Long time.....no post..

So, as you can see I have been over neglectful on this blog. I will try to be more accountable in the future. For those who know us we are quite busy and having two boys a full time shift working job and trying to keep a house in one piece can be a lot some days.

I will post the pics of the house from the past year that some of you have been wanting to see the competed project. It is nice I must admit having a new house. It is unfortunate but I am glad now that all things transpired as they did. At the time and for the last year I could not say that but now that things have settled and I have not lost my mind. I am greatful. And thank the powers that be everyday.

On the kid front, Dalton has recently turned the big nine and Tyson turned four. Dalton went into grade four and Tyson started in Jr Kindergarden. He loves it. I find that he is starting to settle down and develop the personality with wisdom. He was such a character before and now he can use the bigger words to make us laugh more. Only because he now knows what they mean. He has a great teacher and I adore her. She is so attentive to all the kids. And patient. I am glad that Tyson got her for his first year of school.

Dalton is not enjoying school this year as much as last. He does not have as nice of a teacher as last year and apparently she is a screamer. It seems that every year that he is in the portable that he ends up having a teacher that is. Then again no teacher is as great to him a the teacher he had last year. ahe is hoping that she returns to his school next year to teach him in grade 5. But he will most likely get her mother instead.

Darin is Darin and he is well. Nothing much changes with him. He is busy with work and when he is home he is busy in his garage. When he isn't busy with his kids.

Me well I have embarked on a new adventure and will share with you along the way. Hoping for encouragement and kind words. I am starting the long struggle to get healthy. I am not going to "preach" about diet and exercise but be aware that if your coming here, you may find me venting about it sometimes. Or looking for help. Either way I look for your feedback.

This blog is about our family and health is a part of that. It is a long journey that I have entered in. Looking about 90lb journey for me. So feel free to give your 2 cents.

90 lbs. Seriously. I can't believe I let it get to that. I am ashamed as well as happy that I have decided to stop here. It was 99lbs. I have struggled through 2 weeks of eating better and lost 9 lbs. Doesn't seem like much and becomes hard to find a way through your eating habits when I go to work. I take things with me but when you have the will power at home and remove all temptation, then go to work and it awaits you it is a challenge. Not to mention the shifts. It is hard to totally switch your days and nights around and still eat healthy. Excuses. I know I can do it.

So I am about to do it. I can't believe that I am but.... I weigh 220.0 lbs today. Hard to believe but I do. It makes me sick to look at that. Upsets me. tears me up. But not anymore I can do it. I can do it for me. I can do it for my family. I can be an example to my kids. Whom I love more than anything.

On that note. I am going. Saddened and flustrated. But I am going to go for a walk it is a beautiful day, my kids are at school and I CAN!!

Thanks for reading!

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian readers!

Today was a quiet day, we didn't do much. We had some things to take care of around the house. Things that had to get done and cleaned up with the house being torn down yesterday.

So we got the yard cleaned up and the pool vacuumed from all the dust, and we decided that it was time to go for a swim. So we did. The pool was 82* so it was quite warm.

I wanted to take the kids to Zwick's park, there were tons of things going on down there for kids. There was no way I was going to get there with all that had to be done and having to work at today.

Tyson is really loving the pool this year. Too bad he still has to wear his headband and plugs. He learned all about drowning today. He was up on the deck and I was right there but I had turned for just a sec and guess who jumped in. All I had to do was reach out for him but it was enough that now he is afraid to jump in. Can't say that's a bad thing.

And of course my giant fish!! Dalton would never get out of the pool if you didn't make him....I'm confused though because I have to pull teeth to get him in the tub.

KIDS.... Who knows.

Happy Canada Day!!

Enjoy your day, no matter where you live!

The last day....

Today was the last day for our kids in Ontario for school. Dalton took cookies for a treat for their party. These cookies are so good. They are called high altitude cookies. They are very similar to chocolate chip brownies, but a cookie. If you just want plain chocolate cookies just omit the cocoa. Here is the recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup cocoa ( if desired)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt ( cocoa if desired); stir into the batter just until blended, then mix in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed. Drop cookies by heaping teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges begin to turn golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

They are so good! Crunchy on the outside but moist in the middle and not flat and dry.

Dalton also took some special treats for his friends, his class and all the children on the bus. He asked me to do something nice for them. Since they were all so good to him when his house burnt down. So I made them all little suckers in chocolate. It is tedious and takes a lot of time but I know all the kids like them. I made a combination of happy faces, tractors, dump trucks, bulldozers, and heart suckers. We put little tags on all the bags with a little thank you from Dalton. He had one for every child in his class and Ada the bus driver took him along the whole route tonight so he could give one to every child on the bus too. Then she dropped him back home.

Ada is the best bus driver ever. We love he so. She is so good with all the kids who ride her bus. When the house burnt down, she started a little collection bag for Dalton. The kids on the bus raised almost $100.00 for him. We let him keep it for something he wanted. He put it in the bank for now but I'm sure when he finds something special he will not think twice to get it. Not to mention all the toys that they collected for both the kids.

So Thank you to all those special kids who thought of Dalton, to Ada for just being herself and thinking of others, and to each of the kids in his class who supported him with toys etc.

I cannot Thank everyone enough. It continues to overwhelm us what people will do.

So Thank You all.

Water park....

Today I had to work at 3pm but we thought that we would make the most of the day that we had. It was so warm. So we got up first thing this morning and prepared some stuff to take to the new Trenton water park. the kids had a great time. We called Evelyn and Nick to join us. Nick knew yesterday and was bugging Grandma as soon at he got to her house at 7:30am about when I was going to call.

So once I called he was even more excited. We met up about 10:30 am and the kids were hard to contain after that. Once we got to the park they had so much fun we couldn't hardly tear them away except to tell them that we were going to McDonald's for lunch.
This is the whole park, you can't see everything I know but it gives you an idea of why the kids had so much fun! They have so many different things. A giant dumping bucket. Sprayers. Misters for the little ones, fountains out o the floor, etc. Something for everyone!

Frog head mister!

Tyson wasn't as keen as the bigger kids at playing. He found the water a little bit intimidating and cold so he was happy to sit and watch.. and snack!

Following our play, we went to Micky D's for lunch. The kids had a great day and they can't wait to go again! It was a fun way to spend my day with my kids before I had to go to work!

My pride & Joy!

Today we have an Anniversary party to go to. My Godparents have been married 50 years. Can you imagine? I cannot. Not that that is a bad thing, it just seems like forever. Anyway, for a change my boys were actually clean and reasonably dressed up for the party so we stopped at the park and took a few pictures of them together.

Trying to get Tyson to sit still for more than two seconds to get a good picture is a miracle as you can see.

This park is in my old neighbourhood. At one time is was just an empty lot. Amazing how things can change in just a few years. It is actually a great place to have pictures taken now and many people have their wedding photos done here. The sun was actually shining so Dalton is squinting. But that was OK a good picture none the less.


And the wiggler..

Again with the eyes shut or this picture would have turned out great. no matter. They look great!

Belleville Waterfront Festival and Folklorama

This weekend starts the annual Waterfront festival. For some people it was just a good time the get plastered. But this year they changed the whole set up and there wasn't any bands past 11pm so that it was going to be a "family" weekend. More about the actually festival and not all the drunks wandering around.

So tonight started out with the $24.00 bracelet waterfront warm up. The kids all buy the band and can ride unlimited rides until 10 pm.

Darin was working so I took the kids. Tyson isn't fond of that sort of stuff but he liked to see all the kids and watch the rides. Dalton on the other hand LOVES the rides.

So we got there around 4pm and stayed till about 8:30 pm when all the teenagers started to arrive and take over the park. No matter, Tyson had had enough and it was bed time. So Dalton got a good amount of riding in. We lost count after 30 or so rides.

ZERO GRAVITY

This particular ride was Dalton's favorite this year. He went on it at least 15 times! He had never been big enough to get on it . He is the 4the fellow in from the left on the top. No fear.

He liked the train roller coaster too but he said it was a little babyish for him....what like he is 20??? Kids I tell ya!

As you can see by the clouds behind Dalton we though that it was going to thundershower for a bit but it passed right by us! Thank goodness! When we came home, it had rain quite heavily here.

We ran into friends of ours Sue & Jeff and their kids. So Dalton went around with them for a bit . The boys jumped around in those air castles so hard that I felt bad for any other kids inside with them.

Tyson though the best part of the whole night was the slushy and the french fries! He had fun too despite that he doesn't like the rides!

There will be lots to share with Waterfront so stay tuned!

A Fun Filled, Eventful and Joyous Day!!

It was a very nice day. Gorgeous. The weather was sunny, very little humidity, it was 20*, and not one bit muggy. I wish all our summer days could be so nice.
Today we had a great day! Lots of fresh air and exercise! First thing this morning we got up when Daddy got ready to leave for the Marlbank poker run. For those of you that don't know it is a four wheeler run where there are several stops. You pick up a chip at each drop and at the end you turn in your chips for a cards and that is your hand in a game of poker. There is lots of prises for the winners so it will be interesting to see if Darin comes home with anything. Usually I go too but this year I decided that I would stay home with the kids and Darin could go with his buddies. Just as well we had a great day!

After Daddy left we all got ready. We had planned to see Auntie Ethel today. She is a very special friend of mine and the kids just love her. Since I returned to work last August I haven't had a lot of time to spend with her so today was the perfect day! Anyway, we got already to go and she arrived about 9:00am. We went to Denny's for breakfast. Both of Ethel's kids work there. First out came Kenny to say hello, then shortly after Amanda. I remember when Ethel's kids were the same size as mine! Uggg!

We had breckie and a good visit. Dalton had Alien pancakes. His favorite no matter at home or out! He's a cheap date! He was chewing on the plate in the picture! Tyson just shared off of every one's plate except for the chocolate milk. That he has no problem devouring!

After breakfast we decided to go to the pirate ship park for the kids to play. We laughed. Ethel said she needed a glucose pump just to keep up with Tyson! That boy ran all over, and over, and over. Not the least bit interested in anything but running around and under the boat!

Dalton played and looked for a Friend as always. They had a ball.

Tyson wasn't much into riding with Dalton!

See you couldn't hold him down!!!

Afterwards we decided it was off to Reid's Dairy for an ice cream cone. It was yummy!

Tyson shared Mommy's!

We then went over to Toy's "R" Us to look around at what's new. We just looked much to Dalton's unhappiness. He didn't say it, ( he knows better) but he was thinking it!
We headed home then. John just got dropped off by his Dad so we had to get home before Angela had a cow. Go figure. Hmmm fourteen year old boy at home alone in the country what do you think he is doing..... of course... the Internet. There isn't much else that he would get into alone.
The boys ( Dalton and John) had some work to do. Each paying then some cash for their pockets. John had to move around some insulation for Darin and Dalton had to shine the rims on Daddy's truck! We got some really hot pictures of John in some of his Uncles old clothes because he forgot his own. John make sure your girlfirend sees these pics your real sexy! he wasn't impressed about me taking his picture but Dalton and I were dying laughing.

We especially liked the pose.....

I don't think he did too bad a job for a six year old! I'm sure Dad will be impressed!

As all kids we went to Walmart after because I had to get a few things. John's lasted about 15 minutes and he bought a CD. Dalton tried to spend it but he just couldn't find anything to buy because he didn't have enough. Watch out Nan... he is coming for the can. ( He has a secret stash at Nan's house!)
We came home made some tacos, kids had a bath, played a little game cube, and watched "Happy Feet" and went to bed. Both of my kids were tired out! Me too but I am just going to lay on the couch until Darin calls to come and pick him up!

This is a picture of my dog Johnathan took....isn't he a beautiful dog... I love him.... Awwww

Great day! Thanks Ethel! Love ya!

Monday, monday......

Check out the concentration level that Dalton is trying to maintain!

Well we decided that we were going to take the boys and do something today. It was a beautiful day and they are going stirrrr crazy! So we had a mental melt and took them to Toronto shopping and to Chucky Cheese! We conned the neighbours into coming for the fun. We all had a really great day. Spent too much money and drank too much coffee but had a great day none the less!

The pizza wasn't the greatest and the subs were for kids but the kids had a great time! And so did Tracy beating up the ducks! That will be my memory of the day! That and the condom joke on Kevin.... too bad he is deaf! POOR POOR KEVIN!! We had fun so no matter.

Tyson was watching his big brother play the game and screaming with excitement. He was hilarious to watch.

Thanks Tracy & Kevin for all the fun and the great day! We appreciate it! So did the kids! Can't wait until Kauden is old enough. I have a feeling though the men won't be going!

Mom... Don't look!!

Well I have been trying to work diligently on my Mom & Dad's anniversary project. I wanted to make them something special. My sister-in-laws project is coming too. Maybe just maybe I will have it done by next week for her. Oh to find the time. The colours are a little off because I took the pictures in my dining room at night with no flash so I hope you kinda get the idear!

Hopefully my parents like them. The first one is their wedding picture. From 46 years ago. The caption reads... " I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you." The colours are peach, pink, grey, and moss green.

Second page is all the grand kiddies. It is burgundy, moss green(again), hunter green, and peach. the words read. Pride and joy. The others are cousins, family, friends. I kinda sort of wanted them to match in a way so my Mom could hang them together..... wherever she can find a place to hang them.

Busy few days.....

Hello... well we have had a few busy days.

Monday - Darin's birthday. We had lots of stuff to get done. Bring wood up. Flood the rink. Two Dr's appointments for him. Get Dalton from karate and go to Scott & Colleen.

Tuesday - we went to take Darin's Mom out for the day. Do her grocery shopping and what not that she needed a little assistance with. And for a good visit. Tyson was driving me nuts though. I worked nights. Had no sleep and Darin was more interested in his new scanner, than helping. Shortly after lunch when Tyson started to get tired too we both started to get cranky and I said it was time to go. I would have loved to stay longer but I was just too tired.

Wednesday- I had a conference all day at work. Darin managed at home all day with the baby. my house was a total disaster when I got home every toy the kids own was out all over the floor. Again Darin was busy with his scanner and on the Internet. Men. Then they wonder what we do all day, but the house never looks like that when they get home.



Well I am posting a page layout that I did on the weekend. I don't "love it" but I do like it. If I had have had a little less help (Tyson) I may have liked it a bit better!


Today is Dalton's last skating trip with his class. So I'm off to that at lunchtime then I have to finish cleaning and finding my house after yesterday..... Wish me luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day! Welcome snow!! We woke up this morning to tons of snow. Lots of it. The kids were so happy. Maybe the sugar high too, really not sure. As soon as Dalton got the treats from Nanny yesterday he thought that it was a free for all. That's normal for Dalton he comes by it naturally we both love chocolate!
Well since we had so much snow we just figured that the buses would be cancelled..... not the case. I was standing in the kitchen at 8:45am when I saw his bus go by to start it's run of picking up kids. So I called out to him. He was playing game cube because we figured there was no school! It was the fastest eat, dress, make your lunch and pack your stuff morning that you ever saw. We got her done in time that he was ready for the bus in 20 minutes before it arrived. Needless to say he was no impressed. Not in the slightest. He got over it by the time I went up at lunch to drop off the critter cupcakes that he had made for his friends. That and it was a party, and pizza day. There was only 8 kids absent but he was hoping to be one of them.
Once he got home he was happy to open his valentines and see what he got for treats with them. And then go back to his game cube for more brain frying. I figure he had his homework done and so I couldn't complain.
Tyson isn't as much into chocolate and is still small so we got him the big wheels bike. We got it for a good deal. We bought it at a yard sale last year. It was brand new and we paid $5.00 the lady had purchased 3 at an auction all brand new really cheap and she only wanted one for her grandson. He loves it and didn't hardly get off it all day! As you can tell by his face!
So Happy Valentine's Day!