I Survived Mat's 12th Birthday Party!!!

For those of you wondering... yes, I did survive Mathieu's birthday party! I had 13 kids at the party Friday night and 10 slept over. I have to admit I had my mom and some girlfriends over as well for moral support and might have indulged in a glass of wine... Everyone had fun and no one overslept!

As for Mathieu's appointment at the surgical clinic; believe it or not, I showed up 24 h late. The appointment was scheduled for Wednesday. Obviously, I did not transcribe it properly when I bought my 2009 agenda. Luckily, our surgeon was nice enough to see us anyway - after everyone who actually showed up on the right day. Mathieu is doing just fine.

He will be seeing the dermatologist in February to confirm that he still needs a mole removed. He has small birthmark-like spot in the back of the neck and she seems to think that it has grown in the last year. Because he is a higher risk for skin cancer, she wanted it removed last summer when they removed his colon. Mathieu was worried that he would have pain in the back of his neck and his belly and wouldn't be comfortable on his back or any other way so we decided to postpone that procedure. They will likely remove the mole during his next scope as they scope him under general anasthesia.

We have a busy week ahead. Mat's in a hockey tournament and will be playing both Tuesday and Thursday night. Both boys have a training session at the gym tomorrow night and Rich might have hockey on Wednesday. I haven't looked as far as Friday yet... it'll come soon enough.

I actually prepared dinner tonight. It was past 7 pm when we ate, but it was the first home prepared meal in a week. Tomorrow's dinner is practically done already, so things are looking up!

I thought of Tony quite a lot this weekend. He passed away 19 months ago yesterday. It still seems surreal. I wonder what advise he'd have for me now!? I feel a bit lost and empty. And I'm not quite sure how to fix it! Time!!! I know... But I'm not that patient. I guess I'll have to learn to be and but on a brave smiling face in the meantime.

Well that's it for now!

Take good care...

Renée

Just Beautiful...

A few more photos... What a place!

You might be wondering what I'm doing up so late on a school night?! Well, I'm waiting on Rich coming back from his first real concert at the Bell Centre... His friend's mom just called to say they were on their way. I'm still going to wait til he walks through the door.

Mat and I are at the surgical clinic tomorrow for a follow-up. The frustrating thing about the clinic is that it only runs for a half day, but everyone's appointment is for 10:10 am. Isn't that the most ridiculous thing? I have yet to decide if we'll go early or late. If we're early and have to wait any length of time, it usually costs me as we sit in front of the Café. But, there is always the off chance that we could be first... Hopefully it will go well.

Mat's birthday party is scheduled for this Friday. I'll let you know how that goes!

Well, that's it for now. I'll get ready for bed so that I can turn in as soon as Rich arrives.

Take good care!

Renée

P.S. Sandee, you are in my thoughts - and you are my inspiration! God bless...

A Walk in the Park

Hello everyone! I hope the new year brings you good health and laughter! The boys and I came back from Belfast last Wednesday. Our trip was great. Mathieu actually wanted to stay. They put on quite a welcome for us! We met many friends and family members and are very thankful to everyone for making our stay so pleasant. I have no idea what I was so worried about!!!

I wanted to share some photos with you. I took a walk in the Botanical Gardens next to Michele's house and was just absolutely entranced by the greenest of it all in the middle of winter!

That's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée

Happy New Year!

Sitting in my sister-in-law's dinning room last night, I was happy to realize that I would be welcoming 2009 even earlier because I'm in Belfast. Our visit has been just great so far... No rain, just lots of humidity/dampness. We went to see the Belfast Giants, did a bit of shopping. I went for walk and took some lovely pictures on the Botanical Gardens next to Michele's. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to download the photos yet...

Oh! I must tell you this, our trip started with a bang!! We were bumped to 1st class on the way to London. I actually stretched out full length and slept most of the way. The boys were way too excited... Rich caught up on some sleep yesterday... He slept 17 hours straight. Must be growing again - or severely jetlagged!

I hope everyone is keeping well! I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Take good care!

Renée