turning point

I sold my first car today.
It was quite thrilling.

ode to Ruby

Ruby has been with us now for five entire years.
She fills us up each and every day with love, laughter and sometimes tears.

She's smart, funny and kind.  The best kind of them all.
She's also a good big sister to Leo, who's growing almost as tall.

Our Ruby is a jokester.
She's got a sense of humour.
I hope I can maintain my cool if she's an early bloomer.

My sweet, precious daughter.
Words cannot express my feelings.
You mean the world to me.
Please do not do drug dealings.

Love mom.  oxoxo

so this is Kindergarten

A new chapter has begun.

Our Ruby has embarked upon a lifelong journey in education and it's wonderfully thrilling!  At the same time, however, I find myself feeling baffled - I have no idea what's going on inside that building!!  I drop her off in the morning and watch her walk down the sidewalk, all alone, backpack and lunch bag in tow.  Can she manage to get the door opened all by herself?  Does she look sad?  Is she sad?  Does she make it to her classroom on time?  What shoes does she wear inside?  Where is she eating her lunch?  Is she making friends?  Is she being respectful, listening and behaving?  I want a parent-teacher interview.  Heck, I want to attend school with her for a day!

It's always been hard to get information out of Ruby about her day's activities and these days our time is very limited after work/school/supper.  This is her official first full week as a Kindergartener and she's been out of sorts.... aka super freakin' cranky and unrecognizable at times.  Who is this little person having a meltdown because I turned the car "too quickly', the result being a drop of water fell on her dress?  Really Ruby?  Maybe next time I'll get out and push the car up the driveway. 

The past week has been full of emotions and I do empathize.  She must be exhausted.  I know I am that's why I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt.   I assume that her brain is being taxed more than she's used to; there's 20 new people to become familiar with at school and who knows how many other new people at her after-school program.  That really is a lot to absorb for an almost 5-year old.  But, with that said.... please snap out of it soon.  I want my Ruby back. 

Leo on the other hand,  seems to be adjusting to his new surroundings very well.  He's growing like a weed and seems tickedy-boo.  At three years old, he's still napping for 1.5 hours a day and gets to bed about 30 minutes later than Ruby does.  It takes him a while to wind down but as long as the wind down period is pleasant and sweet Leo is in the room, life is good. 

-L

the last hurrah!

After an entire year of pleas and bargaining from Ruby, we finally did it - we went back to Sandspit.
Both kids were much more adventurous this time around and it was really quite fun!  We went on every single ride available to them by height.   The Farris Wheel, Tilt a Whirl, The Spider.... Bumper Cars.  It was great having such big kids to play with.  Neither one of us had to squeeze our butts into a baby ride like we did last year.  Thumbs up!  And, I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, but they got kicked off the Horse and Carriage ride for touching the wheels.  Yes, that's right.  The attendant actually stopped the ride and kicked them off.  Way to go Grants.  Thumbs down on that one... but over all an excellent family day.  The grease came of easy enough and thank goodness nobody lost a limb.  Seriously close call. 

Leo and I on the Farris Wheel!  

Ryan and Ruby on the Farris Wheel!! 

Miss Attitude.  

Food.  Too big.  

Aw.  

The Grants after our severely over-priced and disappointing meal in Cavendish.  

I'm so impressed with Leo as he seems to have inherited the Ginn sense of adventure.  Ruby was somewhat apprehensive on the big rides, but our boy just laughed and wanted to go again and again!  He's like that at playgrounds too; jumping and climbing on things much bigger than him.  Ruby's catching up and we see her strength and courage increasing on a regular basis.


Day two of the weekend was a beach day.  The weather was divine.  Oh beach, I love you so. 

So, that's it.  Another summer is over.  As always at this time of year, I feel a little bit sad, mourning the loss of the long nights and warm weather.  There was a strange feeling hanging over me all weekend long.  Now that I have a kid in the school, Labour Day weekend will forever mean something else.  Ruby starts Kindergarten tomorrow.

Both kids were off to their new daycare this morning and it was surprisingly simple.  I have a feeling I'm going to get emotional when the time comes to drop her off at that big school.  As a precaution, I'll remember not to wear mascara.


Hurray for summer!!  Welcome back Fall!! 


-L

the final countdown

We have arrived.  Summer's end and the Labour Day long weekend are upon us once again.
What shall we do?  Or, more importantly you might ask, what have we been doing?  I admit, it's been a challenge for me, these past several months, to find time or energy to write.  I've considered ending the blog altogether but that's rather severe.  I'm not willing to throw in the towel just yet and intend to seek out more frequent quiet moments for reflection.  These kids are growing up fast and there's a lot to report. 

Summer 2015 was fantastic and I'm sad to say good-bye.  It's been a chore getting settled into our new home with so many lovely days and activities keeping me from unpacking our ridiculous number of full boxes that clutter our basement - still.  We have way too much stuff.  In an effort to break free I had a yard sale last weekend, which was helpful.  Now there's less useless junk to go through.

In August, Ruby had another strep throat infection and Leo had that awful hand, foot and mouth virus.  Thankfully Ryan and I were spared.

Leo fell down the stairs one night, minutes before the babysitter was set to arrive.  We still haven't had that date night, but Leo's fine.  He ended up with a woad of glue on his head, which resembles quite a mess two weeks later.  I hope it falls off soon.

Ouch!  

Ruby was on a soccer team for the first time this summer!  She really enjoyed it.  And it was worth every minute to see the pure glee on her face as she ran around with her pals.  She also did a lot of daydreaming, picking up dirt, lying on the ground and picking grass, but she got a uniform and her very own soccer ball!

Medals on the last day. 

Leo asked nicely and coach Duncan gave him a medal too.  

Today marked the kids' last day at the YMCA daycare and I must admit, it was sad for me.  Ruby and Leo didn't seem to mind… Leo's been asking me to go to his new daycare for weeks now.  But, I'll really miss going there every day.  I'll still be going to the gym, but I'll enter through the front doors instead of the back.  It was a great daycare.

I took Ruby out shopping for clothes and to get her bangs trimmed today.  We had fun.

She picked this out for her first day of school.  They took it off the mannequin!!

The girls!  

The weather for this long weekend looks fabulous so we're off adventuring.
Stay tuned!  More to come… I promise!

-L

chapter 1. new house.

Where do I begin?

The past month has been joy, chaos, relief, excitement and anxiety all wrapped up in one big box.  We moved into our new home on the 13th of June and it's been full throttle ever since.  Soccer practice, water parks, bike rides, beach….. summer is really here and the Grants are loving it!

We're somewhat settled…. the main living areas are liveable but the walls are fairly baron.  That'll take some time.   Behind the scenes are still pretty cluttered and we have quite a few full boxes in the basement.  I'm fairly certain I could get along just fine without whatever it is in those boxes…. but for now they'll remain a monkey on my back.  Summer is too precious and too important to waste any time getting organized.  Do I hear a "hell ya!"?

Summer vacation starts Saturday and # 1 on the roster is a camping trip to Twin Shores, PEI.
I've been consciously trying lately, not to ruin every moment of our lives flashing photos or asking the kids to "smile at mommy",  but I promise to unleash my inner photographer in the coming weeks to capture some memories.  It was a challenge at first, but I've come to realize that taking 15 photos of the kids eating frozen yogurt or 30 shots of a day at the beach is nothing but ridiculous.  I can appreciate the moments without pausing for a photo.  Looking back on my parent's family photos of us….. there are few but each and every one is a gem.   Yet another overkill of our generation.

Before I completely forget, there are a few major milestones or memories that need to be noted here.

Leo is sleeping all night.  Praise God!  Or, as my mother 10-year old mother would have put it, "holy goddam son of a bitch".  We are finally getting more than 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep and I feel better.   I knew I was human.  I knew I was nice!  I just knew it!!!!!

This guy loves to sing.  He sings a LOT!  In the car, on his bike, in the house…. he just sings every chance he gets.  I would love to get his version of "LET IT GO" on video because it could win awards.

Ruby.  She's basically all grown up.  The only hint that she's still a kid is her inability to say certain words.  Remember is particularly awesome.  "Brember?"  is kind of how it sounds.  She only wears clothes that are "pretty" which means dresses and nothing else.  There are a lot of clothes hanging in her closet that have never felt the warmth of a human body…. pity.   But, I'm not forcing it.  She's a great big-sis to Leo and is showing a lot of love and affection for her little bro as of late.  There are still some battles…. but we make it through.  I'm seeing a big, bright light on the horizon.  Kindergarten is fast approaching and I think Ruby's maturing just as quick.  OMG… school starts in 7 weeks.

Hold that thought.

Stay tuned for breaking summer vacation updates in the weeks to come.

Cheerio!

Prepping for bed.  

Our trip on the VIA Rail train. 

Leo's first visit to the dentist started out like this…. 

…. went through a phase like this…. 

…. and ended up like this!  

Graduation from YMCA preschool.  

Need I say more?  

Water park. 

girl date

Now that Ruby's all grown up and living on her own, time with her is even more precious.
I pulled her out of daycare last Friday for a girl date.  It was a gorgeous day and we filled it with fun.
I didn't stop to take pictures of the whole thing…. but our first stop was Centennial Park.  We've been there a million times (not including the times I visited as a kid, having grown up just around the corner), but this time was probably the most fun!  It was a special girl date with my rapidly growing best big girl Ruby Melinda Grant!

I love you and I miss you and I like you.

-mom 

forty seven weeks

Forty seven weeks.  This is how long Ruby wants to stay at Grandma and Grampy's house…. until our new house is ready.  Both kids stayed in Lower Coverdale on Friday night for a special treat and it was the next day that she decided to boycott Sackville.  I have a feeling it was my parent's innocent drive past our old house with the kids that triggered this abrupt change of heart.  She wasn't ready and probably never will be.  

It's heartbreaking to think about Ruby in turmoil.  I spoke to the folks at daycare today and they reported she's not herself there either.  

Just three more weeks everyone.  Hang in there!  

Love and hugs, 

Mom oxoxox

Miss Ruby.

Leo in the hammock - his new passion.

Some pretty flowers from our walk.  

Saturday in Sackville

Day one of first weekend in Sackville - Not as great as I had imagined.  

I'm not sure what I really had in mind, but for some reason I thought we would all have the time of our lives at the Market this morning.  I soon realized that today was no different than any other day and being at the Market in Sackville didn't really make much of a difference in the longevity of our kids' ability to maintain their cool in public.  I blame the 25 minute wait for smoothies and coffee and hereby swear NEVER to go to Bridge Street Cafe again.  

This is Leo being torn away from the park, after the market.
Not so good at departures.  

This is Ruby waiting for Leo to get into the car.
It was hot and she was feeling the effects of choosing
not to wear the summer outfit I had picked out.  

Later on, we went to Fort Beausejour.  The kids thought it was going to be totally boring but 5 seconds out of the car they were off and running.  It was awesome!  Ryan and I haven't been there in a long time either so it was great to be back.  I love that place.  Next time we'll bring the kite (and mosquito repellent).

It was an amazing day, despite a few (normal?) hiccups with toddlers.
Here's hoping we come out of this phase alive and well.

What will tomorrow hold for the Grants?

Leo says "see ya!"  

prologue

The Grants have moved to Sackville.  Temporarily.

Let's back track here for a second…..
First and most importantly, WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!

So long 116 Hedgwood Drive. 

It's been a long time coming and as I sit here writing this, I'm still somewhat in a daze.  It all happened rather quickly (when it finally happened after basically 3 years of trying to sell the house, which isn't quick, is it?)  Our buyers requested a quick close and we didn't argue.

Finding a new house to move into was quite a challenge.  There are a LOT of crappy houses on the market and when we finally found what we thought was our forever home, someone else came in and made an offer on the same day!  They won.  Heart broken, we continued our search and found our new home at 8 Basswood Court.  It's wonderful and awesome and everything that we want…. BUT we have to wait a whole 4 weeks to move in.  

Can't wait to meet you!  

Meanwhile… we're staying in Sackville with Ryan's parents who have graciously offered us literally every empty nook and cranny in their home.  It's going to be an even tighter squeeze when Aunt Trisha and her two kids come for an unexpected visit for 10 days!  Get our your cam corders folks and let's make a movie.  This is bound to be a whole lot of fun.  :)

All things considered…. I think I speak for both Ryan and I in saying that we are enjoying being back in Sackville.  This town has a lot of charm and I'm so excited to spend our first weekend here with the kids.  I have so much planned…. the Market tomorrow, Fort Beausejour, the Waterfowl Park, Beech Hill Park…. thank goodness it's a 3-day weekend.  Perfect timing Queen Victoria.  I just hope everyone is well behaved.  Is that too much to ask??  

simple pleasures

Simple Pleasures…

Waking up before everyone else and enjoying a hot cup of coffee and magazine in complete silence.  Watching birds frolic at the feeder.  Getting dressed for your day not including socks in the outfit.  Entering a room to find this….

I've always had a difficult time just relaxing and not doing anything at all.  When the sun in out, I feel like I should be outside enjoying the sun… doing something productive.  Especially on a weekend.  When it's snowing, I think I should be outside enjoying the snow… shovelling or making a fort.  I think it's gotten worse since having kids because I want to make sure they're doing something too.  And, let's face it, there's never a shortage of chores on the list. 

Last weekend, the sun was out and I had my usual guilt on about everyone not being out there enjoying the much anticipated warmer weather.  "We should be riding out bikes… going on a hike in the woods… playing at a park" were the thoughts in my head.  Then I turned the corner and found both kids having a fabulous time reading a book with Ryan.  They were captivated and in complete silence.  Ruby, of course, was dressed in princess attire and Leo, our snuggle bug, was cuddled up on Ryan's back.  It was beautiful.

Truth is, the kids don't want to be on the go all the time and reading a book with their dad is doing something.  Looking back, I can remember several instances where I struggled to get the kids dressed and outside to do something or go somewhere.  When it takes 2 hours to convince a child to get ready (and practically gives me a nervous breakdown in the process), I gotta think it's not worth it.  I'll remember that next time.  It may be a challenge but I'm going to go with the flow enjoy not having to be anywhere or do anything at all.  

Hey… you can learn a lot from kids!  

Thanks Ruby and Leo.  

I love you more than a million ice creams!  

Mom  oxox

the Easter Mommy missed

I just put away the Easter paraphernalia and cleared the tulip petals from the mantle.  I completely missed Easter this year.  From Thursday after work to the crack of dawn on Tuesday, I was in bed with the Energizer Bunny of fevers!  It just wouldn't give up!

I missed my mom's Easter Dinner on Friday, which was also Auntie Robin's birthday celebration.  The kids and Ryan did go and enjoyed the games, fun and food.  I got a doggy bag which included the most delicious piece of birthday cake…. lemony coconut and whip cream… YUM!  It was divine!  Perhaps it was extra delicious because I've been avoiding carbohydrates as of late…. so that little blast of sugar was super fine.  Mmm…. just thinking about it makes me salivate.

Before heading to the Dr.'s office on Saturday, I managed to muster the energy to get some eggs decorated.  We did pretty good!

This garland was a project from a week or so ago…

I had almost given up on Easter arriving on schedule this year, so with much regret, we sent Ruby to my parent's house on Saturday night for a sleepover.  I was feeling so awful that I just couldn't imagine hiding eggs and having any fun with the kids the next day finding them.  I figured we would do the Easter Bunny thing on Monday, hoping the kids would never know the difference……

This is the breakfast that I finagled for Leo…. although he didn't much appreciate it.  I thought it was ok.  ?

Mostly out of guilt, I think, by bedtime Saturday night I decided that the Easter Bunny just couldn't be late so we got Ruby home first thing Sunday morning and they kids had their egg hunt with the rest of the nation.  I watched from the couch and took a few photos…..

For the second year in a row, we noticed a drastic change in Leo's behaviour after eating chocolate eggs (basically for breakfast).  The bad behaviour continued into the day, so… next year, the chocolate is gone.  We're going to get creative around here on Easter and start a new tradition that doesn't include chocolate.   I think we'll all be happier as a result.

So… after cleaning up the tulip petals and pollen….. I'm glad to say this Easter is over.  Let's move on to Spring now please.