Girls!!

GIRLS!!
Geordie's into girls [now]!! In more ways than one!! He's always been a bit of a flirt. One time I caught him winking at a girl two or three years older than himself at the post office.


Then there was the time a couple of years a go when we were having 'tea' in the coffee shop and there were about four or five other guys at different tables. One of the guys was a friend of ours (Kennie) and we were talking to him over a couple of tables. Two young, quite cute, university students come in the door which was pretty much on the other side of the shop from us;

Geordie: "hi girls!"

girls: "*giggle, giggle*"

Geordie: "hi girls"

girls: "*giggle* Hi!"

Geordie: "that's Kennie" pointing at Kennie

Problem was Kennie is happily married with two children and a minister (have to put that in because it makes the story so much better!). But think of what could have happened if he was single!!


Then there was the time (summer 07, so Geordie was 3) that we were home and went to visit my brother Russell at his work. While my parents and I were talking to Russell, and watching him while he worked Geordie was talking to Keliegh (the announcer on after Russell);

Geordie: "we going for ice cream, wanna come with us?"

Yes, my friends he was/is that smooth!! He was also picking up someone who could have been his mother!! Notice I didn't write, 'trying to pick up'. If she hadn't been working I'm positive she would have gone!! Who can say no to the Geordie charm!?!?!?!?!?

Moving on to female 'parts'. I wrote before about it, but I have some to add. A couple of years a go Geordie started pushing on my chest;

Geordie: "what are those? I like those!"

I was at a loss for words and trying not to laugh.

Geordie: "I know, lady bumps!!"

So for a while Geordie would call them that and every so often would point to someones and say, "I like those!"

Yesterday, he asked about them again. It had been so long he had forgotten what he used to call them.

Geordie: "what are those again? I think the are big 'squito bites"


Back to girls... the other day he was telling Callum that Nora Jane and Olivia are his girlfriends (girlfriends being said like Lightning McQueen says, "lightning".)

Here was the conversation yesterday;

Geordie: "I want Nora Jane and Olivia to come over to my house."

me: "okay, when?"

Geordie: "anytime, I want them to sleep with me."

Question is...when do you think we should have 'the talk'?

I dislike heat!

I'm trying to stop saying the word 'hate'. Callum's not all that fond of it and the other day Geordie said it and I really didn't like the sound of it. So...trying to take it out of my vocabulary which, unfortunately, is limited already. Either way wish me luck!

This weekend, along with last week, saw temperatures WAY TOO HIGH!! I heard some mention that on some days it was higher than ever before recorded. Again, WAY TOO HIGH!!!!
I always thought that I was a 'summer girl' so I thought I would love the south. I have found out that for once in my life I was *gasp* wrong! Can you believe that, me?!?!? Wrong?!?!?

I have now come to the conclusion that I would rather freeze my arse off than sweat to death! I know that you really can't die from sweating but I'm willing to take on that experiment and prove it wrong! Yes, 8 months of summer sounds nice but I feel that it is too much;

First of all 3, possibly 4 of those months it is way too hot to do anything anyways (must show my east coast roots and add the 's' on anyway).

Second; you loose out on the anticipation for summer. You know when it's sunny, 9 degrees C/ 48 degrees F for the first time of the year and you throw on a turtleneck, sweater, jacket, shorts and prance around enjoying the 'warmth'. I miss that!!!!

I REALLY dislike heat!!

On to brighter things...I thought life was complete a couple of years a go when Jordan Knight and Debbie Gibson got together and recorded a song... then the recent reunion of The New Kids was announced. Well today...wait for it... I got tickets to the show here in Atlanta. I'm thinking this is the reason why we are still/stuck here...for me to go to a New Kids concert!! Oh...if you could have seen my walls almost 20 years a go!!!!

Joey McIntyre, about 5 years a go when I met him at MuchMusic in Toronto! He hugged me...we had a bonding moment. I can't wait until we reconnect Oct. 29!!!

Lost Footage...

Callum was either going through the old video tapes for the camera or various footage on the computer and he came across this. It's way too cute. We both couldn't get over how much you forget!!! Thank God for all the new 'technologies'. I used to think how could you have children without Ziploc baggies now I see that there is much, much more that I should be thankful for!!!

remember to click on the triangle

This is what happens when you cross a Scot with a redneck and a punk. Please note that it is not a 'skirt' that Geordie is wearing, but a kilt (in the MacKenzie tartan of course!).
Check out the moves!!!

video; sometime in the summer of '05

AS IF?!?!?!?!

Last night I was showing Callum some pages of a blog I came across the other day. I couldn't get over how her stories about her husband are so similar to mine. Or maybe it is just how similar our husbands way of thinking are.


Lately whenever anything happens around here that is funny and has to do with Callum he quickly will say, "don't write about that!". After reading a couple entries of the other blog Callum says, "okay, you can blog about me then, if that's going to make your blog more interesting. You can get all of your best material from me. I'll allow you..."

AS IF!!!!?????!!!!

Thing is Callum can be funny but 55% of the time you are laughing at him and 50% of the things that he says that you 'laugh with' he gets from me. So really he is only 22.5% funny. [$20 (Canadian!) says that he will comment on this part!]


Callum has a much different outlook on some things (okay a lot!) from me. For example, a while back he was packing to go away for work, suddenly he started to freak out, we didn't have a bag that would fit just his stuff. We either had something that was too big or too small. Most people would think, okay either we pack two small bags or just have a lot of space in a big bag. Not Callum!! His first thought is; we NEED to go out and buy a brand new bag. I burst out laughing. If I hadn't been there at that second or he had been out he would have gone and bought one!

Here are some other examples of his thought process; taking care of everyone , being silly, parenting, sayings, being overheard, beliefs, being thrifty, cleaning.

So now that I have the 'go ahead', just wait...

How do you know when someone has been using your camera?!?!?

* please ignore the orange furniture...we are in the negotiation process for new stuff (that would be negotiating with each other!).

From the office of Geordie...

We joke all the time that Geordie is a negotiator. Well, this one takes the cake!!!
The other day Geordie was out front playing with his friends, Callum was in the backyard working on something. Geordie wanted to play on his (newly made by Callum and Geordie) ramp. Callum prefers to be there when the ramp is being used as Geordie is...well, he's Geordie. Finally, Geordie comes back and says...

Geordie; "okay Dad, here's the deal! You finish here and then you can come out front and get my ramp."

Callum was speechless, and trying not to laugh! Dad?!?!?! Here's the deal?!?!?!

Mum's night out!

Friday night a friend and I ventured out together. We went to watch a play that our friend Megan was in. The play was... interesting?!?! while Megan was great!
After the play my friend and I went back to her house and were just sitting around chatting. My phone rang, it was another friend who had been with Callum and Geordie earlier in the evening, knew I was out and was wondering if I wanted to catch the late movie of Sex and the City. I was completely torn. Besides seeing Callum for a couple of minutes to switch cars (and Geordie) I hadn't seen him all day. Plus, it was 9:30 and I was feeling a little guilty already as two weeks prior to that I had gone to a dinner and movie with friends. When was the last time Callum went to a movie?!?!? Anyway, called Callum and he told me to go ahead. So, my friend and I quickly got in the car and met my other friend at the theatre.

It's funny, you don't realize how easy it is to make a decision or to do things when you are on your own. Ten years a go I wouldn't have thought twice and would have gone to the movie...and then gone out for a drink afterwards!! Or the fact that at 9:30 I would just be starting to get ready to go out for the night.
Five years a go Callum and I would have just gone to the movie ourselves, without a thought.
Now, it feels like you have to go through a pros & cons list just to out by yourself!!!

I did have a great time on Friday night. The movie was great!! I wasn't a regular watcher of the show but I did watch it! I highly recommend it to ALL!! I think even Callum would like it!

Anyone do anything interesting?!?!?

Callum's friend...

Callum has made some new friends...

you wouldn't believe how close they let him get. They run away from me. What's so special about Callum?!?!?!?!?!

School's out for Summer!!!

Down here school finishes in May. 'Summer' is June and July, it's weird!!! Thing is I couldn't imagine trying to concentrate in June down here with this amount of heat.
I am getting better with the heat. I was horrible! Actually, I couldn't even take the heat in Toronto the first year or two we were there. It's really hot there in the summer, compared to NS. I think that I have adjusted pretty well down here though. The first year, by this time I couldn't leave the house. It was horrible. Now, I could go for a walk in the middle of the afternoon.
Now, when we go home in the summer I find the weather perfect! Two years a go when we were home we went up to the Valley to visit my brother Russell, who was living there at the time. We had supper at a restaurant and we opted for eating outside (at that age outside was perfect because Geordie could semi-run around). Callum and I thought it was 'lovely', I vaguely remember thinking that I could do with a light cardigan. Meanwhile, Russell was sweating up a storm and thought it was hot as hell!!
When it comes to winter, after living in Toronto I don't find Halifax that cold. You would think with almost 5 years down here I would...but I don't!!
The other day when we were at the beach we were a little chilly, so chilly in fact that Geordie did this to stay warm after he had been in the water (it was even his idea)...


Funny thing is it would have been seen as an incredibly warm day back home! That day the temp was in the mid to high 20's (Celsius) and the water was around 22 (Celsius). We would have killed for that (at anytime) of the summer 'down Bayswater'.
We still had a great time. Callum enjoys body boarding and is quite good at it. He can even do it without the board... Of course Geordie wants to do it too. This is him getting started...

this is a video; click on the triangle


Of course 'the boys' also had to dig a big hole...

Now we are back in Temple, and I am enjoying Geordie being out of school. We don't have to be so rigid with bedtime and Geordie and I are having a good time together. We have great neighbours who Geordie loves to play with and he is at an age right now that he can go out and play with "ma' girls'' (seriously, that's what he calls them. Aaliyah and Kayla are 7/8 year old twins) and I am able to do things in the house while looking out every so often (we're also at the end of a cul-de-sac). Next week Geordie starts swimming lessons and I think we're going to start 'field trips' on Friday. I'll get back to you on that!! Once again, I am a great planner and ideas person...just not great on the follow through!!

MacKenzie genes...

You see those cute little feet...

...you wouldn't believe how much they stink!!!!!

When the Princess is away...

the riff-raff will play!!

Rollin' down the street...

Geordie ALWAYS wants to go for a drive in Grandpa's cars...he settled for driving in Grannie's!!!

Note that the air bag is turned off on Geordie's side!

Back to the grind...

Well, we are back from our long weekend in Wilmington. Missed one day at the beach due to rain. So, instead we went to the Fort Fisher Aquarium. I'm pretty sure Geordie has gone every year for the last three years. It's funny to see the difference each year. The other years it was things that were like Nemo that caught his attention, this year it was much more. Lately Geordie has had quite an interest in the ocean and anything to do with it...he seemed to really enjoy it all. Sure, he went through it all fast but while there he taught Grannie and Grandpa the signals that divers do ('going up', 'stop', & 'okay'), he pointed out the 'ten-ca-toles' on the jelly fish and how the sea horses swim upright...to name a few.

The 'touch pool' Geordie was there with Callum and Grannie for a LONG, LONG time!

They are touching a horseshoe crab.

Geordie loved these frogs, they are called Poison Dart Frogs and they come in all kinds of different colours. They were quite cute...once you take away the name!

This was the 'adults' favourite fish, I forget what it's called but it seemed to love smiling and watching the children. We felt that it looked a little... 'ditsy', 'spacey', 'air-heady', etc...

Mummy is 2 for 2!!!

A while back we had a situation with a lunchable...I won! Well, it happened again! Once again, I won!!!
The other day when we were getting ready to go away and Geordie and I had to run to the grocery store. While there we passed by the canned spaghetti. Geordie saw the microwavable Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee things and started asking for one for lunch, explaining that all his friends eat them, "all the time Mummy!". As we were rushing around and I still had to pack I thought, why not! Plus I then wouldn't have to (A) make lunch and (B) clean up the dishes.
We get home, I heat it up, wait the minute that it says too and then put a spoon in it and give it to Geordie. He takes two bites, "oh Mummy, this is gross! I can't eat this, it 'sgusting! Can I have a sandwich and some cantlope?"
So instead Geordie enjoyed a peanut butter and jam sandwich (with REAL pb and REAL fruit jam on 100% whole wheat bread) with some cantelope on the side!!!

Once again I win the war on healthy food for my child and this time I wasn't even trying!!!! Now that's skills!!! I also had a smile on my face as I made the meal and then washed the dishes...by hand!!! Yes Dad, you read correctly...by hand!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TURKEY LEGS!!!

Today is Lynn's birthday! She is now 31! She is very nice and my bestest friend! We love Lynn!!

What did you do yesterday?

This is what I did...

We're off...

...to Wilmington for the long weekend with Grannie and Grandpa. Let's see how much fun this is going to be;

This was 2000

This was 2005

I can only imagine what 2008 is going to be like!!!

The look!

We try to keep caffeine out of Geordie's diet...minus chocolate! This is what happens when Callum gets something that Geordie wants!

Geordie does come from a long line of 'looks'. I know that I can do a pretty good 'look' and my Grandmother (Nan) does one that doubles the size of her eyes. On Callum's side there is something called the 'Hamilton stare'...and it can be scary. It's so powerful that it can cross continents, well, major bodies of water!!! I received it once...in writing!!! I swear to you, I felt the stare jump right off the page!!!! ;)







picture; Halifax, NS 08/07

From the office of Geordie...

The other day Geordie and I were home. He was doing my hair. WE WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE HOUSE;

Geordie: "Mummy, you are the most beautiful girl in the room".










picture; Halifax, NS 08/07

Geordie's Plans!

Thursday we will be heading over to Grannie and Grandpa's place for the long weekend (what I like to call American Victoria Day weekend, as I can never remember what it's really called!).
Tonight Geordie and I were discussing what he wants to do when we are in Wilmington. These are his plans, in this exact order;

1) go to "Chuck E Cheeses"
-he still has yet to be there, he sees the adverts on PBS and he knows that we pass one in Wilmington.

2) go to the BIG playground

3) play racing with Grandpa
-it doesn't matter what time we arrive in Wilmington, it could be noon or midnight. Right after hugs, Geordie makes sure everything is still in the same place and then gets out the dinkies (matchbox cars) for racing with Grandpa.

4) beach!

Callum's plans, I would say, revolve around beachin' it and working on the racecar (guess that's the 'big boy' version of Geordie's!)

Grandpa's plans, will revolve around the garage and being fed.

Grannie's plans, will revolve around everyone else's plans!!

As for mine...I'll get back to you!!!!

That, my friends...is Karma!!!

Yesterday we were eating lunch. Geordie finished his and wanted cherries. He was told twice that either Callum or I would get them when we finished our meal. Geordie asked one more time...

Callum: "Geordie, if you say the word 'cherry' again you will not get any".

Geordie: "lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard, lizard..."


picture; when Geordie was silent 06/04.

The new family member...

So...we finally broke down and got a 'pet'. We tried fish awhile back but that wasn't successful, especially when Geordie feeds his snack to them, at the time I think he was eating goldfish and raisins.
About two weeks a go we were over at our friends, The Grey's house. They have some anoles as pets. Geordie and Nora Jane were playing with them for a bit and then went outside. We left about 45 minutes/an hour later. When we arrived home Geordie had to go to his room because he was not listening well when we left. He didn't put up much of a fuss and was a little too quiet, I just put it up to him being tired.
Think again!!!! The next morning when Callum and Geordie were getting ready for school/work I suddenly heard Callum yelling my name. Under Geordie's bed, under his sheriff Woody hat was li'l NJ. Yes, our child had 'borrowed' his best friends anole. We came to find out that he put it in his pocket when we were in the Grey's house where it stayed while he played outside for almost an hour.
So, to make a long story short (as if I can?!?!?) move to the present and we now have an anole.



I am not a big fan...AT ALL!!! I first was insistent that it was to live in the garage. That didn't work. It now lives in our playroom.



What's the name you ask?!?! This is what happened at the 'naming ceremony'...

Mummy: "Geordie, what do you want to name it?"

Geordie: "Stink!"

Callum: "You can't name it Stink! How about Steve?"

Geordie: "No, how about Geordie?!"

Mummy/Callum: "okay, but we might get things mixed up because your name is Geordie too"

Geordie: "how about Baby Geordie then?"

So Baby Geordie Wright it is!!

Baby Geordie eats crickets...

I'm still not comfortable with it!!

Things people think...and say... outloud!!!

Okay, you see the face I'm making in the picture?!?!

Notice the red swings behind?!

At this exact moment two redneck children just jumped on those swings and their father,

or should I say, 'the-ir Daddy' yelled;

"Get off'em, they for re-tarrrr-did kids!"

Class photos...

Mon/Wed/Fri Class

Geordie is to the right of his teacher, Ms. Susannah.


Tues/Thurs Class

Geordie is on the bottom right.

More...

Just so that you don't think I'm just picking on the US here are some more...

Australia

• Children may not purchase cigarettes, but can smoke them.
• You may never leave your car keys in an unattended vehicle.
• It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face as these items are the tools of a cat burglar.
• It is illegal to read someone's tarot, or give them a psychic reading as these are forms of witchcraft.
• Under Australian Communications Authority (ACA) regulations, your modem can't pick up on the first ring. If it does the ACA permit for your modem is invalid and there's a $12000 fine. - Telecommunications Act 1991.

England

• Those wishing to use a television must apply for a license.
• It is illegal to leave baggage unattended.
• Picking up abandoned baggage is as act of terrorism.

France

• Between the hours of 8AM and 8PM, 70% of the music in the radio must be by French composers.

Thailand

• It is illegal to leave your house if you are not wearing underwear.
• You must wear a shirt while driving a car.
• You must pay a fine of $600 in Thailand if you're caught throwing away chewed bubblegum on the sidewalk. If you do not pay the fine, you are jailed.
• No one may step on any of the nation's currency.

I am still trying to locate some in Canada!!!! So, if you know of any...

Weird laws...

I remember once coming across a web page that was designated to telling the various weird laws in different places. Such as;

Alabama

• It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
• Dominoes may not be played on Sunday.
• It is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.

California

• Sunshine is guaranteed to the masses.
• Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
• Bathhouses are against the law.
• It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale.
• Women may not drive in a house coat.

Florida

• Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner.
• A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.
• If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.
• It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
• Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.
• Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.
• It is illegal to skateboard without a license.
• When having sex, only the missionary position is legal.

Kansas

• Prohibits shooting rabbits from a motorboat.

Louisiana

• It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

Indiana

• It is illegal for a liquor store to sell cold soft drinks.
• Liquor stores may not sell milk.

Michigan

• You may not swear in front of women and children in the state of Michigan.

Nebraska

• It is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup.

New York

• A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll.
• It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.
• A license must be purchased before hanging clothes on a clothesline.
• The penalty for jumping off a building is death.

North Dakota

• Beer and pretzels can't be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.
• It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.

Ohio

• It is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday.
• It is illegal to get a fish drunk.

Pennsylvania

• A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.

Texas

• It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
• It is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. You don't need a windshield, but you must have the wipers.
• It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
• It is illegal to milk another person's cow.
• A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.
• The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.

Wisconsin

• You must manually flush all urinals in a building.
• Butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in state prisons.

These are all quite funny but yesterday I heard one of the best ones EVER!!!

In Carrollton they are not allowed to have sorority houses because when you have more than (approximately) 6 women living in a house it is then a whorehouse. Instead, the university built a dorm and each floor is a sorority. Fraternities are allowed to have houses.

So...not only is it a stupid law, it is a sexist law as well!!!!

Is this a genetic thing?!?!?

No matter what channel is on when Geordie turns the television on he can work his way to Speedvision. No joke...he always finds it!!!

Some things are just unbelievable...

Today I was complimented on my organization skills. For those of you who know me you'll know that I am as far away from being organized as anyone can be!!!
Organization is just one trait (or would it be gene?) that I do not have. For some reason I find that it is more acceptable for the father to be unorganized than the mother. It used to bother me a little that I wasn't and I would try my hardest to be, but I actually found it more stressful being organized than not. I have totally accepted my unorganized ways and love them...what it comes down to is; I can MacGyver myself out of anything.
I have also come to love my mother-in-law's "I can't believe she hasn't lost my grandson but I'm not really showing it look" that I get once in awhile.

So, today...the exterminator was over and needed me to move things from under the sinks. When we moved back into the house a couple of months a go I decided that I was going to have 'throw baskets' everywhere. Example, we have a basket in the living room that we 'throw' all magazines, books, papers in to make everything look neat. I pretty much have one in each room and I did the same for closets and under sinks. I am horrible at putting things back, and Callum isn't that much better so this all made sense to me!!!
Well, when I pulled my baskets out from under the sink with various items that always end up under the sink. The man said, "that's great, I've never seen that!"
When I did the same thing to the bathrooms, he said, "I'm going to have to tell my wife about this..." and then went on about how great of an idea it is and how organized I was.
I quickly set him straight and told him that this was because I am not organized, I see it more as being an organized mess. Either way...I WAS COMPLIMENTED ON MY ORGANIZATION AND I WILL BE TELLING ALL ABOUT THIS FOR YEARS TO COME!!!!

On a side note...

Geordie has not asked for a Lunchable since the incident!!!

Racing Callum!!

The last weekend of April we ventured over to Savannah for a race weekend. This time Callum was driving. A year and a half a go Callum went to 'race school' to get his racing license, so he had his 'beginners' and in order to get your full license you had to drive in two races in the next two years. On this particular weekend there were two races to do so this was it!!!

Here is Callum getting the pep-talk before going out!

That's Callum in the red car

If you look closely you can see Callum passing, or almost passing someone...

The team that we were with not only provided a car, they also included a four year old...
Nathan and Geordie were inseparable and it was great to have someone his age around who was familiar with racetrack etiquette. Hardly had to talk to either one of them!!!!

The Lunchable...

For the past couple of weeks Geordie has been asking for Lunchables for his lunch at school. Of course, I have been trying to get around it. I'm not too into the easy-peasy kind of meals. I prefer to know all the ingredients that go in to our food. Yes, sometimes I will slide and take the easy way but for the most part we do not eat pre-packaged food.
One day last week I told him that I would make up a lunchable for him. That didn't do the trick, I got;

Geordie: " No Mummy, I need a lunchable, all my friends have them"

I was talking to another friend about it and she said that her daughter also wanted one so she bought one and her daughter thought that it was the grossest thing EVER!!
So that's what I did. Although, I was afraid that Geordie really would like it!

Yesterday, I picked Geordie up from school and I told him we had to go grocery shopping. I will add that I usually go BY MYSELF without anyone else;

Geordie: "Awesome, I can get a lunchable!! I know where they are, they are at the back by the milk and eggs"

Yes, that is a problem that we have. Geordie has an amazing memory. This is another one of his traits that is going to be great in life that is horrible for the parents, especially when he is at this age. He is also very good with directions.

So, we spent a little over 5 minutes checking out the different lunchables. Since I had never paid attention to them before I couldn't get over the amount of different ones there are. It's crazy!!! Of course, he picked one with a candy and a juice box (of the kind that I won't buy). When we got home he was all excited about his lunch for the next day that he packed it in his lunch bag and put it on the stairs to be ready for school the next morning. Luckily, Callum noticed it and we put it back into the fridge.

Now it is the next day and I was a little late picking Geordie up so Callum went to pick him up and then was to meet me in the parking lot;

Geordie: "My tummy hurts, I'm hungry"

Callum: "Didn't you eat your lunchable? You've been talking about that forever!"

Geordie: "It was 'sgusting"

Callum and I just looked at each other.

When we got home I made a snack of crackers, ham and cheese (the exact same thing that was in his lunchable) and he loved it!!!

Yup, that's 1 for Mummy...none for Geordie!!!!

How a redneck takes a walk...

Like everyone else, I receive those emails with all the pictures of various rednecks doing stupid things...or just living. They used to be funny...then you live amongst them and it totally kills the humour!
Today we saw something that was a little out of the ordinary. Lately, because it is 'nice' many people have been out walking. Tonight there were 3 ladies out walking with their strollers and it looked to be a husband 'walking' with them as well. The ladies were 'bootin' it along, while he drove his ATV.

Time out!!

When it comes to discipline we use 'time outs'. After saying something for the second time to Geordie we then start the counting (just like any good reality Nanny program). Lately though, this is what has been happening...

me; "that's one...that's two"

Geordie; "that's three!!! You're in time out Mummy!"




picture: Geordie 06/04

Callum is hilarious...

Tonight, just after supper, I was cleaning up the dishes and Callum & Geordie were painting together and talking. This is what Callum had to say;

"I am in charge of all you see here"

Unpacking...

So, we've been here since the end, end of January and we still have not finished unpacking. With my school, Callum's work, traveling we just didn't bother. So, last week I finished my exams and we had a weekend in between two 'Savannah weekends', so we finally got to the laundry room, where a couple of 'whatever' boxes were living.

Geordie is watching this and says, "why are you doing this? is someone coming over?"


picture; Geordie, 6 months, Bayswater, NS

Traction Control...again!

So the day after the 3 stitches fiasco I picked Geordie up from school and he again had his "traction control" on.

Me: "Geordie, why are these on your sneakers?"

Geordie: "So, that I can climb up the slide... if I had this on at morning [meaning yesterday] I wouldn't have fallen and bumped my head"

3 Stitches!

Geordie had his first trip to the emergency room yesterday. Am I surprised that this was his first at age 4...a little! Am I surprised that it was for just a regular old trip up the stairs and not for some kind of dare devil antic...DEFINITELY!!!!
As the story goes, Geordie had a fall at the school playground on Wednesday. He was climbing up the ladder and his foot missed a step. The school called me but I was writing an exam, so they Callum. He quickly went to the school picked Geordie up and went to the ER. In Callum's words,
"It was quite a deep cut [his skull was visible] so he had to get stitches".
All this was going on and I had no idea. When I finally finished my exam and was driving back I called Callum, who I thought would be at the skate park with Geordie as the plan was for Callum to get off a little early from work to pick him up. So Callum gives me the don't worry but we're at the hospital type speech. Which I felt was not needed as I was okay, maybe because I had myself set up for it...like how I totally have myself set up for thinking that one night when Geordie is like, say, 13 he's going to come home drunk! Although, hopefully not by coolers...GREG!
Anyway, finally got to the hospital and when I arrived, BOTH Geordie and Callum were sitting there eating a Popsicle, everything done, and then I saw the amount of blood on Geordie's shirt...
Supposedly he was really great about the entire process, not once did he shed a tear. The teacher's at his school couldn't get over that when it did happen he cried for about 30 seconds and then that was it. So now Geordie is walking around like this...

For some reason Geordie thinks that this is a nice picture face! It doesn't even look like him!!!

I just love...

being outside watching Geordie ride his bike while listening to gunshots off in the not-so-distance!

Would not have believed it if I had not witnessed it myself...

Yesterday we were driving to Savannah, GA. For the trip we stopped off at the gas station before starting off a red car did a 'stupid move according to Callum' and this is how the conversation started...

Callum: "Jackass!"

Geordie: "What's Jacks ass?"

We said nothing... half an hour later another red car cut in front of us on the I95 and the conversation started up again...

Callum: "Jackass!"

Geordie's: "Where's Jacks ask? That red car"

Callum: "yes, the red car"

Geordie: "yes, Daddy, all red cars are Jack asks"

for the next five minutes...

Geordie: "there's a Jack ask...look at that jack ask...there's another jack ask...what are the people in white cars called?...look there's a truck with a Jack ask..."

Three hours later we are in Savannah in Chick-fil-A for supper. Geordie is playing with another child and when we are saying goodbye we find out the child's name...you guessed it...Jack!!! Couldn't believe it!!!! Jack left a couple of minutes ahead of us so by the time we were walking out of the restaurant Jack was across the parking lot, Geordie saw him and yelled out, "Bye Jack Ask!!"

Happy Birthday Russell!!!

Today is Russell's 29th birthday. Geordie's been excited for a while now. Unfortunately yesterday he finally realized that he won't be spending Russell's birthday with him. Okay, really he finally realized that he wouldn't be getting any of Russell's cake but the other way sounds so much nicer! ;)

Cult or Classic?!?!?!?

This is Geordie's second year in nursery school. He really enjoys it, therefore, we enjoy it!!! Down here things are a little different than in Canada. It seems that childcare does not seem to be all that important here. Anyone can have a daycare and anyone can work with children, all you need is a police check (that comes out good!). As much as experience is an asset, education is something that should not be overlooked and I find that it is when teaching younger children here.
So...we go with the flow and the flow down here has nursery school programs at churches. Last year Geordie went to a Baptist program this year it's a Christian program, we joke that we are doing the rounds. As well, that anything that they do to him at this age, we can undue!!
Just before Easter, Geordie's school had a 'little presentation', well this was (part of) it...




That, "oh, goodness" was me. I found it a little, well, weird. First of all Christian rock...never heard of it till we moved down here (and did you know that there is Christian RAP also?!?!?!?). Thing is really you could take any song and instead of using him or her you could use God, think The Beatles could have sang, "I love God, yeah, yeah, yeah" (also see Sister Act movie). But for some reason because it is under the heading Christian rock it feels weird!!!
Watching this performance (and this was only the beginning), there were two or three more songs and a verse from the bible where all the children first named the verse (you know John 23:1 type of thing) I started to understand how easy it is to form a cult. The whole thing just seemed very cult-like, or at least the beginnings of one.
Question is...why did I think that?!?!? If they had sang something that I would refer to as a 'normal' children's song and said some nursery rhymes all together I would have thought nothing of it. I know, it's because its not what I'm used too but still. It wasn't necessarily that I was frightened for my life, more just thinking, there is no way that my child can stay much longer.
I would say that I was raised 'in the church' (in other words, I went) but I do realize it's definitely different than being raised 'in the church' down here. Back home, my parents were very involved in the church when I was growing up from choir to running the youth group; at least that puts me up a couple of pegs down here to some when I tell them that (usually those who say, "they're not Christian so they don't have good morals", and that's word for word!). Thing I don't tell is how my father always picked the same song every year at camp to sing at the service, 'Let Heaven Rejoice' on page 666 and that the statue of Mary used to disappear.

Guess who?!?!?!?

April Fool...

Oh yes, the good 'ol April fools joke. First of all, who started this and why can you only do it till noon?!?!?!
I can't say I was ever big on it but I do remember my brother Russell terrorizing our mother. He did the regular norms like switching the sugar and the salt but one time he 'got her reel good'!!
One April first morning Russell taped down the sprayer thingie. When Mom came down and turned on the water it went all over her. Truthfully it was quite funny to watch her freak out and try and reach for the faucet to turn it off...then try and get mad at Russell ;)

Sick leave!

This weekend I was down and out!!! Literally!!! I caught some kind of stomach virus that was going around and I was unable to get out of bed. It was horrible. I don't remember EVER being that sick before. It started late Friday night and really, I still feel it now, Monday evening.
So, it was Callum and Geordie to fend for themselves this weekend. How did this go you may ask?

Well, when I finally woke up around 1:30 in the afternoon, no one was home. Luckily a little 'elf' put a phone next to my pillow so I called Callum's mobile. Where were they?!?! At the Mexican restaurant!! I went back to sleep.
Later that afternoon when I woke up they were informing me that they were going to an old colleagues (of Callum's) for supper. Callum told me that we had been invited some time during the week but he didn't think that we were going to go. Earlier that day when he realized how sick I was he decided that he and Geordie would go...and then they would be fed!
On to Sunday (which also happened to be Callum's birthday) I finally needed some kind of food so Callum actually made scrambled eggs and toast for me...and Geordie. Although when asking afterwards how it was he told me that when he was cooking them he thought that they smelled like sweaty boots. Don't ask because I have no answer!!
That afternoon, Callum took Geordie to an indoor play place as the weather was horrible and Geordie needed to get out! He called around 6 and told me that Geordie was dying of hunger and that they were going to stop at McDonald's as it was just across the street.

Thing is, Callum gets incredibly aggravated when I want to eat out or order something in once-in-awhile because I don't feel like cooking!!!! All I can say is that I will never feel bad about doing that AGAIN!!!!!

Conversations with Geordie...

The scene; supper time, our kitchen, end of meal, Geordie is playing with his cutlery...

Mummy (that's me!); "Geordie, we're not supposed to play with our utensils."

Geordie (holding up the knife): "these aren't pencils!"

Daddy: "no, U-tensils"

Geordie: "no," (pointing at Callum) "you're tensil " (pointing at me) "and you're tensil" (pointing at himself) "I'm a people".

My Daddy's Birthday!

Sunday is Callum's birthday. Geordie has been talking about it all week. It first started with what kind of party Daddy wants;

Geordie: " I think that Daddy wants a party at Chuck E Cheeses"

Geordie was there twice when he was two! He doesn't remember it at all he has just been seeing the commercials.

Then on to birthday present;

Geordie: " I know what Daddy wants! He wants a monster truck and some hotwheels of his own"

So yesterday Geordie was talking to Callum about his birthday;

Geordie: " you wanna go to Chuck E Cheeses?"

Callum: "no, not really."

Geordie: "oh, I know, you really want to go to Jumpin' Joey's!!!"

Callum gave up! Isn't it just like a guy to think that you want what they want!!!!!

picture; back when Geordie was quiet! (03/04)

Chores

About a month before Geordie turned four we started talking to him about doing chores. So on his 4th birthday he started. We're still working through it all, seeing what works, what he likes to do, at what time of the day should they be, etc...
It's not always the same chore, Geordie gets to pick from a list; vacuuming stairs, cleaning the floors, windows, putting away laundry, setting and/or clearing the table and dusting. If you can think of any others...let me know!!
My plan is by the age of 8 he will be doing the whole house! ;)

picture; Geordie cleaning the floors

Class pictures...

Tomorrow Geordie is getting his class photos done. Today we were discussing what he will wear and how he will do his hair (yes, yes, apple does not fall far from the tree!).

Geordie: "I want my hair to be cool, like ROCK & ROLL"...while doing the rock and roll 'sign' with hand..."I want it just like Uncle Russell's hair when I was a baby at Nana and Grandad's with Greggie also"

He is referring to a picture that who knows when he last saw...



picture: (l-r) Greg, Geordie and Russell (08/04)

Conversation with a Paediatrician...

Geordie had his four year old well check up the other day, during this time the doctor asks various questions about how your child is doing as well as what things are they surrounded by, good and bad. This is what the conversation was at one point...

Dr. Ogdan: "Any smokers in the house?"

Me: "no"

Dr. Ogden: "Any guns?"

Me: "No, I'm Canadian!"

Aunt Rainy's Birthday!

So yesterday was my Aunt's birthday. Geordie loves Aunt Rainy and did a birthday message for her!!




I'm not going to tell Aunt Rainy's age but I will say that we are going to start working on "When I'm sixty-four" for next year!

Just riding my bike!

Geordie loves riding his bike! He finally will go outside without any other children around. He always loved playing outside but he could only do it for so long by himself. He really needs people around (I have NO idea where he gets that *insert sarcasm key*). Now he can stay out forever!! As long as he has his bike...

Still Alive!!!

It's been more than a month since I last wrote. What have I been doing?!?! I'm trying to figure that out...

I actually have been really busy. Between school work and then Callum's parents were here for a little over a week, then more school work...trying to get everything back in order. You get my drift!!

I have also been 'in talks' with a couple of friends. By the end of April we will be launching our own little business. You might look at it as something for us to do and make a little money on the side. Here's hoping everything goes well...more will be revealed at a later date! ;)

As I said, Callum's parents were here for a nice visit. Geordie loved having people visit HIS house (yes, that's a hint to all). We had a good time, and Wright Mum was a great help!! I was in midterms and the one day that I had to go and write my exam (outside the house) Geordie's school was canceled due to lack of power...there was none! So I was able to go on and write my exam and have no worries because Geordie was with his Grannie. They had a fine day!! To the Castle playground and Chick-fil-A they went!! On top of that meals were made and my kitchen now has curtains!! I am really starting to think that I should start a rent-a-Grannie business!!

I should mention that Wright Dad was also helpful. He and Callum had to take apart one of the toilets...they did a great job!!!

Truthfully, I locked them both up in their room and only allowed them out when I had a job for them to do!!!!

Geordie celebrated his birthday party on the 23rd (which funnily enough was actually his due date!). Check out the cake...


Unfortunately Geordie was upset that he was on it. We thought it was great!!!
We had it at the recreation centre in Carrollton where Geordie takes his gymnastics class. He celebrated it with his friends, Nora Jane, Ethan, Jayley, Ella and Carson.

pictures; (from top to bottom) Callum and Geordie, The superheroes cake, opening presents with his friends, Nora Jane and Geordie.

Geordie is now 4!!!

Yesterday was Geordie's fourth birthday. We couldn't believe it. He was very excited, and then he started talking about being five...

I was talking to him about each birthday and what he could do, which led to where he was before he was a baby...

Me: "you were in my tummy."

Geordie: *in awe* "you eat me?!?!?!"

Me: *while trying not to laugh too hard* "no..." didn't get a chance to say anything else.

Geordie: "I crawled in there?!?!?!? Who's tummy were you in?"

Me: "Nana's, and Daddy was in Grannie's"

Geordie: "Who's tummy was Nana in? Grandad's?"

Me: "No, Nana was in Nanny's"

Geordie: "Who's tummy was Grannie in?"

Me: "Grannie Hamilton's, who was Grannie's Mummy."

...then Geordie was bored of that subject.


photo above; Geordie, 10 minutes old.

Conversations with Geordie...

We had cupcakes for desert tonight...

Me: "Geordie, how is it?"

Geordie: "It's goody!!"

Callum: "It's good, goody isn't a word. We speak Queen's English".

2 minutes later

Callum: "My cupcake is good"

Geordie: "My cupcake is GOODY!!"


Today Geordie and I were running a couple of errands after his school. As we were coming out of a store...

Geordie: "When we get home can I ride my bike?"

Me: "Aaahhh...I'm not..."

Geordie: "Yes or no Mummy, that's all you have to say, Yes or no!"

I'll remind you again that Geordie is not yet 4!!!

above; Geordie just over 6 months. When he didn't talk back or correct us!