Monday, May 30, 2011

Sports Day






One of the few nice days in May; Sports Day; lots of fun!

Snow still around...






Hard to believe that it is nearly June and there is lots of snow on the mountains.  It has been the coldest and wettest spring in over many years.  Here we are up Grouse Mountain at our annual general meeting for the ski club; we could have brought our skis!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

House Rules

We live in a small home, and I am constantly looking for a new one; ever since we moved here 10 years ago.  I thought it would be our "first home", and then we would magically move to another.  
Well, the "another" home never happened (at least not yet!!!).   Kids, school fees, pets, and family life has taken us over, and in the process, doubling our mortgage became less interesting to us.  In the process, we have made small updates to our place.  Now, we are venturing on a bit bigger of a process...are we going to do some bigger updates (new kitchen and bathrooms, moving things around) and stay here a lot longer, or are we going to move?

Yesterday, the first day in my life....I have to admit; I became sentimental about our home and our neighbourhood.  The boys were born here, all their milestones have occurred here, and most importantly, they love their home.  They feel great attachment to this small place.  

And, it has taken 10 years, but I admit, I really love my neighbourhood.  It is close to everything, has a great park at the end of the street, the school is nearby, and we have great neighbours.  So, it will be an interesting process for all of us to see what Hearth Architectural has to suggest for possible options.

Sunday, May 08, 2011

The Hardest Lessons

I have found raising two sons really easy. Both boys have gone through various stages of development smoothly.  There were no terrible twos or fussy babies.  Both have been a dream to parent.

However, having a dog has been the exact opposite.  It has been a huge struggle for me.  Not to love the dog, but to be a good dog owner.   I have had to admit many things:    I am totally out of my league, and I do not know what I am doing.  I have read lots of articles that often seem to contradict one another.   I have been confused.  I haven't followed through.  I don't understand the dog's behaviour.  I am continually asking myself, "why is he doing this?".  I have had this nagging feeling under my skin about the dog... "why is it so hard?".  On and on.  


And, it has made me empathize with parents who struggle with understanding their children.  Now, I am not comparing being a dog owner to being a parent, but I am empathizing with parents who don't understand the "lay of the land" so to speak.  That is me with Boris.


So now, I am on a mission.  I like to do things well.  I am learning to be with my dog.  I am taking it right back to having him learn how to walk properly with me on the leash.  It will be a lot of work, but I need to do this for me.  Hopefully I will learn a great deal along the way!  Thank you Dog Smart

 

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Happy Mother's Day





My guys...they make me happy.  Thanks for all the fun and laughter!

Guitar history

Here is Bruno when he was not yet two, playing his guitar!!!!

Guitar Lessons required





While I was working one day; Chris took the boys to a music store; and there the adventure begins.  Bruno became obsessed with the electric guitar.  So, for First Communion, we bought one for him.

The funny thing is; when Bruno was a year and a half, our nanny at the time, would bring her guitar and play.  Bruno was fascinated and completely taken over by the guitar!  I guess it never really left him.  

So now, we have an electric guitar, and we need lessons.  I can just imagine my life in 8 years...a teenager with an electric guitar.

We need a bigger house, already!

First Communion; more photos

Bruno in his gown, ready to go!

Photo opportunity with the Dog
Boy and dog forever
Gown fitting
Bruno and Victor, long time companions, together since birth!
Walking outside for the photo; love the white against the green
We took kazillions of photos; here the students are getting ready; they look a bit tired!
Bruno looking peaceful!
Mom and Bruno
Dad and Bruno
Eating chocolate...after the ceremony; we weren't allowed any pictures of the actual event as we were in the church; however it was a great Mass!
Cake and refreshments afterwards.
Bruno with his new electric guitar!

Cake and a happy boy!
Dinner at the Four Seasons, of course!

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

First Communion for Bruno

Bruno's First Communion...a beautiful day; lots of love, and a great time.  It is so nice to have Rites of Passage for our kids!  Great job Bruno!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

First Communion

 My last baby has First Communion on the weekend.  How quickly they grow up.  I am really tearful.

 But proud of my seven year old son.

 Gifts for his classmates....


My little lamb...

Monday, April 25, 2011

Leaving Church....Mod Style

Next week is First Communion for Bruno....so I bought him some nice shoes from Brooks Brothers

He wore them to Church to break them in, on Easter Sunday!


 Can I tell you how much of LOVE them.....they are so preppy!
Maximilian running ahead...
Can't wait until next weekend....don't they look great with the green jacket?