, as I couldn't believe how simple it was...until I met my Hubbie....I just knew, and all of a sudden I realized what my Mom was saying. Everyone deserves to be loved as much as I am!

Our son, was asking me the same type of questions the other day...He ran into his ex, whom he is having a hard time getting over. We all have that "special" one in our hearts - you know, the one that took a piece and you still think of them every so often.....This girl has taken a piece of Brandons heart...his first true love.....He is at the point in his life where the girls he is meeting are either into parties or looking for a husband. Brandon is neither one of those, and is finding it hard to find quality females. I remember those tough times of feeling restless and frustrated in not finding anyone of quality!

I tried to not use the cliche of your time will come, and don't rush into things, there are plenty of fish in the sea.....I wanted to be understanding to his feelings, so I told him that when he finds the "right girl" it will be easy! This I know for sure...when I met my Hubbie, it was easy - we never had issues about lifestyle or friends as it all was EASY!.....

So I raise my glass to my Hubbie and I for sticking it through thick and thin for the last 20 years and I look forward to what is to come....If my parents are any inclination (they've been married 50 yrs) I know I will have a fantastic future with my darling Hubbie....As for Brandon, hold on darling, when you are least expected you will find that special girl who will love you for who you truly are!

Watching the Ocean

Well, we are back.....rested up and ready for another vay cay....once you start it is hard to stop!!!!!

The Dominican is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! The ocean is warm, the weather hot and humid.....Drinks a plenty and sand a plenty....

We started off with the 6 hour flight and all was good. We were greeted with a little bit of rain, and HOLY HUMID!!!!!! The weater is hot and humid on a regular day....WHEWF!!!! We had a swim up room from the pool...an upgrade that is well worth the money! Our room was clean and newly renovated, close to the Ocean and swim up bar! We had such a grand time with our dear dear friends!

Basically we woke in the a.m. and rolled to the beach for a few hours until the rain came, then went back to our room to read and played cards with friends, then dress and off to dinner. We ate at the Japanese and Italian restaurants, along with the buffet ....We had a few issues with our tummies but nothing that stopped us from doing our daily activities. We were always well aware of how far the next bathroom was though. It is inevitable to have a few issues while away....

We would watch the evening shows, and gamble a bit, and shop a bit....This vay cay was one of, if not,  the best one ever! I missed the kids, and wish that they were there to experience the Ocean and watching Rob watch the waves day after day, and frolick in the Ocean. Rob and I were able to experience a 20 year belated honeymoon - one that will not be soon forgotten....

I look forward to booking another vay cay and having as many laughs, ocean frolicks, skinny dipping, dominican dream, relax, book reading experiences in the near future...I just need to win that Lottery so I can do it ALL the time....Thank you my friends for coming with us, and showing how great a tropical trip can be.....( It was convincing Rob, I am ALWAYS up for a vay cay lol)

Now I am scrambling to get ready for Christmas...as it is only a bit away.....any ideas for a son who has everything and a son who asks for nothing.......I will be like Winnie the Pooh - "think, think, think......"

Kitties and tears

I know I said I wouldn't blog until AFTER our wonderful vay cay but.......

We had a rather traumatic experience this past weekend...in the previous blog I wrote we had to get rid of our cats. Well by process of elmination and reasons too long to write - we took Harold to Heaven Can Wait.

Heaven Can Wait is a well respected and reputable foundation that takes in cats and dogs, and puts them up for adoption. If you google Heaven Can Wait they put pictures of the animal and a little blurb about it. A few years ago, I had tried for weeks to get ahold of them to adopt a cat, but was unable to hear back from them or get through their phone line.....so my youngest son and I went to Calgary Humane Society to adopt Kenny. Knowing that we had decided Harold needed to find a friendly home other than ours, I first thought of Heaven Can Wait.....so off Kyle and I went with a very scared and vocal Harold.  I was SOOOOO DISSAPPOINTED in the repsonse that we received, I imagined a loving caring welcome. I must have been in denial! We were grilled beyond - in tears, I finally said that we were good people and that we tried our hardest to find another home and this was not an easy decision. After demaning a donation, they begrudingly took our little Harold.....

I understand that they probably have many not so upstanding citizens dropping off their animals, and that they have a lot of damage control to do. This I understand, I wish they could realize that we are GOOD people who were left with no other choice than to try to give Harold a better home and another chance. I know Harold will be ok, and I hope that he will be adopted into a family that can care for him and appreciate his little looks and chatty manner. As for Heaven Can Wait, I wish for them to be able to read people better and understand how very very difficult this decision was for our family.

So all in all, it was a heart wrenching day with many tears.....

Time flies when you are......

WOW times flies when you are......

I wouldn't say I was having fun, but here is what I've been up to the past bit.....
Firstly - had to have a little surgery for a bump on my forehead....all went well....but I do know that I will NEVER have a FACE LIFT...OMG the pain, and the black eyes along with the swelling...I never new my nose and face could swell so much! Then I needed to take a couple extra days off AFTER I had been back to work...a little swelling and a little infection is always a setback.... But I should be good to go now. My family and friends were a HUGE support throughout this whole thing, I am blessed to have such a great support!!

During my time off, Brandon came home again, it is so nice to have him home....the house is messier, you know exactly what he has touched and where he has been throughout the WHOLE house...a bit frustrating but in the same sense comforting. This time he came home and zoomed out the next day to buy himself a truck!!!!! Yup he spent more on this truck than I EVER have spent on a vehicle....but it sure is PRETTY!!!! Pearl white fully loaded Denali truck....this thing is amazing....I am so proud of him that he can do this all on his own at the ripe young age of 19!!!!! He will always have a means to achieve the things he wants in life. He LOVES the best of the best and will be sure to obtain them....He is a kind hearted soul who is not afraid of hard work to achieve such successes.....

Kyle was busy this past week at a camp they offer through his school. He goes away for a week and gets to do all sorts of fun things, like zip lining, leap of faith, horse back riding and such!!! I have always called Kyle the animal whisperer - it is uncanny how animals respond to him! So he wants to go back to the camp this summer and work there as a wrangler! So proud of where he is in his life and how successful he is!

On a sad note - we are having to find a new home for our adorable cats, Kenny and Harold....we are getting new flooring in our home and they seem to think that it's ok to pee in the house...It is SO DISGUSTING I can hardly believe it....we have tried EVERYTHING possible and it breaks my heart even thinking of having to give them to a new home but we can't have hardwood flooring getting wrecked.....this will be our forever floor and there comes a time when you have to decide...as heart wrenching as it is......

Happy to say it is only a week and a bit away for our big DOMINICAN TRIP!!!!! Woot WOOT!!! Hubby and I can hardly wait....My Hubby is fairly quiet, is quite reserved...I knew he was excited about this trip when he started packing BOTH our suitcases BEFORE ME!!!! Usually I am the list packing anal obsessive control freak and packed weeks in advance...lol...but my Hubby surprized me this time and beat me to the punch. Tomorrow we are going shopping for all things trip worthy! Wish us well - as it's hard to find sun dresses and flip flops in the MIDDLE OF FALL......so fingers crossed we will be able to find the wares that we need for our trip!!!!!!

So enough for now, I will probs blog when I get back from the FAB trip...stay tuned.....

Surpise....It's a TRIP!!!!

Hard to believe that September is almost over and Fall has arrived......

I am excited to say that we have actually booked at TRIP!!!!!! Soo excited, as a gift to us my Hubbie booked a trip to the DOMINICAN!!!!! Wooo Hooooo.... We had decided to do the flooring instead of going away on a trip for my Hubbies 50th and our 20th Wedding Anniversary......but changed our minds and decided to do BOTH!!!

We are not ones to splurge and are trying to always be cautious of our financial situation...but this year it seems, we have thrown caution to the wind and lived it up - if only a small bit!!!! LOL  It is always a fun thing to get ready for, and since we don't splurge often I can hardly wait. We will be staying at an all inclusive and have upgraded our room. I look forward to some relation and rest.

I think the best part about our trip is we will be going with our "besties" - we always have so much fun with them and they are such dear dear friends of ours! They have stayed at the resort before and are able to help us figure our way around......We will definately enjoy some sun, cocktails and a few laughs.....Can't wait for our big trip!!!!!

50th Birthday Shinanigans

Well, as you all know, my Hubbie turned 50 on Friday.....

It started off with a balloon bouquet sent to his work, I have NEVER sent anything to his work before, so I was branching out and thought he would enjoy the surprise....I was going to do the tacky buzzards on the lawn but decided he wouldn't get as much joy out of that. Well the surprise worked...He definitely knew this big huge balloon mass was for him.... Work brought in a cake for him and then he left early to zoom to the lake.

Our Son was going to come to the lake also, but at the last minute he decided he wanted to tell Rob that he couldn't make it, and drive out quickly before us so he could surprise his Dad.....So Kyle and I created a little lie that he had to work on Friday and Sunday - which would not allow him to come to the lake...It was sooo awesome - the surprise worked PERFECTLY!!!!!! When Rob and I pulled in Kyle was sitting there, such a great great thing!!!!!!!!

Saturday was my birthday! Nothing special as I was very focused on Rob's big day!!!!! Friends of ours were at the lake and we all had a great day puttering around our lots and gearing up for closing for the season. Then it was cocktail hour.....

Well, cocktail hour started at 4 and MAN was it fun!!!!! We started out with martinis....I have realized that martini's are little glasses of love....while we were cocktailing we did presents, Rob had received several throughout the couple of days....this being lots and lots of Jack Daniels....he has a new love of JD on ice and I think EVERYONE bought him JD...including his Boss - a 3 LITRE of JD...so after receiving a few bottles of JD - he asked if it came with an AA membership too......While the night progressed into snacks then more cocktails and then finally supper.....and finally of course, the cake....Throughout the night we were taking a plethora of pictures....one of our Friends is VERY comical...he was the "random" guy in ALL the pictures...in 90% of the pics, he is randomly in them..every time I look at them I laugh out loud....

So all in all it was a FAB 50th for Rob -I love my Hubbie dearly, he is the only one who knows who I truly am, he is always supportive of me, finishes my sentences, laughs and cries with me....words truly cannot express how much I love him....So my darling, I hope this is the best year yet!!!!!!!

Smelling Flowers

On August 30, 2011 @ 11:03 am.....We lost a dear, dear person.  My girlfriends Dad passed away with his Family by his side...after a determined and valiant struggle with cancer. I am so very proud of our dear Friend who read the tribute...and Lainey & Sierra for having the courage to stand up in front of so many people to honor their Opi!!!!!!

Opi's funeral was Friday, it was a beautiful service.  I don't understand why there is tragedy in this world? Why disease is so tragic...If you choose to be pesimistic you can see a lot of bad in the world....Again, I ask the question WHY????

Opi was a person who lived his life quietly in a close knit circle of those who meant the most to him. He LOVED his "Angel" and his "Rock" along with his dear, dear wife of 55 years! Can you imagine 55 years of wedded bliss....They adored each other and truly HONORED each other...It makes one reflect on your own life and realize that I too want to be married for 55 years and be as in love.  My parents have also celebrated their 50th this year....Now a days, there seems so much hurry, so much going 100 km/hr that we often forget to be thankful for the things that truly mean the most in our lives. We also often forget to really LIVE our lives, remembering to do the "fun" things....

So in honor of beloved Opi -I promise to remember to live my life to the fullest and stop to smell the flowers a little more often....

Mish Mash

Summer is definately coming to an end.....Mornings are darker and cooler, evenings cool off quicker too! I am a lover of winter, I know...just keep reading so you can understand my reasoning...lol  I HATE being so hot you can't cool down...So in winter, you can always warm up!  Winter is so calming and quiet - nothing like bundling up by the fire with a warm drink, good book, and a loved one....it is always sooo romantic!  OK, not that WE ever do that but a girl can wish can't she?!?!?!

So having said summer is coming to an end, we had our last long weekend at the lake, and it was FAB!!!!!! The weather was awesome the lake calm, cool nights so you can sleep.....it was BLISS!!!!!! The only thing missing was our boys and my bestie who hasn't been able to spend a large amount of time at the lake this summer....more on that later...We will be going out again in a couple weeks, as you know Robbie will be 50 this year so we are going to the lake for his birthday ( I have invited a few friends to come out that weekend too, so it should be a "gooder"). Then we will have to close up the trailer for another year and start the count down to "lake" time again.

Last night, Brandon took the family out for dinner! In anticipation of him going back to work, he wanted to take the fam out for a pre-birthday dinner in honor of our birthdays! We went to the newly redecorated Old Duke in our small town...It used to be called the "Willy" and was a very run down scary place to go...Obviously it has been sold and the new owners have done a SPECTACULAR job of renovating and reviving! It was awesome. The best thing, is that it is a restaurant until 9 pm so our younest could come too....Any who...dinner was great, we will be taking our friends there and spreading the word......We all enjoyed our dinner and of course time came to pay, Brandon pulled out his wallet and payed with PRIDE! It was soo great to see him be so proud of himself while payng for dinner for the family! It was a proud moment - no tears for me though! lol

We have some busy times coming up, Hubbie is goin to Montreal - annual buying trip and we have of course the Birthdays....so stay tuned there should be some fun things to write about....

Baby Got Back...and Kittens

Well my baby is back! Our oldest FINALLY came home after being on the rigs for 30 days!!!! Now, remember how much I missed him?He came home at 3 in the morning and snuck in the house. I saw his shoes at the back door on my way to work and went bombing downtstairs to say good morning....Needless to say in my excitement I scared the CRAP out of him...bahahhaha  I must admit, I really, really missed him....Our house was sooo quiet and tidy it was almost defaning!  Well, please remind me of this next time....I zoomed home from work that day in anticipation of us catching up and actually seeing my son! Yup, it's true, how soon you forget....Couldn't park in the garage, stuff all OVER the garage floor, half done laundry, laundry all over my LIVING ROOM FLOOR, it was CHAOS!!!!!!!!! It is funny how soon you forget the things that frustrate you and only remember the "good" stuff....But all in all I am pleased he is home and yes, our house is still a disaster with his MESS.....

My little animal whisperer saved a couple kittens the other day....A couple of kittens were left in a parking lot, and someone brought them to the pet store....It is STRICT policy that they NEVER accept pets....well....Kyle couldn't just let them be so he took them in and brought them home.....Now, remember we already HAVE 2 CATS!!!!!  Not to mention my hubbie is not a CAT FAN!!!!!  So we had 2 little kitties that OUR cats thought were aweful.....Our cats, Kenny and Harold were hissing and growling and so bent out of shape! OMG We couldn't leave any of them alone. My hubbie just about flipped his lid, I seriously thought I saw his head spin 'round when he came home to 2 more KITTENS.....soooo funny.......Kyle, was a good boy and found proper homes for these 2 kittens, whom we affectionately named Fred, and Hank.....

I am off to the Lake - to meet up with my darling Hubby (he went out last night with his "bestest" friend) and I cannot wait to milk one more glorious weekend out of summer....

So all in all it has been an interesting week...as usual....I wouldn't miss this for anything....This is just our life and I LOVE it!!!!!!

Social Social Social.....

It is already showing signs that Fall is around the corner! Soon Kyle will be in school and we will be back to our regular routine! I always consider September my "New Year"

This past weekend was a BLAST!!!

Friday - My FAV Brit friend and I got together for a little catch up - as we haven't seen each almost all Summer! Her baby is growing up so fast and SO DAMN ADORABLE!!! My peep was FINALLY able to see a live bear in the wilderness this past week....That was one of her goals since moving to Canada....It is always refreshing to catch up with her, and bounce ideas off - I love the way she thinks, her business mind is FAB....hopefully it won't be that long until we chat again.

Saturday - Went over to my other girlfriends and visited while she did my toes!!! What a gal!!!! Especially because she HATES FEET!!! bahahahah Not sure how I finagled that one.... :) We also had a little discussion about life and what we affectionately call the "bitch fest".  While we were wining and whining her husband was cooking up a storm! Isn't that the way it should be?!?!?!?!?

Saturday PM - I literally rolled from one friends to another...This time my Hubby and most fav buddy came along to very dear friends of ours for a BBQ!~ Man - J & R can cook up a storm! I LOVE LOVE LOVE going to their house - I love their yard, it should be in a magazine - seriously! And the food...hmmmm always FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Not to mention the company - It was a Super fantastic day spent with people I hold so dear and close to my heart!!!

Sunday - I had my Mom and Dad over, they will be gone on yet another vay cay for the next few weeks and will miss my Hubbies 50th bday....We actually hadn't seen my folks for quite some time so thought it would be nice to BBQ up some grub and have a good catch up....I enjoy fussing over them and letting them truly chillax at our house...They deserve to be waited on hand and foot.....

So all in all it was a FAB weekend, yet again!!!! This week will be awesome my baby is coming home from his first "stint" at the Rigs - after 30 DAYS!!!! OMG that is a long haul...So I will have stories for that I hope and this weekend, we are scooting out to the lake - trying to milk the last few weekends of summer.......

More Birthdays and Inspiration!!!!

WOW what a week and FAST weekend! I have said this a million times - I NEED ANOTHER VAY CAY!!!!!

It's always hard to go back to work after a fantastic holiday, this time my Hubbie and I both felt it! I feel bad for him....when he comes back, he covers for his Boss - so....he works 12 out of 14 days in  a ROW!!! UGH.....

Sunday was a great family day! My Sister-in-Law hosted a 75th AND 18th!  My Mother-in-Law turned 75 in July and she is as spry as all get up! LOL Marina (sister-in-law) invited a few of her friends over and we gave her a little surprise....It was GREAT!!!!

Also, our awesomely funny Nephew turned 18 in early August so we honored him...He is the funniest kid...ahem...young man! I love him to bits - We wish him well with taking Business in Sept at Sait!!!!

Now to back track a bit. Rob's Uncle had a severe stroke last November - he came up to the Foothills Hospital and spend some serious time here in Calgary he is now back in his home in Southern Alberta. He lost a lot of his speach and mobilitiy of his right side. He and his wife and Son came up for the birthday festivities and I was able to chat with him and see how well he has improved. Rob's Uncle was sooo excited to see everyone and he was talking up a storm. I can only commend him - he is truly an inspiration! He is a realization that life can change without notice in a blink of an eye. Uncle and Aunt are very dear to my Husband - he is very close with them and carry's Uncle high on a pedastal. It was great to see them visiting.  I can only imagine the frustration of having to learn EVERYTHING over again.....Uncle's perserverance is AMAZING and such an INSPIRATION!!!!!

So after all the festivities were over my Hubbie, Kyle and I drove home and crawled into bed - needless to say we were SPENT!!!! Here's looking for a less tiring week!!!!!

Birthday's are comng up fast and furiously!

My Hubbie and I have our birthdays a day apart - if you can imagine that! It was so fun to learn they were a day apart long ago and far away when we first met!!!!  Sooooooo having said that, my darling Hubbie will be the magical 50 this year....I can't believe it really....I don't think he can believe it either?! But isn't 50 the new 30 or something like that LOL....

Now, the question is....how do I or DO I surprise him?!?!?!? In our group of friends 50 seems to be the year that everyone likes to slip away on a vay cay with their spouse! This I can ensure you won't be happening as we just did some holiday math, and are in the process of buying some hardwood flooring....(totally didn't think that one through....) So we are feeling a bit strapped for cash!

I was thinking of sending him a HUGE balloon bouquet to his work - that would seriously embarass the pants off of him....My Hubbie is a quiet man, who doesn't like a lot of attention thrown his way....I believe it would be fun to embarass him this year. I have NEVER sent anything to his work for his birthday but I may throw caution to the wind and go out on a limb! LOL

Stay tuned......

Milestones Even at this Age

What a FAB holiday!!!!!!!!! It was "officially" the first summer vay cay without kids! As I look back at the pictures we took...My Hubbie looks soo happy and rested! Funny how things go, I missed our boys more than I thought. Kyle suprized us on the long weekend by coming out unannounced - I was so happy I burst into tears!!! Who knew THAT would happen...lol It was a great surprize and we thoroughly enjoyed his company.  Brandon didn't make it out - as he scooted off to the rigs for the official start date.

Kyle, our youngest, has his part time job at the pet store, he has only been there a few weeks and already he is Small Animal Supervisor - he is so calm and has such a strong presence around animals - I truly believe he is an animal whisperer.....Other exciting news about Kyle is he has finally been able to get that CAR on the road!!!! Woo Hoo....He was so excited to drive his OWN car to work.....It was a very proud moment to see our Son drive away by himself, in his car! I equate it to the first day of Kindergarten and Grade One. So very proud with tears running down my face....Yes, I am a leaker...my eyes are constantly tearing up for happy or sad...LOL

Brandon has been doing well at the rigs! It's a big change for him to be away - living on his own, and having to do all those things a Mother does..... He has been very successful with that I believe...He calls every 2nd day and touches base with us - so nice to hear his voice! It's odd to not have him coming and going around the house. The house stays tidier LOL But the house is so empty compared to what it was.

So all in all this summer has been an awesome one full of very important milestones, ones that will not soon be forgotten..... It's hard to believe that we have 2 teenage boys, so grown up.  I find it hard to believe that one is gone most of the time - working away from home and the other is busy going to school soon, in the Fall, and working a LOT..... Time truly goes so very very fast. I can vividly remember the time we brought each baby boy home full of joy and awe. Now they are independant young men that I am so very proud of!!!!!!

Time is a Flyin'

Where does the time go?!?

I have calmed down since the last time I blogged - which is a good thing! The family has pulled up their socks and everyone is a team player again! WHEWF!!!! LOL

My oldest is trying to find his niche in life, and he has decided "rigs" is a good place to start to make some money and work hard! He is definately not afraid of hard work and he will definately appreciate the money. He has a champagne taste!  He had a small rig adventure - he zoomed out to Olds Alberta and did a couple days with a rig. It was very sudden and very confusing and emotional to be scooted off so quickly - NOT EVEN 24 hours notice!!!!! While up in Olds there was a MAJOR hail storm - which happened to TOTAL off his baby - Audi A4!! The windshield is a total mess...hail hit so hard it broke the glass!!!! So now he is looking for a truck - more appropriate for rig work.  But let's be reminded that he will need a co-signer and we WILL NOT be co-signing for a $42,000.00 TRUCK!!!! OMFG!!!!!! He seriously thought it would be ok if we signed for something like that...My Hubbie and I don't even drive vehicles that expensive..... So after much debate and heartache - he understands that perhaps a less expensive truck first to get himself established is a much better idea!!!!!

My youngest has just started his part time job working at a pet store...I have always called him an animal whisperer....he has an unbeliveable calm around animals! So he has been riding his bicycle down the hill and back in order to get to work.  He doesn't quite have enough money to get started driving his car!!!! After his first pay cheque he definately will have the money!!!! I can't wait for him to drive his car.....He is also rocking this new job. He is sooo excited about it and does so well! I am extremely proud that he has found something to be passionate about! So kudo's to you my love! I am very proud of you!!!!

Holidays are around the corner, I CAN"T WAIT.....my Hubbie and I are SOOOO ready for our holidays this year.....But it will be the first time that we holiday without kids! I believe that either boy will be able to make it out to the Lake this year....It will be sooo wonderful to have 2 full weeks with my Hubbie OR it could be one of those holidays that you don't know what to do! I remember when our oldest stopped coming out due to work, and it was so hard...Then our youngest slowly stopped coming out too..... But usually we will have one or the other with us. This summer - looks like none of my boys will be able to make it due to work schedules! I feel a tear coming on as I think we have reached that point in our lives where they are busy doing their own thing. It may be a tear of joy or sadness....This I am unsure of...lol...I will let you know AFTER our holidays...It should be a VERY relaxing one if anything......

Donkey on the Edge

Well it must be that time of year! Occassionally I lose my patience and get frustrated.....with EVERYTHING!!!!!
I think I am at that point NOW!!!! LOL Why is it that if I don't NAG the kids and remind the kids all the time about the same things they can't remember?

 As you know we have two cats, Kenny and Harold. We got Kenny from the Humane Society for Kyle and Harold came along out of concern for his life by Brandon! Harold was going to be put down - his Mom kept skanking out and they had too many farm cats! So we took Harold in and saved his little life!  Back to the RANT - I have to remind Kyle EVERY NIGHT to feed the cats!!!!! I have to remind Kyle EVERY 2nd DAY to do the kitty LITTER!!!!! OMG I am going to lose it....Just because you are done school doesn't mean you can stay up 'til 4 AM and sleep all day...messing up the house and not doing chores!!!!!! AARRRGGGHHHH

Same goes for my little Brandina - he came home from the weekend away and was tired. He was home at 10:30 Sunday morning....left the gargage door open, dropped his bag in the hallway and promptly went downstairs to sleep....awww poor baby was sooo tired!  We got home from the lake around 5:30 - unpacked, vacuumed the main floor, sorted AND started laundry, cooked supper, cleaned up and showered and FINALLY fell into BED. Poor little muffin had such a hard day!!!! ARRRGGGHHHHH

Monday rolls around and I advised both boys to "wind their necks in" ( a British saying from my fav Brit peep)  I don't understand why they think that all chores and rules are off just because it is SUMMER!!!! I swear if I took a weekend off the house would be in shambles! Although I have tried to boycot chores to prove a point and it BACK FIRED so badly! I only ended punishing myself! Now the chores that the boys have are pretty substantial! Seriously - Kyle - keep room clean, clean his OWN bathroom, kitty litter every 2nd day, feed cats supper EVERY day! Brandon - recycling when full, garbages - Thursday, keep basement clean,do laundry, along with his OWN bathroom.....I think I should check into child labour laws to ensure I haven't pushed the card to hard...I mean really they are sooo hard done by with ALL THOSE CHORES!!!! NOT!!!!!!!

I remember when Brandon couldn't manage to get his laundry to me in time...I kept threatening to stop doing his laundry. One week I asked him every day to bring me his laundry. He FAILED to, so I don't do his laundry anymore...A bit ago he said that he was so PROUD of me for following through! Doesn't that say something? I guess I should stop being a softie and follow through more...After some thought - Look out KIDS, I am a DONKEY on the EDGE and plan on following THROUGH!!!!

So for now, I will keep trying to be strong and sticking to my GUNS. I will try to stand tall and not give in!
Happy Hump Day everyone!!!!

Interviews, Summer Solstice, and Jack Daniels

Our youngest whom I speak about like he is 5 is actually 17! He had a job interview last week, and it was really neat to see how he handled the resume, references and himself. The night before the interview he decided it was time for a hair cut and perhaps a new outfit! Who says girls are the only ones who fuss!!!! LOL  So we went out and found a nice crisp casual/collar shirt with short sleeves and nice pair of dress shorts!  While we were doing a bit of shopping we saw some fun t- shirts...you know the ones that are boarderline inapporpriate! Well they sometimes make me laugh out loud and there happened to be 2 there. Obviously I picked one up for Kyle and Brandon - couldn't resist!!!!! So fingers crossed Kyle gets a job, because then he will be able to drive his car!!!!!

Summer Solstice was on Tuesday June 21- we have been patiently waiting for nice weather.....I guess we are still waiting.....The weather this year has been so wet and cool!  We went out to the Lake this past weekend, and even out there, it was highs of 15 and lows of 8 or less....I can't remember a time when it has been so cool for so long.  With the long weekend coming up I am hoping for some nice weather so we can finally feel the sun on our bodies!

As I said, we had gone out to the lake this past weekend...Well it WAS one of THOSE weekends when you cut a little too loose and have a little too much fun....LOL  Friday night it was pouring - we found and umbrella and sang under it in the rain...sooo much fun! Saturday night was my Hubbies night to cut loose. You MUST understand he is a quiet man, well....after many Jack Daniels on ice, he got the giggles and was soo much fun...Walking him home carefully,helping him get ready for bed, and letting him sleep 'til noon. His most priceless moment....."Scottie you're my bestest friend".....we LOVE that he was able to cut loose a little bit and have some fun....

Looking forward to a long weekend - coming up....I wonder what Shinanigans will happen this weekend.......

Birthday Mania 2 with a side order of Graduation

It's that time of year again, when we have birthday mania! It seems 4 times a year it's crazy birthday times! Our families birthdays come in clumps! April, June, September and November....there are also ones in March and May.

Today my Mom turns 70! I am proud to be her daughter. She is a strong, loving, beautiful and wise woman! I can only hope that one day I too will be as wise as she is! Here's to you Mom!!!!!

Father's Day is also aproaching on Sunday! I love to spoil my Father and my Husband! My Dad is the best thing since sliced bread...seriously! He is the smartest person I know. My Dad is always the first to tear up - which always makes me tear....awww He is simply the best! As for my Hubbie - I ADORE him, he is the best Father who loves his family like no other.... He would "walk the line" for us and he would "die for us". I love watching you with the boys....it is soooo awesome and a little bit sexy....

Brandon turns 19 on Monday.... He was born the Saturday just before Father's Day...you can't get a better Father's Day present than a Son who will carry your name!!!! (Not bad timing on my part...lol) So my oldest Son will soon be another year older and hopefully another year wiser!?!?!?! I can hardly believe how grown up he is becoming! I of course still remember like it was yesterday, the first time I held him.....Now he is 6"2 and towers over me.....I wish him all the happiness and success he deserves! He has brought so much to my life - words cannot express....."I love you forever, I like you for always...my baby you'll be".......

So with all these events, I have to throw one more in..... Our Nephew Jared has Graduated from High School and the family is having a shin dig in his honor this weekend..... I am so very, very proud of each Nephew who has graduated! I am always tearing up with pride! I hope they know how very, very proud we are of you! So Jared, venture on into the big ol' world - I wish you more success than you can imagine! You are a dear Nephew whom we hold dear to our hearts!

So I figure that is enough mushy gushy emotional stuff for a Friday afternoon.... Let it be known there will be tears of pride and joy this weekend as we celebrate Jared's Grad; Mom's 70th ; Father's Day; and Brandon's 19th!!!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Lake, Rigs and Coffee

I can't believe it is already June!!!! Seriously where does the time go??????

We have been able to get out  to the lake a fair bit...soo exciting!  This past weekend, we were fortunate enough to zoom out as a FAMILY - the 4 of us went in 1 vehicle! That NEVER happens...usually a friend comes along or Brandon takes his car...It was so much fun to travel together.

At the lake my Cousin and her Husband were out, along with their friend - it was awesome - they took the boys for a doon buggy ride and dirt biking....My Cous and I sat around and caught up on life's events! It was fantastic - not to mention the 28degree weather we had! So again, all in all a FAB weekend at the lake - counting the days 'til we go again!!!!

Brandon - our oldest is restless - he is trying to find his niche in life.  He is figuring he wants to go out to the "rigs" - he has a LOT of debt for his young age so he figures go to the "rigs" and get ahead all the while deciding what path his life will take. This is great for him - not so much for his MOM!!!!! I am having separation anxiety and he hasn't even gone yet! I will keep you posted on the events.....

Kyle was so adorable this morning, keeping in mind he IS 17!!! I know I speak of him like is 8 but he is my BABY and always will be.....For the first time in EVER - he was up BEFORE us on a week day!!!! I seriously was concerned..that NEVER happens....So he comes into our room with 2 coffee's, cream and sugar on the side!! OMG how great and THOUGHTFUL was that!?!?!?!?!?! What a terrific way to start the day....

Stay tuned as we will have a busy couple weekends - we will be celebrating Nephews Grad party; Grandma's 70th birthday; Brandon's 19th birthday; Father's Day; and a quick trip down South to pick up some stuff......will keep you posted.....

Happy Monday!!!!!!

Never Get Excited Over Mops

May long is always a great weekend, it defines the beginning of Summer in a camping sort of way....

This year we decided that we would stay home. Kyle house sat, Brandon and Claire went to the lake to camp on crown land and I did Spring cleaning.

Saturday I felt ripped off - I wanted so badly to sleep in but to no avail, I ended up rising and starting the day off with a bang!( at 7 AM for those that care!!!) It felt so good to finish all those little nit picky chores that you always wish you have time for. Like organizing your closet lightest to darkest; shortest to longest, it's the best when my closet and drawers are like that....( a little anal retentive lol).  I worked like a slave and secretly ENJOYED IT!!!! I get great satisfaction out of a clean/organized home!!!!

Sunday was awesome - Rob took me out for BREAKFAST!!!!! Can you believe it?! I didn't even prompt him or anything! WOO HOOO We had a great day puttering around the house together - remember NO KIDS were home all WEEKEND LONG!!!!!!  We even had a few friends over for a little shin dig!

Monday I finished up the ironing and 2 days of laundry, while Rob puttered around the house doing Boy chores! He scooted out for a few groceries and came back with a mop that I had been looking to buy but it was always out! I was sooo excited....NOTE TO THE WISE - NEVER GET EXCITED OVER MOPS....I was truly soooo excited but realized that I should NOT be....its a MOP that means that I HAVE to clean the floors ALL the time now.....But secretly I am super stoked about trying it out...

Monday night everyone came home and life was back to its usual chaotic self....Brandon and Claire came by for supper which was nice, as they are still house sitting. Kyle came home from house sitting so, as a Mom - I felt content that all my babies were safely home and my house was clean and organized.

All in All it was one of the BEST MAY LONG's in  LONG time.....

Nurried and Grunchy

Last weekend we zoomed out to the lake for a little R & R!  This time was exceptionally fun as we car pooled with our besties!!!!! It was a lot of fun, we loaded up and started off. Of course you know I had to do the when are we there, how much longer bit!  As we were getting closer to our spot my Hubbie and I were being silly and goofing around in the back seat.....he went to play punch me and I said the he was making me "nurried"...this turned into quite the giggle fest!!!! Nurried has become the new "Suism" - it is a cross between worried and nervous! My other fav word is "grunchy" - that is a cross between crouchy and grumpy!

It was a fabulous weekend with great weather, super fun and adventurous quad rides and TONS of giggles. We met a neat young couple that moved in next to my besties lot - BIG trailer - 40 ft with 3 slides...OMG it even has 2 ceiling fans and a fireplace! I look forward to having a season full of laughs and sun, and relaxation!

To my besties - thanks for a FANTASTIC FUN weekend, I adore and respect each of you so very much! Again I raise my glass to the 2 of you whom I hold close to my heart!