Remembrance Day 2012

Ever since Warren and I started the tradition of attending the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Military Museum about four years ago, it has become something I really look forward to. And, as I discovered this year, something I feel very guilty about missing. We went back and forth on the decision. First it looked like Warren would need to be showing clients earlier in the morning, so we wouldn't attend. Then it turned out his appointments wouldn't start until 1pm - plenty of time! But then, the forecast was predicting -16 degrees in the early hours, so we made the choice not to go this year, especially with Kyle still so young. And I felt SO guilty. Warren thought I was being ridiculous (he thinks I have 'guilt' issues). But all I could think was 'People left their families to fight wars...we shouldn't mind standing in the cold for an hour'. It's also like when you're invited to a function, maybe a birthday party, and you decide not to go, and you tell yourself 'oh, lots of people are going, no one will really notice if I'm not there, so it's not a big deal'. But there is significance in numbers. It matters. Anyway... So no pictures of Kyle and Rhys freezing their butts off this year.

Instead, Rhys and I spent the morning visiting at a friends' house, then we all headed to Nana and GranDan's to celebrate his 82nd birthday. And of course, I had left the camera at home.

So, here is a completely unrelated, slightly old, picture of my two loves...sitting in a laundry basket.

And I am thankful. And I remember.

Day #3

Have your heard of the 'Spaceport' at the Calgary Airport? Apparently, it is also known as 'Heaven' for 2.5 year old boys. These are the pics my wicked-awesome husband was sending to me all morning yesterday:

And Easter Dinner #1 turned out really well. I made a very special effort to NOT get stressed about cleaning the house and preparing the meal. I did really well, too. Proof was when dinner was served 45 minutes late because the scalloped potatoes and ham needed different heating/cooking temperatures, so the timing of it all was trickier than we had planned...and I didn't freak out! Thankfully my cousin and brother brought over lots of stuffed mushroom caps and baked brie to to hold us over until dinner.

Here is a great 'Three Generations' photo for our history book (if we had one...):

Today: Eater Egg Hunt in the morning, and a Greek Feast at Grandpa & Grandma Pamela's house!

Happy Easter everyone.

Sunday.

Today was a perfect Sunday. Warren only had one appointment, and they cancelled! I went to the mall in the morning for some 'top secret' birthday errands, then my mom came for a visit while we watched Spain (wahoo!) win the World Cup, then off to Nana & Grandan's for a backyard dinner with some out of town friends.

Rhys & Grandan:

Rhys walking around entertaining everyone:

Rhys decided, suddenly, that he knew how to climb stairs:

Oh ya, and the Birthday Video? DONE. (Shawna, whatever you charge your clients, IT'S NOT ENOUGH). Look for it's Blog debut on the 15th!

GranDan

Warren's Dad is an interesting guy. Born in England and lived through the war. His life has been crazy and full of twists and turns and risks and payoffs and downfalls. He's funny, laid back and speaks his mind. He's a great husband to Warren's mom. Does the dishes every night, and enjoys traveling with her. He looks forward to the day his grandson, Rhys Kenneth Daniel Cronin, will be old enough to share a pint with him. Rhys will call him 'GranDan'.

Daniel Cronin is also an avid cyclist - a hobby he is passionate about. Did I mention he's 78 years old?

CTV awarded him 'Athlete Of The Week' a couple weeks ago, and here is the story they ran:

Widescreen link HERE. (recommended)

*Note: This was videotaped, handheld, off the TV, so the audio & video aren't the greatest.

Stroke Of Genius

Yesterday I got a wee bit more purging/organizing accomplished.

Rhys' closet before:

Rhys' closet after:

With Rhys' room complete, I had a sudden/random urge to deal with my Tupperware drawer.

Before:

The lids were kept seperately, in these fancy dancy holders on the pantry door, circa 1956. When people stayed at our place, they could never find the lids. Not the most user friendly concept:

After:

Fancy Dancy lid holders, be gone!:

At first I was simply going to chuck it all, and go buy the new Rubbermaid 'Easy Find' lid collection, but thought twice, because what's the point of purging if I'm just going to go out and buy more stuff? I know there is more Tupperware lurking in other kitchen cupboards, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...

As I was about to toss out all the un-matched lids and such, I had a stroke of genius.

Rhys is thinking: "Really? You want me to PLAY with this JUNK?"

Still skeptical:

Oh, okay. I think there's some dried cookie dough on this lid...

Today: Warren is off. I'm going to exercise this morning. Then Warren has a lunch date with a buddy. Then we're off to visit Nana & GranDan (Warren's parents) before they leave for 2 weeks to Mexico. They haven't seen their grandson is ages, due to all the germs at our house. Then tonight - Glee Club! Will it be a swing routine, or another sassy routine in heels? Bring it on!