Spring break comes to an end...

This time last year!!!

The boys were off last week. I took a few days off but we didn't do too much. Mathieu came shopping with me and decided he wanted to bake a cake. And so he did. It was delicious, but way too much cake for just us. Rich was invited to Andrew's cottage and actually did some downhill skiing for the first time. Apparently he looked like a pro. He just loved it! Mathieu played shinny hockey at the arena and also played on the outside rink. He quite enjoyed it and there were many kids there which made it even more fun.

I am still training in my new position at work. I can't wait to know everything I need to know and feel more comfortable in what I'm doing. A new job is quite draining. I'd forgotten. I have a bit of a cold so I should be off to bed. But, with having moved the clocks ahead today, I'm a bit confused... Not to mention that I slept in 'til 2:20 pm (which was in fact only 1:20).

Better be off now. I have an early doctor's appointment and then off to the dentist with Rich before I go into to work... No rest for the wicked!!!

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

P.S. We've book a house in Maine for one week this summer. It'll be great...

Happy Birthday!

Well, believe it or not, February 17th is both my mother's and my mother-in-law's birthday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them both a very happy birthday and let them know how much they are loved and appreciated. The world just wouldn't be the same without you.

Jean, you gave birth to my wonderful husband, the father of my children. This allowed me to live a life that I wouldn't even have dared wish for... He made me very happy and gave me two beautiful boys and you made that all possible for me. I will be eternally grateful.

Mom, although we have had our moments, you have always been there for me. You gave me birth and stood by me throught thick and thin... and always made me feel special. You taught me that men and women are equal and that the world was mine to conquer. Thank you!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's day...

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

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

I'm back...

Sorry my friends... Its been busy around here! My outting on December 3rd was fun. I have been trying to get ready for the Holidays in the last few weeks. But, for some reason, I can't quite seem to get into it; the spirit, that is... I brought up our artificial tree over a week ago and the box is still sitting on the floor in the corner of the living room. Mat and Rich have been quite busy making their wish list on the computer (they include photos to make sure I pick the right item). Unfortunately, Mat's list changes daily and keeps growing.

While they are forecasting 15 cm of snow for tomorrow, Rich has a tournament game scheduled in Laval at 9 pm. The team has to be there 60 minutes ahead of the game and the game last 90 min. Hopefully the snow plows will be working overtime during the day tomorrow. Luckily for me, I really enjoy watching him play. He played last Sunday and scored the most beautiful goal!

Two more work days, and I'm off 'til the 2009! I plan on catching up on some sleep... If I can get my shopping done quickly that is... Although, knowing me, there's not much chance of my shopping being done before the 24th. There's always an extra little thing to buy...

Well, that's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée