Third time's a charm???

For the third time since moving to this house, we've had water damage in the basement. This time the exact same thing happened as last winter - the "frost-free" spigot did not hold up to its end of the deal and it burst just inside the wall. The result is water dripping from the lights and water all along the wall and carpet. It sucks. This time we aren't going through insurance since our deductable is already out of control. That made the white noise of the fans that the restoration people brought in, just that much more annoying. All I have to say is this had better be the last time we have this problem or there will be a for sale sign on this house!!!

Brotherly Love

So the day has come when Mitchell and Derek have started to interact with one another. Sometimes it's sweet - Mitchell explains something to Derek or Derek tries to copy whatever Mitchell is doing (Derek watches him like a hawk). More often, it's becoming the "I want what you want" screaming, pushing, crying kind of interaction.

Chuck E. Cheese

On Saturday, we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's for the first time (mine too). It was a lot of fun. Mitchell really liked playing all the games and climbing in the jungle gym, while Derek really liked eating. It will be even better in a couple more years when we can turn them loose and Scott and I can sit and enjoy our dinner.

The Easter bunny left some goodies and toys for the kids. Mitchell hunted for chocolate bunnies sporadically and Derek played with his bunny bowling set. Yummy Easter dinner with Scott's family - I love the stuffing. We also got to meet the "Egg Man", he seemed very nice.

An Easter Party and a Birthday Party

Mom and I took the boys to the Easter Party at the Union Hall. Wow - was it crazy!! A large line-up for every activity. Despite the massive crowds, in two hours we managed to get through the candy maze, play the Easter games, visit the Easter Bunny, go to the petting zoo, jump in the blow up castle, watch the remote control trucks, and sit in the fire truck and police car (where Mitchell got to wish everyone a Happy Easter over the loudspeaker). Saw lots of family and friends also enjoying the Easter activities. Fun was had by all and Derek certainly got tuckered out.


We came back home for a rest (Derek indulged in a huge nap, Mitchell pulled all the sheets off his bed) and then went over to Mom and Dad's for Dad's birthday. Derek sure put the miles on yesterday, walking to the car from the Easter Party and going for a walk with Grandma and Grandpa to see the dogs at the dog show.

Life in Perspective

After spending the last few days at the visitations and funeral for Daeton, it's definitely time to count my blessings and re-prioritize. It's so easy to get caught up with work stuff, house stuff, watching stuff, and getting stuff. It's time I put more focus on the people I love, especially these guys below!

movie night

Scott and I went to the film group tonight with Jill and Steven. The movie, Paradise Now, was very thought provoking, however, the discomfort of having stuffed myself with a variety of mexican food beforehand and trying to find a comfortable position in those theatre seats took a bit away from the experience. Steven led the applause at the end of the movie but the crowd didn't seem to be overly thrilled. I thought the movie was good and definitely gave me an appreciation for the life I have.

Picked up the kids at Mom and Dad's after and heard Derek say "Mitchell" pretty clearly for the first time.

Happy Birthday to me - again

So today is officially my birthday - but these pictures of the boys enjoying birthday cake are from yesterday. Mom had everyone over for dinner (Jim, Grandma T., and Grandma and Grandpa H.) and it was very nice. The best part was having Mitchell sing "happy birthday" to me while sitting on my knee. I'm not an overly sentimental person, but I have to say that I was close to tears then.

This weekend has been great. Nothing extraordinary happened but it's one of those weekends where you wish you had more time (especially after we sprang ahead). Today we ran some errands, including a stop at the boys favourite store where they can drive the "race car".

I've been thinking about starting a blog for some time now. It all started when I became obsessed with a virtual stranger's blog. I've been visiting her site regularly and thinking about how great it is that she's documenting her family's activities and accomplishments. I've always wanted to record my life and have tried several tools (journaling, scrapbooking, etc.) to do so, however I've failed to adequately maintain any of them. Anyway, I've hmm'd and haaa'd about this for sometime now and have decided that for my birthday I would give myself the gift of trying this again - and not being too hard on myself if this effort peters out too.