It's Snowing and December is Almost Here!!!!

Hey everyone! Hope you're all doing well. It's been a busy weekend and I'm still recovering from a sinus infection. The boys both had hockey and Mathieu also had a soccer tournament at school today. They played five games (indoor games - so its not as long as a regular game; but still) and won the finals. Mathieu, the team goalie, actually scored the last goal of the tournament. Now the coach owes him lunch at McDonalds. Poor guy, he has no idea that Mat can at for $20 at McDs.

I can't believe there are only 24 shopping days left. I had started with a bang... But haven't really done much since early November. Maybe the snow that's presently falling will help put everyone in a more Xmasy mood.

This coming Wednesday will mark my 15th wedding anniversary and the anniversary of Tony's diagnosis - 4 years ago. I've already made plan for a sitter and am going out to a Beattles night at a local restaurant bar with some friends. I didn't think it was a good idea to stay home that night. Better to be surrounded with friends and noise. I'll let you know how it goes.

Well, that's it for now. Please keep in touch.

And, take good care!

Renée

Feeling like a chicken with its head "cut off"

Tonight Mathieu's hockey team played a brilliant hockey game. I so enjoy watching my boys play; in that sense I guess I'm lucky (otherwise it would make for long games). Tomorrow I'll be doing double duty; work, meet Mat's teachers, appointment with my psy, go order dinner for the boys, pick up Mat's football equipment and drop it off, meet Rich's teachers, then (hopefully) dinner. I know it must be weird me listing all of this, but it makes me feel better... I read and say, no! I'm not crazy... that's a lot of stuff to do!

I've begun my Xmas shopping. But, you know what, I think the early you start, the more you buy... and the more you spend! So much for trying to be organized. I just can't believe how fast the Holidays are approaching. Its a bit scary!! I'm not sure why; I guess I just remember the catatonic state I was in last year and panic.

Well, my mom's coming for a visit this weekend. It should be nice. I think Mathieu enjoys having people visit - especially when he can talk them into giving him money. I think I've created a monster.

Should my friend Sylvie read this, "J'pense à toi".

That's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée

Hello Again!

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. Richard is the one who told me I should update my blog. He's so sensible that one... He certainly doesn't get that from me.

The boys' football season has come to an end and with it comes a bit of reprieve for me. I no longer have to drive them each to 2 or 3 practices a week or attend games that took up both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. We only have hockey for now. Don't get me wrong; the boys really enjoyed their football season and so it wasn't even a question of doing it or not... Its just nice to get a bit more time for the regular stuff - cooking, groceries, housecleaning, laundry. Gosh, I never thought I ever say anything like that. Oh well... I have had to readjust since Tony passed away. He was such a great help around the house. But I feel that things are getting better; I don't feel quite as overwhelmed as I did just a few months ago. I'm sure Rich will be pleased. He's so much like his dad in that he loves everything to be in its place. You gotta love him. Mathieu and I on the other hand, did not inherit the "tidy gene". Poor Rich.

The boys and I will be travelling to Belfast to see Tony's family in December. Rich and Mat are very much looking forward to it - as am I. I think it will bring things "full circle" for me in terms of grieving. Its a big step... Going back to his beginning. Some days I think it will be wonderful, and other days I'm scare that it will be too sad. I guess there is no sense in worrying about it - whatever happens is going to happen and worrying ahead of time won't change a thing! Sorry - I'm getting phylosophical.

I've been trying to get back to the gym so that I can look and feel my best for the Holidays. Its a struggle, but I'm determined. Only 25 lbs to go... Ouch! One day at a time. I'm back at work and have started training for a new position which will allow me to work part-time (3.5 days a week). That's about all I can handle right at this time.

Well, that's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Terry Fox Run for Tony

The Terry Fox Run was quite a success thanks to all our friends at Enbridge. Your efforts and participation are above and beyond the call of duty and a true demonstration of your affection and regard for "Richard" - as you knew him. I am very touched and am sure Tony would be at a loss for words. Thank you!

Well, as I'm back at work tomorrow... off to bed I go.

Take good care!

Renée

P.S. Congrats Hazel! All the best to you and your hubby...

Enbridge Rafter's Runners

Hello Everyone;

Although this is late notice, I wanted to let you all know that Enbridge, along with myself and some friends and family will be participating in the Terry Fox Run/Walk again this year. If you are interested in participating or donating please see the Terry Fox Run website and look for the Enbridge Rafter Runners (http://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/terry%20fox%20run/run%20site%20listings/qc/default.asp?s=1). We will be at the Pointe-Claire location this coming Sunday, September 14th at 10 am.

Hope to see you all there.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Hello Everyone...

I know! ... it's been a while since my last post. Things are moving along. Mathieu is doing much better and getting stronger every day. Richard now towers over me... And both are busy with their sports. We took a short vacation last week with my sister and her family. It was nice to get away. Of course, it would have been much nicer if the rain had stayed away...but we still managed to do some fun stuff.

I had to empty the locker I had rented to store stuff when I staged my old house to put it up for sale. So now, in addition to the few boxes I had yet to unpack from the move... I now have quite a few other boxes to unpack. I just can't seem to find the energy or motivation to get to them... There's always something else that needs to be done. Well, I guess I should do it in baby steps; one box at a time (or a day). The task may not seem quite as daunting that way I guess. (As you can probably detect, I'm not quite convinced yet.) Well, no rush, I guess.

I hope you are all enjoying the summer months.

That's it for now.

Take good care!

Renée

Happy Canada Day!

We were home on a pass Saturday afternoon and got to sleep in our own beds. The surgeon called Sunday morning and discharged Mathieu over the phone. Safe for a few distressing moments on Sunday night, things are going well.

Sunday afternoon, we joined my Mom's family - what was left of the crowd - for an afternoon at the cottage. Everyone from far and wide (Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, etc.) had gathered for dinner the night before and there were a few left to visit with on Sunday. Mathieu was in the water splashing around and I had to hold him back because he too wanted to play football. He has lost a bit of weight, but will no doubt gain some back now that he can eat.

We saw the fireworks this evening - in celebration of Canada Day. Mathieu spent most of the evening at the park and was exhausted when I joined him. Richard had gone to join the festivities in another municipality and I picked him up to join us for the celebrations in our own municipality. We saw many of our friends and enjoyed the fireworks.

Looking forward to a bit of calm and relaxation tomorrow.

Well, that's it for now...

Take good care!

Renée