I got a bleeding heart!

Things are starting to get hectic now...as they tend to before you go on vacation. Haven't had a chance to blog in a little while. So I'll try to do a quick catch-up.

Friday was Jason's last day of work. He was initially supposed to be off, but had to go in to cover for someone else. Because it was overtime, he only worked 8 hours, instead of the usual 12. Kellie came home, and was over to visit Abby and me(Jules and Samuel were already asleep). We listened to a CD of her reading a story on Joe Blades' radio program. Weird! Her voice did not sound like her own. More like our cousin of ours. Had a funny moment watching Abby do her Hello Dolly impersonation.

Saturday was Sherry's housewarming party. It went well. She got a lot of nice presents and $210! I got to see a lot of family that I don't get to see very often. Bonnie, Gary's Mom, was in the hospital. Sherry and Gary was told that she had an angina attack. But on Sunday morning they found out that Claire,Gary's Dad, had lied to them because he didn't want to upset them. Because of their party and all. Actually, Bonnie suffered a double heart attack. She had two blood clots pass through her heart.....it only takes one to kill you. She has severe damage to both the front and back of her heart. Sherry called me from town on Sunday and thought for sure that Bonnie was dying. They air lifted her to Saint John yesterday, do that they could run some tests. I was just talking to Sherry this morning and Bonnie is doing much better. She was sitting up and had ate a little bit. They're supposed to start running the tests today. Hopefully all will go well with her.

Sunday was the big day.......the lemonade stand. The kids really enjoyed it.....but not as much as me! It was so fun! I was scared that maybe it would not live up to my expectations or would become more of a hassle, like so much of these things do. But it didn't. They made $18.60!! Everyone we knew who drove by stopped. But anyone who didn't......Samuel would say, "I guess they don't like lemonade."

Abby was sick again all that day with the fever. I had to give her medicine two or three times. It's like as soon as the tylenol wore off, back it would come. She would have a period of an hour where she was herself and then back to the old glazy eyes. We didn't get ANY sleep that night. Yesterday she wasn't too bad and so far today she's fine too. So I'm hoping that it's gone for good. Samuel, however, is getting a bad cough. It just never seems like we can go to PEI without someone being sick.

Last night we all went to town for groceries. I had a funny moment in the Wal-mart. I was alone with the cart about to check out when I spotted Darren from Kent homes. I just did not feel like talking with him, going through the whole spiel about how we're waiting to build a house, etc.... So I pulled a Meg Ryan from You've Got Mail....you know the scene where she sees Tom Hanks in the grocery store? Anyway, I just kinda went oooooo and backed up and ran to another line, then peeked over to see if he had seen me. Then kinda kept hidden until he was gone. Too funny.

OOOO! I almost forgot! I also went into the Sobey's garden center. It was piss pouring raining outside but I didn't care. Everything was on sale for half off. I couldn't contain myself for excitement! I ended up buying another hasta, a Gy-nor-mus rose bush that had a lot of white roses still in bloom( much better than my little piddly, diddly one......that looks like I planted a stick in the ground!) and the best part..............ta da! - A bleeding heart! I have wanted a bleeding heart for a long, long time now. Mom too. So, of course I called her from my cell phone to gloat. The conversation went like this....

Hello.

Hi!

Hi.

I got a bleeding heart!

Where?

Sobeys..... I got a bleeding heart! I got a bleeding heart!(singing)

How much?

For like four dollars!

Is there anymore?

I don't know....but I got a bleeding heart! I also got a big rose bush and another hasta!

Is it like the ones that "he" has?

The "he" is Kellie's landlord. He's a show-off. lol. He has so many hastas, he plants them back in the woods. Pisses me off! Anyway there are these two mother hastas on either side of Kellie's step and Mom and I are obsessed with them. But no, I don't think the one I bought is like they are. This one has flowers growing out of the center and I don't think the ones by the step do that. I did go and check the garden center after we finished in Sobeys, but it was closed. So........too bad Mommy! I got a bleeding heart and you don't!!

Tomorrow we leave bright and early for Prince Edward Island! Yipee! The only thing is that I haven't packed or done anything yet. We have sooooooooo much to do, it's not even funny. We still have to take the tent trailer over to Preston and Karen's. Yesterday it was raining so we couldn't. Plus the house is a mess, and laundry to do, and food to prepare, etc..... But who cares? We're going to millstream.....uh, uh, ah, ah, (singing again)...we're going to millstream....

Will post lots of pictures when we get back!

Getting to know you.....

10 Years Ago: Jason, Benjamin and I had just moved back home from Moncton. I had been working at UPS while he was finishing college( I had quit in the fall). Luckily, I did have unemployment, but was determined to run out and get another job. Which I did.......at the mall.

5 Years Ago: Jason, Jules, Samuel, Benjamin and I had just moved back into my parents house. The kids were only six months old. We were in the process of moving our trailer from Newcastle to Barnettville. What a fun filled month that was!

1 Year Ago: I was sitting here blogging like I am now. We had just decided to sell the trailer and buy a mini-home. I had recently thrown Jason a party for his 30th birthday. My Grandfather was slowly fading away.

Yesterday: I was sweltering in the heat. I was anxiously waiting for Mom to call me from Moncton to tell me what her doctor had said.

Today: I talked to Christina on the phone about her trip to PEI. I did 3-4 loads of laundry and washed the dishes. I started to make a list of things I need to buy before leaving on vacation. I talked to Kellie online about Sherry's housewarming party.

Tomorrow: I'm going to try to clean the bathroom, which is in desperate need. Probably talk to Sherry on the phone at least twice about her housewarming party. Start to celebrate that Jason is starting his vacation!

5 Snacks I enjoy: Ice-cream, nachos and cheese, sun chips, chocolate bars, and pretty much any kind of candy.

5 Bands or singers I know the lyrics to most of their songs: The Beatles, John Mellencamp, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and AC/DC.

Things I would do with $1, 000,000: Pay off all of my family's debt, build my dream house, buy Jason as many cars as he likes, put the kids through college and travel to where ever I want.

5 locations I would love to run away to: Prince Edward Island. I don't know what it is about that place, but as soon as I cross the bridge, I'm blanketed in peace. Moncton. I always have loved going there to stay a few nights ever since we lived there. Sometimes I really miss it. Alma. It's such a dear little place, like out of a book or movie. Unbelievably small. New York City. Anyone who knows me, would know that would be on my list.....The last one is the hardest. I have so many places that I would love to see but fear it's near impossible. Mostly because I have such a fear of flying. But assuming I'm sedated, I'd have to say Paris, France or anywhere in Italy. Let's just say I'd tour Europe.

5 Bad habits I have: Feeling guilty for no logical reason, being too hard on myself, leaving the supper dishes to do the next day, taking things to heart when I shouldn't and never asking for help unless I'm clinging to a ledge by my fingernails during an earthquake.

5 things I like doing: Watching my children play, spending quality time with my husband, watching a movie that I really like and have memorized already, lying in bed doing crosswords while everyone else is asleep, and going somewhere that I've never been before.

5 things I would never wear: Stirrup pants with flats. Actually, strike that. Just stirrup pants in general. Tube top. Bikini. Anything neon. Jumpsuit.

5 tv shows that I like: Desperate Housewives, The Amazing Race, The O.C., Sex and the City, Will and Grace.

5 movies that I like: I like ALOT, but here is five of them.....When Harry Met Sally, Something's Gotta Give, Manhattan Murder Mystery, The Philadelphia Story, Casablanca.

5 famous people I would like to meet: Diane Keaton, Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell, Goldie Hawn, the Dalhi Llama.

5 biggest joys of my life at this moment: Samuel, Jules, Abby, Jason, and going camping in our tent trailer.

5 favorite toys: Well, I guess it depends on what you mean by toys...I'd have to say the computer, digital camera and cell phone. But really the tent trailer has been like a toy for me this Summer. And I always love a new puzzle book.

When life gives you lemons....

Today must not be as hot or as humid as it has been all week, because there is actually air to breathe. In fact, if you're just sitting or not doing much, it's actually quite comfortable in here. Thank the Lord! I don't know how much longer we could stand this 40 degree weather.

The kids have shown interest in setting up a lemonade stand. Do people still do this? I remember having one as a kid. I just can't remember the last time I saw anyone do it. I wonder if it's no longer PC to do so. Or is it only appropiate if they give their proceeds(what little that would be) to charity.

I can get quite excited about the idea - setting up a table with their little chairs, making a sign, etc.. Is 25 cents too steep a price? I'm all for giving money to charity and raising it with your kids by your side. It teaches them that there are people out there less fortunate than them. But with a little lemonade stand......I would really rather them just keep what little money they would make. Is this bad? Barnettville is not exactly a busy highway. So really the only ones buying it would be relatives or neighbors. And maybe they would learn something about earning an honest dollar...or quarter.

Opinions please.

Stormy Weather

Thought I better write something. Must try to keep up with all the keeners out there who blog numerous times a day -........ Kellie and Trish, you know who you are.

The countdown for PEI has begun.....seven days and counting. I can't get that freaking Stompin' Tom song out of my head...800-565-7421! Seriously, I sing it so much even Abby knows the words.

The heatwave continues. Last night we attempted to sleep in the tent trailer but had to cancel at the last minute due to thunderstorms. Speaking of thunderstorms, I was watching Canadian Idol on a later feed tonight, when the program was interrupted by one of those warning screens where they sound a long beep to get your attention. It was a weather warning for Alberta. I must have been watching a Alberta channel on the dish. Anyway, they were warning people about a severe thunderstorm that was producing hail the size of loonies and toonies and extreme wind. They said it could also produce a tornado and for everyone in the area to take shelter immediately. I quote " Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you are driving in your car, go directly to shelter. If you are approached by a tornado and cannot get to shelter, get out of your car and find shelter in a ditch or overpass". It was kinda scary. Even though the warning was for the other side of the country, it was like a scene from Twister.

Jason and I have an odd fascination/obsession with twisters. The same with sharks. It's like on one hand you are so afraid of them, but on the other hand you would really like to see one in person. I know it sounds nuts. I mean logically I would never want to see a tornado close up but there is a part of me that wishes I could see just a little one - one that couldn't hurt me or anyone that I love. Last summer there was a water spout that formed alongside the Confederation Bridge, just a few days after we got home from visiting the island. That would have been the perfect situation for me. Then I could see one, but not really be in that much danger.

In other news, the verdict is finally in on the bumps on Mom's arm and her strange infection.

The Beta did it.

Oddly enough, Mom's fish got her sick. Apparently, she pricked her finger outside which left her open to infection. A week or so later, she cleaned out the rocks and bowl of her Beta fish. The next week he died. Coincidence? Up until now, we thought so.

But today Mom went yet again to Moncton where her doctor told her that her test results showed she had contracted some rare freaky marine disease. Her fish must have had it when he died. If her finger had not already been injured, she probably would not have contracted it.

What are the odds?

The good news is that it is curable with medication, albeit expensive medication. But at least it is not something more serious.

Totally addicted to Wil Wheaton......must check his site several times a day. Loved the banter with him and his wife. He's such a cutey. I've always gone for the Wil type.

Til next time....

Hot Child In The City

The quintessential summer photo...

My Answers

Three things I like most about myself:
* my strength
* my independence
* my outlook on life

Three physical things you don't like about yourself:
* my weaknesses
* my guilt
* my stomach

Three things that scare you:
* pandemic
* the idea of someone close to me dying
* spiders

Three of your everyday essentials:
* Jules
* Samuel
* Abby
-What can I say?....I can't think of anything that I need everyday.

Three things that you are wearing now:
* black tank top
* ugly shorts I only wear to go to bed (haven't dressed yet)
* elastic hair band holding my hair off my face

Three of your favorite bands or musical artists:
- I can't really name just three. I like so many different types and genres.
* The Beatles
* Billy Holiday
* Coldplay
* Matt Mays & El Torpedo
* Janis Joplin
* Maroon 5
* Etta James
* John Mayer
* The Who
* The Rolling Stones
- Seriously I could go on and on....

Three things you want in a relationship:
* respect
* fun
* the zsa zsa zsu

Two truths and a lie:
* I had many altercations with the police as a teenager
* I cry when I get angry
* I've been to the U.S. twice

Three things that turn you on:
* old fashioned romance
* sense of humor
* music

Three of your favorite hobbies:
* gardening
* decorating
* cooking

Three things you really want to do right now:
* go on vacation
* go swimming
* win the lotto?

Three careers you'd consider:
* interior designer
* teacher
* columnist

Three places you want to go on vacation:
* Fundy
* Prince Edward Island
* New York City
- oh well.....2 out of 3 aint bad

Three things you want to do before you die:
* visit NYC
* take dance lessons
* celebrate my 100th birthday with Jason helping me to blow out the candles

People you're throwing this memo to:
Ummmm......is anyone else left?

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Genius Monk. Where You Lived: Siberia. How You Died: In Childbirth.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

What Is Your Summer Anthem?

Your Summer Anthem is Speed of Sound by Coldplay All that noise, and all that sound, All those places I got found. And birds go flying at the speed of sound, to show you how it all began. You're out of your mind this summer, in a good way.

What's Your 2005 Summer Anthem?

Happy Birthday Jason!

Thursday we went camping in Moncton afterall. The weather changed again, as it tends to. So Wednesday night we said "What the hell?" and called and booked a site. We were lucky to get in. I think we were literally the last reservation they took. We left here at around 10:30 and arrived at Stonehurst shortly after twelve. We had a great time.

After setting up and grabbing a bite for dinner, we headed out to the city. There I had my first Valu Village experience. Can I just say amazing! Even Jason bought some clothes. He is not usually the previously worn kind of guy. But I even convinced him to enter the changing rooms. I got a great pair of button-fly denim shorts plus two tank tops, a tee and another pair of shorts. Jason got two pairs of shorts and new pair of jeans with the tags still on. Oh and he got a little b&w television that he's been wanting for the tent trailer. I was reluctant to bring a television with us while camping. But......as much as I hate to admit it.......it was kinda cool. After frigging with the aerial and turning some knobs, Jason managed to find good old stations 6 and 12, or CTV and CBC. So Thursday night, as I made up the beds, I found myself watching ER. Weird. Yet oddly familiar. It reminded so much of when I was a kid and we would camp all summer long. The kids would gather, usually at Aunt Valerie's trailer, to watch tv. I have flashbacks of watching Star Wars in black and white. Our little television looks more like Reggie and Claudia's old one. The black front with the faux wood sides.

Friday morning, after breakfast, we took a drive to the Moncton Airport, to show Samuel the planes taking off. He has a thing for planes. He says they are his favorite things to see in the sky. I try desperately not to show him my fear of flying. I swear I had a panic attack just thinking about being aboard the plane as it took off. Maybe someday I will overcome this fear, but I just don't see it happening.

The Atlantic Nationals was in Moncton. Main Street was closed off as they had hundreds of classic cars and hot rods lining the street. We parked behind the Bluecross building and walked along, picking out our favorites. Jules loved a purple one that was painted all swirly with sparkles. Samuel was pointing everywhere and saying"Look at that paint job!". The sun got desperate hot before long, so we turned around to head for the car. Abby was tired of walking and said her usual "I take you!" which means pick me up. Samuel was so hot he looked at Jason and said "Can anyone take me?". We made it to the car without passing out from dehydration and headed back to camp.

After dinner, it was time to check out the pool. We lucked out and only had to share it with a mother and two of her kids. The water was super cold and took a while to get used to. It was surrounded by grass on three sides, which was a nice change from the usual pavement. So afterward, I laid out on my towel - something I hadn't done in a long, long time.

Saturday I hated to come home. I always seem to get like that when I go away. It's like I become the energizer bunny. I can just keep going and going and going.......

Next year we're planning on taking the tent trailer on vacation and traveling all over. We'll maybe stay two nights in PEI, then take the ferry to Nova Scotia and stay two nights there, then go to Fundy or maybe Moncton for two nights, etc.... Jason said we could always change our plans and do that this year, but I said no. I really love Millstream Cottages and now that we can actually go there, I don't want to change. Plus Mom is planning on coming with us and I know she would never go away for longer than three nights.

Now we are planning on going camping in Bartibog this weekend. We really can't afford it after going away to Moncton, but who cares? This summer my mission is to do as much as we possibly can. It's the kids last summer before they start school and everything changes. So this Friday, it's off to Bartibog. Jason goes back to work on Monday, works until Thursday and then is officially on vacation! Saturday, the 23rd is Sherry and Gary's housewarming party. Wednesday, the 27th, we leave for PEI and then comeback on Saturday only to go directly over to Preston and Karen's for their annual long-weekend family thing. We're going to have the tent trailer already set-up over there. That way it will save us some time. Then Jason goes back to work on that Wednesday, works four days and then we're off to Fundy!(Aug 7th-9th) Gotta love the summer!

Tomorrow, or today as I look at the time, is Jason's Birthday. He is now 31 years old. He had to renew his license today and had to have his picture taken. He said it's the worst picture he ever took in his whole life. He had just left work so he was quite dirty. They wouldn't let him wear his ballcap, so he had helmet head. Apparently they pointed an abnormally bright light at him and told him not to close his eyes, which he said was near impossible. Funny! But you still look great to me dear! Happy Birthday!

The Smell of Scotch Tape

Jason and I were planning on going camping this week. We were going to try out Stonehurst campground in Moncton. It's on my list of where to go this summer. But alas, it appears that we are in for rain, rain, and more rain. At least that is what Environment Canada is saying. And I think they know what they are talking about. I kept checking it every few hours of the last few days hoping it would change, but now it does not look like it will. Sucky. We were going to leave first thing tomorrow morning and stay two nights, coming back early on Friday. Part of me still wants to chance it, but really....who wants to go camping in the rain? Oh well, some other time.....

Yesterday, after remembering it was Monday, I herded the kids into the car and raced up to the mailbox. There it was! Finally! A hand-written envelope with the words "Samuel & Jules Keenan" on it. Jason was at work so I drove straight to Mom's house. I told the kids that something special had come in the mail. Mom was like "you might be disappointed, maybe you should let me open it". I think she was just as excited as me to see it. So I opened the envelope, pulled out two sheets of paper, and started to read.

Dear Parent,

Your child Samuel, will be entering Mrs. McCabe's Kindergarten..........

That's as far as I got before I screamed. I had really, really wanted Jules and Samuel to get into her class, rather than Mr. Flett's. It's nothing against him, I just feel more comfortable with Lori-Ann. Plus Paulina had her this past year and loved her, so I know my kids will too. Here is what each letter said.....

Dear Parent,

Your child Samuel(& Jules), will be entering Mrs. McCabe's Kindergarten class in the Fall. The kindergarten classes will be having split entry over a period of two days. This will allow 11-12 students to come with each day, with all students coming on the third day. Samuel(&Jules) will be attending Wednesday, September 7 and full time beginning Thursday, September 8.

The following is a list of supplies your child will need:

pencil sharpener
crayons
8 large glue sticks(We use lots of glue)
markers(washable)
3 pkgs. HB leaded pencils(no dollar store pencils, as the pencil sharpener eats them!)
shoes to wear inside(velcro or zippers suggested)
scissors
pencil box (to store markers, scissors, etc.)
4 pkgs. Hilroy scribblers
2 boxes of Kleenex
6 white erasers(very important)
1 ruler
1 lg. coloring book
10 regular duotangs(to hold loose leaf)
2 or 3 story books that they are familiar with
1 box large "Ziploc" bags
1 lg. pkg. construction paper
Student Fee - $13.00

Students are asked to bring a nutritional snack daily ( no chips, bars, pop, mini-sips or candy). Please put your child's name on his/her supplies, especially coat, footwear, backpack and lunchbox.

NO TOYS PLEASE!!!!!

Kindergarten students will not be buying lunch at the beginning of the year. We will notify parents at a later date when this will be permitted. To assist the bus driver with getting to stops, parents are asked to be at your child's driveway, bus stop for the first few days.

Looking forward to seeing your child!

Mrs. Lori McCabe

I'm so pleased! I had really wanted them to start on the second day. That way they don't have to go the first day, stay home and then go on from there. Now, they just go on their first day, and keep going. I'm really quite surprised with myself. I thought that when I had seen their names in print that I would start to cry. But so far, no tears. Well,.......that's if you don't count the tears I cried all year. And I know that I will probably start shedding them again in August and continue til' October. But hey, at least I'm not crying now!

I'm actually quite excited to start buying school supplies. I always loved school supplies. There's a line in You've Got Mail that goes something like...."What is it about Fall that makes me think of school supplies? If I had your name and address, I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils". That's me to a tee. Christina and I were just talking about the smell of a new bookbag. That unmistakable 'back to school' smell. And, to add to my excitement, Staples will be opening before school starts! I don't really know how much of the kids supplies I would really need to buy there, but I'm definitely going in.

With all the talk of Jules and Samuel going to school in the Fall, Abby's concern grows. Finally, yesterday she looked at me in tears and said, "Mommy, I don't wanna stay home". Her face looked so pathetically sad. I didn't know quite what to say to her. So I started talking about all the things her and I will get to do while they are gone - going for drives to town, shopping, etc... Then when Jason got home from work, Jules and Samuel ran up to him and said "We're going to go to school!". And Abby said with some conviction, "And I'm going to go to town!". She says it all the time now. I fear that she thinks we will be going shopping everyday.



Dear God!..........................My babies are starting school!

Summer, summer..........happened so fast!

It's July 3rd! I can't believe we are into July already. Summer always seems to fly by so quickly. Before you know it, it will be August and then.......September! And my kids will be off to school! I still haven't received anything in the mail as to what class they'll be in or what day they go. It's starting to piss me off! Christina got hers on Thursday. She called and said "It's here! It's here!". So away I ran to the car to drive up to the mailbox. I was really surprised by how excited I was. I opened the mailbox door and .........nothing! Ugh! Hopefully it should come tomorrow or Tuesday.

So this weekend was the long weekend. Thursday night we took the kids up to see the fireworks, which this year was surprisingly a long show. Friday was parade day. My Aunt Donna has a party at her house every year. The parade passes near her house, so we can all gather at her house and wait for it. It's pretty much just family that goes - aunts, uncles, cousins, etc... Everyone mingles while they wait for the parade, then we all watch it together. It too, was oddly long this year. Afterward everyone enjoys a good feed. This year was the first time we stayed for the meal. I had brought a taco salad and some juice for the kids. There were more salads, chicken wings, homemade biscuits, and deep-fried turkey. For dessert, there was homemade strawberry shortcake, cheesecake and your basic cake and ice-cream. I shamelessly stuffed myself. It's not everyday that you get such an oppurtunity. Gotta love potluck!

Mom didn't go to the party because she is not feeling well. Her new medication is leaving her with a bad taste in her mouth.......literally. She said it tasted like bile. Lovely. She's quite frustrated, worried and exhausted with her doctors. Now they're telling her that they don't know what is wrong with her arm. They could only say that it's not TB. TB! I mean it's good news that she doesn't have turburcleosis, but I think Mom was a bit upset that they felt the need to test her for it. I'm worried too, but trying desparately to stay positive. Postive is not an emotion that Mom is capable of feeling, lately. So I'm trying to be positive enough for the both of us.

After Donna's, we took the kids down to Mom's to cheer her up. Plus the kids wanted to show off their Canada Day tatoos. Jules said she wants to wear hers forever, but I think todays the day they've got to go, especially the ones on their face. I should have fun tonight at bath time.