Bunny Hill or Ski Bunny?!?

Last week on what was 'Family Day' we all went skiing.

It was my first time.

Never really thought of skiing as being my thing. I have always been strong in sports just never really liked the idea of doing something that you can fall at. Fail, I do not have a problem with, fall...totally different story.

Same thing with skating. Although I can do it, and took lessons as a child. I remember not really enjoying it, I was timid because I was always afraid of falling.

Thing is we have a trip coming up, a ski trip, for March Break. We all know that Geordie can ski, remember?!? Well, we figured that I should learn so that Callum could have some time to do the trickier hills and Geordie would not have to stay off the hills at that time.

So, last Monday up to Martock we went...

Both Geordie and I had a lesson. Different instructors, of course. Geordie's lesson was on the big hill. Mine started on a very small hill; far away from the bunny hill. While Geordie was learning French fry turns and hockey stops I was learning pizza turns and snowplow stops.

So, here is Geordie. This is now our retirement plan...

Notice the backwards skiing, first time doing that. Wish we had filmed him by the end of the day. He could go front to back and back to front again and again in the blink of an eye.

Then there is me. Well, I do not have the NO FEAR of Geordie but I was much better than I thought I would be. When I put on the boots, I thought that I would hate it! Those are the most uncomfortable things to wear!

So I have my lesson, I do okay. I fell once...and you know what?! I didn't get hurt. Once I had the fall behind me I was fearless! Okay, maybe I wasn't but it makes for such a better story!

After my lesson Callum and Geordie joined me on the bunny hill and we all went down together. Well, Callum stayed by me, Geordie went down, back up and down again in the one time it took us to go down.

Finally, my third time going down after my lesson went great, or so I thought...

Here are the thoughts that were going through my head as I go down the bunny hill ;

- I'm AWESOME!

- I can't believe I'm going this fast...ALREADY!!!

- I'm a natural!!

- Why is this the first time I'm trying this?!?

- I'm too awesome to start so late!

- Sure, not as good as Jenn Heil but I'm sure she was just like me!

- The possibilities that I threw away by not skiing until now?!

- I could have been an Olympian!!

- The speed I am going is unreal!

- The hill is going to use me as an example to all

yes, all these thoughts, and more...

Now, of course I prefer to show my Princessy, gorgeous, totally put together side but here, for one time only, I will show my, well, spazzy side. Very few people see this...and yes, I am sharing it with y'all!!

When watching, please remember all the thoughts that were going through my head while this is taking place...and that the camera adds 10lbs! ;)

I have a problem with staring at my feet as I go making me look even more spazzy...

The next time I went down, again, the same thoughts were going through my head until Geordie passes me going much, much faster; does a hockey stop in front of me; turns around and starts skiing backwards saying, "Mummy!! You're doing great!! Come on!! You Can Do It!! Just follow me!!"

Bubble burst!

Then I see the video...now I question EVERYTHING I have ever done where I thought I did a great job and looked cool!! :(

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Helping a Parent Along...

Canada is a little different than USA and we are using this to our advantage!!

Last week I was caught on the ice at Geordie's school. A couple of the father's had to help me out. One noticed the Georgia license plate and commented. I will admit to saying, 'yes' with a slight drawl.

But our real usage of the USA/Canadian difference is in parenting.

We have been known to say such things as;

"No, they do not allow that in Canada!"

"They do not have that in Canada!"

"Yeah, Canada, it's a little different and there are different rules"

So now, if we do not have something or say no to doing something Geordie automaticly thinks that Canada just does not have it;

Geordie was watching tv one day and needed to leave the room for a second;

Geordie: "Mummy, pause it please!"

Me: "Oh, sorry Geordie, there is no pause here."

Geordie: "UGH!!! They don't have pause in Canada?!?!"

HELLO WORLD!!!!

It has been three months and fourteen days that we have been back in The Great White North, eh?! -and that is one of the only times that I have said "eh"! I will admit to making statements sound like questions though!

I'll take you back to October; the travel up was great! Callum's brother came down and helped us drive back. One 26ft Uhaul with trailer carrying our car and our other car driving in convoy. We broke up the drive over five days.

Day one saw not one, but two flat tires. Luckily it happened when we were parking the Uhaul at the hotel in the evening.

Day two was a long day of driving but all were in good spirits and Callum's brother was a demon with the Uhaul! A demon in a good way...he left 15 minutes before us and we never caught up to him!

Day three we took out the brand new Nintendo DS...it was a quiet day.

Day four; Freeport...need I say more?!? -although when shopping Freeport do not go with 3 males!

Day five was the home stretch! We stayed the night before in Houlton, ME so that we would be fresh for the border crossing. All paperwork was in order, plus copies of everything just in case! Stopped on the US side to deal with the cars (one is Canadian the other American). That took about 15 minutes.

Then on to the Canadian side...lots of paperwork but we had everything that was needed. Finished in about 20-30 minutes then the Customs person smiles at us and says, "Welcome back!". That was it, we were done. They didn't even look in the cars let alone open the truck. Callum was mad! All that strategical packing...

Walking back to the cars;

Callum: "Well, we're Canadian again!"

Geordie: "I don't like Canadians."

An hour later he was back to being happy about being Canadian!

Now he is loving it!! First day of skiing, after one lesson he was ready for the big hill;

...although once in a while he will remind us that when he's 18 he is moving back to Georgia.

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Busy Bees!! ...well, people!

We have been crazy busy!

Trying to get everything together for the move.

This is not a complaint...AT ALL!!!

I am merely stating a fact!!!! :)

All summer Geordie has been talking about 'running a race' so we found a children's race for him. He did it this weekend. The US 10K Classic;

It was 0.5K (0.31 miles). There were 5 races for children and they were broken up by age, Geordie's race was for 5 & 6 year olds. Parents were allowed to run with the children, so Callum did. To be honest, I was more afraid for Callum running it than Geordie.

Look under the ( d's ) you will find Callum & Geordie

When the race started Callum was running behind Geordie but Geordie kept turning around to see where he was. So Callum quickly changed his strategy and moved in front of him;

Look at that form... and that hair...

Both 'boys' ran the whole race. I had told them both it's perfectly fine if you need to stop and walk. They had paced themselves well and did a lot of passing down the 'backstretch'. By the time Geordie thought about walking he could see the finish line.

If you ask Geordie he thinks that he came in second. The first 10 girls and first 10 boys receive a medal.

We just know that he was in the top 10 for boys and his time was somewhere around 3 minutes and 23 seconds;

...take note of the 'cheese smile'

The proud parents and the tired of pictures Geordie!

**update; Callum slept well that night! ;)

We Survived...with a phone call home of course!

Well, we have 2 days of big school under our belt and now into the first full week.

Day 1; I picked him up and everything was great! The whole car line thing down here is definitely something to see! He enjoyed his first day. In his class is a girl (cute, blonde) who was in his class two years a go in nursery school. Back then she went back and forth between Geordie and his friend. Now she goes to church with Geordie's friend so she is his friend's girlfriend. We'll see if that's the same by the end of the week.

We have been told that he needs to look good everyday because she is in his class.

Before I tell about day 2 I will try and explain about the discipline system in his class.

Everyone starts with a green stamp. This is Groovy Green, it means you have had a good day.

Proud Purple - you had an exceptionally great day!

Okay Orange - you have been talked to once.

Watch out White (I think) - you have been talked to again and during play time after lunch you have to do laps of the playground.

Yikes Yellow - your parents are called.

Boo Blue - office!

Now...

Day 2; Callum dropped him off in the car line. Everything went fine. Around 1:oo I get a phone call from his teacher. Yup...Geordie was on Yikes Yellow!

He was 'cutting up' (didn't think it would be appropriate to ask what that was at the time, figured it meant messing around and asked a friend later on) not listening, etc...

The teacher said that usually there are a couple of children who test them in the first week of school (for us day 2!). They just want to get a handle on things right away. She was incredibly apologetic. As we all know, Geordie is beyond a tester (he had a letter home in his first week last year at nursery school as well, same deal...seeing how far he can go) and he needs to be put in his place right away or he will keep trying.

Then I had to talk to Geordie. He was upset;

Geordie: "Mummy?"

Me: "Geordie, what's going on?"

Geordie: "I don't know." (through tears)

Me: "Well, why aren't you listening?" Totally nice voice

Geordie: "I don't know. (again, through tears) I don't want to be here. I just want to be home with you forever!"

Me: "OKAY!!! I'll come and get you and you can stay with me forever! You'll never have to go to that bad school again!!!"

Seriously?!?! Do you think I said that?!?!

Of course I didn't!!!! But it didn't stop me from thinking it!!!!

Went on to tell him that going to school is like Daddy going to work and reminded him what he likes about it. Also the whole love you but disappointed, yadda, yadda, yadda...

When I picked him up an hour and a half later. All was well!

Callum and I discussed it and we felt that he was disciplined enough...this time! If it happens again, he won't be so lucky!

That evening when I was talking to Geordie;

Me: "Geordie, did you do laps during your play time outside?"

Geordie: "Oh yes, we ran them."

Me: "WE?!?! Who else?"

Geordie: "Me and 'the girl'!"

...and so it begins!!!!

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Please summer just end...

While everyone back home is just beginning their summer (or quarter of the way into it) I have had it with summer. March/April here is like June back home; May is like July/August. There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing!

School gets out here at the end of May, for the first two weeks the children on our street are outside all day long playing. It's great! and takes me back to my childhood (*sniff*) when we would go out for the whole day and play. Well, as I said, that happens for approximately two weeks, then it's too hot for them to go out. Some are then in all day camps and others stay in their house ALL DAY LONG!

This week is our first week without any classes or lessons. At this point I am so tired of summer I am ready to just stay in the house all day and do nothing. Luckily the last couple of days have had a nice breeze (usually there is no breeze what-so-ever at all!). But the 2 weeks before that it was hot and humid and I was just tired of it! I found that I didn't want to do anything, especially make supper at the end of the day. We had one week where we ate out three times!!! For us, that's huge!!!! We might eat out once or twice a month.

So for me, I am done with summer. Although give me the chance and I would love to enjoy some of the summer back home... with the breeze and wearing shorts with long sleeve shirts/jackets (a popular fashion of the eas' coast). All I know is that when the time comes and we are finally back in Canada...I will never complain about the cold again!!

COLD!!! BRING IT ON!!!!

We have to find a lot of indoor activities...here's one!

Geordie loves the Chipmunks although he calls them Simon and the Chipmunks. His reasoning; "Simon is the smartest, and my favourite so he should be in charge!"

Why Was I Not Warned?!?!?

Geordie has always been a sweet easy going child.

Sure he has bad ass tendencies, a stubborn streak so long it might get me home, and negotiates till the cows come.

...but he has pretty much been a go with the flow kind of guy!

Don't get me wrong...he still is that way, for the most part, but a couple of months ago once in a while we get this child who looks like our sweet, adorable easy going, non tantrumy Geordie but instead we get a tantrum throwing, talking back, demanding little bugger!

At first we were worried. I had never heard of this 'stage' we thought it was just us! Luckily, mum's talk, and I found out that everyone was having the same problem!! One friend even referred to it as, "the f-ing fives".

We are dealing with this 'phase' using 'time outs', alone time (which we know is the worst thing for Geordie), and taking things away. We have been doing well (yes, I'm patting ourselves on the back). We are following through (99% of the time, okay maybe 92%..but still!!!), and we are not raising our voices.

...but, how much longer will this last?!?!? how much longer will we last?!?!?

Why did I not know about this stage?!?
Did you go through it? Are you going through it?
What did you do?

If you have yet to get to this stage, be warned!!! This makes me want to go back to those 'attitude threes'!!!



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So, I did it! 5K in high 30's C / almost 100 F... in the shade!! Let me tell you though...there was not much shade. Way too hot for this Canadian Girl, but I did it. As you can see my time is to the left!

Now...off to find a 10K! Preferably in the fall...and preferably in Canada! :oP

Meanwhile, would you believe that our child is a s*@t disturber?!?!?

Hard to believe, isn't it?!?!?

The other day at Karate, there is another child who is exactly 2 years older than Geordie and has taken a liking to him. Geordie doesn't really want to have anything to do with him. So, he says hi to the child but tries not to sit by him. To be honest, I can see why Geordie wants to stay clear of him.

Yesterday, this child kept coming up to me to 'tattle' on Geordie. First the "he said he won't be my friend" then a couple other things then finally he came up to me and told me that Geordie just punched him. Guess what?!?! Geordie wasn't even near him when he said it happened.

Five minutes later the boy went to sit next to Geordie, next thing I know that child is whining about having red eyes. He came over to his mother and asked her about his red eyes and she told him that they were not red. He went back and sat next to Geordie;

Annoying child: "my eyes aren't red"

Geordie: "Yes they are. I can see it! It's really red!"

Annoying Child: "really!??! but my mother said they weren't" starting to freak a little

Geordie: totally calm "Nope! They're bright red!"

Unfortunately, the apple does not fall far from the tree. BOTH Callum and I love pushing other people's buttons!

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1/2 Fish

Summer is coming along meltingly! Seriously! I am melting away...in more ways than one!!! Tomorrow is my 5K. The weather is saying, 'feels like' 38 C. Here's hoping the route is shaded!!

The swimming lessons are going great! Here's Geordie in his first session of swimming lessons.

Front crawl (or what they call free style); back crawl; breast stroke and play time at the end! Would you believe that the water is 12ft deep here. He knows that it's "2 Grandad's" long and thinks absolutely nothing of it! Our philosophy...what's the difference between 12 ft or 4 ft for him?!?!?

Wordless Wednesday - Graduation of a Pre-schooler Prt II

*** If you missed it, here's Graduation Prt I!

Creative Conversations...

Although Geordie is going through a huge, "I don't like girls" phase he has a few that seem to be void of this rule.

There are his 10 year old twins across the street, and of course N.J. , then there is Tara!

Tara is my brothers girlfriend and Geordie is more than smitten...still...and he has not seen her since Christmas!!

A couple of weeks a go when we were in Wilmington. We were sitting around Callum's parents table having lunch discussing something or other that had absolutely nothing to do with anything Tara!;

Grandpa: "...the little blonde one?"

Geordie: (who was not even involved in this conversation) "who? what? Do you mean Tara?!?"

Grannie: "Who is Tara?"

Me: "Greg's girlfriend."

Geordie: "Who's Greg?!?"

Yes, my friends...complete denial!


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A couple of weeks a go Callum and I were discussing a 'project' that Geordie needed to do for his graduation;

Me: "Oh, it says that he can draw us, we don't need to get a picture, we'll just get him to draw one."

Callum: "He can draw us?!?!?!"

Me: "Yes! That's what it says."

Callum: "Okay?!?! But I'm telling you now...it is NOT going to look like us!!"


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Callum called home, Geordie answered;

Callum: "Did you call?"

Geordie: "No."

Callum: "Did Mummy call?"

Geordie: "No"

Callum: "Are you sure?"

* this from the guy who you have to ask 'did the phone ring while I was gone? did you answer it?' too!

Geordie: "Daddy, I know that Mummy did not call you!"

Callum: "Is Mummy sitting right beside you?"

Geordie: "No, she's in the shower, that's how I know she didn't call you. Can you call back later please?"

Callum: "Yes" ...feeling a little silly.

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Graduation of a pre-schooler (part I)

Here is the beginning of Geordie's 'graduation'. He is front row middle. He is the loud voice that you can hear clearly until there are words that he is unsure of...although, that didn't stop him from belting it out loud and clear! It's possible that he is the only child in his class who did not know this song until he was taught it here. ;)

Anyone care to bet money that Callum rolled his eyes at the chorus of 'aaaaahhhhhsss' from the parents!??!!!

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Thoughts on Moving...by Geordie

* This is all talk, there is no moving...yet!*

Geordie has been talking a lot about moving lately. A couple of weeks a go this conversation came up;

Geordie; "Why are we moving?"

Me; "Mummy & Daddy are not from here and we only came down here to live for a bit and experience a different 'culture' and we feel that our time is more than up."

Geordie; "But I like it here. I don't want to leave my girls! Why do we have to leave?"

Me; "Well, it's kind of hard to explain but this is not exactly a great fit for Mummy and Daddy. We are a lot different than most of the people here, we think and believe in different things and we want to be with other people who are more like us. Plus, we like winter. Remember Mummy & Daddy are Canadian."

Geordie; "But I'm from here."

Me; "Yes, you were born here but you are also a Canadian citizen because Mummy & Daddy are. Just like Daddy is Canadian but he is also Scottish because that's where Grannie & Grandpa are from."

Geordie; "I like it here though."

Me; "I know, but you'll like it there too. You'll make more friends and there will be things to do there that you can't do here...like skiing and snowboarding."

Geordie; "But I don't have ski boots."

Me; "Well, we can get some. There is also skating."

Geordie; "OH YEAH!!!! ...and then I can do hockey.
Okay...I'm ready, let's move to Canada!"



Since then there has been much talk about moving from Geordie, although nothing has come up yet!
Only problem is that he thinks that moving to Canada means moving to Halifax. We have had to explain that, that might not be the case. Just hoping that wherever we end up they have a skate park as good as Halifax's. He talks about it all the time... to the point where he only goes to the one in Carrollton to practise for the one in Hali!

Here was the conversation the other day;

Geordie; "Will we live with Nana & Grandad?"

Me; "Remember Geordie we might not be moving to Halifax. There are other places in Canada too."

Callum; "...but yes, we would probably stay with Nana & Grandad for a bit and then move to our own home."

Geordie; "But I want to live with Nana & Grandad forever!"

Callum; "Yeah?!?!? Well Mummy & Daddy DON'T!"


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It's A Cultural Thing...

As Reese Witherspoon's character in Sweet
Home Alabama says, "People need a passport to come here!"

We have found many cultural differences between here and home. Truthfully, we didn't think that we would see as many as we have American television as well as books, magazines, etc...

But alas, there are. Starting with the graduation situation (yes, I realize that rhymes in a weird way... and I'm keeping it!). As soon as the notice came out for the pictures Callum and I were laughing our heads off! Pre-schoolers?!?! Cap & Gown?!?

Back home you do not get a gown until high school graduation (grade 12) but there is no cap. When you graduate from University with an undergrad, again, there is a gown but no cap. When you receive your Masters, during the ceremony at the time you receive your 'papers' they put the cap on you for a second and then take it off. I'm almost positive you have a cap for the ceremony when you receive your PhD. These same 'rules' exist for your grad photos.

Now, as funny as we think this is... HOW CUTE IS THIS PHOTO?!?!?

Yes, I am afraid I have turned into one of those parents!! ...and just wait, the ceremony is this coming Monday evening!


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Remember my cute little listener?!?!?

There is a rule in Geordie's class about listening;

-First time you are spoken too you are put on 'green'
-Second time you are spoken too you are put on 'yellow'
-Third time you are spoken too you are put on 'red' and a note goes home to your parents that needs to be signed by one of them.

In the first two weeks of school this year, we had one. Now, in the last two weeks of school we have another.

Truthfully, I'm kind of proud that we have only (knock on wood) had two. Thought that there might be more due to his negotiating skills and stubbornness that could give his Uncle Greg a run for his money.

Here are the 3 this time;

(1) Green - Had to be asked several times to sit up during circle time.

(2) Yellow - Yelling on the way back from the bathroom, after he was told that quiet voices were to be used.

and finally, the one that does not surprise me what-so-ever at all...

(3) Red - Using the building blocks in the classroom as a skateboard immediately after he was told that was not what they were used for and that he was to put them away.


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Possilby too observent!!

Many of my stories are usually at someone else's expense. Today, and hopefully only today, it will be at mine. This was told to me by Callum who had a hard time getting it out between breathing and wiping the tears away;

Geordie; "Mummy's doing yoga to make her parts long and skinny."

Callum; "What parts? "

Geordie; "You know, those lumpy parts!"

Callum; "What do you mean lumpy parts?"

Geordie; "You know the ones around here (as his hands hover around his belly/waist) that move around like this (then grabbed his belly and shook it up and down)."

Little does he know that those 'lumpy parts' are partially his fault!!!


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Still Alive...barely!

Took a little break! First due to exams, then due to catching up on everything I neglected while studying. On top of that we've been having huge problems with our computer/connection. Thank goodness we have our little friend!

One thing I have come to realize is that not only are we a 2 computer family, but, we are a family that NEEDS a computer. It is no longer a WANT. Can you believe that?!?!? Actually, I bet that most of you are as well. What would happen if your one computer broke down? How long could you go without it?

So, now, not including Callum's work computer we now have as many computers as we do televisions. Funny thing is we use both computers more than we do the television.

We have also been busy with Easter parties, Spring Break (yes, Spring Break for 5 year olds) and a trip to Wilmington. All were great times! Here are some pics of Geordie's school Easter party;

Here's the two 4 year old classes
(please notice the 4 gentlemen on the bottom right)

Here is what I like to call 'Geordie and his big brother, Bubba'!

Remember the Three wise monkeys proverb?!?
Geordie with his good friends;

Finally, on the hunt!
Sorry for the blurriness but I think it's a cute pic!

Through all this we had to deal with a more so than usual bratty phase. Would you believe that he started to yell at us?!?! I know!! I was dumb founded!! By the 3rd time he was in time out and after the 5th time (when he did it at a friends house where I had the back up of another mother who had been having the same problem at the same time...I know, we said hhhhmmm?!? as well) that was the last. Since then, things have been good!

As for me, really, still here. Some days I'm ready to pack the car and leave. More houses in our subdivision have gone up for sale, more houses are foreclosed. They keep saying it's going to get worse before it gets better. I think, it's possible that for once the media has NOT blown something out of proportion. Here's hoping our luck changes soon.

This week I received the Best Mummy Award...

Seriously!!! Of course I gave it to myself; but still...!!!!

Geordie has once again been hounding us for lunchables, even though he does not like them! We have found it's because of the candy! You get a piece of candy in each lunchable. Therefore, he wants it!! We have had other experiences with Geordie and his pallet, see here, and here.

So, I've had to bring my 'A' game up!! Be a little more creative!! Actually I just checked out the lunchable aisle and got some ideas. So without further adieu...

Yes, those are mini hamburgers that I grilled. Ignore the white spots...I put oatmeal in my hamburgers, among other things. I cut up a dinner roll as well as some cheese and he put them together at school. The day before this he had a taco lunchable (which is actually a Hel-riginal).

This was a huge success and I will be more than willing to do it again!! Geordie didn't even comment that it was lacking a candy!!

Meanwhile I've been busy trying to figure out how to bake on the Grill (BBQ for you whitey's up north!). I have finally found success...

Using the instructions from here minus the box cake and can of icing. I am a bit of a snob and prefer to make from scratch. So I used my grandmother's chocolate cake recipe and my Aunt's icing recipe...

To begin you mix up the cake with icing;


You then roll it into balls and then shape them to your liking. As I was trying to make eggs this is what the result was;


Let them set in the fridge then put them on sticks with just a little bit of chocolate on the end of the stick to 'glue' it in. Again, let set in fridge (freezer if you're in a rush). Once set dip 'em in chocolate;


To the fridge they go to set once again;


Here's the final (for some reason blogger keeps making this picture vertical);


Really, they look pretty good and they are as easy as pie...or would that be cake?!?!

Do you know that during high school I worked at a movie theatre and I used to be able to get off early if I promised not to tell a joke for a week.

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Bubbles, Glasses and Racing...

Geordie and Callum have been busy. Last weekend they went to Alabama and watched the Indy practice or something or other. They went with Uncle Vijay and had a great time!!! Although Geordie did admit that he likes Grandpa's races better!

This past weekend it was a rainy one. All indoor activities!! Here is their new addiction!!

(please ignore mess in back, this is our one room that we have not organized! we just recently started using it and this is what it is used for!)

As for me, what have I been up to on the weekends...

Hello, my name is Helen and I am addicted to House Hunters International!!

Seriously!!

I have been watching television less and less. Just not interested... then this show comes along!!

I blame my in-laws!!! When they were here they tied me down and made me watch it!! They also poured wine down my throat!!! YES!!! They are like that!!! ;)

So, it is now on my favourites list and I get to watch it on the weekend. Saturday morning I was all set for the 6th district in Paris; by Saturday night I was buying a cave house in Southern Spain. Sunday morning I changed my mind and had my heart set on a house on the Mediterranean in Italy. By that evening I was back to Paris...

We've discussed my bubble before and how it's a great place where everything goes my way! You think it's a joke, don't you!?!? Unfortunately It's not. There are a lot of times I really do live in this bubble and therefore think that I can do anything. For example, I think that we could go and live in one of these places...no matter the cost.
Where the money comes from?!? No idea! I don't think about things like that! That's just silly!!

I also think that if I played the lotto I would have a good chance of winning.

I blame my father for this. As my mother says, "Your father's glass half full is ALWAYS full!"

Now, before you start feeling bad for Callum and what he has to put up with...I do have my head on straight for some things!! Fortunately, they are usually the things that Callum lives in a bubble about.

Example, last year when Callum had to go to Germany for work. A couple of days before going he comes home freaked out about how we have to buy a new suitcase. To begin we have plenty of luggage and it's all in perfectly good condition! BUT...our bags were either too small or too big for what Callum wanted to bring. Therefore, in Callum's mind, we had to quickly run out and buy a $100 medium size piece of luggage for him to take this one trip to Germany!!
Needless to say, we did not buy a new suitcase!

I think everyone has a little bit of a bubble. I'm not talking about 'what if'...I'm talking about really thinking that you can do something!!!

What's in your bubble?


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"I getting my cars!"

We deal with A LOT of negotiating in this house. Geordie is NEVER without another plan! We get, "okay, here's the deal..." with hand motions and all!! Most of the time it's okay, once in awhile we have to walk away from him.

For the most part it's one of those traits that you want your child to have as an adult but as a child...not so much!

Geordie is also very stubborn (he could compete with Uncle Greg!) and sometimes we have to go to the extreme. For example; now, if toys are not cleaned up and we have to do it, they are to go to Goodwill. Fortunately, this has not happened yet but I also know that if it does come to that it would only happen once. Plus, really, do you seriously think that he does not have enough toys to spare?!?!?

Three years a go when Geordie was 2 if he did not clean up his toys they went in time out...up in the attic! It actually only had to happen once. This was the time...

You have to admit...he's a persistent little bugger!! ;)

Mean parents aren't we?!?! I know the bubble over all the Grandparent's heads are, "how can they do that to our poor wee Geordie!".