Deck the Halls

Fortunately for me, this year Malcolm decided to take charge of the tree and its trimming, so he took care of everything! Now if only he could get Claire to leave the dang ornaments on the tree.

5 More Days!

In case you can't tell, I've decided to embrace the philosophy of my good friend Julie and shamelessly promote my own birthday. I used to bemoan the fact that it was so close to Christmas, I used to think that people should really remember with no promptings from me. Well, I'm living in the real world now. 5 more days, people!

For Informational Purposes...

18 days 'til my birthday! Just in case you wanted to know.

Birthday/Christmas List

For the benefit all those people who are dying to get me a birthday and/or Christmas gift, I've started a handy dandy little wish list to the right there. Feel free to make it a combo gift if it's pricey, otherwise, forget it. In general, I hate combo gifts. I know, I know, I shouldn't look a combo gift horse in the mouth, but it's tough having your birthday right before Christmas. I also have a list going on Amazon if you'd like to consult it. Happy shopping! Only 33 days 'til my birthday!

Summer Pics

Now and then, just to throw Jeff off, I put up some photos in defiance of the time-line. Aka out of order. I guess I just post as the mood strikes me. See the Fan Club for a shot of my fab new iMac. It was a sad, sad day when my laptop died, but it lived a full life and has gone on to a better place. These are a few pics from our trip to Grandma's in Canada this summer. I couldn't believe Carter got on those bumper boats, he was a major chicken when it came to most rides.

All the plumbers in the house, pull your pants up

Okay, I know what I've been doing! I removed an entire toilet. Don't worry, I put it back on. I'd like to take this opportunity to endorse the Home Depot Home Improvement book, it's served me well. As for the title, we're loving the rap at the end of the SNL Pre-Election Bash. Here's a link on YouTube if you're interested. Very funny.

Commentary

Okay, I've been getting a little grief about never posting anything. I'd like to be able to say that I've been busy keeping a spotless house and cooking gourmet dinners for my family, but if you've been here, you'll know that's not true. Oh well, someday. I don't know what I've been doing, but I know I've been busy! I'll try to be more diligent. Here are a few pictures from Halloween. I know the ones I choose are not as aesthetically pleasing as Jeff's picks/pics, I just think they're funny. Claire is becoming the queen of goofy faces. Maybe it'll freeze that way.

Halloween

One Handsome Dude

I know I'm biased, but I'd have to say that Malcolm is one handsome dude.
Of course, he's swimming in a great gene pool.

Super Powers

I love this picture of Carter because it looks like he has super powers. Who doesn't want super powers? Claire has a super power - it's the power of perseverance. She wants to escape from that stroller, and she never gives up. This was actually Claire's first fireworks since we missed last year's. How did she like it? She didn't.

Independence Day

In Primary on Sunday, the chorister (Arla, funny smart lady) asked the kids what special day they'd celebrated that week. They all told her: "The 4th of July!" When she asked if it was special because it was the 4th, they all told her "Yes!"
"Why don't we celebrate the 3rd of July? or the 5th?"
"Because it's not the 4th!"
Here we are hanging out on our blankets waiting for the fireworks. For actual fireworks photos, see the Grandon Fan Club.

Carter the Graduate

Carter went to a super fun pre-school at the high school this spring. The child development class gets to practice on a few warm bodies and the kids get tons of attention. He went once a week and they had a cute little graduation on the last day. Claire was thrilled that she finally got to stay and play with the toys!

Here are a couple more photos of our trip to Canada in February. I'm clearly not working in any kind of chronological order. There was so much snow! Claire didn't have that many opportunities to go out and play in the snow this winter since I didn't have the strength for all of the suiting up it requires. She had a great time with Malcolm and Grandad and rode the sled down the little hill in their backyard. Hopefully by next winter she'll be a little lower maintenance for outdoor activities.

Jeff's Big Whoop

This year Jeff's big whoop actually was a big whoop. Last month he turned forty and officially became an adult. We had a fun party with super food made by me (why be modest?)

Ice Fishing

I realize I'm back-tracking, but as I see pictures I like I'll put them up. In February I took the kids up to my parents' house in Barrie Ontario. While we were there I went to my brother's ice-fishing hut with Malcolm, my dad and Michael (said brother). I wasn't so sure about walking a kilometre out onto the ice; I told Michael I'd walk behind him and if he went through, he was on his own. The ice, however, was super thick and we survived. It was a freezing day but the ice hut was surprisingly cozy! I don't know if I could spend large quantities of time in it, but it was definitely a new experience.

Current Hobbies

Jeff posted a photo of my new bathroom taps on the family blog and entitled it "My Lady's Got Plumber's Crack." No matter how many times I asked him to change it, he no did do. For the record, I don't have plumber's crack. I do, however like to do small plumbing jobs, partly from the job satisfaction, and partly because my frugal heart loves to save money. So I can spend it on more important things, of course.

Technical Difficulties

Okay, I'm still learning to blog. I got my lego pictures up, and then couldn't get my text in! I know, it's not rocket science, but I don't have the patience to let Jeff teach me (I'm the Anakin to his Obi-Wan).
Malcolm loves to lego, and Claire is following in his ways. She's actually doing a little less eating and a little more playing these days, so she's really making progress!

Lego Time

Carter's Hairdos

Okay, one last selection for today - a couple of cool Carter hairdos.

I'm Not Spamming!

Okay, I've finally managed to convince the powers-that-be, or at least the powers-that-administer that I'm not spamming, or whatever they were checking for. Now I can post stuff! Stuff to fascinate and amaze everyone who reads it! Okay, maybe my mom and dad. I have some catching up to do, so you're going to be dazzled with some of my favorite photos from the last little while. I love it when Madeleine and Claire listen to music together. There's nothing like a little sisterly bondage.

I Blog

It's official, I'm a blogger! I figured if Madeleine could set one up, so can I. She's the girl who didn't believe that I know how to text.
Next time, I'll perfect the fine art of adding a photo.