october thirty

Mack was the first one in his costume this morning.

Of course now Mack is obsessed with hockey just like Sean is, and can't put the stick down.

Next, I managed to get Sean into his costume. That was a little more trickier. It took me about 15-20 minutes to get him to put it on. It took a little bribing to be honest.

I managed to get them to sit on the hallway stairs to take a few pictures.
I don't like picture with flash, so Sean liked the idea to go outside to take some natural pics.

The first few pictures were nice, but it took a few minutes before they warmed up.

I got some cute shots, and the boys warmed up to each other.

This is one of my new fave photos. My tiger & my lion.

And I love this one too.

Such cute photos. Halloween time rocks. I can't wait to get these printed.

This morning when I got Sean's daycare to drop him off the daycare Coordinator asked me to see her in her office after I left Sean off with his class. My first instinct was "oh no, what did Sean do...?" Well, it was actually good news. She wants to see my in her office on Monday, to talk about which of 2 dates Mack will start there! THIS IS AMAZING! No more 2 drop offs. I love it. It's going to make things so much easier. I am not going to say anything yet at Mack's daycare until I've signed the paperwork at Sean's daycare. Oh, this news made my day. When I go on Monday I will be prepared with all of Mack's papers (birth certificate, medical records, etc) so that I am prepared 100%. I want this all to go 100% smoothly. No derails, no delays.

Before I left to work I called Sean's daycare to make sure that he was okay to stay, and they assured me that he was doing fine, so I headed to work. Work was pretty relaxed today and I went to lunch with Jamie and our manager next door for some Chinese Food. The food was alright.

I did groceries on my way home from work, checking out a grocery store that I had never been to before. I only had a certain amount of time before I had to go pick up both kids. The groceries were needed for dinner, so I needed them then and I didn't feel like doing groceries with one or both kids. Taking them into a grocery store isn't so much fun these days. They both like to touch everything.

When we all came home, I did a dishwasher load just in time before our first guest showed up. We had 3 of Jamie's ex-coworkers over for dinner. One was really late, as she was coming from work not exactly in the area. We were all starving by the time she got there, and Mack was already in bed.

Dinner was nice. It's always nice to have guests over for dinner. We had Chinese Fondu and it was really good. I love it. Every time. Sean was pretty much well behaved, but wouldn't go to bed because there were people over. As usual. He's like that whenever people are over. Feels like he's going to be missing out on the party. I once had someone over and had to have them pretend to leave and go hide in the front foyer of the house until he was in bed, so that I could still hang out with them after he went to bed.

It was really nice to catch up iwht them. Only one of them 3 of them that came tonight still work at the company that they all used to work at together. So they did still talk shop a bit, and I felt a little left out when they did. I had no idea who any of these people are that they were talking about or any of the things about the job that they discussed. I still enjoyed myself, but I wish I could have contributed more to the conversation.

I am still looking for my 8121st commenter for my blogaversary contest (this is the prize, blogged yesterday), and if you want more information on sponsoring me for the knit-a-thon I am doing on November 14th (all night long!) you can check out my contest for that here. There are 4 prizes to be won! For every 10$ you donate you get 1 entry to win the prizes!

May 12 of 31

This morning Sherrie & I did some errands. Walmart gave me a credit note for the pants that I had with my lost bill, and I bought a ceiling fan for Sean's room. It's really cute, it's a bumblebee. Let's see how long it takes Jamie to install.... We went to Ikea afterwards, for something Sherrie was looking for in specific, and I ended up buying stuff, and Sherrie didn't find what she was looking for. Isn't that always the case?

No, that's not Sean in a museum, but at lunch today. I found this great online site that does fun stuff like this - I'll like it tomorrow. I already closed the window.

Oh, Sean was a good boy today while Sherrie & I were out to lunch. In the morning I left him at home with Jamie, but in the afternoon Jamie had to go to the hardware store, so I took Sean with me to lunch. I just love this face.

Tonight we all went out for dinner. Sherrie was too kind and straightened my hair for me, and I love the new shirt I'm wearing. It's very cute. The pattern is very 1970's but modern at the same time. I love it. Jamie was too good for shaving today. Hopefully he'll shave for mother's day. I don't like it when he's scruffy!


Sean was a good boy at the restaurant tonight, all smiles, until he got really tired. Here is a picture of him just before he fell asleep in his carrier. He was not interested in smiling at this point.

I got a few rows knitted in Jamie's sock today while Sherrie & I watched some TV. We both had an approx. 2 hour nap on the couch, much needed, before we headed out to dinner.

It's been decided, Kadi & I are going to Toronto for the Yarn Harlot event there, and I think I'm going with my mom (she's getting back to me) to the Webs event the following week. I'm itching to travel - and it'll be great to do it while I'm still on maternity leave.

Tomorrow we've got a brunch in the morning with Jamie's dad & step-mom and family, and dinner with my family. I can't wait to celebrate my first mother's day! I hope it's a nice day outside, rain would just not be cool!

To all you mother's out there - Have a Happy Mother's Day tomorrow - I'll wish you again tomorrow! Enjoy your day!

I Used Your Razor To Shave My Back

"I used your razor to shave my back."

This is what Marcelos said to me last night as we were standing in the hallway in my house before going to bed. Daphne & him were trying to figure out their plans for today, and I was getting annoyed. Marcelos thought this statement was funny, but I didn't unfortunately.

Who is this guy and why is he this retarded?

Here's how my day went by yesterday. 9:45 am we picked up Marcelos from the Montreal airport, and then we stopped at the Orange Julep so that they can try the orange juice there. They treated me to an orange juice. That was very nice of them. Then we headed back to my house, and Marcelos settled in while I cleaned my bathroom, emptied the garbages for Garbage day, and cleaned up my office a little bit. Then eventually we booked their hotel in Quebec City and then went out for lunch. I couldn't think of a single place to take them, so I just ended up going back to Tasty Foods (my personal favourite) for lunch. Something about Marcelos starting bothering me during lunch and just made me want to get away from him.

After lunch, I filled up on gas, and then drove up Mount Royal to the "look out" point. They got out of the car, took some pictures, and I sat in my car, until they were about done, and I got out to take a picture of the 2 of them with the view. Took a few pictures, and then we got back into the car and drove off. Next stop, I went to St. Joseph's Oratory (after getting lost a little - turned on the wrong street). Anyhow, we got there eventually, I took some pictures of them standing outside of the Oratory, and then they wanted to go in, so I sat in the car and wrote a letter to my friend Miriam in Toronto, just to have some alone time. I wish I had brought the blanket that I am currently crocheting, but I am glad I at least had paper and a pen to write a letter.

After the oratory we headed downtown, and sent them off on their way. They wanted to do a little bit of shopping in the mall I dropped them off at - and then I gave them directions downtown and my address so they can tell the cabby where to bring them back (I wasn't going back out again - call me a bitch if you want - but I just wasn't getting out of my pj's to go downtown). I spent the evening watching episodes of LOST on DVD. And doing stuff in my office which doubles as my craft room.

I was shocked that they stayed out as late as they did - but they said they got home early because it was cold out. They did end up taking a taxi back - even though I said that if they took the metro to the stop near my house I'd get them. I did my own thing while they TRIED figuring out where they were going today. Then before bed, we were talking in the hallway, and that's when Marcelos made his comment.

We talked a bit, then I went to bed.

This morning I slept in until their taxi driver rang my bell. I have no idea where they went, but I said polite goodbyes, Daphne reassured me that they had a good time and well, I hope they have a safe rest of their trip.

Well, back to LOST and I'm working on my blanket that I'm crocheting. Hoping to finish it tonight. Tomorrow I will do some homework, and my parents have invited us over for dinner (Jamie & I). Gotta marinate my chicken wings first, for dinner.

Tour Guide Me

I must go play tour guide to Daphne and her boyfriend Marcelos who just arrived from Rio this morning (went to the airport to pick him up about 2 hours ago). We've just been chilling here at my house since we picked him up - I had a few things around the house to do. (Cleaned my bathroom - emptied the garbages - it's garbage day today and I even organized my earring display a littel bit since I had earrings everywhere!) I don't really want to play tour guide, as I know my city, but it gets redundant. I guess it's the sort of thing you have to do with guests from out of town. So I'll stick through it - but I've packed some crochet and some other things to keep me busy, incase they want to linger at any destination.

Anyhow, more later.

Finished Baby Blanket

This morning I finished the baby blanket for Baby Jonathon (my friends' new born son - born Monday). I am really happy with it. It's crochet - in triple stitch.

Here above is a close up of the blanket. I think it came out VERY nice. I hope they like it. Well, I hope baby Jonathon likes it!

This morning I got up, showered, finished up some homework, and eventually Daphne and I got ready and left to my class at lunch. I sent off the baby blanket at the post office next to class, and then headed to class.

My class lasted 3 hours long, and we received back our Chair project. I received 17/20 but then lost 2 marks because I handed it in a week late - so in the end I got a 15/20. (75%). I am a little disappointed that it wasn't a little higher of a grade, but I will bite my tongue and accept that grade.

Daphne checked her email for most of the class (3 hours - I feel bad - but she wanted to come) and was very patient. I got an approval for a "Drink Bar" Restaurant Menu that I will be creating for this class. I'm very excited to start working on it.

I didn't miss much but a workshop period in my morning class this morning - I am actually kind of very happy that I got to sleep in today. I feel a little bit better that I got to sleep in.

After class we headed to this store that Daphne wanted to go check out. We parked and then realized that at the pay machine there was 2.50$ sitting in the return change slot - so we got free parking. Daphne wanted to check out Lalique - as Montreal is the ONLY North American Retailer. Turns out that we're about the same price as Brazil to buy these crystal jewelry items. A gorgeous pair of earrings that I saw - 675$. Ouch. Gorgeous though. Clear crystal gorgeous. (Most precious crystal that exists in the world is what they sell) Actually I think those were Baccarat (or however you spell it).

After Lalique (which is located in Oglavy's), we went to Urban Outfitters. Everything there was over priced, even though I wanted to buy like everything.

Then we hit up Payless and I found 2 pairs of shoes. Actually a pair of shoes and a pair of boots. The boots were liquidated at 9$ and the shoes at 8$. However it was buy one get one free. In the end, it was 9$ + 4$ = 13$ plus applicated Quebec Sales Taxes. GOOD DEAL! I am loving it! (Both pink - the shoes and the boots!)

Then we headed to the mall near my school - I wanted to take her to Le Garage and then to a fave jewelry store of mine. Where I bought a necklace and Daphne got earrings.

Then home. We chilled. Ate dinner. I took Tylenol for a headache and felt better after eating food. My blood sugar level was low from dehydration and low food intake today. I was a little nauseas, but that soon cleared.

Since my friends was having a Speed Dating Event - we went to check it out - since Daphne wanted to see what it was all about (she'd never heard about it before) and so we got dressed up and went. Well - let me tell you it wasn't what I thought it would be. My friend couldn't even talk to me, since she was in the middle of trying to get a date herself, and told me that she didn't have the money for me for the freelance work I did - that it would be mailed to me.

Daphne and I decided to walk around a little downtown first, but it started getting a little cold. We ended up inside this fancy looking Jean Coutu - and bought more Jewerly - all earrings on sale!

We just got in. I made chocolate chip muffins (hubby requested) and now I'm going to go crochet and maybe watch an episode or two of LOST.... since Daphne's writing in her journal, and doesn't mind that I watch some TV where she's sleeping! Tomorrow I'm picking up her boyfriend at the airport at 9:30 am, he arrives from Rio de Janeiro. Saturday they're off to Quebec City, which is good by me because I am in need of my space back and also I'm dying to go to the gym.

Tomorrow I'm playing tour guide around Montreal - not really in the mood to do so - but whatever! I'll survive! I'll get through it.

This is a picture of Daphne & I from this evening just after storming out of the Speed Dating event.

Ottawa

This is a really cute picture of Daphne & I from this evening.

Slept in today, and then eventually we got our act together and left the house.

We headed on the road to Ottawa, finally arriving just shortly after 2pm. We parked the car, and then used the washroom at Chapters downtown. We checked out the Photography Museum - a small exhibit going on there right now, photographs by Sunil Gupta. There was a second smaller exhibit going as well - we checked everything out. It was all 'just okay'. Nothing that impressive.

After that Daphne took some pictures by the Parliament Building, then we headed back to the car. I took her for Beaver Tails, a Canadian fattening snack, and we shared a chocolate banana one. Delicious. Then she wanted a McFish at McDonalds - (she's vegetarian) and so we got her that.

Afer the Rideau area, we headed over to Michaels just off Greenbank. I didn't even realize how close it was to where all my friends used to live (or where their parents still live!) I used to visit friends just off Greenbank ALL THE TIME! Anyhow, *I WISH* we had Michaels here in Montreal, but there are no plans of any ever coming here. Too bad. So sad. I had a field day in there - even though they didn't have the 2 items I was looking for. I did manage to buy a BUNCH of other things though.

After Michaels we headed back home. I am now zonked from driving 4 hours (2 hours each way) from Montreal to Ottawa and back. ZONKED. It's very exhausted. Daphne offered to drive, but she doesn't have an international liscence, and god for bid something should have happened? I didn't feel comfortable.

We went to the pharmacy on the way home and picked up some medication for Daphne as she's still congested and wants to clear that up. She's also got an upset stomach so I gave her some pepto bismol. It helped. She's feeling better now.

Daphne heard from her boyfriend this evening and he's flying into Montreal and he'll be arriving Friday morning at 9:10 am. So I'm going to not go to my Friday morning class, and hopefully I will be able to hand in my assignment tomorrow and leave it in the teacher's lounge. I am too zonked to work on it now, so I will take care of that tomorrow morning. My other sketches that are due tomorrow are 50% done (sketches for my "menu" project - where we have to create a menu for a restaurant of our choice (fictional or real). I am thinking about doing a menu for a "drink bar" .... It's an idea.

I just got the most amazing massage from Daphne. OH MY GOD! Heaven. My neck and my back were so tense, and my neck was killing me. But now ... NOTHING! Now, it feels fantastic. My body is in heaven! And she didn't even mind giving me the massage! Who is this girl?! LOL.

Well, I have to get to bed. I've got some homework to finish tomorrow morning, and tomorrow I'm taking Daphne shopping. She wants to go to a few stores (where I get my fabulous earrings, and some clothes) and I want to show her a bit of downtown.

Daphne's Here

Got up super early this morning to get to my class on time. I did watch 1 more episode of LOST before going to sleep, but went to bed before midnight last night, so I am very happy about that. But, I'm addicted to LOST.

On my way home, the yarn fairy stopped by again. But this time I think she left the yarn there a while ago and I was just blind to see it. A TON MORE YARN! AHHHH! Are you kidding me? I brought it inside my house - but had to leave to go to pick up Daphne from the train station. I didn't have a chance to go through it - but .... it must be my lucky day... There was more Gedifra in there - I don't know how many exactly, but black Donatella number 2014 (which I believe is discontinued - but I definitely have enough balls for 2 sweaters probably! Also - was a bunch of NORO! (Colour number 22) I found a stock image off the net - as I didn't have time to photograph it yet, but I will soon. It looks like this - but mine looks more stripped with a dark red. I havent counted out how many, but there must be around 8-10 hanks! (I think that's what it's called when it's like this - a hank?) This stash has a high value rate - and GOD BLESS THE YARN FAIRY! It was just my lucky day. There was a bunch of random yarn in there - and well I almost feel like going and returning some other yarn that I bought as I have enough yarn now to last me until 2015 or more! It's crazy. I don't understand it - but it's like I won the lottery or something!

I picked up Daphne and then did a return to Zellers that I had been meaning to do for a while. Phew! Got that checked off my list! We then went for lunch to my favourite place that makes whole wheat pizza and Daphne liked the food there.

We came back, unpacked her stuff, and then I did a few things while she checked her email and emailed her parents. (I folded laundry- fun fun). We had decided to go bowling this evening - but Daphne wasn't feeling to good - so we decided to stay in and watch a movie.

Daphne then napped for about an hour and a half or so, while I did some more stuff around the house.

My sister eventually got here and we watched RENT on DVD. (I bought it today while at Zellers). So my sister and I FINALLY got to see RENT! I LOVED IT! Sang along! Daphne loved it too - it was her first time hearing about it. Well at least now we have something that we both like to listen to on the trip to Ottawa tomorrow. I can't wait!

Daphne brought some goodies for me! She brought me a gel candle, some dried fruits form the Amazon, Brazilian coffee (for Jamie), some Brazilian chocolates - again - for Jamie (I'm not a big chocolate eater). I got fuschia flip flops PERFECTLY in my size - that look kind of purple coloured than fuschia, but not too purple so I tolerate it. They're cute. Brazilian brand flip flops (which I live in during the summer!) I also got 2 music Cd's - one of her mother's music and one of something Portuguese. I'll let you know how they are! It was nice to get some gifts, but she really outdid herself! She's cute! We are getting along great!

I should really get to bed. I'm driving 2 hours to Ottawa and 2 hours back later on! Daphne drives standard cars, but I don't know her well enough to allow her to share the driving, nor will she have insurance, so I would definitely be taking a chance. I don't know if I will allow shared driving. I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO MICHAEL'S TOMORROW!

It's Nice To Have Dinner Guests

Once I got up today, I started doing chores on my list of things to do - I wanted my house to be tidy clean for the guests that we had over this evening. I actually accomplished more laundry, put the laundry away, vaccumed all three of our carpeted rooms, dust busted up the cat hair all throughout the house, tidied my office up, cleaned the kitchen stove (which has been on my list of things to do for a while....) but to sit there and scrub the stove with the special cleaner really killed my hand. (I'll be okay)

I sent Jamie out to do groceries, to pick up a few things that we needed for dinner, and he also went to buy a dead bolt for our garage door, since my father and him built a ramp this morning (while I was sleeping) so now we can park in our garage. However, the dead bolt that was on the garage door to the house was useless as we had no key for it, and we weren't going to leave the door unlocked, so we had to replace it. (I love having my car in my garage! This is my first time ever having my own garage spot. When I lived at my parents house, I didn't ever get to park in the garage - just my mother's car got access to the garage.) My car is going to be very nice and cozy this winter.

I did a lot of cleaning today, I'm very impressed with myself. I really set my mind to it - and got stuff accomplished.

Our dinner guests arrived 15 minutes early, and I still hadn't changed yet into my nicer clothes, I was still wearing my track pants and t-shirt that I was cooking in and cleaning in. But they were forgiving and understanding, we gave them a tour of the house, I quickly changed, and voila, ready for the evening to begin.

It was really nice to have Fritz and his girlfriend Karine over. I graduated in photography with Fritz this past May, so I've known him for the past 3 years. He's a really nice guy, photographer and professional chef as well.. and they are super sweet.

During dinner my brother called to ask me if he could pass by that he had something for us. Our cabinet for our tea cups! Finally - it arrived. I can't wait for Jamie to put it together tomorrow, and then I am going to place the tea cups I got in it. I got a set of tea cups from my tennants upstairs and also, from cousins in Brazil.

Well, I'm off for now.