Way Back Whens Day ~ My boys

Isn't this picture adorable. It was taken way back in the summer of 2002. It was our first summer here and my hubby was getting our driveway paved. The boys took it upon themselves to explore the truck. My neighbour captured them in their moment of silliness. Below is the picture of the entire truck. Nick was 10 yrs old at the time, and Alec had just turned 8. The adorable little boy sitting with them is A, who lived with us for 7 months. For more Way Back Whens days head on over to Cheryl's blog @ Twinfatuation

Baby Picture Sundays ~ Temper temper

Debi over at Whose Says Eight Is Enough hosts Baby Picture Sundays. If you'd like to play along, click on the button for details.





OK..I know this isn't a baby picture, but Joey's emotions are so intense. This was taken at his birthday party in a moment of frustration.


Damien..having a moment because he did not want to leave the park.

Thankful Thursday ~July 2, 2009

I am playing along with Nicole @ What a Trip.



Today I am most thankful for the following:

1. My friend Margaret. She has been so wonderful, listening to me, supporting me and allowing me and the kids to come over and play at her place..no matter how many children I happen to have.
2. Family. My children, Nick has graduated and is now working til he heads off to school in September. Alec continues to look for a job but in the mean time, helps me out around the house when he is available. Joey, who make me laugh on a daily basis, no matter how busy he keeps me. My three little ones, playing together , learning to share and loving life.
3. Being a Canadian we had a fantastic day yesterday. Although our Canada Day parade is pretty cheesy, it's pretty awesome to see that many enthusiastic, patriotic Canadians out there!
4. At the parade we bumped into little A (she stayed with us for a week) and her grandparents. She was thrilled to see Abby and Joey . Her and Abby shared a huge hug and then sat and watched the parade together. I don't often see how children are doing once they've left my home (unless they were here long term) so it was pretty amazing to me, especially since she is doing very well.
5. Yesterday's weather. It has been so dreary lately, rainy and cloudy and just plain blah. But yesterday the rain stayed away and everyone was able to enjoy the Canada Day festivities without the downpour.
6. Remembering to count my blessings. I am been so crabby and irritable the last couple of days. Whining about this and that, complaining about being tired and doing housework, that I've totally forgotten how truly blessed I, We are. I have my family, friends, health, comforts of home, and much much more. Thank you God!

Canada Day 2009

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Just want to wish all you Canadians out there a Happy Canada Day! What are your plans for today? If it doesn't rain *here's where I sing rain rain go away" we plan on going to the Canada Day parade, then to the carnival they have. Afterwards we, again weather permitting, will have a barbeque. So hopefully the rain will stay away.


*Nick and Damien. Taken at last year's Canada Day parade

Two for Twos days ~ My son and his gal

Debi and Deanna are the hosts for Two for Twosday.
I love this picture of Krystal and Alec. They are great kids. Both helped out at Joey's party as well as joining in the fun. To see who else is playing along click the above button.

Monday Morning ~ June 29 2009 ..My son is gentle!

So I'm in a mood today. I try not to let little things bother me. OK who am I kidding? Little things bother me all the time, but I try not to let them get to me as much. Most people who know me , know the thing that bothers me the most is when people judge my Joey, make comments about him that are not very nice, stare at him, exclude him etc. I know no one else can possibly love and accept him like I do. I know he is a very challenging little boy. He's very LOUD and I should understand why people act the way they do, considering I , myself , look forward to breaks, count down minutes til his workers arrive and yes am really really looking forward to him starting his day camp. I love all my friends but it's true I have a little bit more respect and appreciation for those that treat not just Joey but all of my kids with that little extra bit of patience.
Something that really ticked me off this past week was a comment made from a professional. She was dropping off a new foster child at our home. She and another worker did not look comfortable when they saw Joe. I could tell and even sense an inner cringe. Joey was being awesome, but when we had interruped his regular schedule so I could greet this precious child and her workers. He had a small fit. Gino took him downstairs, but he came back up to get his balloon. He was by the stairs as were the little ones and I said.."oh be careful" Joey retrieved his balloon and all was well. Yes, he did have a small fit. He did yell and jump up and down. Something I perhaps overlooked because it happens so often. Several times a day in fact, so to me it was no big deal. To the workers, well you would have thought he had killed someone. One worker looked at the little one she was dropping off and said to me, " Is she safe here, if we leave her?" Oh . My. God!!! REALLY? First of all the process of when a child comes in to care is not that simple. They do an intake over the phone. More importantly the person placing the child knows our homes. They know which children are in our homes and they do a very long questionnaire with us that asks all of these questions and more. So really it wasn't her place to ask, however, if she was concerned I understand. BUT....she was only referring to Joey. I bit my tongue and instead of telling her to get herself educated, I explained abit about Joe to her. I told her he was off schedule and very excited that people were over. I told her he is a very LOUD boy at times, very active but that he would never intentionally hurt a little one. Maybe I was over sensitive, maybe it was just the last straw. Thing is, Joey is ...never mind..I'll just leave it at that.
..
Update: Our newest house guest is doing fantastic. She's only been here since Thursday. She gets along well with everyone even *gasp ...Joe. She is not afraid of him nor has she been hurt. She is in her glory. Loving all of the new experiences we have be able to give her so far.
So there!

* I'm including some of my favourite tender moments that capture my son in his true and gentle persona*

Baby Picture Sundays ~ The heat is on

Grab the Button!

Every Sunday Debi at Who Says Eight Is Enough hosts one of my very favourite memes. Click on the above button to see who else is playing along.



Cute baby Dexter cooling off in the splash pad at Niagara Safari.

Damien, insisted on keeping his sunglasses on.



Abby enjoying a nice , cool Popsicle.

Friday Fun Foto Fiesta ~ Grad and prom

My baby is growing up. This past Wednesday he graduate with honours from grade 12. He is off to Brock University in the fall. On Thursday he had his prom. So for this Friday's fun photo fiesta, here are a few pictures from Nick's graduation and his prom. For more fantastic and fun photos head on over to Candid Carrie and see who else is playing along.

The two graduates with my mom, aka Nana.

So proud of both of you.

My two handsome sons.

And now for some prom pictures.

Nick and his girlfriend Olivia

the group of guys and the group of gals

Nick , Livv and some friends.