Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Quinnless night

Mom offered to take Quinn for a sleepover over the holidays.  So we choose last night.  I dropped him off at dinner time then met Lair at Chinook where we saw Tron in 3D IMAX.  We quite enjoyed it visually.  The storey was ok - overall I was impressed.

We met our friend Shawn & g/f Bri at the theatre and went for a beer after.  It was a nice evening out.

Lawrence had to work today so I am on my own!  I stayed up till 1 last night and laid in bed until 10:30.... why?  Because I could!  And here I sit at 2pm having accomplished nothing - and it feels great!  I might take the tree down today.

We'll go to moms for dinner and pick up little man.


I wish this sleepover was happening Tomorrow night!  New Years Eve would have been a million times better for us to be Quinnless, but beggars can't be choosers.

We're having a small house party for NYE.  Weather pending will head down to Olympic Plaza with friends for a family night, then back here with Lisa, Dean & Ivy.  Put the kids down and have a party.  We have an open door for the night and expect a few people to stop in.

I will 'try' my best to get some sleep as I will get up with the kids.  I hope they are up for watching movies all morning!  It will be a no-impact day  LOL

This & That

We're still 'Potty Learning' Quinn at night time.  He's been doing really well, averaging 25 out of 30 dry nights.  So we are now trying the extra absorbent underwear instead of a pull up.  Boxing Day was the first night and so far so good!!!  




Once he has it under control - he will get a new bed, and with a new bed he will get a new ROOM.  We'll most likely move to the downstairs bedroom and he will take the master room upstairs.  He's pretty excited at this idea.


This is the bed I'm leaning towards, but we haven't really shopped around yet.




So the immediate plan, starting next week, is to get serious about the idea of moving rooms around.  We need to decide if we go downstairs or if Quinn does.  Then we need to paint the rooms and do the move.  The spare room/office will be in Quinn little room.  We will no longer have room for the desk so will be getting rid of it.  All the spare room will have is the futon, file cabinet  and printer.


So I predict we'll be in a livable chaos for a few months, but it will be worth it!

Christmas 2010

Wow, Christmas 2010 will go down in the books as Magical.

The days leading up to Christmas was extremely busy going to Christmas Parties, shopping, preparation and work.

On Dec 23, Quinn wrote a letter to Santa.


He and Lair took it across the street and mailed it.  About 3 minutes later, an e-mail came for Quinn from Santa!! ( http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/QA4H1euIgw1-rYBHba06Mw )   He was blown away how quick Santa got his letter and replied.  This is the second year Santa sent a video message.  I don't think he remembered it from last year.

That evening we had a small gathering.  We were in a Secret Santa pool (no more than $20, and must be home made).  It was fun.  We only had a week and the gifts were all so awesome!  Alex & Heather are in town for the holidays, and we had Scott, Dee & Ben on the iChat.  Unfortunately for them, I don't think they could see much or hear much and we had a hard time hearing them  :(  BUT, it was good to see their faces and smiles.



Lair took Dec 24 off to be with Quinn and I worked until noon.  I could insert a long work rant here but don't want to waste my energy!  We hung out for the afternoon and had dinner watched a Christmas special, and just before bed, we went out to the backyard for Quinn to sprinkle Reindeer Food (with Sparkles) on the lawn so the Reindeer's would see our house.  While doing so an airplane was flying off in the distance with a red light.....  Quinn pointed and said with the most innocents  'SANTA' and he was vibrating from the inside out with excitement! It was  a Precious moment.


Dec 25 - Little Man was up and roaring around like a mad man at 8:15.  So very excited, family cuddles, stockings, excitement, magic, wonder and awe;  About 98% of the gifts under the tree were for him, what a great morning!

Lawrence made Egg Benedict for breakfast.  Steve & Karen came for an afternoon visit, as did Heather and Alex.   Lisa, Dean & Ivy joined us for Christmas dinner.  It turned out very good!  The turkey was good, and my attempt at  Mom's stuffing turned out great!  And Candied Yams is my new favorite holiday dish!

After dinner we watched Prep and landing, enjoyed dessert ala Lisa then bid farewell.  By 9pm I was passed out on the coach  (Turkey plus wine = zonk!!)  lol.  I put myself to bed at 10.


On Boxing Day, Heather and Alex stole Quinn for the day and took him to see 'Seussical The Musical' at the Alberta Theatre Projects.  Quinn didn't know exactly what they were off to do, but he was super excited just to have them take him somewhere without us!    So, kidless,  Lair & I hung out, did a little shopping, and went for a beer together.  It was a nice afternoon!   The show sounds like it was awesome for all ages, and Quinn had a super time.   They even got a backstage tour after and got to meet the Cat in the Hat!  We were so touched that Alex & Heather took him; as was Quinn.




Dec 27 - we went sledding by Alex's dads place in Maple ridge.  Went with Alex and Heather, and Brent joined us later in the afternoon.  It's a wicked fun hill, except sledding was a lot easier 30 years ago!  Man, I hurt 4 toes on 1 foot, my knee and my shoulder.... I've concluded that I do not particularly like sledding.  I need to find me a different toboggan for myself that has a little more control.

I look forward to going to this particular hill(s) there are 4 as it is a dry pond/bowl.  I can't wait to take Lisa & Ivy, and maybe before winter is over Ursula and the kids!!


Dec 28 - we had super awesome family cuddles, went and say Megga Mind.  LOVED it!  I think I will buy the DVD!  Then that evening we went to the zoo lights.  I think this will be the last year for awhile we do it.  Pretty expensive for a lack luster presentation that has not changed in 5+ years.  At least Quinn had fun!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Another Reason I love my Chosen Family.

Have I told you guys lately how much you mean to me?

My Chosen Family, scattered through Alberta & BC, always touch my heart, always care. 

One thing I truly appreciate is how much everyone loves Quinn. 

I love that he is on the forefront of your mind when you think of our family. 

I love that you want to spend quality time with him in one-on-one settings. 

I love that you guys ask about him and show genuine care and concern for what's going on in his little life.


On his behalf, I say Thank you to all his Aunties & Uncles for loving him so.  We look forward to sharing some Christmas Moments with most of you.  Creating memories.  Memories which will be his forever.