Just relaxing......

Enjoying what the ocean threw up in the night!

Can you find the gnome?

Claire en-route to Malagash with Gnorm

SHE'S BACK!

Lisa is back at blogging. Pop on over and say hi!

DISAPPOINTMENT IS A NASTY FEELING................

For what it's worth ......here we are!

Kitten vs unknown beast =129$ vet bill,antibiotics,pain meds, and a revisit in 7 days. Oh and we musn't forget warm compresses on shaved leg at the wound site for 5 mins twice a day for five days.....

For the record......

The berries on a honeysuckle bush are not poisonous according to Poison Control....

The amount of dirt on ones deck that goes un-noticed 'til one starts to pressure wash it is disturbing!

OOPS!!!!

My grandmother who is 84 has ended up with shingles. She is a very frail little being to begin with and she is now down to 70.5lb. Sam, my birthmom and I went to take her supper last night and while we were sitting there chatting we hear this very loud "Health call in progress, please wait, health call in progress please wait." This went on for a minute all of us a little confused. She has a lifeline thing set up so we figured they were just testing it. Next thing we hear is someone calling my grandmothers name through the special phone asking if she was ok. My birthmom says that all is well and that we hadn't called, then we look around the room and see Sam under the coffee table grinning, and Grandmothers Lifeline hanging from her walker. Sam had pressed the lifeline and of course they were responding. Glad to know it works, now if only we could get her to wear the stupid thing! She's afraid of it strangling her and her wrist is too thin to have it on a watch type strap.

The next time I go out I think I will go minus any kids!

After watching these craftsmen work, I will never look at my crystal the same again. We have the privelege of being able to watch these craftsmen mouthblowing their pieces right here in thier shop on the Halifax waterfront.

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Daniel speaking for Gnorm at Buttermilk Falls

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We're Back....

Good times were had by all. Gnorm had a great time, loves to explore, eat, swim, etc.....

Tonight we go to the Natal Day fireworks that they are setting off on the harbour. None of us are really sure how Gnorm will like them, although he loves thunderstorms. He is very intelligent. He had a great time at the science center and really enjoyed the musical stairs.

Hope everyone is well, and not suffering too much with the heat. Gnorm is wishing he wasn't wearing so much!

Pinnacle Rock at buttermilk falls.

Resting on the way...hiking is hard work in the heat!

The boys on a hike!

Gnorm wishing he too were a heron!

A heron in a tree......

The recently found Ivory Billed Woodpecker thought extinxt! Gnorm was so glad to be able to celebrate the find!

A visit to Cornell's bird sactuary....

Gnorm LOVES corn on the cob, and he's not too bad at husking it!

Claire and Gnorm en-route to Ithaca.

Sam and Gnorm resting after Gnorms journey here. Notice that Sam has shared his hat!

Sam and Gnorm, too excited to sleep, decided to get up EARLY to bake cookies for our trip!

Goodnight Gnorm.....

After a relatively relaxed afternoon, Gnorm has hit the hay with Sam. They are sharing Sam's spiderman pillow.....

Sam thinks gnorm is beautiful and has put himself in charge of gnorms well being at the dnner table. Tonight all we heard was, " eat Gnorm eat " Turns out, he likes peanut butter and jam sandwiches!

Tomorrow we hit the road, so we will see what Gnorm thinks of travel by car versus a box!

In answer to Robin's questions.....

1. 1. Do you or have you ever had a nickname and if so what is it?
   
   Big Al,by the people I used to babysit for
   Grandma, by my husband
   
   2. When you go out with your husband, what do you like to do?
   
   We like to go out to a movie,and maybe dinner...but we usually don't get out these days
   
   3. What is your favorite beverage and why?
   
   I love tea because it is so soothing, but I also enjoy coconut rum, and orange creamsicle pop
   
   4. If you could go anywhere in the world without regard to cost, where would you go?
   
   I would like to visit Portugal, and Mexico, Germany would be nice too.....
   
   5. What time do you go to bed usually?
   
   I'm usually in bed by nine.
   
   Now the rules,1) If you want to be interviewed by me, just say so in my comments.2)I will respond by asking you five questions ( not the same as above)3)You will update your site with the answers to the questions.4) You will include ths explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.5) When others comment asking to be interviewed you will ask them five questions

GNORM HAS ARRIVED

He's a little weary from his travels so is resting now but the kids are anxious to take him out. They have already determined the seating arrangements in the van for our trip!

They also think that he looks like our oldest son Daniel. Not sure what Daniel will think of that when he hears about it but anyhow.... I'm off to make Gnorm some lunch.

Happy boy after his oatmeal bath!

Nice back!

Bloated chicken pox belly!

THEY'RE HERE!!!!!!!!!

.....the pox have arrived! Poor Sam!

Alison Is .....

Robin suggested trying this. Type "(your name) is" into google, then post your favorite results...

HERE ARE MINE....... Alison is 16 stone 4 lbs

Alison is available to give a personal concert for your group( not sure doing what)

Alison is a very strong, independant, determined, down to earth Bajan woman

Alison is the girl you see standing knee deep in her spotty Boden wellies

Alison is a telepath of unspecified power level

Alison is attacked by an unseen creature as she steps outside for firewood

Alison is the one! ( was there ever any question?)

Alison is desperate

Alison is dumbfounded

Alison is a goddess ( thank you, thank you )

Alison is now wearing a golden satin dress with sequin adornments along the collar ( and don't I look grand!)

The background is darker, clearly Alison is the focal point

Alison is also known to be the kisser of men

WEIRD.........

latest google searches that have brought up this blog......

about ladies puking with two men

I bleed when I poop

three men and a stove

and one that had to do with things I don't need to know about!

Rare shot of Hud and I together.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVERYONE FEEL FREE TO WISH HER A GREAT DAY. YOU WILL FIND HER AT WWW.ALITTLEBITOFMETOSEE.BLOGSPOT.COM

did your wish come true?

Daniel with his #9 birthday cake as requested!

Keep your balance...

Here duckie duckie....

Sam and Claire at the lake..

A fabulous day at Peggy's cove with the family. We are only missing a pic of Samantha...more to come later...

MARGIE AND CLAN ARRIVE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's to a week of fun and chaos! 6 kids 9 and under, sisters who haven't seen each other in 2 years, and two husbands who do not do much other than laugh and add to the fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA

Stunt Man!

Happy Birthday Sam!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are such a busy man. You sure keep me on my toes and when I'm not paying attention you get into little bits of trouble. You are an amazing boy who is so full of energy and I want you to know how very loved you are.

Three years ago today you burst into my world with such gusto and I am so glad that you are here. I hope your zest for life never changes and that you always remain such a happy guy.

We are so blessed to have you as our son and we thank God everyday for the gift of you. Be well my little man, I look forward to many more years of racing through life with you!

I've been tagged.....

Total volume of music files on my computer: I'm at a loss...I have no flippen clue!

The last CD I bought: Ron Sexsmith "Retriever"

Last CD aquired: "The ultimate relaxation collection"

Five songs I listen to alot or that mean alot to me:
"Be Thou My Vision"- Van Morrison
" Sand and Water"- Beth Neilson-Chapman
" Feathers, Bones and Shells"-Beth Neilson-Chapman
"Love Song For A Saviour"-Jars of Clay
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"-Thomas Chisholm

Five people to whom I'm passing the Baton:
Margie
Robin
Lori
Pernell
Emily

Sam sound asleep on the play room floor.After some frantic searching and yelling we found him passed out in the corner.....

SAM!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU?????

Latest google searches.... rotton(?) not sure what that is...
barbie bum ....who would want to know about such a thing?
big bumps housewife....again who would want to know?

It's time to share your latest as well...what are people googling that gets them you?

24 Hours of Freedom....

Friday night my friends from the valley came and got me and we went into the city to the Delta for the night. We used Nancy's aeroplan points to get the room(thanks Nancy), which of course left more money for fun and frivolity! We enjoyed a wonderful meal of Thai food at a new restaurant in Halifax. Huge menu, fabulous spring rolls and curries. The wine wasn't bad either.
We then wandered up Spring Garden Rd, did a little shopping and then hit La Cave for cheesecake. Meandering our way back to the hotel, we kept laughing about the potential for people to pop out of doorways at us etc... We made it safely to the hotel and enjoyed the hot tub for awhile. In so doing, we entertained some guys in the hallway as we were waiting for our elevator in our bathrobes. After some relaxation, we went down to the lounge and mellowed out with some drinks,(sadly there was no one playing the piano for Hooper to sing along with!) then went up to do facials etc....
Karen and I let loose with a whoopie cushion, and actually had Christine in the bathroom gagging and retching. She was sure she had smelled something and was feeling sorry for me as I seemed to have such a serious gastric issue! Of course we couldn't give it up yet and continued on in the morning when we finally felt we could let the truth out. Sorry Hooper, I really do feel bad that you almost puked!
Saturday we went to market, bought a bunch of stuff including a fabulous piece of art, and trellises for my gardens. Brunch was enjoyed by all followed by some walking through the Public Gardens and then the hurricane ravaged Point Pleasant Park. Of course, our shopping wasn't done. We hit a mall and went bra shopping...think of the fun. That pretty well used all of our time, so I was dropped off and they continued on home to the valley. That was tough for me...saying goodbye. I wanted desperatly to go with them, almost wishing we hadn't moved. The time was fabulous but it almost felt as though salt were being dumped on an open wound. Oh well...I'll manage til next year! Thanks girls...you really are the best.

Jodi where are you?!?

I grouted our bathroom floor today. I now need to figure out what I want in the way of wainscoting and put that up and I also need to settle on a blue and paint the bathroom so it will be done in time for summer company. And then of course there is the question of towels....do I go with yellow as I originally thought? I think it would be too hard to match the blues....

The next big project will be building the swingset, trying to fit it into the space I want it. I like my little sitting area with my chairs and I'm not really willing to give it up.

Margie will be here in two weeks and then she'll help me put in a new bed. The more the merrier digging is my theory!

It's Monday!

Well, we survived a crazy weekend. Claire had so many engagements that we were kept hopping. Friday we had her graduation rehersal, sat morning her graduation. In the afternoon we had her ballet recital rehersal. Sunday was the recital itself. Her little group was #25 of 30. The kids all had to wait backstage watching movies til it was their turn. She was so pleased with herself and seemed to have lots of fun. On the way home, the van decided that I needed to understand what Hud had been experiencing with it kicking out on him. We had the problem fixed so we thought but here I was in the middle of an intersection and the van dies. I tried to get it turned onto the side street and in so doing managed to lock my steering wheel. After a guy behind me honking at me which eventually resulted in me getting out and telling him that I could NOT move the stupid thing and that I really didn't sit in intersections for entertainment, two other guys came and helped to unlock the steering and pushed me off to a less trouble causing location. Hud , my brother and the tow truck were all called and I was soon rescued. To top it all off.... I went into the corner store to use the bank machine to pay the tow guy and took out 60$ When I went to pay him, I only had 20$ Now you tell me what happened. So back I go and withdraw another 40$ There was one transaction between my first and second so I have no idea what happened to my first 40$. I need to call the company that owns the machine today. Last night Hud went to the mechanics and hopped in the van and wouldn't you know it it started right away for him. He left it and went to talk to the guy this morning. We'll see what happens next.

Claire waiting backstage at the Rebecca Cohn for her debut!

Claire's ballet recital.....

Sam and Jake relaxing watching morning shows!

Claires pre-school graduation.

Latest google search

actually it was a yahoo search but you get the idea...."humiliation men" What is that supposed to be about?

Check these out....for those of you who always liked my feet and you know who you are....what do you think of them now?

Al's not so sexy summer feet. Heat rash? Lupus? Any guesses anyone? And yes Andrea, I know the pink polish doesn't go with the red bumps!

Yeah....these are nice...

Funny Guy...

Upon reading my new Canadian Living magazine today, I thought we would try something new at the dinner table. The ideas were such that they would help you come up with ways to connect as a family over a meal. For a long time we would share the best and worst parts of our day but that was getting old.

Tonight I thought we could adopt the complimenting circle idea. I chose Daniel as tonights recipient of compliments and so off we went with Hud saying how great Daniels laugh is and when he hears him how it makes him want to laugh too. Claire said she likes hearing him play guitar because it sounds funny and she likes his tight hugs as they tickle! I said I liked his kind spirit.... and the winner that had us on the floor was Sam with his very serious...I love his big fat bummy! Of course as soon as we laughed he kept singing out, big fat bummy, big fat bummy....etc etc etc....

Can't wait to hear the compliments tomorrow!

My neighbor decided that I was having too much fun here in bloggerland without her so she decided to start a blog of her own.....

You can find her at www.babablah.blogspot.com

Emotions.....

Why is it that our emotions can so rule our being? I was having an average day when I noticed that a call had come in that I missed. I looked at the number and realized it was someone who I had not talked to in a long time. I figured I would ring them back. As it turns out they had hit my # by mistake on their cell phone but we chatted anyway. By the time I was done on the phone I was a totally different tempered person. I was elated to have spoken with them, filled with joy and foolishness all wrapped up together.

Since the phone call, I have been enjoying my kids more , not minding the cold breeze, not been overwhelmed by the stupid amount of laundry that needs to be dealt with etc....

Here's to friends who can touch you and change you in a matter of minutes. Take a look at the blossoms below and understand how I feel!

Some of the glorious blooms on the go in our yard. The pink is my flowering crab, and I am in love.

Nothing like a barbie bum!

She's beautiful!

The princess cake herself in all her glory!

Birthday cupcakes!

Birthday present time...

Claires new bike from her nanny.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE

Mom and Dad love you so much as do your brothers.
This has been a big year for you. You have grown up sooooo much. We made a big move which made you sad but you jumped right in here and made some new friends.
You are such a kind girl and I hope that that part of who you are just keeps growing.
I love how excited you get about things. Your passion for fun, and for nature and friends makes you a very special girl.
I hope today is fun for you and that this next year is a year in which you blossom even more into the girl that God wants you to be.

Love, Mom and Dad.

Boring!

So in light of the others who have figured out what people google that lands them on their site, I decided to find out what people do to get mine. Well, I discovered that mine are far from exciting....Alison
Forcing her jaws with elastics, etc...
But one has me intrigued. Someone put very specific search info...Alison Trenholm Halifax. Who wants to know about me, or was it really me? Maybe there is another such person. It's almost a little disconcerting!

Off to bake Claires Princess cake. Lets hope it's not too hot or the frosting will be a pain! We're holding out for the nice weather but the forcast is suggesting thundershowers. The day she was born was sooooo beautiful, sunny, clear, warm. I'd love it to be the same.

Even the shorts and socks took a beating!

See my hands Dad?

Not too much Sam!

Re-seeding the lawn....

Finally!

We have glorious weather! The temp is high, the ground is drying out, the trees are blooming, the kids are getting burned etc, etc, etc.

My bathroom will be ready to paint tomorrow, but not sure I'll get around to it as Claires party is on Sat. Robin, please hold on to the nasty weather til the party is over. A pinata in the house doesn't thrill me.

Daniel is away til Saturday afternoon. He went canoing/camping with his best friend and his friends dad. He left last night and I miss him like crazy. I even looked for him after school, sitting on the front porch expecting him to stroll down the street with his friends. I had to tell them that he was on an educational adventure in the outback!

Heard a rumour that my sisters visit here may be kiboshed. That would be most unfortunate. The kids are too excited not to have it happen now. I have been busy thinking of fun food for Pernell, and looking forward to haveing someone here who appreciates my culinary efforts!

Have a good one, I'm off to work on seeding the lawn!

IT DIDN'T RAIN TODAY!!!!!!!

I actually got some plants in the ground. The air was very muggy but no actual precipitation. Maybe we are on our way to better days ahead.....