Christmas cards continued...

I still need addresses. Just saying.

emmamcdon@gmail.com

30 down, absolutely none to go!

It's over, it's over!!!

I thought I did pretty good until last Friday when it all started falling apart and for the most part I have just been churning out shite since.

But now it's over and I don't have to worry about getting a post out ever again.

Do you know what this means? It means I can actually start reading blogs again. I am so, so, so far behind.

It means I can post at the other one where I have a ton to say.

It means that tomorrow is December 1st and my birthday will be only 15 days away, and Christmas will be in 24 days.

It means I better start buying my 2 oldest children presents.

It means I better mail my Christmas cards.

But I better finish them first. And my stampin up order needs to come in today so that I can make the non religious cards for those I know with other beliefs.

Can I tell you how excited I am about this order? 30% off plus free shipping meant I got way more bang for my buck. Oh you'll be seeing pictures you lucky ducks.

Who in their right mind wouldn't want to see my 7 stamp sets and 9 packs of designer paper?

Oh happy days.

Goodbye NaBloPoMo.

It was fun. Mostly.

Hello posting whenever I feel like it. How I have missed your sweet, lackadaisical ways.

Thursday Thirteen- 13 Fundraisers for the 2007/08 year

Fundraising. It's never ending. Some causes are worth while, some not so much.

1. Chocolate almonds. These were for Saoirse's playschool. I was required to take 2 cases EVEN THOUGH MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT STARTING FOR ANOTHER 2 MONTHS! My mum sold one in her office and we ate the other one. Yep, $75 worth of chocolate almonds right onto my fat ass. And I wonder why it is in the state it is in.

2. Mint cookies. Damn Girl Guides! No one wants the mint cookies! Again, these will end up padding my bum. That would be great if I tended to fall an awful lot but I don't. Another $48 down the drain. They are currently sitting in the cupboard. I wouldn't mind so much, but the majority of the money does not stay with the unit. Only a very small percentage does.

3. Sports tickets raffle. Saoirse's second major fundraiser. The raffle winner receives tickets to games for all of Edmonton's sporting teams- the Oilers and OilKings for hockey, Eskimos for football, the Rush for lacrosse and whatever other teams there are. Soccer, baseball, basketball. Teams I've never seen anyway. I have to sell $80 worth of tickets. I thought it would be hard but my friends Nancy and Shelley both bought $20 worth, I bought $20 and my mum and Jen made up the other $20. Easy peasy.

4. Sausage fundraiser. This is for Liam's school. They were selling sausage, perogies, cabbage rolls and beef jerky. The forms and money were due yesterday. I did not participate as I was in the midst of THREE hockey related raffles.

5. Oilers raffle. Liam's school is raising money for new chairs. Exciting no? This is a pretty good raffle...1st prize is a jersey autographed by all the Oilers including everyone's favourite Avalanche player, Ryan Smyth (apparently some people just aren't over the fact that he was traded), 2nd is a basket of Oilers merchandise and 3rd is $100. The draw is at Liam's Christmas concert and if I am as lucky as I was 2 years ago at the concert then I have a chance. (I won the 50/50...$205!)

6. Sig.n of H.ope campaign. This is a charity related to C@tholic Soci@l Services . Among some of the schools there seems to be a bit of a competition to see who can raise the most money. Last year, Taylor's school came in third even with their fairly small population. They are aiming for first this year and are having a few different events. Tomorrow is movie day, where they pay $5 and spend 2 blocks watching a movie. They are having a maid/butler day where students from each class are auctioned off. There is an in school raffle to win skybox seats to an Oilers game. The big raffle is an autographed Oilers jersey with second prize being 2 tickets to Van Halen. Taylor is loving all these "Fun"draisers.

7. Cookie/ cheesecakes sales. Liam's school's spring fundraiser. God, that cheesecake is delicious. I bet it would mail well. Okay probably not.

8. Spring Tea. Saoirse's third major fundraiser. I will be required to bake! Or buy baked goods to be sold at the very least. I am required to work at this tea. My daughter will sing cute songs (or just stand there while the other kids sing.) I will be required to buy something to put into the raffles that will be held. I will be required to spend many dollars on tickets so any one of my 4 children may win a raffle prize. One year, when Taylor was in 4 yr playschool I think, we won half the raffle prizes and the big raffle prize of a boy's bike. The next year? Liam cried when we won absolutely nothing.

9. Social Justice fundraisers. Taylor belongs to this club at school. For the most part they do things like make sandwiches and squares for the homeless who go to a local church. They have two big things coming up though...hampers for the Battered Women's shelter and a raffle in February for the people of Darfur.

10. Girl Guide cookies. The spring comes and so do the vanilla and chocolate cookies. These ones are easy to sell as I have at least 3 friends who like them. You so know who you are and that I will be ringing you the moment I have that box in my hands.

11. Monthly hot lunches. Taylor's school is introducing these on a monthly basis for the first time. Liam's school has always done them. They don't charge a fortune like some schools I could mention (Taylor's old one) but they still make a bit of money on them.

12. Optional playschool fundraisers. Jeesh, that playschool. Anything for a penny. The first was a hockey pool which I did not participate in. The second is a coffee sale and since I don't drink coffee I doubt I'll do that one either.

13. School photos. What? You didn't know that when you purchase your school photos you are actually making your school money? Yep, you are. A dollar a package. If I recall correctly schools can opt out, but I don't think many due. 300 students buying pictures is 300 extra dollars. I guess not all photography companies do this, but since Lifetouch is North America's biggest school photograper I would assume a good chunck of schools are making some money this way.

Wordless Wednesday- I think it's here to stay (probably until April!)

Making the honour roll

I am sure that in the past I have blogged about how disappointed I have been in Taylor's efforts at school and the report cards she has brought home. She's a smart, smart kid but lazy, lazy, lazy. And her marks in Grade 5 and 6 sometimes reflected that. But the effort comments always refelected her laziness. Effort inconsistent, effort inconsistent. Doesn't do homework. Disorganized (well, she is her mother's daughter!)

Now she is junior high and the school she is at has awards for each of the 3 terms. The first term is honours, the second is most improved and the third is for community spirit. I think. Something like that.

I really wanted Taylor to make the honour roll this term. Well, for the whole year ideally. So I made her a deal. For every core subject (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies and French) mark in the 80s she would get $25. For marks in the 90s she would get $50. She is saving for a lap top so there was definitely a goal in mind. Her effort had to be conisdered consistent or applies extra effot.

Her report card came home yesterday and I was pretty happy with it. 3 of her core subject marks had dropped (from the 90s into the 80s) from the interim report last month, and one had gone up. She was told to expect the marks might drop a little bit as the first month had been review.

I now owe her $150, as all of her cores were in the 80s and French, her lone $50 grade, was 90%.

I've never paid for good grades before, and it's not something I would agree to do normally, but I really do think that she needed that push. And while I would like to see all her mark in the 90s, because that is where she should be, I can't complain about marks in the 80s. Not once in my junior/ senior high days did I come anywhere close to making the honour roll. I really don't know where that girl got her intelligence from.

Fun Monday - Unfinished Projects

That Blue Momma! She could have made this Fun Monday up just for me, for I am the queen of unfinished projects. My very first cross stitch, started at the age of 18? Sitting in my cross stitch box in the basement? My cross stitch map of Ireland? Left in Ireland (or maybe England) 6 years ago. All of my scrapbooking projects? They are in various areas of my house, partially finished, almost finished, barely started. Such is the world of Emma. You don't even want to know how many drafted posts there are on here.

And apparently my Fun Monday itself has become an unfinished project. Here it is, 20 minutes to midnight, and I have yet to post it. I am waiting for the camera to upload the picture, but I screwed up somewhere and instead of it just letting me download that one picture, I had to do the whole memory card. Currently it is scanning verrry sloooowly for duplicates and since there are some 1000 duplicates, I'm anticipating a long wait. And while I've been waiting I've been working on the project itself. The Christmas cards. I've changed my design, and I like this one a lot better. I've made one and now am working on cutting all my paper. I'm hoping to get at least 10 done tonight.



**UPDATE: I'm still waiting. It's 1.14 am. This thing is going nowhere, but I've almost finished 20 cards!!! Yay me! They are very simple, so I suppose that helps. I hope to start mailing them out this week. I am not sure about card etiquette in the world of blogging. If I know spouse and children names do I make the card out to everyone, or just the blogger? This is a hard one for me, because I feel as though I know some of the families out there when really I don't. Where is that Emily Post book on blogging? Any advice will be appreciated!

Wishing

I wish I was a better person.

I wish I was strong.

I wish I knew how to make things better.

I wish I knew how to love better.

I wish I could understand the torment.

I wish I didn't cry at the drop of a hat.

I wish my house was a calmer place.

I wish that my children wouldn't remember the words they heard today.

24 down, 6 to go.

Tonight was supposed to be the night I got a huge chunk of my Christmas cards done. It was way too busy at work. I made...one. One freaking card. So evenings and Sophie's nap time will be given over to card making I think. Otherwise you all will be getting the store bought variety. And since I have spent thousands of dollars on my supplies I probably ought to use them.

Saoirse's birthday party tomorrow. Am much stressed. Money has disappeared. Where to? Don't know.

Birthday Loot Bags and other stimulating stuff

I did some Christmas shopping tonight. I noticed a 50% off the lowest price sign in the window of Garage and I lucked out with 2 pairs of pants and 6 shirts for Taylor for a grand total of $50.34. Not bad. But Garage's clothes are made for the anorexic set I think. Taylor is a pretty skinny kid and she is in a medium there. She fits a size 0 pant at Old Navy but a 3 at Garage. Would it be so hard to have it so that the same person fits into the same size everywhere?

At Old Navy I got Liam 2 shirts, I think he will quite like this one. As I was waiting in line, the girl behind me said "You're missing the crown of of your claddagh." And in the 9 or so months since it myseteriously disappeared she is this first to have noticed. And so, what was wrong with the picture on Wordless Wednesday was the my crown is gone on my ring. I received that ring for Christmas just after I turned 15 and so I have had it for 19 years this year. I just can't not wear it. I feel naked without it. I'm slightly amazed that I still have it, I don't hold on to jewellery very well. It was lost once, during a mad makeout session when I was 15, but the mother of the fella found it a few weeks later under the sofa. Ah, those were the days.

Anyhoo...I think I've pretty much finished the girls. I would like to get Saoirse the game Hungry, Hungry Hippos and Sophie needs some clothes. Other than that they are pretty much done. Except for the electric car from Santa. And I tell you, Santa better get his butt in gear, there is only 2 more paycheques til Christmas. Tonight I picked up Sophie a Fisher Price nursery doll (I had that one in my hands, but changed it for a bald boy) and a FP musical teaset. She will love them both I think. I did not get them as many toys as in years past and I hope that I do not go crazy in December. But I probably will not have that chance as I have nothing for Liam but for the 2 shirts and some dominoes. He wants games for his Wii and some new controllers. Taylor wants a video ipod. They definitely get less as they get older, but the gifts are also way more expensive. Kids...they ain't so cheap.

When I came home I decided to do Saoirse's loot bags. Do you remember when loot bags consisted of cheap plastic toys and a lollipop? Not anymore. I have been buying since July and today I realized I didn't have as much as I thought. I mean, they are pretty good but they aren't filled with Old Navy pajamas and Disney store socks and a pair of shoes (that's what Sophie got in a loot bag at my friend's sons birthday. Saoirse didn't get the shoes, but she did get the jammies and socks.) I did get some little Ariel dolls for really cheap at the Disney store, along with Thumper and the heffalump from Winnie the Pooh. For the boys I have the large stuffed Buzz Lightyears...they were on sale for $2.49! Anyway, I am not sure why we spend so much on loot bags these days. When Liam and Taylor were getting older I managed to get away with just a burned CD of favourite songs. Cheap at less than $1 each. And the kids loved them. I'll do that next year I think for Saoirse, just of Disney songs and whatnot.

Her birthday party is this Sunday. Hard to believe Christmas will be in exactly one month. We don't have snow yet and at just around freezing it isn't even that cold and my tree's not going up until mid December so I am not feeling very Christmasy. Maybe I should grab the Christmas CDs tomorrow. I'm a bit annoyed that the schedulr for Christmas week isn't up at work yet. I really want to know if I am going to be working. And if I am? Prepare for me to be quite miserable. I so do not want to work. It pisses me off that people who don't even celebrate Christmas have asked for the day off and they will get it over me because of their seniority. Blech.

What a crappy post. It would be one I wouldn't bother if it weren't for NaBloPoMo. I'm quite in shock I've made it everyday thus far.

Thursday Thirteen- 13 names that people in Alberta really used on their children

(Otherwise known as "How To Get Your Child Beat Up in the Schoolyard.")

This post was inspired by Jen from Just Another Jen who did a post about odd NFLer's names. I commented that my mother registers babies and she really gets some doozies. When I was little my favourite was "Paris Eiffel." Recently, she had a young girl who gave her baby 26 names, starting with each letter of the alphabet. Yes, people are crazy. When I was searching for names for Sophie last year I used the Service Alberta website of all the first names used in 2005. Needing something for Thursday 13, I decided to take a peek at the 2006 list.

I tried to stay away from names that were reflective of the heritage, for while they may be strange and unpronounceable to me (much like Saoirse is too others) they obviously mean something to those parents (much like Saoirse does to me.)

The Boy Names:

1. A.K.I.L No, I'm not joking. That is really some childs name. I wonder what the initials are meant to stand for.

2. Aryan At first glance, not a bad name. It's just that suddenly visions of Hitler and men in white robes and pointy hats came to me. I wonder if it is supposed to be a play on Aaron? 10 babies have this name. I suspect at least one or 2 have slightly more than racist parents.

3. Coo-nah It's just a bit weird.

4. Diezel-Blaze The parents of this child were on the news when the CTV did a report on the Vital Stats list and of course they focused on the unusual. I don't know if it's so much unusual as childhood torture.

5. Jacob-Danny-Micheal Perfectly fine names on their own, but stick them altogether and you have yet another bullied child.

6. Ulysses Quite possibly big fans of James Joyce. Or Greek mythology. Maybe even spacecraft.

The Girl Names:

7. Charlatan Essentially they are calling their child a fake. Or they were really big into The Charlatans UK.

8. Dusty-Storm Why, oh, why would someone do this to their child?

9. FleurdeMay Oh I wish they gave you the date of birth. I'm betting this baby was born to French parents on the first of May. A flower for spring and the Virgin Mary and all that. I think this one is very sweet. I don't imagine 8th grade boys will feel the same way.

10. Irish Even with my obsession of all things Irish I think this is a silly name. We did have a kitten once that Taylor named Irish and that made me cringe. Poor kitten, I stepped on its head and killed it. 2 2006 babies have this name. 6 were called Ireland. Which I did throw out to William to see his reaction. Much as I suspected, he was not in favour.

11. Paradyse At least spell the word correctly. Paradise is bad enough, the other is just cruel.

12. Tuba What. were. they. thinking? What makes someone name their child after a gigantic musical instrument?

13. William A nice name for a boy. But then Taylor used to be more popular with the boys and now it's the other way round. Who knows what could happen to William in the next hundred years?

Other contenders for my 13 included: boys- Adonis, Amadeus, Excell, France, O'ryan and Victordean. Girls- Autumn-Jewels, Morningstar, Pari-K, Peaches, Spirit, Starlight and Trail-Dance.

Wordless Wednesday- What's wrong with this picture?

Pensieve's Poetic License - The Limerick

What made me think I could do this? Excusing high school English the last poem I wrote of my own free will was in Grade 9. I had a binder full. They were kept until I was 19 and moving out on with my then boyfriend. I didn't want him to laugh at my corny poetry. Which is sort of a shame on my part, some of it wasn't that bad and there was a fantastic poem about my Granda. Well, it was fanatstic when I was 14.



Some people have great imaginations. Robin is one of them. Imagine getting bloggers to write poetry. I'd never have thought of it. But then, some would tell you I don't think much.

Here is my foray into the world of limericks:

There once was a girl called Jill
She was a right little pill
She pooped in the bath
Oh, how it made her laugh
Though it made her mother quite ill.

Nothing rhymes with Saoirse, did you know that? Except for porscha. And Saoirse really did poo in the bath (when she was about 8 months old) and when I turned to look at her (I was cleaning the toilet, don't judge...I was multi tasking) there she was with a fistful of poo in her hand and a fair bit in her mouth. Have you ever scooped wet poo out of a baby's mouth with your bare hand? It was not pretty. And I, for one, wanted to throw up.

Fun Monday - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Karisma is the host of this week's Fun Monday and her challenge this week is this:

"I want you to take a trip down memory lane, and keep right on going, right back to your childhood. And I want to hear "THAT STORY". You remember the one? Yes, you do! The one your parents, siblings, extended family or friends, would never let you forget, live down or get over!"

This one really is a challenge for me, because I was a pretty quiet child and not apt to get into very much trouble or do anything to out of the ordinary.

I thought and thought all week and all I could up with were these few things, none very interesting I'm afraid.

-When I was about four or so, someone was holding me and normally never having such reach I decided to play with the thermostat. It was the middle of winter and I turned it all the way down. Needless to say the whole house froze that night and in the morning my mother couldn't figure out who had turned it down. Neither my brother nor I had the height to reach it. I am quite sure the blame went towards either my dad or his Uncle Jackie, who was visiting from Belfast. You know, the things men do when they are drunk. I think I told her when I was about 12. Now whenever I complain about how cold her house is she reminds me of the time I tried to freeze us all and surely I should be able to handle the slightly chilly temperature she keeps her house at.

- At about 7, I slammed a slab of wood down on my brother's hand, causing him to lose one of his nails. We were fighting of course. My mother likes to remind me of this when I tell her that I have never met two children who fight as much as Taylor and Liam. And while I may have caused my brother a little physical harm (or a lot) and while we did fight quite a bit, we never hated each other. Taylor and Liam? Hate each other. I would lie to my parents to keep my brother out of trouble. Taylor and Liam? Live to get the other into trouble.

-At 10, my brother and I were playing with a ball in the basement. My mother collected toby jugs and had one on the TV down there. I threw the ball and it knocked the jug over (a blessing really, those things are ugly as sin.) My brother wanted to just hide it and not tell her, which normally I would have gone along with (see! protecting each other!) but my friend had just told me a story about getting in a lot less trouble when she told her parents the truth right away so I said "No, I'm going to tell her." Up the stairs I went. Let me just say, I wish we had hidden the jug. Did I ever get in shit! So much for being truthful. I remember this myself, when I am trying to get the truth out of Taylor and Liam. Just tell me the truth, for Godsakes, and you probably won't even get into trouble. Nope, they would rather lie. And keep lying, even when I know the truth. Like Liam and the stolen money.

-At 14, a group of my friends and I skipped school and went to the open house of one of the high schools. We weren't supposed to be there, it was a day for the public junior high feeder schools and we were from the Catholic school. We got caught coming back to school by our scince teacher. Parents were called. I was the only one who got into any major trouble, I had to miss one of the girls birthday parties and the John Cougar Mellencamp concert. The other girls? Nothing! The three I was going to the concert with still got to go, all of them were at the party where they spent the evening talking trash about me. Junior high was never the same after that. Thank God I only had three months left to go. This was the only time in my life that I considered running away. I wanted to see if they would feel bad if I was missing. Funny, one of them is now on my facebook list. i still wonder why she invited me to be her friend. And why I said yes.

And that's it. We don't talk about anything that happened from 15-17, those years do not make for pleasant memories for my mum!

I hear a rumour that next weeks' host is Saoirse's future mother in law, Blue Momma. Looking forward to seeing what she comes up with!

Christmas Cards

I started my Christmas cards tonight. I figure if I can get 3 hours in a night at work I may actually be able to get them done in time by the end of November. Well, I only work 2 more shifts in November so maybe not. No, I can do it. Maybe I'll have to stop reading blogs.

Anyway, I would like to send you a card. You may not want me to send you a card. Let me know. Some addresses I have, some I don't.

There's a good chance I may just end up buying a package from WalMart Hallmark. I really love their commercials. Or I may come across the supply from years past.

Or I may actually make them. Who knows? Isn't Christmas all about surprises?

So yeah, let me know. My email's in the sidebar, slowly making it's way downwards because of all the crap great stuff I have installed. Or you can leave me a comment. Yes, no, you're a loser, whatever. No don't call me a loser. I might cry.

* I do know that Christmas is really not all about surprises. I don't want to offend anyone.

I have just reread this post and I think I come across as slightly deranged. I am not. I am tired maybe. Though I don't know why. It was dead tonight. And I watched a man code in the ER. And they really did jump onto the stretcher and start banging his chest. And all the while I thought was just done on TV. He died. It was sad. One minute you're having coffee at Tim Horton's with a friend, the next you are dead in a hospital emergency room.

Do you know what I did all night? Stamped, read blogs, played Solitaire and read my new book (The Other Boleyn Girl). So good. I think I actually worked for 2 hours in my 8 hour shift. Definitely not more than 3.



It was a weird night.

Mopey

Today was not a fun day. I don't know what's wrong with me...I'm so down. For no real reason. I was grumpy this morning because William left me a note saying he was coming home for lunch. And it's not that I don't want him to come home, it's just that today was his work's monthly barbeque and he planned on going but changed his mind. I worry about how anti-social he is. He doesn't want to do anything. Even his work Christmas party, he just wants to eat and leave. I know he suffers from anxiety and I know he doesn't like crowds but it is so hard for me to understand. And it frustrates me. It frustrates me that I don't get him. (But his new job...I sort of like them. A monthly barbeque, Christmas parties for adults and one for kids, $20 a week just for showing up on time every day. Nothing wrong with that. A bonus in the New Year, I hear too. Yep, I sort of like them. Not sure that William feels the same way though.)

I was grumpy because my dad showed up unexpected. I hate that. It's not that I don't love my dad it's just that I hate people just showing up. Especially at 8.45 in the morning when I am snoozing on the couch with Saoirse and still in my jammies with unwashed hair. And when they stay for 3 hours when I have a ton of stuff to do and am babysitting to boot.

I was grumpy because Sophie was absolutely miserable today. I was trying to clean out my linen closet (not on my list, but still needed to be done) and she was all over me whinging and crying. I was a bad mother today.

I was grumpy because I just can not keep up with this house. A giant blue bag of recycling sat in the kitchen for 3 days before I finally took it out myself. I wanted to see how long it was before Taylor did it, since she says recycling is her job not the garbage. And the garbage! How long would it have been before one of the other able bodied people in this house emptied the can? Would it have to be overflowing to the floor? The lid wouldn't even close when I did it today. I am tired of cleaning only to have Taylor and Liam walk in the door and within 15 minutes it looks as though they have undone what I did. I really need a bigger house. I need more people spread out space. I can't even turn in my kitchen without bumping into someone. If you read that Fun Monday from ages ago you know how small it is.

I was grumpy because this evening I wanted to take Taylor to the mall for new boots. Then Liam decided he wanted to come and get new runners. And I decided to take Saoirse. Saoirse asked for 4 different things and cried each time I said no. This is a new habit and it is driving me crazy. I did not get Taylor boots. I did not get Liam new runners. He wants Pumas. I said why didn't you tell me before Shelley went to Las Vegas and I could have asked her to pick them up. So much cheaper there than here. I said if he wants them then they have to be a Christmas gift. I am not spending $100+ on shoes a month before Christmas and not making them a Christmas gift. My mum is going to see if my aunt is going to Seattle and will she pick them up. I did however get myself a new winter coat. It was on sale but I forgot the $10 gift card. I also managed to get Taylor some Christmas gifts. 5 pairs of panties from La Senza girl (but I think they might be too big), along with an interchangable watch in 2 shades of purple (her fave) and silver and some body butter. Then at Zellers I found the first season of 8 Simple Rules, which was something she had asked for last year. Now the only person who has no gifts is Liam. Well I did have one but his father bought him the same thing and won't return his. And his father! Did he ever piss me off last night. Frickin ass.

Just realized I have NO gifts for Liam. Ah crap. Damn William for being so nice and giving him the Wii!

I think I am going to get my grumpy ass off the computer and go and read. Thanks Debbie for mentioning my brand new bought-because-you-liked-it book on your blog.

Conversations with Saoirse - Part 2

Mummy: Who do you love?
Saoirse: Sophie. Taylor.
M: Daddy?
S: Yep.
M: Nanny?
S: Yep.
M: Mummy?
S: Oh no, I don't love Nanny.
M: You don't?
S: No. I just like her.


As she is walking out of the kitchen I say: See you later...
S: See you later.
M:...alligator.
S: I'm not an alligator!
M: It's a saying. I say "See you later alligator" and you say "In a while crocodile."
S: But I'm not a crocodile either.

For ages she has been calling Sophie what I thought was "silly goose." Yesterday I found out what she is actually saying. They were playing with playdoh and Sophie kept trying to sit in Saoirse's seat.
S: Sophie, sit down you silly goof.
M: Silly goof! I thought you were calling her silly goose.
S: Her is not a goose! Hers a goof, like Goofy.
M: Oh she's like Goofy?
S: Yes, but I'm not like Mickey Mouse.

Keeping the peace:
Sophie wants something that Saoirse has.
S: Sophie, no! No, Sophie!
Sophie persists and is all over Saoirse.
S: Okay Sophie, you can have it.

Coming home from school today we cross the street and are outside our backyard.
She yells to Taylor who is inside with all doors closed so no chance of hearing.
"Tay! Taylor! Taylor! Woohoo Taylor!"
I love that woohoo.

Talking to Sophie: Awwww Sophie...Sophie, you are such a beautiful girl.

Thursday Thirteen #1- 13 Things I need to do around my house

I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I like to do that sort of thing from time to time. I would have done it earlier but I am just too lazy.

Which leads me to the thirteen things I need to do around my house. Because apparently here is no such thing as teamwork. And that magic fairy? She's still hiding. Probably in the house of some clean freak. And really, I am far too lazy to do these things on a regular basis therefore maintaining some semblance of cleanliness.

Were I very brave I would take pictures of the squalor in which I live.

Please note that this list does not include the things I do every. single. day. Laundry, dishesX3, vacuuming the livingroom, sweeping the kitchen floor, picking up toys, putting away coats and shoes that are left where ever with a devil may care attitude. You know, the usual.


1. Organize my basement. Right now it is a mess of packed and half unpacked boxes, clothes that no longer fit my children and other assorted junk. Taylor and Liam have a TV room of sorts down there and it is sometimes neat, but mostly not. The room is currently doorless, as in a fit of rage at it being an absolute mess, William ripped it off. Had he been thinking he might have unscrewed it, but boy was he mad. And I couldn't really blame him. The storage area is becoming somewhat unwalkable. I have every intention of doing the basement, but I know that the moment I see a giant spider (or even a small one) I will be off and running. It is also a job I cannot do with Sophie around. I could do an hour a day while she naps, but I think the smartest thing is to take up my friend's offer to have them for a day. But I'd probably just blog.

2. Get all the laundry put away. I'm great about doing the laundry, but it will sit folded in baskets for ages. I made a start on it today, but of course there are loads in the basement to bring up and the whole vicious cycle starts again.


3. Wash the shower curtain. I have a cloth curtain and as I was getting in the other day I realized that it is appallingly dirty. Now this shouldn't seem like a big deal to do, and it isn't, but washing the clothing and towels of 6 people seems to be a neverending job. And the curtain just isn't as important as my daughter having a B.O. free gym uniform for school or me having scrubs for work.

4.Clean out the fridge. I did this one! Srtike one off the list. I did actually intend to take before and after pictures but forgot the before so the after seemed rather pointless. Oh God, it was atrocious. Spills everywhere. The fridge appeared to be full of food, as there was no more cramming space but once I had thrown away 3 grocery bags of out of date bottles, containers of moldy food and flat pop bottles it is quite empty and ready for my trip to Costco on Saturday. And it is lovely and clean. And will stay that way, even if it means putting a lock on it to keep everyone else out. I did just realize that I still need to clean out the freezer. Bugger.

5 and 6. Clean out the kitchen cabinets and scrub the fronts. Almost everytime I open the cabinet door with the girls plastic dishes I end up catching a plate or bowl. My tupperware cupbard? Not a lid in sight. My lazy susan cupboard has no room for the huge box of bulk organic rotini and 12 giant cans of roma tomatoes my brother brought me from the Kootenay Co-op in Nelson. The cupboard doors are atrocious. And I didn't do them all that long ago because they were built up with grease when we moved in. What the hell does my family spill everywhere? And how do they spill so much?

7. Sort out my stamps and scrapbooking supplies. All of my stamps have found a new home on the landing going to the basement. It's not ideal, but they are out of the way of the livingroom yet close enough for me to grab is I should need them. But they haven't been sorted from when I came back from my weekend away. They are all over the place and I like them sorted into catergories. Because there is a hidden anal rentitive inside of me. I just don't have the get up and go to actually become one. In my bedroom closet there is an entire of rubbermaid box- one of the big ones- full of paper and stickers. Must be sorted. Must find time. Must not sit at computer so much.

8. Clean out my bedroom closet. Not only are there scrapbooking supplies, there are containers of jumpers, too small clothes that I have got to admit I am never ever going to fit into again, blankets, office supplies and other things that I just seem unable to throw away. Must learn to let things go.

9. Deep clean the kids' bathroom. I only cleaned this bathroom 2 weeks ago, and good God it is a mess. Now, I know 2 weeks seems like a long time but the reality is Liam and Taylor are 11 and 12 and should be old enough to give the toilet seat and sink a wipe on a daily basis. They are supposed to alternate Saturdays for a proper cleaning but never actually do. The amount of toothpaste Liam uses astounds me. There are clumps of it in the sink and on the counter. When I cleaned it I only swept the floor, I didn't wash it. Tonight I was forced to use that toilet and as I was sitting there I was amazed at the baseboards. I've never seen the likes. They will be scrubbed like mad soon.

10. Clean Taylor's bedroom Remember this picture post? Yeah. I'm still waiting. It's worse now, way worse. She says to me that I just don't know how hard she has tried. If hard equals not at all then I do know. So I'm tired of waiting and excusing and yelling. I'm just going to do it myself. And out will go almost everything. Somehow I expect she will still be able to make a mess. She's like that.

11. Clean the girls' room. This won't take me very long, there is just a build up of laundry and a basket of toys that I no longer wanted in the livingroom. They just need to be put away along with some lego and train tracks. Saoirse and Sophie are actually really good about cleaning up (believe me I learned!) and so I will get them to help. I also have a bunch of clothes that no longer fit Sophie. She'll be handing down to Saoirse before long I think.

12. Clean out the garage. Like the basement, there is an awful lot of unpacked boxes hanging out. William is of the impression that if I haven't looked at them in a year I don't need them and they should just be dumped. I wish I had this attitude but I know that there are about 6 boxes of kids books and almost my entire collection of books by English authors. I need those books. Maybe not right now, but one day. I have until March 24th to empty every box otherwise he is just throwing it all out. And he probably would too.

13. Dump the man and children and have a day to myself. I will do this when the house is done. I'd like to say by Christmas but it's me we are talking about. I can get everything done by then but for the basement and garage so I am aiming for Mother's Day. Who wants to clean a cold garage in winter? I am going to book Mother's Day off, tell everyone that all I want is a day to myself and relax in the glory of a clean, organized house.

If anyone has some mad organization skills I would muchly appreciate any hints.

Ladies Night Out

Did I tell you guys that once a month a group of friends and I go out for dinner, leaving our respective partners to deal with the children? We do, and it is a great night out. I don't suppose I have to tell you everything I do, but I like to keep you informed on my day to day life. You are quite lucky that I don't post each time I use the bathroom because really my life...sorta dull.

There are 6 people in this group (we're even on facebook...not that we use it, but we should) but tonight only 4 of us made it. Shelley backed out at the last minute due to school related child issues, honestly she's a better mother than I because I would have said have this done by the time I get home or there will be hell to pay and Sue's daughter's dance class was having parent watch night.

So Nancy, Michelle, Jen and I went to Joey's Grill, which is much more appealing than the name sounds and spent a fantastic 3 hours eating, chatting and laughing.

We all ordered souvlaki and Jen (who just happens to be the thinnest of us all) was the only one to have salad as her side. The rest of us had skinny fries. Somehow I doubt they really promote skininess. Unless they are showing just how thin my arteries are getting due to the build up of fat hanging about due to my consumption of such foods. The fries were good though. And the souvlaki was delicious. The pita was so soft, the taziki was scrumptious. If I ordered it again I'd leave out the hummus though, I'm not a big fan and I could taste the grittiness of it.

Highlight of my night? Towards the very end, when our bill had been forced upon us, Michelle realized her son had called her about 8 times. She called home and he said he wasn't feeling well, that he had a headache and a fever. He calls back a few minutes later and Nancy answers the phone. "Hi!" she says and she is laughing. You know the silent laugh where you are trying so had not to laugh out loud? She then says "95? That's good." Jen and I are laughing as well, trying to keep quiet so that poor Connor doesn't think we are laughing at him. Nancy is laughing so hard she passes the phone to Michelle. She tells us that when she said that temperature was good Connor said "No it's not! I'm burning up!" and eventually said "This isn't my mom, put my mom on." You know when you have to really pee and you laugh and sometimes a little comes out? Well, that didn't happen to me. Because although I was laughing so hard and I really needed to go I freaking squeezed those muscles like I have never squeezed them before. Because if I hadn't? My seat would have been wet. And peeing in a restaurant when you are 33 years old? Well, it just isn't on.

Next month we are having a Christmas gift exchange. I am bringing my camera and taking pictures. And then I am posting them on here. Do you think I should ask permission or should I just stick them up? Jen did put me on facebook even though I specifically said "Do not tag me!" (Too those of you who saw that picture I am so so sorry!) so for sure I can post her without asking. Though I doubt she could take a bad photo. Bitch.

No one loves you like your sister.

I thought I would dread having two girls so close in age. But these two? They love each other like mad. I love how Sophie throws her arms around Saoirse. They do this all the time and call it dancing. All the laughing is Saoirse, the little yell at the end is Sophie. Normally she is much, much louder. It was quite a pleasant surprise to come home from a crappy evening at work and see this clip.


Dancing Girls from Emma on Vimeo


Alissa? Terri? You guys both use vimeo. Give a girl a hand and tell me how to uplad the video directly into the post? Pretty please!

Fun Monday - Take 30 Steps

Our host for this Fun Monday is Hootin' Anni and her challenge was rather, well...fun. Not that the others aren't of course, it is just that some require me to think. And me? Not always a thinker.

The challenge was to take 30 giant steps in any direction, taking any turns needed, then to stop and take a picture. You are then to to turn around and take 15 baby steps.

I started from my computer and as my main floor is not huge I turned at the stairs. I did try taking 2 stairs as my giant steps but I think I slightly strained a muscle. Something hurt anyway. So I counted each stair as one step. I turned on the landing and took the final 7 stairs. Straight ahead would have taken me into my bedroom, to the left would take me to Liam and Taylor's rooms. I turned right, which is the longest bit of hallway, the way to Saoirse and Sophie's room, and the kids bathroom. Let me tell you, I was seriously hoping we wouldn't hit 30 near the bathroom, becuase that thing is not too pretty. Although I did clean it last week, so I don't think they have caused that much damage yet. Step 30 puts me dead smack in the middle of the girls' room. Straight ahead would have been the window, so with a slight turn to the right this is the picture you get:

This shelving is over Saoirse's bed. The top shelf has a Curious George stuffed animal, along with the Curious George topper from her cake last year. The globe she received for her birthday yesterday. I bought it years ago when I worked at Hallmark. It was for Walt Disney's 100th birthday. I have been holding on to it all this time, just waiting for a lover of all things Disney. The bottom shelf is 3 Irish beanie babies and on either end are 2 holy bears, the one on the left is the St. Patrick bear and the one on the right is the Irish Spirit bear. One year, at school we did a holy bears fundraiser and we bought 14. Including for some unknown reason a Scottish one. I think I meant to order the St. George and screwed up. As per usual.

I turned around and took 15 baby steps. This led me to my bedroom. I think maybe my steps weren't babyish enough. I probably should have ended up at the bend in the hallway. Anyway, I took a picture of one of my 2 pet peeves (previously mentioned on this blog), William's flags on the wall. This is his Liverpool one. I much prefer it to the Northern Ireland one. My bedroom is not a rec room, or a games room but I guess until I get one of those two this is where they are staying. He is not keen on using the garage as his room. Though I think they would be perfect there.


Saoirse's birthday post is below!

I don't know who told her she was allowed to grow up.

Three. Such a big number. Sigh.

I came home from work last night at about 11 and I had to wrap all her gifts. I spent a good half hour cursing Taylor and Liam as I couldn't find any tape. And I used to have about 20 rolls. All gone. I ended up using a glue stick, which was not fun at all. I loved the card when I made it on my weekend away, but when I looked at it last night I wasn't as keen. I had made a fantastic one back in July for a birthday party and this one is very simple compared to that. I don't think I ever took a picture of that one. I made about 10 like this one, and now I am not sure I want to send them out to the bloggers they were destined for.


I do like the inside sentiment though:


I sent Saoirse and Liam down to the basement to get Taylor and while she was gone I brought her presents down from the bedroom and set them on the couch.


This contains an Ariel pool party doll that she had been asking for. It is what she is taking to school on Tuesday for show and tell.


Sophie was very keen on playing with the as yet unopened boxes. I think the expression on her face is pretty cute.


These are the clothes she got. I was actually supposed to post a picture of her and her toys but messed up my numbers. Too lazy to go back.


One of the gifts from Taylor, Liam and Sophie was a princess set with purses, sunglasses, earrings and combs and brushes. She wore these glasses to the grocery store later on.


This is the best picture of her in the birthday girl shirt. I am so not a photographer and she is so not a poser.


In the evening my mum came over, along with her godparents Shelley and Ed. This dress up outfit was one of her gifts from Shelley and Ed, along with light up slippers and a wand as well as an Osh Kosh shirt, socks and 2 pairs of leggings that Shelley picked up when they were in Vegas last week. If I lived in the States I would have the best dressed kids.


Shelley and Saoirse. When they were coming up the walkway Saoirse ran to the door yelling "Anutie Shelley, Auntie Shelley" and was so excited to see her. This is huge...normally she is quite quiet. And even with Ed around she was still talkative and playing around. Big changes at the age of 3.


Blowing out the candles on the cake. I think I got this shot right after the candle went out.


Saoirse, William and I. And the giant Barbie balloon. Quite often Saoirse will ask for one of these helium balloons at Wal-Mart or Safeway and William always says "On your birthday." He took her to Safeway today to buy makings for pizza (her chosen meal) and they came home with this balloon. $8. They would have been better off going to the dollar store nearby. It is cute though.


She had a really great day. After everyone had left she asked if she could have her birthday again. Isn't she lucky that we get to do it all again in 2 weeks with her friends? If I ever get out the invitations that is.

Remembrance Day

WE REMEMBER...

100,000+ soldiers, sailors, aircrew and merchant seamen who died in two World Wars.

We remember more than 500 who fell while serving in Korea.

We remember Canadians who freely joined the Americans in Vietnam.

We remember more than 100 who have died on peace support operations since 1945.

We remember the more than 70 who have fallen during the current conflict in Afghanistan.

Today we salute the memory of those who sacrificed their strength, health and even their lives...

so that we may live in a free country.

*Can not claim most of these as my own. I believe in borrowing. Others may call it stealing.

And happy birthday to my lovely Saoirse (freedom on Remembrance Day...how very fitting.) 3 years ago at this very moment, 12.53am, they were prepping me for an emergency section. 56 minutes later you came screaming your way into the world. And didn't stop for 2 hours. You've been the center of attention ever since.

Birthday pictures later! Cause you know you are dying to see her in her birthday girl shirt.

Randomness and some winners

On Sunday Saoirse will be 3. At Gap Kids I found a fantastic pink shirt that says Birthday Girl with a cake on it. I figured she would be able to wear it at least 3 times- on the big day itself, to school on Tuesday where she is the special helper and has her first ever show and tell and to her birthday party in 2 weeks. And then it'll be passed on to Sophie. Nothing like recycling. For her birthday she is getting an Ariel doll, lots of clothes (because that's just what a 3 year old wants), the movie Ratoutille and some more princess things. I'm sure there's supposed to be something else in there. William cleaned out our closet and now I can't find any of the gifts. I'm going to have to tear it apart before Christmas I guess.

Today, I talked to Blue Momma. Hehe! She made me laugh. I was a little worried I wouldn't understand her accent cause holy feck is it strong! The first time I rang she wasn't home and it took me a while to figure out just what that message said. But it wasn't too bad. I think she had a harder time understanding me. I talk too fast apparently. What did she say? "I'm Southern, I don't think that fast." That made me laugh. She's super easy to talk too, I think we were on the phone for an hour and a half so if you get the chance to speak to her take it up. Now who else can I harass via the telephone?

The "winners" (because really the prize might be shite) in the Canadianisms post were Karmyn and Chrisb. I've got Chris' address, but I need yours Karmyn. No wait forget it, I just found it. So I'll be sending something out next week. Or so. I'm not one to be trusted to send things out on time. They were the two who gave me the most answers and a lot of translations. I was going to put all 19 up, but the book (How to Be A Canadian) is upstairs. And I am lazy. And watching 20/20 which is making me cry. And I just want to post this thing already so that I don't have to worry about it all day Saturday. Don't want to miss a day of NaBloPoMo! And I just don't have time during the day. We are off shopping tomorrow morning for Saoirse's Christmas gifts. My mum is taking her out to buy pick her birthday gift so we thought we would take advantage. It's impossible to get out without her usually. I hope to hit Toys R Us and Canadian Tire. Canadian Tire has some great 50% off deals on toys. What was I getting at? Oh yeah, after I get home from work I might add the translations.

If I Were Rich

Quite sometime ago Beccy tagged me for this meme of sorts. I've been saving it for NaBloPoMo. 2 memes in a row. Honestly.

If I won, say, $11 million like this fellow from small town in Alberta just did (a town of 125 people, which now boasts 2 lotto millionaires as some guy won $8 million a couple of years ago. Obviously the place to buy your tickets.) I would do an awful lot with that money.

First off, I would design my dream house. Each of the kids would have their own nice big bedrooms. I would have my own craft room and library (as mentioned in my last post.) I would have an indoor pool so that no one would see me swimming away my fat ass. It would be on an acreage as that would be William's preference over the city.

While I waited for this fantastic house to be built I would go on an extended holiday to avoid all those people calling me for money. We would go to Australia, England, Ireland and Disney World. Disney World is for Saoirse of course. I may also harass every blogger I know.

Or better yet, I would have a little blogfest with all my favourite bloggers. Where would we go? Perhaps I'd do a poll and we would go to the most popular destination.

I would also make sure all my family and friends were taken care of. I would buy my cousin in England a house and one for William's step daughter Sam in Australia. I would buy my mother's retirement home in Spain. I would pay off the mortgages of my friends here.

Do I have any money left? I am not sure how far $11 million goes. Obviously, I would bank some so that we could live quite happily and comfortably off of it. That would be the first thing I did, not wanting to waste any of that interest you know.

One thing I would love to do is be a foster parent. I know! I hardly have the patience for the children I have. But I have always felt this is an area I would have done very well in. And if money and space were not an issue it is something I would definitely pursue. I think I would prefer short term care to start. It is very heartbreaking to think that there are children with parents unable or unwilling to take care of them. I know I'm not the world's greatest mother, but I am pretty certain my kids know I would go to the ends of the earth for them. I would like those children to know that feeling too. Because while they were mine? I totally would do anything for them.

I'm tagging Blue Momma for this one, who is the person who tagged me for the previous Crazy Eights post. Which I forgot to say. Because I was tired and did it in microsoft word and then copied and pasted and forgot to add her link. But that doesn't mean I don't heart her, cause I do.

Crazy Eights on Day Eight

8 things I'm passionate about:

1. My children. Even the ones who drive me crazy. Wait. That would be all of them.
2. William.
3. Reading.
4. Spending money.
5. Ummm...apparently I am not a passionate person. Passionate is a strong word. I will, however, debate you on the following:
- Circumcision is not a necessity
- euthanasia should be legal
- a woman should have the right to choose (but come on it's not a method of birth control)
- Liberal good/Conservative bad.
- The Edmonton Oilers sorta kinda suck
- Hockey players make too much money
- And who cares if the American dollar is weak and they are making less. That’s what you get for insisting on being paid in American dollars. Whingy brats.


8 things I want to do before I die:

1. Go to a Liverpool/Aston Villa game with William. And even though we cheer for opposite teams I’m pretty sure we could sit together.
2. Go to a Celtic/Rangers game. I would not sit with William at this game. That would not be a pretty experience. I am quite sure he would utter the word fenian.
3. Live in Ireland.
4. Own a house with a library.
5. Own a house with a kick ass craft room.
6. See my Grandad again.
7.Have all my children graduate from college/ university.
8. Enjoy my grandchildren.

8 things I say often:

1. Fuck off.
2. Piss off.
3. What are you talking about?
4. TAYLOR! GET OUT OF BED NOW!!!!!!!
5. Do not EVER use that tone of voice with me again.
6. Because I’m your mother!
7. I love you.
8. Ach, no.

8 Books I’ve read recently (or am still reading):

1. The Xmas Factor by Annie Sanders (just got it tonight!)
2. The Night Blitz - John Ray (about the Battle of Britain---a pretty dry read!)
3. The Bells of Burracombe- Lilian Harry (British WWII fiction- love it!)
4. A Song at Twilight- Lilian Harry (more WWII fiction.)
5. Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married- Marian Keyes ( a reread. Pee my pants funny.)
6. I Did (But I Wouldn’t Now)- Cara Lockwood
7. Goodnight Nobody- Jennifer Weiner (not as good as Good in Bed, but still a good read)
8. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha- Roddy Doyle (another re read. This was maybe the 7th time? Love this book.)

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over

1. I Really Want You- James Blunt (in fact I could listen to the whole album everyday. Well, I do. Lurve it.)
2. Lullaby- The Dixie Chicks
3. The Rocky Road to Dublin- Sons of Maxwell.
4. Home For a Rest- Spirit of the West (the best drinking song EVER)
5. Almost Gold – The Jesus and Mary Chain
6. (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots- Corb Lund
7. Rockstar- Nickelback (because Taylor loves this song)
8. Have a Nice Day - Stereophonics

8 Things that Attract Me to My Best Friends:

1. They make me laugh.
2. They put up with my occasional mood swings.
3. In a perfect world, they would all be fatter than me but such is not my luck.
4. They are not crazy (like my neighbour, who is.)
5. They like to have girl only weekends.
6. They like to go out for coffee/lunch/dinner.
7. They don’t judge me for my messy house. At least, not to my face.
8. They have great taste in friends.

8 People I Think Should Do Crazy Eights:

1. M at And Then There Were Two.
2. Rachel at Crazy Is.
3. Kaytabug.
4. Joy at A Spot of T
5. Debbie at A Step at a Time
6. Dawn at Colours of Dawn.
7. Frannie at the T Family Syndicate
8. Terri at My 4 Kids
Note these are all NaBloPoMo participants…just trying to provide you with blog fodder. And it won't let me link! Will try later.

Canadianisms

I was reading this post over at Alix's blog about the differences in American and British words she has discovered since she moved to the States and I thought "I can steal something to write about!"

Canadian English is a mixture of both British and American English. From one of my favourite books I am going to give you a sentence. British words will be in bold and American in italics.

Canadians write cheques for their colour TVs. They turn off the tap, eat porridge, put jam on their toast and gas in their trucks, and munch potato chips as they relax on their chesterfields.

Hardly anything in their that belongs to us. Except for chesterfield. And I don't know anyone who says chesterfield over sofa or couch.


In this same book there is a paragraph with 19 listed Canadian words (but not double double, which I don't think has made it overseas or south of the border but I think every Canadian knows what it means). I will send a prize (something Canadian) to whatever bloggers can tell me what words are Canadian.

Last night, I cashed my pogey and went to buy a mickey of C.C at the beer parlour, but my skidoo got stuck in the muskeg on my way back to the duplex. I was trying to deke out a deer, you see. Damn chinook, melted everything. And then a mountie snuck up behind me in a ghost car and gave me an impaired. I was S.O.L., sitting there dressed only in my Stanfields and a toque at the time. And the Mountie, he's all chippy and everything, calling me a "shit disturber" and whatnot. What could I say, except, "Chimo!"

Frankly, I think this paragraph is full of Newfie expressions but I could be wrong. As I read it I picture a guy with his two front teeth missing. Not that I'm saying Newfies have a lack of teeth, but you know, the ones I know do. Well a few of them anyway. But I do imagine a Newfie accent. And I'm not being bigoted people. I'm just too lazy to write out "Newfoundlanders."

And if you can tell me what those words mean? The prizes might actually be good.

Canadian bloggers...I think you're out on this one. Though I will admit to not knowing what a few of those words were.

For Nancy

My friend Nancy (you know, the Dear Nancy...please start blogging Nancy?) has recently started reading my blog and tonight I was led to my April 2006 archives were I wrote about a meal we shared with some friends. I thought that maybe she would like to relive the memory of that disaster:


Once a month, 4 of my girlfriends and I go out for lunch. It was supposed to be to Julio's Barrio, but Candy, Fiona and I went there a couple of weeks ago and our 3 meals plus one child's meal came to almost $70. So we decided to be cheap and vetoed Julio's in favour of my choice, the recently rebuilt Cheesecake Cafe.

This may have been a mistake. We arrived just before noon and Bev and Nancy were already there. First sign of impending disaster: the terrible makeup job on our waitress. Sorry, are they only called 'servers' these days? I am terrible for keeping up with current lingo. Anyway, the makeup was really bad; tons of foundation that ended just before the jaw line without being properly blended. And cat eye eyeliner, I don't care if it's the style, it looks horrid. Unless you're, you know, a cat. For someone who does not wear makeup I am very judgemental about it.

Plus she was a bit of a bitch.

We ordered drinks and our meals. Fiona was the first in the bad books of our waitress for asking for 3 slices of lemon with her diet pepsi. Then Nancy said there's something in my drink. I said it must just be a piece of her lime. But then I made the mistake of looking at my drink only to see 3 little somethings floating in it. I fished them out with my straw and am still not sure what they were. She brought Nancy and I new drinks (probably with a wee bit of spit in them.) My friend Shelley joined us at about 12.40 and only 2 of us had our meals. Bev's soup had arrived, but she had to request a new tea biscuit as hers was rock hard. My meal was the last to arrive, due to the fact that they had to remake it before it even left the kitchen.

So while we are all eating, with the exception of Shelley who had only a drink, Nancy suddenly spits something out her mouth. It is a huge grip. Not a regular sized one, but the really big ones. (By grip I mean bobby pin for all you North Americans. You know, all 3 of you.) It was in her salad. I was dying laughing (but stayed totally dry for anyone who reads the other blog.) Needless to say, Nancy's meal was sent back. The manager came over and offered to buy her a piece of cheesecake. Shelley said "I should hope you are buying the entire meal." Which they did end up doing.

By the end of our meal, she wasn't even answering us when we said thank you anymore, but let's face it the thanks were few and far between. We had our cheesecake. I had turtle, it was delicious.

Our bill came to about $90. Now, I know Canadians have a shitty reputation for tipping. I personally don't know anyone who is a bad tipper, with the exception of my mother, but she's English so that really explains it all I think. The group I was with today, we are great tippers. But not for this one. I think there was a $5.00 bill left on the table at the end of it all. Which is sad, but she was a cow. And there was no service and isn't that what you tip for? Though normally I do tip whether it is good or bad service. But no longer.

At the very end of it all, Bev was talking to the manager who gave her $20 in gift certificates and said that that waitress has been an ongoing issue. So, um, fire her? It's not like the Chessecake has a union and she can grieve it until kingdom come. Honestly, if it weren't for those gift certificates we would never do lunch there again. Well, we won't, but we will do cheesecake.

Next month we are off to Dante's, where once upon a time a great big Jamaican man tried to pick me up, but I was very drunk and when I am very drunk I somehow pick up an Irish accent, so I told him I was off home to Belfast in the morning. However, we will be in the restaurant in the middle of the day, not the club in the middle of the night so I think I and any Jamaicans are safe from one another.

*I have just realized that as I was using a fake Irish accent, it is entirely possible that he was using a fake Jamaican accent. Damn. It was very good though, but then so is my fake Irish one, if I do say so myself.

Not a big girl yet

For a long time Saoirse has considered herself a big girl. After all, she has a baby sister who used to cry a lot. And I do mean A LOT. She uses the big person toilet (Saoirse that is, not Sophie.)She can climb onto the kitchen counters and get her own snacks out of the cupboard. She's been sleeping in a bed for years. Not her own bed mind you, but still it's a bed and big girls sleep in beds. She watches big girl shows, not shows for babies like Sesame Street. Those are her words, not mine. Frankly, I love Sesame Street.

She's been moving in a big girl world for quite a while now. Except...except she still uses her dummy. I don't think I would mind the dummy so much if it was just restricted to bed time. But it's not. She would have it in her mouth constantly if you allowed it. If she is hurt the first thing she asks for is her dummy, not Mummy or Daddy. We put them away, she finds them. The dummy is like a life line.

For quite a few months now, we have been saying that the dummy is going away when she turns 3 because "when you are 3 you are officially a big girl and big girls don't use dummies." Once she started school, it was easy to also say that big girls in playschool don't use dummies either.

It appears that she has gotten use to the idea and during the day the dummy isn't in her mouth as often and she even managed to fall asleep without it one night. But when we talk about being a big girl she says "I'm not a big girl yet!" Tonight she even cried and said it. "No! I'm not a big girl yet." And the tears poured.

One of us: "When are you going to be a big girl?"
Saoirse: "On my birthday."
Us: "When is your birthday?"
S: "In November."
Us:"And what's going to happen on your birthday in only FIVE days?"

No, she doesn't say she will willingly throw her dummies away. She usually ignores us, apparently she is of the impression that if you don't talk about it it won't happen. Sort of like a man, really.

I wonder what she will say when she discovers she is also moving into her own room?

Fun Monday - Holiday Traditions

Deborah is wanting to hear about some holiday traditions. She says:

I want to hear about or see a holiday tradition, recipe or event. It can be any holiday you like or that is special to your family. With Thanksgiving and the Winter holidays coming up, those would be especially apt, but anything that is special for your family is fine. If you have pictures - it's a bonus! Whether it's your Mom's famous stuffing recipe, going caroling on Christmas Eve, Diwali dances, or even the inevitability of Great Aunt Polly having one too many brandies and knocking over the Christmas tree - I want to hear about it!!!


Since Thanksgiving has already been and gone in Canada I'll move right on to the next big holiday, my favourite day of the year...my birthday. Ah, just joking. I haven't been a big fan of my birthday since my 25th when I spent the entire day on the couch crying and bemoaning my old age and my wasted youth while my then almost 4 and almost 3 year olds tore apart the house and each other. Good times, good times.

Anyway, a mere 9 days after my birthday is Christmas Day. My favourite Christmas tradition actually falls on Christmas Eve. As a child, we had a few Christmases where Santa would come by and drop off a small present. And even though Charlie was usually somewhat drunk (he was after all one of my dad's friends but for a year or two I believed Santa was from Belfast and therefore entitled to the drink) he still managed tp pull it off and I, for a while at least, believed that he really was the Big Man himself. Were you to see a picture? You would realize just how gulliable I was. And still am, actually.

I decided that one day when I had children I would let them open one present on Christmas Eve, and that it would be pajamas. Because what can be better than going to be in a new pair of Christmas Eve pajamas? And so, when Taylor was 9 months old and celebrating her first Christmas she received a "My First Christmas" sleeper. And a tradition was born. This will be the thrirteenth Christmas Eve that pajamas are opened around the Christmas tree. Although this year, Liam will probably just receive a pair of Christmas themed boxers, as he no longer wears pjs. Through the years there have been other presents given on Christmas Eve, always with a Christmas related theme. A picture or chapter book, a movie to watch. But always, always there are pajamas. There have been years when my children have said "Oh no, not pajamas AGAIN." I say to them that one day they will appreciate this tradition, that this is something they will do with their own children. And if they don't then I will.

Pictures? Well, I may have one or two. But with the way things are going it is best to write first, add pics later. When we get the new computer I may just scan in 13 years of Christmas pajamas. That would be a good way to waste one day of NaBloPoMo. If I could find all those pictures of course.


Taylor and Saoirse, Christmas Eve 2005. Liam spent this Christmas at his dad's, so it was just William, the girls and I. Taylor and I went to the early mass, and came home to open the Christmas Eve gifts. I think one of my favourite things about Christmas is Christmas Eve mass, I prefer midnight, but that doesn't always work out...our church offers services at 5, 7, 9 and midnight. We usually go to either 5 or 7.

Day 4 and I'm already reduced to using a poll as blog fodder

Sooooo....William has a big Christmas party coming up at his new job and since I am not magically going to lose a thousand pounds in a month I thought maybe I should have my hair done. Because a new hair style might distract from the fact that William's girlfriend is, well, fat. Not totally distract of course, but maybe they will say "Hey that fat chick has great hair." One can always hope.

But what to do? Right now, my hair is a very dark blonde. Really dark. It's at that inbetween stage where it is not a nice blonde, but not a nice shade of light brown either. See my little facebook picture in the sidebar there? Not blonde, not brown. Just blah. It currently sits just below my collar. It's got a kink on the right hand side, so it never stays straight. Which is why I am all for going with layers this time around.

And here I am asking the great wide internet what to do? Take my poll. Tell me what to do. And you know what? I'll even go with what wins. Why would I ask otherwise? And if I hate it? Well, it can always be fixed. Probably.

Dear lotsa people (and one thing)

Dear That Chick,
They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. So I hope you won't be offended that I am sort of copying your open letter format. Well, not sort of. Totally. For while I have ocassionally written an open letter I have never before done them in a series. So I'm copying you. Without the great sense of humour of course.

Yours in thieving,
Emma



Dear Taylor,

I did not give birth to 2 little sisters for you to use them as boy bait at the park. That's what puppies are for.

Love,
Mummy



Dear Debit Card,

Where are you? I miss you. I know you were in my coat pocket on Monday when I withdrew some money and did some shopping. I didn't use you for the rst of the week and I am wondering is this a problem for you? Do you need to be used constantly? While I would love to use you on a daily basis my bank balance will just not allow it. If you do not show up I am going to be forced to steal your sister card from William's wallet. That may make him grumpy as I had her for an entire year the last time I lost you. And he got mad when I misplaced her a time or two. Please let me find you. There is money in the bank (yay to a one week paycheque that was more than what William was making in 2 weeks at the old job!) and I would really like to spend it. Secretly, you know.

Missing you muchly,
A girl whose bank is wondering why she is not spending any money. So unlike her normal banking activity.



Dear West Edmonton Mall,
While I am fully prepared to be harrassed by salespeople in stores (although this rarely happens anymore, I think they have come to realize that no one in the retail industry gets fired for being a lazy ass) I do not want to be bothered by the people running those cheesy kiosks while I am using the mall to get to work. No, I don't want a soccer ball with a string attached to it. And while I realize I look like shit, I do not want my hair straightened or curled. Tell your kiosk people to leave me alone.

And while we are at it, West Edmonton Mall, what's the deal with shutting the automatic doors come October? Isn't that a bit inconvenient for people in wheelchairs or with prams? And that one wheelchair accessiable door? It sucks. Suck up the cost of a bit of extra heating and turn those doors back on. It's not even cold yet, ffs.

From,
An annoyed patron.

Dear people who don't hold the doors open for people with prams,

Fuck you. Seriously. I hope one day a madwoman with a pram runs you over. Didn't your mother teach you any manners?

From,
A possible madwoman (with a double pram!)


Dear Alissa,
Can you please ask your friend Heather when her company will lower the book prices to the American price? You know, that our dollar is worth $1.07 and all. I don't want to buy my at Wal-Mart because I am pretty sure they only carry VC Andrews and Louis L'Amour, but at least they are the American price. Which is a savings of like $20 on a hardcover.

From,
Someone who loves Chapters but may have to start shopping elsewhere. And no, I don't want an iRewards card.

Dear Nancy,
Would you start a blog already? I think it would be hilarious. Looking forward to the purse party! And dinner next week!

Your friend,
Emma

Dear bloggy facebook friends,
Please go harass my friend Nancy and tell her to start a blog. And if I didn't think she would kill me, I would tell you to really do it.

Yours in facebooking,
Emma is....wondering why Nancy doesn't have a blog.

Dear friend who shall remain nameless,
I really care for you and so I am saying to you here...don't move in with the new boyfriend! It is too soon. Way too soon. You have just come out of a bad marriage, you have only been with him for 2 months...it is way too quick to move yourself and your children in with him. Stay where you are for a year. Have him rent out his house and live with you. Whatever. Just don't give up your place. What if it doesn't work out? Where will you go? I am really worried for you.

Love,
Your friend.

Dear all the people who have emailed me questions and invites,
I am sorry! My computer sucks, have I already said that a thousand times? I can hardly get into my email, nevermind replying to something. I have 1400 unread emails. I'm a little overwhelmed.

From,
Emma, who is getting a new computer in 2 weeks!

Dear Ms. Porter,
We pronounce Saoirse like Soar-sha. Most Irish people will tell you that is incorrect. It is. But that is how my dad says it. And that was William's favourite of the 3 pronounciations we tried out. I was torn between the other two. I do tend to call her Seer-sha when she is ignoring me. Which is the proper way. Unless you are someone whop says Sayr-sha. Those Irish, they are a weird lot. Oh, and it's a bit of a story about how we chose her name, which some bloggers have heard before. I am Catholic, William is not, he did not want her baptised as such and so I said that I would choose the most republican name I could think of, which was Saoirse. It means freedom. She was born on Remembrance Day, so it does fit quite well in William's opinion. And I did get to have her baptised. Sophie? He put his foot down on an Irish name (Aisling) and the baptism. So I won one and he won one.

Was that too much information?
Emma

Dear Catwoman,

Congratulations!

Is the girl name would you have used for Little Man had he been Little Lady still in the running? I like that name. Not that I have any say in it. Unless you do a poll of course.

Love, Emma (who is not pregnant!)


Dear people who actually read this,
Thanks. I know it was long and boring. You are so good to stick it to the end.
3 down, 27 to go. Damn this Nablopomo thing.

Emma, who thinks she had better start commenting on blogs before everyone stops commenting on hers.

She speaks!

I think I've mentioned once or twice that Saoirse does not speak with any regularity to people who are not named Mummy, Daddy, Taylor, Liam or Sophie. If your name is Nanny or Auntie Shelley she make speak to you after about 20 minutes of so. Or she may not. It all depends on her mood.

Playschool is a "no speak" zone. There is no singing "Here I am!" when her teacher says her name during attendance. There is no reciting grace at snack time, or singing the songs that all other kids yell out.

This is Saoirse after all. And while she doesn't stop talking at home (non stop talking during Survivor when she should be in bed!) she does not like to talk in public at all.

Because I've been going to playschool with her these last few weeks, she has had me to talk to. And I am all she talks to. She doesn't answer her teacher, she doesn't talk to the other 6 kids. It's shyness at its worst. If she were older I'd call her rude.

So yesterday we are playschool and since she only has one class left in which I am there solely for her I decide I had better remind her that soon I won't be coming to school with her and that on the days I do it is because I am the helper mom and I won't have time just to sit and play and watch her use the shark to kill the giraffe. (Can you tell this child has an older brother?) She wasn't overly happy about the fact that I wouldn't be there every day but at almost 3 they adjust pretty quickly. When she said she needed the bathroom I said she had better tell her teacher. I didn't want her thinking that she could just walk out the door. So she goes and stands by her teacher, waits until she is done talking to another child and very quietly says "Mrs. W?" I didn't hear the rest as she was really, really quiet but obviously the teacher did. And so off we went to the bathroom, with me all thrilled that my daughter willingly talked to an adult she is not related to.

And then? She spoke up during circle time! For the first time! They were doing the calendar and the teacher was saying that this was the first day of November and Saoirse said "It's my birthday in November." She was still quite soft spoken so the teacher asked what she had said and Saoirse said "I'm having an Ariel birthday." Her teacher said "Yes, it's your birthday soon and we are going to celebrate and your mom is going to bring cupcakes. Which I am. With chocolate milk, Saoirse's favourite drink.

And the Ariel party? It's not so much an Ariel party as princess decorations and an Ariel cake. Because Ariel decorations? Not so easy to find. And her birthday party? Not on her birthday. It's on the 25th, a full 2 weeks later. At the Y. Having it at my house means steam cleaning my carpets and thinking up games. No thanks.

Hallowe'en Part One

Thanks to my fussy computer I couldn't download the pictures from Saoirse's class party, and my treat bags that I slaved over at work. It's nice to get paid to craft I think. Here's a few from the actual night. It was the warmest Hallowe'en in Edmonton in 7 years. +11 (42 for you folks down below), so quite nice. Saoirse started out with out a coat, but ended up with a coat on by the end of the night. When I finally brought her in, after our third time out, she said "But I'm not freezing yet!"

Tigger (aka Sophie) from behind.


Keeping the hood on? Not so easy.


Saoirse as the Little Mermaid. Yes, I said she was going to be the already purchased elephant and bloody well like it. But her dad took her to the Disney Store and this is what they came out with. The elephant stayed in the closet. Really, William pretends to be all hard but he is just a big softie. Remind me to tell you about the Wii.


Why go out when there is all this candy sitting here?


A group shot. Taylor went out with a group of friends (she's the jogger...talk about a cheap Hallowe'en costume!) and after we did our neighbourhood I took Sophie in and went out with Saoirse and Lachlan, our neighbour (the cutie on the left...Saoirse loves him!) Taylor met up with another 4 friends and they went off for a few hours. I don't have a single picture of Liam, who was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre guy, as he took off to quickly.