tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60554162151924816762024-03-13T17:11:57.250-04:00One Day At A TimeCourage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow.
Dorothy ThompsonBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-19859917726412840152011-01-08T11:20:00.001-05:002011-01-08T11:20:08.386-05:00Christmas 2010This is a bit late but it seems like everything I do lately is late! Hopefully I'll get caught up with time soon and finally mail the rest of the Christmas cards that are sitting in our van. <br /><br />Surprisingly I decided to make another video for Christmas - can you tell that I've renewed my subscription to One True Media? <br /><br />Oh and as a side note - the handsome young man (with not a lot of hair) in a couple of the pictures with Bennett is our wonderful cousin Ryan and he is single - just thought I would mention it (you're welcome Lucy)!<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=d118cbeb4cd3dcf6d28c6c" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="372" height="344" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=d118cbeb4cd3dcf6d28c6c&skin_id=1009&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:372px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt1" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slide show at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-5331881637088868782010-12-31T19:26:00.002-05:002010-12-31T19:51:39.721-05:00Happy New Year!I for one am not too sad to say good-bye to this decade. It has been filled with some wonderful experiences (getting married, having Bennett, etc) but it has also had some very difficult, life altering, hard to get up in the morning moments.<br /><br />For the next year and next decade I am going to try and take some advice from Bennett and William W. Purkey who said:<br /><br /><em>"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,</em><br /><em>Love like you'll never be hurt,</em><br /><em>Sing like there's nobody listening,</em><br /><em>And live like it's heaven on earth."</em><br /><em></em><br />I hope you'll try too.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8_WyaZGvkQ?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S8_WyaZGvkQ?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LwlQHtRkyVc?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LwlQHtRkyVc?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvOlKHmbjw8?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvOlKHmbjw8?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Oh, how Bennett loved those belly dancers....Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-80181984108238803422010-12-30T11:04:00.001-05:002010-12-30T11:04:49.506-05:00Well.......it has been awhile. Like most people, we've been busy with life. My one and only New Year's resolution is more blogging. <br /><br />December has pretty much been a blur. Since we had such fun at Disney last year we thought we would go again and bring my parents. What we thought would be a relaxing, fun vacation in a warmer climate turned into a bit of an ordeal. On our first day there my father ended up in the hospital with an infected foot and had to have surgery - he was released the day before we left. Overall he had some great treatment and a good experience with Florida's healthcare system - having insurance helped of course. He's happy to be home and the foot is getting better. Hopefully we'll be able to convince him to try Disney again someday.<br /><br />It was a crazy week with my dad in the hospital and Bennett and my mother both celebrating birthdays. Neither went as planned but that's life I guess. Fortunately, Auntie Bonnie managed to save the day with a quick birthday party the day we left Orlando. <br /><br />If I were to ever get a tattoo it would probably include the words "*#it Happens". Those who know me well would know that's pretty much the theme of my life - especially for the last four years. Bennett found out when I was 5.5 months pregnant that life can be one heck of a bumpy ride. So you might as well hang on tight, try your best and squeeze in fun whenever you can. <br /><br />And that's pretty much what we did on our Florida vacation...enjoy the video and the song.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=d082f7036ca5f1cbc1b4b7" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="372" height="344" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=d082f7036ca5f1cbc1b4b7&skin_id=1009&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:372px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt1" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slide show at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-56859612457982103352010-11-16T15:24:00.004-05:002010-11-16T19:41:39.042-05:00Santa Claus Parade<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TOMkM-rR7EI/AAAAAAAABGw/a9dfHQ7oB-I/s1600/IMGP5566.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540311771997400130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TOMkM-rR7EI/AAAAAAAABGw/a9dfHQ7oB-I/s320/IMGP5566.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TOMkA01Gx5I/AAAAAAAABGo/PtkJ-2Iz1BU/s1600/IMGP5569.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540311563195828114" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TOMkA01Gx5I/AAAAAAAABGo/PtkJ-2Iz1BU/s320/IMGP5569.JPG" /></a><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/goWAu1RtILQ?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/goWAu1RtILQ?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>We went to our local Santa Claus Parade this past weekend. Bennett was so excited all week and would ask about it every morning. It was cold so we bundled him up in last year's snow suit (which is too small - I must go shopping soon). I even made hot chocolate with milk on the stove and filled our thermos. Bennett was so very patient as we waited for 45 minutes for the parade to start and then another 2 hours for it to finish. He cheered and waved at every float and happily sipped away at his hot chocolate milk. As you can see in the video above, he was so star struck by Santa at the end that he waved with his right hand!</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-42353736263674490942010-11-09T16:04:00.004-05:002010-11-09T16:12:47.562-05:00Late Halloween<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TNm3rR2GQeI/AAAAAAAABGg/Sv91RdqtkTs/s1600/DSCN5792.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537659170981298658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TNm3rR2GQeI/AAAAAAAABGg/Sv91RdqtkTs/s320/DSCN5792.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TNm3lF_asXI/AAAAAAAABGY/BE_f1iSbK3A/s1600/IMGP5557.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537659064719946098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TNm3lF_asXI/AAAAAAAABGY/BE_f1iSbK3A/s320/IMGP5557.jpg" /></a> </div><div>Ahoy there maties - or whatever it is that pirates say! This is so very late isn't it? But still worthwhile I think. Bennett is pretty much the cutest pirate to ever walk the plank. I truly believe Johnny Depp should be nervous. </div><div></div><div><br />Bennett had a great Halloween. He had two parties because he goes to two schools! On the actual evening he had a lot of fun knocking on doors. He was actually rehearsing before he left. He would walk up to a wall, knock on it and say "Trick or Treat, then candy, then thank you, bye, bye, next house". By the time it was all done, he was back at home and had even more fun handing out the candy. He kept looking out the window saying, "more kids, I hope so". </div><div></div><div><br />He is turning into a bit of a chatterbox (music to the ears)! I'm going to try to get some it on video soon.<br /></div><div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-70371347010553215722010-10-30T14:55:00.003-04:002010-10-30T15:29:50.575-04:00Another Good-bye<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMxxVqeTz1I/AAAAAAAABGQ/057SXJbglMc/s1600/katie3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533922659124105042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMxxVqeTz1I/AAAAAAAABGQ/057SXJbglMc/s320/katie3.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A couple days ago we had to say good-bye to another beloved member of our family. My parents had to make the difficult choice to let go of their dog, Katie. She was 12 years old and appeared to be dealing with old age well until a few days ago. She was a good dog - a funny dog - who was very set in her ways. She was a real homebody who refused to go out in the rain, walked around every puddle and would sit in a vehicle for hours if she thought someone might be leaving her. She will be missed so much by everyone. </div><div></div><br /><div>After <a href="http://bennettsblog-heron.blogspot.com/2008/11/good-bye-sweet-friend.html">Bowser</a> died, the vet's office sent us the story about <a href="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm">Rainbow Bridge</a>. If you're a dog lover, you've heard of this special place where our pets wait for us to join them. I do hope such a place exists and if it does I have no doubt that our sweet Bowser was waiting there for Katie with a football in his mouth and the full body wag that he was so well known for. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Good-bye Katie Jones...</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-8192875317026672022010-10-24T20:20:00.006-04:002010-10-24T21:08:31.581-04:00The WigglesA few nights ago we drove 3 hours to go see the Wiggles!! Bennett likes the Wiggles but I think Jim and I were more excited than he was. When we finally we got to the arena Bennett took a quick walk around, started to cry and insisted on going home. We spent the first 20 minutes of the show in the lobby waiting and gently urging him to go inside. He finally started to reconsider when he heard the music start. Once we got to our seats Bennett had a great time and danced his little bum off!!<br /><br />The Wiggles put on a very good show. We all loved it and I'm kind of sad that by the time they make it back to Canada, Bennett will likely be too old to go again.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTN_hdTL5I/AAAAAAAABGI/gncKwaowhog/s1600/IMGP5523.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531772733514526610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTN_hdTL5I/AAAAAAAABGI/gncKwaowhog/s320/IMGP5523.JPG" /></a><br />Sam - the Yellow Wiggle. Bennett's jaw pretty much hit the floor when he walked right beside us.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNvl5g8XI/AAAAAAAABGA/5Gp5JBxSH-M/s1600/IMGP5528.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531772459828703602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNvl5g8XI/AAAAAAAABGA/5Gp5JBxSH-M/s320/IMGP5528.jpg" /></a><br />The only Wiggle that wasn't there was Murray. His replacement was great though. Of course Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog made appearances.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNoiLrPbI/AAAAAAAABF4/RlXtWToBnYM/s1600/IMGP5520.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531772338572049842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNoiLrPbI/AAAAAAAABF4/RlXtWToBnYM/s320/IMGP5520.JPG" /></a> Anthony - the Blue Wiggle. He carried Dorothy all around the arena floor. Those guys must burn a few thousand calories during each show.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNf4u4quI/AAAAAAAABFw/AJDaAdEtCR8/s1600/anthony.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531772190006487778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TMTNf4u4quI/AAAAAAAABFw/AJDaAdEtCR8/s320/anthony.jpg" /></a> </div><div><br />Dancing to Hot Potato.<br /></div><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V-hIuE9B0SA?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V-hIuE9B0SA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div><br />More dancing...this is my favourite video.<br /></div><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HXG6yToMuc8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HXG6yToMuc8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div>The Wiggles<br /></div><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SiX2rCJmqQU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SiX2rCJmqQU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div>If you ever have a chance to go to see the Wiggles, I highly recommend making the effort. It was a lot of fun. </div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-80492208893378058892010-10-16T13:10:00.008-04:002010-10-16T13:39:03.928-04:00Thanksgiving<div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLndpskJonI/AAAAAAAABE4/3un-QmwcqhI/s1600/IMGP5480.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528693725981155954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLndpskJonI/AAAAAAAABE4/3un-QmwcqhI/s320/IMGP5480.JPG" /></a> <div>Last weekend was Thanksgiving here in Canada. It was also the last weekend for camping so that's where we cooked and ate our dinner. We used the nifty fireplace oven pictured above to cook both the turkey and the sweet potatoes.</div><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528694080556675170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLnd-VdisGI/AAAAAAAABFA/h8lBFSM67ug/s320/IMGP5482.JPG" /></div></div></div><p>The hardest part was keeping the temperature stable but it worked out.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528695107660506354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLne6HuLZPI/AAAAAAAABFI/ZlYxmpChGiY/s320/IMGP5485.jpg" />Maybe not the fanciest table setting but hey - we WERE camping! And the food was good.</div><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528695653173410466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLnfZ36luqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/6bGhyoCaBqk/s320/IMGP5494.JPG" />Of course the meal was finished with everyone's favourite (except mine) pumpkin pie (store bought - we had to draw the line somewhere). Afterwards we were busy bringing the leftovers back into our trailer when I must have become distracted while daydreaming about turkey sandwiches. Without really thinking I put the turkey down on the picnic table bench and let Murphy out. You can probably guess what happened next....Murphy got the turkey...the entire thing was in his mouth (he is a big dog). Jim managed to get it out mostly intact but it was too late to salvage anything. I love dogs but I have my limits. On the bright side, at least we all got to eat and didn't have to deal with leftovers. And Murphy had a good sleep...</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528697827531102562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLnhYcB3GWI/AAAAAAAABFY/Nl5OYQlPnJQ/s320/IMGP5511.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>The next day Bennett got to enjoy even more pumpkin pie (homemade this time) when our neighbours had their dinner. Lucky guy!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528698618804128850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TLniGfwDTFI/AAAAAAAABFg/0O-_jwU6gW8/s320/IMGP5503.JPG" /></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-75895904709570891742010-10-07T20:05:00.006-04:002010-10-07T20:17:40.885-04:00New House<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5hJUpeFyI/AAAAAAAABEw/nDtPyHehFr8/s1600/IMGP5406.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5g98i0u3I/AAAAAAAABEo/0fYOgB_W5OU/s1600/IMGP5405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525460410170653554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5g98i0u3I/AAAAAAAABEo/0fYOgB_W5OU/s320/IMGP5405.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5g286nolI/AAAAAAAABEg/z-FB7TNz0cs/s1600/IMGP5402.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525460290011374162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5g286nolI/AAAAAAAABEg/z-FB7TNz0cs/s320/IMGP5402.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gwhnJ1SI/AAAAAAAABEY/GUW6xRwbZks/s1600/IMGP5401.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525460179602756898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gwhnJ1SI/AAAAAAAABEY/GUW6xRwbZks/s320/IMGP5401.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gpmxeWnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/J2_rAFkCPB4/s1600/IMGP5399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525460060729137778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gpmxeWnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/J2_rAFkCPB4/s320/IMGP5399.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gimxMUrI/AAAAAAAABEI/5RGbhyUIhTA/s1600/IMGP5397.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525459940468871858" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TK5gimxMUrI/AAAAAAAABEI/5RGbhyUIhTA/s320/IMGP5397.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Just a few pictures of the new house. We've been here for 1.5 months now and I think it feels like home for all of us. Bennett settled in very quickly - he even refused to drive by the old house the day after we moved. Murphy took a little longer and paced for the first few nights. We haven't unpacked much but fortunately there's lots of room to hide the boxes. We have yet to hang any pictures and there are only curtains in the living room and blinds in our bedroom. We've met most of our new neighbours who seem very nice although we really miss our old neighbours. </p><p>Lots of work left to do but we have lots of time to do it!</p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-10965829012948077732010-10-04T15:06:00.008-04:002010-10-04T16:18:34.018-04:00It was a cold weekend but we couldn't resist squeezing in another weekend of camping. I love this time of year - fall should last at least 3 more months! We have one more weekend left and that will be it for the season. The last weekend is Thanksgiving and once again we plan to try and cook and eat our dinner outdoors.<br /><br />Bennett had a great time - as usual and enjoyed stopping (a lot) to examine every pine needle, leaf, blade of grass, etc. He also had fun rolling in the grass - a new favourite. You can watch his antics as well as enjoy some of his developing language skills in the video at the bottom.<br /><br />I promise to deliver a couple more updates this week including the promised house photos as well as a JK update.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKopJIEEtdI/AAAAAAAABEA/FpayVX71t10/s1600/IMGP5464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524273129683465682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKopJIEEtdI/AAAAAAAABEA/FpayVX71t10/s320/IMGP5464.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKoo4x8lmmI/AAAAAAAABD4/NmJb0dxa7F4/s1600/IMGP5455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524272848868579938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKoo4x8lmmI/AAAAAAAABD4/NmJb0dxa7F4/s320/IMGP5455.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKoookJGjqI/AAAAAAAABDw/AP2befM-k4o/s1600/IMGP5453.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524272570285067938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKoookJGjqI/AAAAAAAABDw/AP2befM-k4o/s320/IMGP5453.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKooXwodQfI/AAAAAAAABDo/sef2VSjBcC8/s1600/IMGP5449.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524272281580028402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKooXwodQfI/AAAAAAAABDo/sef2VSjBcC8/s320/IMGP5449.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKon7mwcMsI/AAAAAAAABDg/kfA76H0p5oM/s1600/IMGP5428.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524271797892821698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKon7mwcMsI/AAAAAAAABDg/kfA76H0p5oM/s320/IMGP5428.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKonfuYo60I/AAAAAAAABDY/TDr-17tsU3c/s1600/IMGP5420.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524271318904138562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKonfuYo60I/AAAAAAAABDY/TDr-17tsU3c/s320/IMGP5420.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKol1pvU3rI/AAAAAAAABDQ/7heHLPMDi80/s1600/IMGP5411.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524269496590982834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKol1pvU3rI/AAAAAAAABDQ/7heHLPMDi80/s320/IMGP5411.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LRv9LX650mA?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LRv9LX650mA?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-36669064531712656792010-09-30T15:05:00.001-04:002010-09-30T15:05:14.463-04:0010 YearsToday is our 10th Wedding Anniversary. We've been though a lot in that time - especially the last four years. Hopefully the next ten are less eventful!<br /><br />Here's my tribute to Jim...<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=c1eea9565035cd6dd373a4" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="372" height="344" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=c1eea9565035cd6dd373a4&skin_id=1009&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:372px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-865222449955653202010-09-27T21:07:00.016-04:002010-09-27T21:42:37.516-04:00Fall Camping TripFor those of you that enjoy pictures, you're in for a treat. Despite the horrible weather forecast we decided to go camping anyway and as you can see, we had a great time. In the first picture Bennett does not look impressed - he's just trying to figure out who is taking our picture (a kind fellow hiker - the only one we saw on the trail that day). The fall colours are starting to peak and provided spectacular views despite the clouds. However, going on a fall colour tour with a husband who is colour blind, an impatient 3 year old and a dog who is mainly interested in tearing trees apart, is underwhelming to say the least.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFC1RUFEcI/AAAAAAAABDI/ve1ph_wo2nI/s1600/family.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521768101081059778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFC1RUFEcI/AAAAAAAABDI/ve1ph_wo2nI/s320/family.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCrTmCpuI/AAAAAAAABDA/8lq-Mh01lrw/s1600/hike+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767929894577890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCrTmCpuI/AAAAAAAABDA/8lq-Mh01lrw/s320/hike+1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCfMRYdRI/AAAAAAAABC4/D2Im162uYoE/s1600/tree+hugger1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767721770448146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCfMRYdRI/AAAAAAAABC4/D2Im162uYoE/s320/tree+hugger1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCQiKcreI/AAAAAAAABCw/tFATp6JmB_E/s1600/g+%26+b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767469948906978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCQiKcreI/AAAAAAAABCw/tFATp6JmB_E/s320/g+%26+b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCEath6tI/AAAAAAAABCo/QDezfuSVJKM/s1600/AugSept10+191.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767261790137042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFCEath6tI/AAAAAAAABCo/QDezfuSVJKM/s320/AugSept10+191.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFB2HZHqdI/AAAAAAAABCg/oDBB2RZec0c/s1600/AugSept10+186.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767016086088146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFB2HZHqdI/AAAAAAAABCg/oDBB2RZec0c/s320/AugSept10+186.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBm1IlY0I/AAAAAAAABCY/Fx-x4kSYvyk/s1600/AugSept10+146.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521766753486857026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBm1IlY0I/AAAAAAAABCY/Fx-x4kSYvyk/s320/AugSept10+146.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBXM7DYtI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EaYUoo1YbR0/s1600/fall1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521766484994646738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBXM7DYtI/AAAAAAAABCQ/EaYUoo1YbR0/s320/fall1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBKqPzO1I/AAAAAAAABCI/rtxHPnI0mGw/s1600/m+%26+B.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521766269527997266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBKqPzO1I/AAAAAAAABCI/rtxHPnI0mGw/s320/m+%26+B.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBDwZd45I/AAAAAAAABCA/NGl5yJPdx0E/s1600/AugSept10+109.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521766150920070034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFBDwZd45I/AAAAAAAABCA/NGl5yJPdx0E/s320/AugSept10+109.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFA2EkuNoI/AAAAAAAABB4/XThyypEn0Ow/s1600/our+pumpkin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765915817817730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFA2EkuNoI/AAAAAAAABB4/XThyypEn0Ow/s320/our+pumpkin.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAnfGXljI/AAAAAAAABBw/47qhqDTjmcU/s1600/pumpkins.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765665240225330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAnfGXljI/AAAAAAAABBw/47qhqDTjmcU/s320/pumpkins.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAXs0SN-I/AAAAAAAABBo/ws8Sc4mpfDM/s1600/mushrooms.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765394044565474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAXs0SN-I/AAAAAAAABBo/ws8Sc4mpfDM/s320/mushrooms.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAN4_O1nI/AAAAAAAABBg/ktZqXBzSGDs/s1600/mushroom1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765225513014898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFAN4_O1nI/AAAAAAAABBg/ktZqXBzSGDs/s320/mushroom1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFACOWDZ9I/AAAAAAAABBY/9XNlcGCBP9A/s1600/2+boys.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765025087449042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TKFACOWDZ9I/AAAAAAAABBY/9XNlcGCBP9A/s320/2+boys.jpg" /></a> </div><div>We had record rainfalls at the end of last week. Lots of rain equals lots of puddles - the final result - a VERY happy Bennett who managed to find every single one!</div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1xwSh1cd19Y?hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1xwSh1cd19Y?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-67390013547256624172010-09-22T20:23:00.006-04:002010-09-22T20:56:34.582-04:00Junior Kindergarten<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqinOjNprI/AAAAAAAABBQ/YIk2vf0KxQ8/s1600/AugSept10+041.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519903088100353714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqinOjNprI/AAAAAAAABBQ/YIk2vf0KxQ8/s320/AugSept10+041.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqiaz6rA9I/AAAAAAAABBI/45n7H2PqbSo/s1600/AugSept10+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519902874792559570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqiaz6rA9I/AAAAAAAABBI/45n7H2PqbSo/s320/AugSept10+035.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqiOQB4UxI/AAAAAAAABBA/JQRWklTbDyw/s1600/AugSept10+038.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519902659000685330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TJqiOQB4UxI/AAAAAAAABBA/JQRWklTbDyw/s320/AugSept10+038.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It sure has been awhile! All is well for those readers who might be worried. We've just been very busy with the move and with Bennett starting school. We also had major computer issues that we had to get fixed. Fortunately, they were able to save all my photos but unfortunately everything else was wiped out. I've got a lot of stuff to put back on the computer and have to search out all my favourite sites again. Definitely a lot of catching up to do blog wise - both reading and writing! </div><div></div><br /><div>But in the meantime, here's a quick Bennett update. Back on September 9, he started JK. I've had a hard time wrapping my head around it though and I'm still not convinced that sending him is the right thing to do. He's only 3.5 and if he was born when he should have been born or even a few days later, we wouldn't even be considering school for another year. Because of the way the system works here, Bennett will pretty much always be the youngest kid in his class. This is a disadvantage for sure - combined with the fact that he has other disadvantages leads to a very stressed out mother. I'm not so worried about this year but more so, the long term effects of always playing catch up. </div><div></div><br /><div>As of now, this is what Bennett's school day is like...In the mornings, he goes to the JK at our local Children's Treatment Centre where they follow a regular curriculum but pull the kids out to get their therapy. There are only 6 kids in the class with a teacher, an educational assistant and a couple of students. In the afternoons, I bring Bennett to our community school where he has an educational assistant but is in a class with 21 other kids. </div><div></div><br /><div>So far, he seems to really like it and is adjusting well to the full days (9am-3:20pm). I drive him to the CTC in the morning and pick him up to bring him to his other school. At the end of the day he takes a very short bus ride home. I think that is one of his favourite things - on his first day riding the bus he had a HUGE smile on his face when the door opened. He's also been assigned a helper who's a little boy in grade 5. Bennett thinks the world of him and talks about him all the time. </div><div></div><br /><div>I just don't know what will happen. We thought we would give it a try and see how it goes. We also plan on giving Bennett a lot of afternoons off - time when he can hang out with family and do other stuff. This JK transition has been hard - mainly on me.....</div><div></div><div><em><br />Pictures of the new house next....stay tuned....</em></div><div></div><div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-71692089400746112872010-07-27T17:00:00.001-04:002010-07-27T17:06:27.694-04:00End of JulyWow - time flies! It has been a busy couple of weeks. Jim is in the middle of a crazy work marathon and I've been busy doing things related to my car accident. On top of that we move in 3.5 weeks! The blog posts will probably be few and far between but who knows. Here are some pictures and videos from the last couple weeks.<br /><br />Here's Bennett helping to wash the vehicles. (As you can see, he's really not that much help).<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zna_vVWgxiE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zna_vVWgxiE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Bennett and Grandma practicing counting to twenty in French. He did a lot better the first couple of times. It seems Murphy wants to learn as well...<br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cevS3LQg9Y0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cevS3LQg9Y0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p>Speaking of Murphy....here's a picture of him napping with Jim. I don't know how he stayed balanced up there.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498664166433681602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8t7Rty8MI/AAAAAAAAA_4/9BM1iMs6WNg/s320/IMGP5136.JPG" />And now for some pictures of the house. Not much to look at. The outside is done except for some trim work and our garage door. Inside, we have drywall. They are supposed to paint and texture our ceilings this week. I was reassured by the builder yesterday that I was ok to hire movers. I've started the packing - there's no looking back now...<br /><br /><br />Living Room<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498668146425142210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8xi8VtG8I/AAAAAAAABAw/40XusYe746w/s320/IMGP5132.JPG" /><br />Dining Room & Kitchen<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498667042662307938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8wisgI2GI/AAAAAAAABAI/---jEuIfGGE/s320/IMGP5131.JPG" /> <p>Main Bathroom</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498667222310050786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8wtJvf2-I/AAAAAAAABAQ/FcCFcNupeMw/s320/IMGP5130.JPG" /></p><p>Second Bathroom</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498667810041575778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8xPXNnOWI/AAAAAAAABAo/UGV3L_spGjg/s320/IMGP5135.JPG" /></p><p>Den</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498667653411873794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8xGPuLpAI/AAAAAAAABAg/ZmyRmhmmU8I/s320/IMGP5134.JPG" /></p><p>Rec Room</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498667473787662818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TE8w7ykbseI/AAAAAAAABAY/Wdzja2RQTVI/s320/IMGP5133.JPG" /> </p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-39103126317433527502010-07-11T20:35:00.000-04:002010-07-11T20:58:02.979-04:00Short Weekend<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpf6lax0ZI/AAAAAAAAA_o/_fkP7lSHpr8/s1600/IMGP5081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492808155613221266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpf6lax0ZI/AAAAAAAAA_o/_fkP7lSHpr8/s320/IMGP5081.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfvnsbR2I/AAAAAAAAA_g/88d1DWc1e1Q/s1600/IMGP5071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492807967245551458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfvnsbR2I/AAAAAAAAA_g/88d1DWc1e1Q/s320/IMGP5071.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfUxIQY7I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/M6Zm4sgyqFM/s1600/g+%26+B.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492807505921729458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfUxIQY7I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/M6Zm4sgyqFM/s320/g+%26+B.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfOIrD6UI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/StDUHWp22nI/s1600/clam+trail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492807391982643522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfOIrD6UI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/StDUHWp22nI/s320/clam+trail.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfIPT9I_I/AAAAAAAAA_I/kxw7ouKrIyw/s1600/beach.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492807290685563890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpfIPT9I_I/AAAAAAAAA_I/kxw7ouKrIyw/s320/beach.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpe91gBZTI/AAAAAAAAA_A/oYBM0DLW68o/s1600/b+%26+A.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492807111958160690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpe91gBZTI/AAAAAAAAA_A/oYBM0DLW68o/s320/b+%26+A.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpew0Rs1DI/AAAAAAAAA-4/l1QkX44XD9I/s1600/b+and+sand.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 149px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492806888291357746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpew0Rs1DI/AAAAAAAAA-4/l1QkX44XD9I/s320/b+and+sand.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpaI_hHEAI/AAAAAAAAA-w/IbMUH8l3Thk/s1600/IMGP5099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492801806067503106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpaI_hHEAI/AAAAAAAAA-w/IbMUH8l3Thk/s320/IMGP5099.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpZ5P3JsSI/AAAAAAAAA-o/A-PVW2h7Dws/s1600/IMGP5090.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492801535577010466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpZ5P3JsSI/AAAAAAAAA-o/A-PVW2h7Dws/s320/IMGP5090.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uTIRGv_ziJA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uTIRGv_ziJA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div>Our weekend was a bit shorter than usual but we managed to do a lot anyway. We visited Grandma and Grandpa at the park where they're camped and did a lot of swimming and playing at the beach. In the video you can see Jim throwing Bennett in the air. Grandma requested that Jim do the same for her - he ignored her request as politely as he could. Bennett made a new friend in a little girl named Amy who brought him rocks and clams as gifts - a lot of rocks and clams that I discreetly put back in the water whenever they turned their backs. If you look carefully at the fourth picture you can actually see a clam trail. They worked hard on a river through the sand and both of the kids were quite detailed in their instructions to Jim- they had him hauling water and digging trenches! Afterwards we went out for supper followed by chocolate ice cream - Bennett fell asleep 5 minutes after getting in the van and slept all the way home. </div><div></div><br /><div>Today we visited our local farmer's market before going to Mummu and Poppa's. Bennett pigged out on a croissant that he refused to share with me. I consoled myself by purchasing fresh local strawberries, peas and asparagus. After hanging out with Mummu and Poppa we grabbed Murphy and headed to a local lake for more swimming! I believe Bennett is becoming a little fish - he's doing a great job moving both legs and arms - Jim was even able to let him go and he could tread water (with the life jacket on). </div><div></div><br /><div>We came home and enjoyed our fresh vegetables and then went out for ice cream one more time! Oh yeah - we camped in our trailer in the driveway for two nights!! I think we're all tired - Murphy and Bennett are both sleeping - I don't think Jim and I will be far behind. </div><div></div><br /><div>One more thing, here's the latest picture of the house project. It's coming along I guess - I've been assured that it will be finished in time for us to move. That happens in 40 days....</div><div> </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492811846487463330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDpjRa_xVaI/AAAAAAAAA_w/RtHi1wMNzGY/s320/IMGP5008.JPG" /> <div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-60697680276663268122010-07-09T15:50:00.000-04:002010-07-09T15:56:07.790-04:00Imagination<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDd8iRhWXTI/AAAAAAAAA-g/g3F5VW64E_0/s1600/IMGP5009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491995198862286130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDd8iRhWXTI/AAAAAAAAA-g/g3F5VW64E_0/s320/IMGP5009.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDd8UOBgl3I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/poKwZ1_yvfs/s1600/IMGP5011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491994957405263730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDd8UOBgl3I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/poKwZ1_yvfs/s320/IMGP5011.JPG" /></a> <div>Once upon a time there was a Mama snake and then there was a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dada</span> snake. Soon afterwards came a baby snake who had to wear big boy underwear because there were no diapers left. They were all tired so they went to bed but couldn't get to sleep because they needed pillows and a blanket. When they woke up they were hungry and all shared an apple and some apple juice. Then the baby snake decided he needed a bath but changed his mind and took a shower instead. After drying off with a towel, he went shopping with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dada</span> snake and bought a new sports car. It's a good thing Bennett went along because he had all the money to pay the salesman who just happened to be an orange octopus. </div><div></div><br /><div>After driving home in the new car <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dada</span> snake and baby snake played some soccer. I guess the weather changed quickly because the soccer ball became the base for a snowman. At some point the pillow and money became a bug. Just as quickly, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dada</span> snake ended up with a boo-boo on his head and the only thing that could make it better was a Dora band-aid. </div><div></div><br /><div>And then the Wiggles came on TV. </div><div></div><br /><div><em>The End (A story brought to you by Bennett and sponsored by Play-dough)</em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Note From Barbara: It's amazing what Bennett has to say when you pay attention....</span></strong></em></div><div></div><div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-7203717929373945082010-07-08T15:05:00.000-04:002010-07-08T15:12:32.868-04:00My Summer List<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDYhoTvV3bI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/pcqIEEC_3Jw/s1600/IMGP4906.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491613772002221490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDYhoTvV3bI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/pcqIEEC_3Jw/s320/IMGP4906.JPG" /></a> <div>I guess at this point we are well into summer. In fact it seems that every store I've been to lately has summer stuff on clearance. However, it's still early so I thought I would put in writing a list of things I want to do this summer. Hopefully I'll get to do all of them but I guess I should keep in mind that we're building a house and moving in 43 days.<br /><br /></div><li>Some <strong><em>Camping</em></strong> - we just traded in our old trailer for a new one and I can't wait to try it out!</li><br /><li>We won't be able to camp until later in August - so until then I want to do lots of <strong><em>Driveway Camping</em></strong>. We won't be able to do that at the new house.</li><br /><li><strong><em>Picnics</em></strong> - I used to love going on picnics. I'm determined to go on more - and find an insulated picnic basket somewhere.</li><br /><li>Share a couple pitchers of my homemade <strong><em>Sangria</em> </strong>with friends. </li><br /><li>Go out to a local Italian bakery that serves <strong><em>Gelato</em></strong> and reminisce about our trip to Italy.</li><br /><li>Sit on my bench on my <strong><em>Front Porch</em></strong> with a glass of wine and my new iPad (that Bennett and I are just loving!!) I won't have a front porch at the new house.</li><br /><li><strong><em>Barbeque</em></strong> using a new recipe at least once a week. </li><br /><li><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">GOLF</span></em> - </strong>Please will someone - anyone (except you Tiger Woods) please take me golfing!! It's one the few recreational activities that I can still do - although I have to take a cart and I can't hit the ball as far anymore.</li><br /><li>Enjoy sitting by the <strong><em>Campfire</em></strong> - and make <strong><em>Smores</em></strong> with Bennett. </li><br /><li>Bring Bennett and Murphy swimming at the <strong><em>Beach</em></strong>. (We've already done this about 5 times but to use a favourite word of Bennett's - I want MORE!</li><br /><li>Lots of <strong><em>Watermelon!!</em></strong></li><p><em>The picture above is from <a href="http://bennettsblog-heron.blogspot.com/2010/05/last-tulips.html">"Operation Tulip Rescue" </a>that took place a couple weeks ago. Bennett is always willing to help!</em></p>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-44999699238819705172010-07-05T21:30:00.001-04:002010-07-05T21:35:06.953-04:00What To Say<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDKAWCQ-zAI/AAAAAAAAA-I/hVWZhDI_5AY/s1600/IMGP4994.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490592011771628546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TDKAWCQ-zAI/AAAAAAAAA-I/hVWZhDI_5AY/s320/IMGP4994.jpg" /></a> <div><em>I apologize in advance for my excessive and inappropriate use of quotation marks in this post. I wish I were better with words.</em></div><div></div><br /><div>We went to a Canada Day party on July 1st. It was a beautiful day and it was nice to see friends we hadn't seen in awhile. It was fun watching Bennett hang out and play with the other kids. I so enjoyed N and C's patience as Bennett grabbed them by the hand and dragged them away for walks around the house. I laughed while J, a good friend of Jim's humoured Bennett by going in the water at least three times to retrieve the ball that he kept throwing in. And it felt good to watch one of our hosts gently take Bennett into the house so he could visit with the cat. It was a party where we knew a lot of people well and they knew us and our story. </div><div></div><br /><div>However, there were other people there - people we don't really know and who don't know our story. Before we left, Jim and I discussed how we were sure Bennett's brace would raise questions - and it did. When a stranger asks about the brace I usually give a very simple answer like "it helps him walk". That's all they need to know - we don't owe anyone an explanation and most of the time I'm not interested in educating people. At the party we were asked twice about the brace and both times we were quite honest with our answer, "he has cerebral palsy". Both times, people answered with "oh...it doesn't look like anything's wrong with him".</div><div></div><br /><div>As many people who read this blog can imagine, that response didn't sit well with me. I know it's meant well - I get why they say it and why they think it's ok. When we first heard the words "cerebral palsy" our heads were filled with uneducated and preconceived images that were pretty bleak to us as the time. Bennett's face is just one glimpse of cerebral palsy. </div><br /><div></div><div>Honestly I'm not sure why it bothers me (and I want to emphasize that it bothers me a bit - not a lot) when people say that it doesn't look like anything is wrong with Bennett. In a way I think it's because the words diminish and simplify all that he (and we) have worked so hard to accomplish and future challenges that we face. I also don't like to hear that something is "wrong" with Bennett. Cerebral palsy is part of who he is and it is not "wrong". It just is. </div><div></div><br /><div>I really don't know what would be the right thing to say - I don't even know what I want to hear. I know I don't want to hear "I'm sorry" - look at Bennett - he doesn't need pity (neither do we) and there's nothing to be "sorry" about. I just don't know....</div><div></div><div> </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-21395886289131308902010-06-30T17:30:00.000-04:002010-06-30T17:39:44.376-04:00Cookies<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCu2wXzTRMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/gvk4xrrO4fE/s1600/IMGP4987.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488681513020245186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCu2wXzTRMI/AAAAAAAAA-A/gvk4xrrO4fE/s320/IMGP4987.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCu2bSwIgeI/AAAAAAAAA94/LSZz7GiUyyg/s1600/IMGP4982.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488681150887526882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCu2bSwIgeI/AAAAAAAAA94/LSZz7GiUyyg/s320/IMGP4982.JPG" /></a> <div>Yesterday afternoon Bennett and I took advantage of the cool weather and baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies. This time we baked them from scratch rather than asking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pillsbury</span> dough-boy for help. We both pigged out on these delicious treats which without a doubt ruined our supper. However, life is too short to not have at least one supper ruined by warm chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven topped off with a glass of ice cold milk! </div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-27594473703261842912010-06-27T20:00:00.000-04:002010-06-27T20:00:52.613-04:00Weekend<div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfdeKN4D9I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/MOjuV50YrGY/s1600/IMGP4980.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487598181182607314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfdeKN4D9I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/MOjuV50YrGY/s320/IMGP4980.JPG" /></a> <div>A few updates I guess. First of all, the house. As you can see we now have windows, doors and shingles! There is also a lot of brick sitting in front of the house so I hope that will be added this week. It seems things are moving along - I assume construction is going well but I'm anxious to speak with the contractor tomorrow about a bizarre conversation I had late Friday afternoon with the company that is supplying our bathroom fixtures. For some reason they called me to ask about installing the whirlpool tub. Why anyone would think I could be of help in this particular area is beyond me. We move in 54 days - hopefully the tub will be installed....</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487602052383861650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfg_fkLa5I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/odn1zCllZWY/s320/IMGP4966.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487603058240992450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfh6CrNNMI/AAAAAAAAA9g/Xs9e0b4iiIk/s320/IMGP4967.JPG" /> <div></div><div>Jim brought both Murphy and Bennett swimming - at the same time - more of a challenge than you might think. Murphy and Bennett both had a great time - Jim - maybe not so much but we are all grateful that he's even willing to take on that kind of challenge. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487605386454608194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfkBj8lqUI/AAAAAAAAA9o/7iEgpk5ktfM/s320/IMGP4976.JPG" /> <div></div><div>Bennett also took some time out to visit Mummu and Poppa this afternoon where he got to hang out in the Jeep for awhile. As you can see he was also giving Poppa some advice on how to drive.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487606003369542178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TCfkleIkgiI/AAAAAAAAA9w/ZgBy4K3Xx28/s320/IMGP4977.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-91060613264782344382010-06-23T15:09:00.002-04:002010-06-23T15:09:57.299-04:00I Fixed The Graduation Video!Scroll down a few posts and check out Bennett's graduation video. Finally fixed thanks to YouTube!Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-9315272166802689932010-06-22T16:24:00.000-04:002010-06-22T16:25:23.101-04:00Potty UpdateWe are still pretty much at the same place we were when I last posted about the potty. Bennett still refuses to sit on the potty for Jim or I and we haven't pushed the issue much. I thought I had a great idea when I decided to try the whole "Bennett's a big boy" now trick. One day I decided to pull out a pair of "big boy underwear" in hopes of convincing him to give up diapers. I even chose the most colourful pair believing for some reason that when it comes to underwear, the flashier the better. However, I gave up on this plan almost immediately when he excitedly grabbed the underwear, pulled it over his head and paraded around the house laughing hysterically. So much for that idea....<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485030903397650562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB6-i7MOkII/AAAAAAAAA9I/EQK5aWjXt9s/s320/IMGP4922.JPG" /><br />Now on to Plan B which I came up with during a particularly restless night recently. It's funny how great you think an idea is at 2am in the morning. I was even tempted to wake Jim but quickly came to the conclusion that wasn't nearly as great an idea - in fact I'm sure it would have been a very bad one. Anyway, I've decided I might try another method - one that I'm sure many parents have resorted to (whether they admit it or not) - BRIBERY! My plan goes like this - I will buy a wide variety of small treats and toys for Bennett and wrap them in brightly coloured paper (once again flashier is better right?). I will make a chart - not a small one but a large one - maybe I'll even put glitter on it because who can resist glitter? Bennett will get to select a sticker every time he sits on the potty and if he has results he can chose a treat from our potty treasure box! After a couple days I will tell him that we no longer have diapers and while he's home he will go without. In the meantime I will have stocked up on paper towel. It sounds perfect doesn't it - how can it possibly fail?Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-89908244856974477882010-06-21T16:05:00.001-04:002010-06-21T16:05:00.681-04:00Another House Update<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB67LKZYV-I/AAAAAAAAA9A/1R-Ltof7i1w/s1600/IMGP4963.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485027196627605474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB67LKZYV-I/AAAAAAAAA9A/1R-Ltof7i1w/s320/IMGP4963.JPG" /></a> It's starting to take shape. The roof is on and some of the plumbing and electrical has been done. Hopefully the picture at the end of this week will show even more progress - maybe even shingles or windows?<br /><br />We move in just under 9 weeks! I guess I should start packing at some point....<br /><div> </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-59173377541618838462010-06-20T18:29:00.000-04:002010-06-20T18:29:55.214-04:00Happy Father's Day!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB6VjYDoEQI/AAAAAAAAA84/RdH03VYQXq0/s1600/Bennett+Dec+2006+064.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484985831169462530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB6VjYDoEQI/AAAAAAAAA84/RdH03VYQXq0/s320/Bennett+Dec+2006+064.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB6U--8JCUI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Gsx4OPJLvTE/s1600/Bennett+Dec+2006+055.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484985205951891778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB6U--8JCUI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Gsx4OPJLvTE/s320/Bennett+Dec+2006+055.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB56TgNRdSI/AAAAAAAAA8o/nEJ5PGb8Bk8/s1600/Edit+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484955871665550626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TB56TgNRdSI/AAAAAAAAA8o/nEJ5PGb8Bk8/s320/Edit+1.jpg" /></a><br />Happy Father's Day Everyone!!!</div><div></div><div><br /><em>Poppa with Bennett (one day old)</em></div><div><em>Grandpa with Bennett (2 hours old) </em></div><div><em>Daddy with Bennett (7 months old)<br /></em></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6055416215192481676.post-67890888425173583842010-06-17T16:45:00.002-04:002010-06-23T14:58:39.153-04:00Graduation Day<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqy6BnYJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/g2ScZUzkFvY/s1600/IMGP4938.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483812919079035026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqy6BnYJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/g2ScZUzkFvY/s320/IMGP4938.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqtwJSDeI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/VgGWkGSGr6c/s1600/bennett.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483812830527491554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqtwJSDeI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/VgGWkGSGr6c/s320/bennett.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqCoKx5xI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6rR7HJLcPSI/s1600/IMGP4956.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483812089651914514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpqCoKx5xI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/6rR7HJLcPSI/s320/IMGP4956.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpp4CRUFAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/MQoU7zObN38/s1600/IMGP4954.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483811907680080898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z_jsWVcFPWo/TBpp4CRUFAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/MQoU7zObN38/s320/IMGP4954.jpg" /></a>Bennett graduated yesterday from his preschool program at our local Children's Treatment Centre. It was a fun morning - the kids performed a couple songs - received their certificates and then had a snack. Next year Bennett will be attending a morning Junior Kindergarten class in the room right across from the one he was just in. They'll have a hard time keeping him out I think - he loved the therapists and the staff and will miss them all. </div><div></div><br /><div>Here's a video of Bennett receiving his certificate. At first he was reluctant but then warmed up. I hope the video works - blogger has been giving me a hard time.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9KN7-JrDLRk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9KN7-JrDLRk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> </div><p align="center"> </p><p align="left">Now he's off for summer vacation - let the good times roll! <em>(I've always wanted to use that expression but it never seemed appropriate - it doesn't now either but oh well) </em></p></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03431752394930775920noreply@blogger.com3