Evan's Christmas Concet

...last night was a huge success. Again this year it was standing room only. He got to play the old man and make his way across the stage. I can't believe how the yeears have gone by, he will be 7 in the spring. Things here are pretty hectic as is par for the course this time of year. For the first year ever, he will be at his dad's for Christmas Eve and I will miss him like crazy Christmas morning. He will return home to me around noon, and then we will open presents and spend the day together. I will be spending Christmas Eve with my friend Laura nd her 2 kids, as her husband is working overnights that night. I am just happy I will not be spending it alone. Guess I better get my ass in gear and finish up my cards to send out, then it is off to the showers and quench the thirst of the bazillion shoppers who will be out tonight...

My Little Elf...

He is MYy reason for the season...:)

Sneak Peek

This is one of our Christmas photos for the 2008 holidays. More to come when I have a spare moment, work is crazy, stupid busy. What do you expect when you're in a mall though? P.S. If it's a girl, I am pretty sure her middle name will be Grace, it was my grandma's middle name...:)

Can You See it Now Ma?

At almost 19 weeks, this is Evan's little brother or sister. The hearbeat today was 144 beats per minute and apparently, it was giving the ultrasound tech some difficulty doing measurements as it was VERY active. I was not able to tell what it is, all that matters is that things are good and it is healthy. As I approach the midway point, I have gained a whopping half a pound. Doc says there is nothing to worry about, lots of women don't put on weight until the second half of theeir pregnancy. Things are good, I am planning on working until it gets to be too much, which will likely be by March sometime. So...any guesses on what it is? Name suggestions? I am open to almost anything...:)

Blah...

I hate winter. I know tchnically it is still fall, but the friggin cold and snow are beginning to hit the north and I have decided in my next life, I shall be a bear. That way, I can sleep through it all. In other news, I got to hear the little one last week for the first time. The heart was at 152 beats per minute, which, if you believe old wive's tales, would lean towards it bein a girl. It makes no difference to me, so long as it is healthy. I have yet to gain any weight and tomorrow marks 16 weeks. There has been a lot goin on the last few weeks, ranging from working overtime due to lack of staff, to a difference of opinions with one or two family members. However, today I am feeling better about things as I have decided that I am in control of my choices and nobody else. Anyway, I go for another ultrasound on the 17th of November, so I will keep you up to date...:)

Little Wonders

I am thankful for my family and friends, without whom I would not have survived the past 2 years and who are more than supportive as I face the next few. The next year wil bring big (little :) changes as well...xo

Sooo,

Seems I may be hearing the little heartbeat sooner than I thought. I just got a call from the OB who will be delivering and I have my first appointment with him on Monday afternoon. Maybe if I hear someting, it will take me out of denial. I mean, yes, the tests came back positive, and yes, I have been to my doctor and yes, I am slowly putting on a little weight, but it still does not seem real. Anyway, just thought you might like to know....

What's Up Doc??

So, I had my first prenatal visit with my doc yesterday, and all seems to be well. I am now 9 weeks along and feeling fine, not a stitch of morning sickness, knock on wood. She seemed to be more excited than I am....not that I'm not, just that given the circumstances, it's taking some getting used to the idea. She recommends I have an amniocentisis, which is a test they do by sticking a needle in my belly and drawing fluid out of the amniotic sac, and this is done to test for Down Syndrome. Because of my age(I will be 35 when I deliver) she feels it would be a good idea. Ok, she's not the one getting jabbed in the belly. But , this test can also tell you the sex of the baby, should you want to know. Part of me does and part of me doesn't want to know. I am not sure exactly when this test will be done, but I am accepting resumes for handholders....Anyway, that's about it, my next appointment is on Oct 9th, when maybe, just maybe I will hear a little heartbeat...:)

So...

...for the 2-3 of you out there who check this out once in a while, I have been gone dealing with some big news. It has taken me a while to adjust to but the fact of the matter is, I am having another baby. Somtime mid-April to be exact. I have an appointment with my family doctor on the 10th, so I will have more info then.

Long time, No Post

So since my holidays have been over, I think I have had the grand total of one day off, hence the lack of updates. Although, I think Bobby is the only one who reads this anyway...:) I am off for 2 days and spending them with Evan, who will be heading back to North Bay for another 2 weeks to visit his other 2 sets of grandparents. There is a lot going on, none of which I am ready to discuss, so if I go MIA for a while, don't worry.

Sigh...

Holidays are over as of 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. Where does the time go? We had a blast at the concert, front row rocks! Even got pics during the encore, which totally made the day. Tonight, Evan is off to spend 2 weeks with his dad, the longest time I have ever been without him. I will miss him like crazy, but I know it will be good for him to spend some good quality time with his dad. As for me...back to reality...

WOOHOO

Today is the day! Soon, we will be on our way to Windsor, where we will shop, gamble a little and end the day with REBA!!!

Almost Time...

So tomorrow is a big day for me...I am treating myslef to a manicure before we go. I have finally figured out that it is ok to do nice things for me. And then I will come home to pack, drop Evan off to his dad's and spend the night at my friends house where we will depart at the ungodly hour of about 5 am. No matter, I will probably be too excited to sleep anyway! The laptop is coming along for the ride(God forbid I live without Facebook for 4 days) and if all goes well, we should have pics up before we even get home. I love this being on holidays stuff!!!

Rumor Has It

...I am on holidays! As of about 3:30 this afternoon, I am incognito for 2 whole weeks. My plans? REBA FRONT ROW PEOPLE! Have I told you lately how excited I am? I will be back and forth to North Bay as well, but will check in to see how things are. Ciao, for now!

P.S.

I also had a visit with my dad, who is doing MUCH better btw...:) And I missed demolition derby Timmy's style...

Hellooooo....

I just returned home yesterday from a 2 day trip to North Bay to visit the homestead and had a wonderful and relaxing time. The tooth loss count is now 2 and I am sure by the time Evan comes home, it will be a few more. He is just beginning what I like to call time-share season and is in North Bay for a week with his grandparents. Since he is lucky enough to have 3 sets, he generally spends at least a week with each in the summer, which he loves. Although I miss him bunches while he is away, he always has a great time and the best part is, I know he is being spoiled rotten...:) I start my holidays on the 13th for 2 weeks and am SO looking forward to that time. Reba is in 13 sleeps and I have some shopping to do before I go. If that's not a reason to shop, I don't know what is!

Big News!

So I just got off th phone with Evan who is at his dad's...and he is super excited. He just lost his first tooth!! My little boy is growing up. He will be home tonight when I finish work, so pics will follow shortly...

Shaving Fun

This was the scene in my bathroom yesterday. Was so cute, I had to snap some pics. By the way, no children were harmed in the making of this post. :)

Daddy's Girl

Okay, so for lack of a better pic, (and I do have a better one, I just cannot find it) I want to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day. He is not computer literate, and will likely never see this post, but I just want to pay tribute to the only man that never has, and likely never will let me down. Love you Dad!

Dating...

...is for the birds. Enough said for tonight.

News Flash

Yes, that is yours truly in the local paper, along with my friends/coworkers. The positive response we have gotten from the day is incredible. I think we have all been told at one point or another what an awesome thing we did. And after a few days, the shock has worn off and I am getting used to the new 'do. The best part...wash and go baby! I have received may compliments on the fact that now you can see my eyes. A friend of mine was happy to see the bangs gone, she said she thought I had been hiding behind them for a long time, which may be true. I believe the grand total from ALL donations(hair included) was about $2200. Not bad for a little store that has only been open 6 months. Not bad at all......

Hair Today, Gone Today

So, the deed is done. It's too late to turn back now. All in all today was a great success, even if we fell short of our goal. the crowd that turned out to support us was incredible. I'm actually surprised Ma doesn't have her pics up first! Yes, she came out to show us some love. I don't think she would have missed it. We will have a grand total in the next day or 2, I will keep you posted. The comments have all been positive and because of us, a few underpriveleged kids will be able to have the adventure of a lifetime. I can tell you, that's a pretty awesome feeling.

12 Hours

As I type this, I am 12 hours away from what I will call a big adventure. Tomorrow marks our annual Camp Day, and we are very excited at the prospect of raising money for underpriveleged children to experience a camp adventure. Pictures(and possibly video) to follow...:)

Owww

I have a toothache. For me to call a dentist, it has to be bad, but I have made one for tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck. On another note, only 8 days to Camp Day! I got nuthin else.....

16 Days...

to Camp Day. Am I nervous? No. Am I crazy, dedicated and doing this for a good cause? Absolutely! The donations have started coming in and I m happy to say I think we are off to a great start. We have a little over 2 weeks and our goal is $5000, but regardless, the hair shall be coming off. And NGB, I prefer Kojack to Sinead...lol

Shear Madness...

No, it's not a typo...As many of you know, I work at Ma and Pa's Tim Horton's in the Timmins Square. And as many of you also know, in June we hold Camp Day, which this year is June 4th. Every store has different activities and 100% of our coffee sales that day go to help children who would not otherwise be able to afford it, a chance to go to one of the Tim Horton's Camps. This year, being as we are somewhat limited as to what we can do at our mall store, one of us had the hairbrained idea that in order to raise money, we should shave our heads. Obviously, not all of our staff are participating and the rest think we have lost our collective minds, but 4 brave girls are going to do it...for the kids. And yes, I am one. I figure I've been through enough changes the last few years, what's one more? If the opportunity arises, and it turns out I have enough, the bulk of my hair (and my friend Laura's) will be going to Locks of Love. So we will be doing 2 good deeds. I am asking anybody who reads this, to please remember me on June 4th and make a donation to your own local Tim Horton's. Oh, and I'm sure there will be pictures to prove I didn't wuss out....

For my Mom(s)

This one is for all my moms...I am lucky enough to have not only my mom, but the love, support and blessing of a few others as well. I consider myself lucky in that I also have 2 wonderful mother in laws(yes, I still call them that) and a Ma who (along with Pa) took me in under their wing, gave me a job and have been behind me through a lot of times, good and bad. So to all mothers out there, I wish you a very happy day.

And I Thought Romance Was Dead...

Guess I was wrong...'nough said.

Time Flies

These are a few of the pics I had done for Evan's birthday. I can't tell you how amazed I am at what a bright and happy kid he is. Not to mention, photogenic... He is the light of my life and I am more than proud to call him my boy. xo

This Just In...

Guess who got FRONT ROW seats?? That's right, ME!!!! On July 17th, Laura and I are headed to the casino in Windsor to see the one and only Reba front row! Can I tell you how excited I am?? In other news, my dad is home, and as of yet, not back to work. He spent a week in the hospital, and although he is stubborn as the day is long, he is on antibiotics for the pneumonia and sounds tired. For him to miss work, he must not be feeling well. I have been working lots of hours, but still love my job. The change in me just from being out of the store working with the ex is incredible. Don't get me wrong, things with us are fine, we can talk without wanting to beat each other senseless, but being in the Square has definitely made things better. Oh, and I smile a lot more now....might have something to do with a certain boy....

Life

The last few days have been kinda crazy around here. Evan's party was a big success, and he had a blast bowling with his friends. I got a call Sunday night from my mom, telling me my dad is in the hospital in Midland. He went down for his sister's 80th surprise party and fell ill on Sat night. Apparently he took a dizzy spell, knocked his head and they took him to the nearest hopital. Turns out he also has a touch of pneumonia as well and spent the last 2 days in the ICU there. Needless to say, it has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster the last few days. He is now in a room and out of ICU and where they go from here, still unclear. It makes me reazlize yet again how fragile and precious life is. The last few years have seen illness, seperation, and death. Now it sounds like dad will be back to his old stubborn self in no time, but if anybody out there reads this, could you send him a few good thoughts? I am off today, thinknin about cleanaing out the van, but that remains to be seen. Tut, tut, looks like rain.....Speaking of which, I am off to the showers and then into town.

Guess Who..

is turning 6 tomorrow????

Good Day

So today I officially became the Assistant Manager of Ma and Pa's newest store at the Timmins Square! Yay me! I have had an awesome day and just wanted to share the good news with my friends....

Have You Ever...

...felt stuck in a rut? Without going into detail, I am happy for a friend of mine, but kinda bummed out for myself at the same time. Is that wrong? Sometimes it just feels like I'm goin through the motions. Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoy my job, but lately it seems like I might never get anywhere. Maybe I'm just tired...Spring is a time for new beginninngs, I'm hoping this year brings some welcome changes into my life....

Easter Weekend Fun

Evan and Harley having a bath....

Peekin In

to say Hi! I have been working a whole lot of hours lately and went home to North Bay for Easter, so I have been a little lacking in the posting department. I am currently trying to dull the pain in my knees, which has resurfaced with a vengance. I will post back soon, have to get to bed before I fall asleep right here on the laptop..........

I'm Ready(kinda)

...to get back into the dating thing. It's been long enough, maybe too long. So my question is...how's a gal like me gonna find a nice boy when I work 40+ hours a week and try to spend the rest of my time with my son? Anybody got any brothers/cousins/friends who are single? Anybody? Anybody?

Crazy Days

So I have been at the mall now for 2 weeks, and I am quite enjoying the change of scenery. Seems I am doing a good job, as Pa Horton has had nothing but kind words for me the last few days. I have just finished a stretch of 12 in a row, followed by one day off, then back for another 6. Which makes me either dedicated or dumb....Tomorrow I take Evan to Engleheart, bout halfway to North Bay where we will meet woth Grandma and Grandpa who will then take him home to North Bay for the week where he will spend a few nights at each grandparents houses for the March Break. I don;t know who is more excited, him or the granparents! Anyway, as I write this is it almost 11 PM and I realize I still need to pack his bag for the trip. Better go do that, or he will have to go nekkid all week!

So I Met This Boy...

and that's all I'm gonna say now that I have your attention.

Reassurance

Just fo rNGB, who is worried about my son's mental well-being, he is just fine. It was a one time thing(I think) and he now wears his shorts where they belong. As for the other things.....

Insight...

Wish I had some. Long story short, since I had such a crappy and ill-filled winter, I am thinking it has had some effect on Evan. There used to be no trouble going to bed, always indepndent, never fearful of much of anything. The last few months have marked a change...he is constantly needing to be reassured that I am not going anywhere(even when I just get up to powder my nose, it's "where are you going mommy?) and bedtime has become a tug of war lately. He calls up the stairs every 3-5 minutes..."I love you mommy" which is beautiful to hear, but at the same time, it worries me. I am always telling him that I love him and that I am not going anywhere. I often wonder if it somewhat stems from the fact that his dad left. He is the bright spot in my darkest days. I guess my being sick this winter took a toll on him as well. I just hope he realizes one day, I ain't goin nowhere......he's stuck with me forever. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Winds of Change

They are a blowing. Rumor has it this will be my last week at the South Porcpine store, and then I am back to the mall location. Who knows, could be the best for me. Although things have been increasingly better between me and the ex as far as working together is concerned, I welcome the change. I do have to admit, I will miss my best bud there. We make each other laugh like nobodyelse can. I have not had a *best friend* since grade scool, so it feels good to say I have one now. I have spent Family Day (being paid) with Evan and we had company for breakfast, which was nice. What do I think of the new holiday? Well, who can argue with getting paid to spend time with the best kid on the planet???? Not me, that's for sure. Anway, if anyone reads this(since mylast few posts seen to have gone unnoticed), say hi.

Back to Reality

We ate too much, spent too much and laughed a lot, but now we re back to reality. Our *girls getaway* was a whole lot of fun, but as with all things, time went by far too fast. I surprised Evan at school, and his arms were a welcome that made my heart warm in this frigid weather we are having. I look forward to summer, and my less confining sandals and tees, and a trip (hopefully) to see Reba McEntire at Fallsview Casino in Niagara in July. For now, I will save my pennies and head back to the grinds tomorrow...

Down Time

This week has been the most physically and emotinally draining week I have had in a long time. A friend/co-worker lost her husband(though they had been seperated for many years, they never divorced) and three children lost their dad. They range in age from 20-25, but in my mind, they are still too young to be going through this kind of loss. I know people lose parents at various ages, but no matter what the age, it is still difficult. It made me realize yet again just how precious time is and that life is too short for anger and hate. The last few weeks have made a huge impact on me. I realize that I need to live my life one day at a time and the best way I know how. On a lighter note, (sort of), my friend Laura and I are taking a *girls* road trip a la Thelma and Louise. We are leaving Sunday and returning Wednesday and I can't tell you who is more excited, me or her. Anyway, thatis what is happening with me. I am now off for a 4 day weekend(woohoo!) and it is Winter Carnival weekend here in South Porcupine. All kinds of activitites for kids and adults alike, and it all ends Sunday night with fireworks. Good times people, good times. Oh, and NGB......HAPPY FREAKIN 50TH FRIEND! May the next 50 be as good to you as the last...xoxo

I'm a Big Girl Now

So this is my reward to me this week. I have become a big girl, and I am very proud of myself. I am at the point where I have become accepting to the fact that things cannot be changed and I need to learn to deal with it. I know, I should have done it a long time ago, but I wasn't ready. So this week, I sucked it up and am letting it go. Now, this doesn't mean I have to like her, but I have to accept that she will be a partof Evan's life whether I like it or not. Aside from getting into too many details(in case anyone lurks here) I am more than proud of myself. Other than that, not a whole lot going on, I am getting new glasses cause my old ones are *old fashioned* so I've been told. They should be ready tomorrow. Off to get the munchkin into his jammies, no school tomorrow and they had a snow day yesterday, so it's been a short week for him(not me though!). I will be back soon....hopefully ;)

On The Road Again

Just couldn't wait to get on the road again, AND NOW I AM!!! After 6 long weeks of not being as indepenent as I had become accustomed to, I am once again my own woman. WOO grekin HOO! All the tests came back fine, so I got the green light to get back to life. Were it not for my best bud and her hubby, there's no telling what I would have done for 6 weeks with nno wheeels. Anyway, that is that, and there are bigger and better things to come. Right????????

Time

For such a small word, it has such great impact on all of our lives. You cannot turn it back, move it ahead, stop it, or even change what happened in just one small moment. And I'm sure there's not one of us who hasn't at some point wanted to do one or all of those things. I have spent the week tired, sick and alone and it has given me nothing in return but time, to think, reflect and remember. Obviously, there are a lot of things I would not change, as they have made me who I am today. This week also marked a reality check for me, as my friend/co-worker lost her mom. I dread the day that a call comes and life is forever changed. On my visit to the ER on Monday night, (early Tues morning), I was witness to the moment a man had to call and tell his family they had lost a member of theirs in a fire. I wanted nothing more than to simply go and hug this man that I had never met, simply for the fact that he was hurting and in shock. Later in the week, I found out the day the gentleman passed away, they had celebrated a brand new grandbaby. One life begins, another is taken away. Time is so precious, I just hope I have a LOT left to spend with my family and friends. You can bet I called all 3 sets of parents up just because. The family lost everything in the fire, and are asking for donations. Today, I clean house, not because I HAVE to, but because I want to be able to help those who have lost so much this week. Take a minute today and be thankful for the times you've had, good or bad, and remember, time marches on....

Out of Commission

until I get rid of this new ear and throat infection. '08, not off to a good start.

Update...

Not much new and exciting here...I am still wearing the monitor, for 4 more sleeps. Got a call from the hospital this week, they are sending me to an internal medicine clinic there on the 23rd. Other than that, I am back to my family doctor tomorrow, hoping she will have some answers for me. In the meantime, I am sort of getting used to being chauffered around. My friend Laura has been keeping a watchful eye on me, which is a blessing, cause I can't imagine going through this alone. If there is anything new to report, I will let you know. Thanks for all the good thoughts...xo

Before and After

This one is for NGB. I have gone down 2 uniform sizes in the last 6-12 months. It's all part of the Jen/Craig diet(small joke for those who know the story). I have let my hair grow and my dress size shrink, not on purpose, but I like the end result just the same!

Out With the Old

and in with the new. Last night was an absoolute blast. We drank and danced and danced and drank. Well, I did anyway. I have decided that this year has to be good, I will accept nothing less for myself. I went in and got all hooked up to the heart monitor yesterday, so in two weeks I should be able to drive again. Let me tell you, after almost 2 years of picking up and going where I want, when I want, this whole not being able to thing is taking some adjusting. Anyway, hope you all rang in the new year in your own special way and I want to thank Ma, Martha and Gordon for such a fantastic night. Here's hoping we do it again next New Years! Love , health and happiness to all for 2008. xox