Working Things Out - aka Coffee Time

I think it was serendipity.  I have heard that word alot this year - which is funny because I don't think I ever used it or heard it much before.
Last week, before the 3 amigas headed to Rochester for some serious Black Friday shopping, I headed over to see my chiropractor.  I thought I better be in the best possible shape for all that bag carrying, coffee drinking trip.  Not to mention, the track which requires the most diligent mental preparation and concentration.
While I was cashing out at the front desk in the chiro's office, I noticed that there was a new practitioner  in his office.  A new therapist (for your mind).  Wow. Serendipity at it's best!  So I met briefly with her and made an appointment for when I returned.  Which was today.
It went well.  I have been with my other guy for 22 years...so it was a bit daunting to open up and go into all the gory details again with someone new.
Anyway, at the front desk again, the receptionist and I were talking about how great it is to see a therapist and to talk.  Talk freely without judgement.  She was mentioning about her son and how much  therapy has helped him.  Yep.  I totally agree (for myself as I don't know her son!).  And the therapist thought that maybe starting a group would be great - and I said "I thought that was called going for coffee".  They both howled at that.  I'm so funny!

Keep smiling!

Black Friday Here We Come!

Wow!  I know it's been awhile since my last blog as I had to officially sign in again!!

Well, the 3 mouse-ke-teers are officially (2 more sleeps) on our way to Rochester for Black Friday shopping.  Yipee!!  I hope to have some pics to post this year of our crazy - I mean totally sane - shopping extravaganza.  The organizer, my cousin Ang, has once again included the insane wake up time of 3am...but this gets us to the stores just when the first mad rush midnight shoppers are leaving.

Today I received a parcel in the mail that had the number 45 randomly marked on it.  This is not my house number - but it is a number that my family thinks of as lucky.  It was the house number of our nana and grampa's...so once again, like our Deer Crossing story from last year, I believe that nana is watching over us. The Yes Man probably sent her a message to watch over my spending and keep me in check! Ha! Ha!

We also added an extra night to our get away - this is purely to facilitate more shopping time and definitely not the track.  No, definitely not the track.  Okay, okay - maybe more track time...maybe there will be a horse called Nana or Grampa or Lucky Day...I'll keep you posted!

And a huge thank you goes out to all the followers of Adventure Mommy - we're at almost 4,000 hits!!!!

Keep smiling and thanks for reading!

We Remember

I'm sitting here with the Yes Man drinking a cup of Tim Horton's and I hear a sound on the radio that I think is the signal.  I jump up - and simultaneously look at the kitchen clock.  It's only 10am - still another hour until 11am - our minute of silence not yet upon us.

On Friday, our school honoured those who have served and continue to serve, with a ceremony.  We had the grade 1 class sing John Lennon's Imagine - and brought tears to some.  It brings tears to mine as I write this.  Other grades presented somber short plays depicting the front lines.  There was a video presentation with images of war to remind us how lucky we are to be Canadian, and safe.

Back to our coffee...the Yes Man says "Should we email Unk?"  Email Unk?  Yes, it's Remembrance Day.  I haven't ever emailed Unk on Rememberance Day. Unk is Uncle Glenn who fought in WWII and survived.   And just turned 97.  We will take our minute of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and say We Remember.  And Thank You.

And Thank You to William O. Stanley, my grandpa, that also was in WWII and survived.  He and his wife, Alice, raised 5 children.  And they carried on and had kids of their own.  And so it goes.

And Thank You to Rick Nicholls, the Yes Man's cousin, who is currently serving and has done a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

And Thank You to all the others that bravely fought and still fight for our freedom.

The Butterfly and the Angel

It is rather like looking at clouds and seeing clear images but sometimes no one else can see them...

This painting was created as an abstract and I love the emotion that this painting evokes - it is very uplifting and peaceful.  I see a golden butterfly with wings soaring through the bluest of skies.  Thank you to my beautiful and talented aunt, Jan Coombs, for sharing this with me and allowing me to share it with you.

Keep smiling!

Boo! Happy Hallowe'en!

"Psycho" Clown

This is the scene at our house this year...far too frightful for mommy! AHHHHHHH!  Our son picked this scary costume...I was really hoping that he would be the hero / Indiana Jones type costume that he usually is.  Our daughter decided to forego the usual witch / goth witch / vampire witch and be a classy lady bug.  Whew!

Classy Bugs

Spooky Cake Pops from Every Occakesion

Adventure Mommy and co. are heading out to a hallowe'en party tonight...and we are taking these delicious, spook-tacular cake pops for the kids (and some adults if they are lucky)!  Aren't they awes-amazing??  That's Naomi's new word - and I think it's awes-amazing too!

May you have a SPOOK-TACULAR hallowe'en!

BOO!

Kiss N' Ride - not what you think it is

I have been a volunteer at our school for years...I help in the library, hot lunches on Fridays, family game nights - you know - when and where ever needed.  I'm in.  And I love it.
This blog goes out to Cathy - a faithful follower of Adventure Mommy.  She is a fellow mommy at our school and she frequently checks on the blog state - and mentions to me when it's time to put up the next blog!  Thanks Cathy...sometimes I need a gentle reminder or a big shove LOL!

One other area of volunteer-ism that I participate in is our Kiss N' Ride.  When I first signed up for this I wasn't sure what I was getting into.  The Kiss N' Ride facilitates a safe drop off area in front of our school.  Usually things go smoothly on my shift, but I have had to use my "big" voice once in awhile and remind parents "Please use the sidewalk" instead of playing chicken and running through the very crazy parking lot.  Seriously.  I should also note that my "big" voice is actually fairly high pitched and squeaky and a bit nervous - it really comes out as "Um, excuse me, yes - you.  If you would please take the sidewalk as the parents are ruthless driving through here and you know it's really for your safety..." Ha! Ha!

If I'm in the Kiss N' Ride and notice someone not following the rules, I usually will open my window to say something.  However, if Naomi and Ben are in the car with me they are begging me not to open the window - something like this: "No Mommy - do not open the window" and they are mortified and hiding down in the back seat so no one sees them.  This is the ultimate mommy embarrassment.

And once in awhile, the Yes Man has to cover my shift (usually only once a year when I'm on my shopping extravaganza trip to Rochester).  He was totally disappointed as he really thought that he was going to score some kisses from the mommies going through the Kiss N' Ride.  I had to break it to him that it's not what you think it is...

Keep smiling!! Cathy - that was for you!

Making Room for More

This is what it all comes down to.  Removing the drama from your life and making room for what really matters.  What really counts.  Positive energy - and positive people that create that good energy.  I  am aware that I have been doing this throughout my life.  I choose my friends - for all the greatness that they possess.  Not money.  Not fame.  But love, compassion, caring.  Also - a great sense of humour goes a long way too!  I'm so grateful that I have this in my family too.  The ladies in my family are a huge inspiration to me.  I feel connected to all of them - and they all bring something unique to the table.

My friend Steph and I were out last night at our School Council meeting and on the drive home we had some huge laughs. I thought to myself as I got out of the car, I'd love to have more nights like this. Laughing and spending more time with other women who have the same values as me.  It makes my heart sing.

And on that note...(no pun intended!) the 3 mousketeers are heading off to Rochester for our annual shopping extravaganza.  I'm counting the sleeps!

Keep smiling!