Thursday, November 30, 2006

Just Call Me Catherine Willows

My Auntie Cathy called me a few minutes ago. I told her that I was in the middle of investigating the C.S.I. crime scene that I like to call Keegan's bedroom. Starting at the bed...sheets and underlying mattress soaked in blood. Bloodspatter on wall and bedframe. Drops of blood on the carpet leading from the bed, out of the room, into the hall, into my room, and onto the bathroom floor. Scene analysis? Major nosebleed with intermittent sneezes with resulting spray. Kripes!

The poor little kid is plagued with nosebleeds. This morning's episode brings the total since Sunday to a record breaking 7. And it's only Thursday. With a combination of allergies and a cold from hell, even a tiny sneeze is enough to rupture his fragile nasal mebranes.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to do a plug for the best laundry product known to woman for removing a variety of bodily fluids, including snot, vomit, round-trip milk, and blood. Yes, it's "Spray 'n' Wash Dual Power". I can't say enough about this stuff. It has saved many a ruined item of clothing and in Keegan's case, lots of sheets and pillowcases. Get it. I swear it works!

That being said, I am off to try to scrub the spatter from the carpet and furniture. I hope you have a great day, and thanks for tuning in to CSI: Keegan the Victim's Unit....

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

They Say Things Come In 3's

First Keegs. Then Mark. Yes, he's been coughing up a lung for the last two days and nights, making it an unpleasant sleeping situation for me, his bedmate. And now, Phoenix. Double ear infection and bronchitis. Kripes! Had Ty checked out too, just in case, but for now, he's clear. I feel like a soldier braced for war. I am battening down the hatches, and fortifying my defences. Prime rule #1: Moms are NOT ALLOWED to get sick. It's mind over matter. I have too much to do. Just yesterday I wrapped 37 Christmas gifts. Today, I wrapped 4 more. (That's all I could do. Out of paper and tissue.) So much more shopping to do and less than a month to do it in.

So far I've finished shopping for all of my kids, 2 nephews, a niece and 2 second-cousins. Plus two December birthday gifts. Whew! Still have one nephew, 2 brothers, a dad, two in-laws, a brother and sister-in-law and a husband left to shop for. Not to mention gifts for the "school people". I get off easy with Phoenix, only one teacher. Keegan has 3 teachers, a resource consultant and 2 bus drivers. Kripes! School is an expensive business!

I think I'll go cry now at the sheer enormity of it all. Happy Holidays!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

All I Want For Christmas...

...is three healthy kids. GOD! I am tired of the never-ending viruses that seek to search and destroy all that I hold dear. Poor Kegs has a cold from hell. Horrible cough, low-grade fever, and eyes that leak tears all day. I just hope that if the other guys get it, that it is over soon, and gone from the house before the holidays.

This Christmas is a VERY busy social season for us. We are hosting a friend-pot-luck dinner on the 9th. Hosting Christmas Eve for Mark's family. Hosting Christmas dinner for my family. Hosting Boxing Day get together for more of my family. Plus there's the Santa parade; our charity, Field and Stream Rescue Team, is having a float this year, and Mark and maybe a kid or two may be on that...Kids' Santa party for employees of my Dad's office and their kids/grandkids...dinner with my cousin and his family...gee, good thing that Dad filled our freezer, eh?

Finally started my Christmas shopping. And although the corner of my room is filled with presents yet to be wrapped, I have SO MUCH more to get. Too many kidlets! And we really cut down our list this year too. Crazy. I know my house will look like ToysRUs on Christmas morning too. All those toys that take 1 1/2 hours just to take out of the packaging, let alone assemble. Ah, tis the season!

And baking! Can't even think of that yet! No room in the freezer! ARRGGHHHH!

And how are you doing? Everything okay? Family doing well? Everyone healthy? Haven't heard from you in a while. Let me know how your holiday preparations are going...

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PM Kegger update

By 11:00 am, he had a fever of 100.3. His right eye was leaking tears constantly. By 3:00 pm, his fever had climbed to 102.5, despite the Tylenol. His leaky tear stream had turned from clear to a disgusting yellow mucous. Ewww....Mark took him to the clinic. Apparently, he had an ear infection that was so bad, that the doctor couldn't believe that he wasn't crying all day and night. (Not one word of complaint to me about ear pain). The doctor said that the infection had moved into his eye from the ear. Talk about gross. Poor little punkin! So now he is on antibiotics and eye drops. Took a 2 hour nap and refused dinner. Hope the antibiotics kick in by tomorrow...

Thursday, November 23, 2006

What Came First?


The chicken or the egg? Well, in Ty's case, the egg. I have reason to believe that he has developed an egg allergy, which would really suck for two main reasons. One, there are so many foods out there that contain eggs in some form (can you say cake?) that he would be denied, and more importantly, some vaccines contain egg protein. (See picture of the first time Ty tried eggs. This was when a piece of scrambled egg touched his lower lip...) It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but those red/pink patches were blotchy hives with small blisters around his mouth. Very simliar to the skin contact reaction he had to a trace of peanut butter that was on a cloth.

Yesterday I took him for his 18 month shots (OMG! A year and a half already!) and after discussing things with the Dr., decided to only get the one shot, as the MMR shot contains egg. So now Ty has to go for allergy testing on Dec 15 to see if he adds eggs to his allergy list. Poor little guy.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Christmas Comes Early For the Carnivores/TMI


Christmas came early around here for us carnivores. Dad said that he would fill my freezer. Now I can barely shut the door! 3 HUGE roasting chickens. Massive prime rib. Enormous rolled pork roast. Chicken breasts. Butterfly pork chops. Sausages. Bacon. And 4 of the biggest sirloin steaks known to man since the Flinstones (see picture). Woo-hoo! Won't have to shop for a year! Now, who' s coming for dinner?
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Mark sat me down last night with the intention of giving me a serious lecture regarding the amount of credit card spending I did last month, particularly at the book store. I gave him a calculating look, and then said casually, "Will morning sex call this even?" He said, "DONE!" So, this morning I got my cardio workout done without having to leave bed, and avoided a lecture at the same time. What can I say? I'm a book-whore. Anything to satisfy the addiction...Oh sorry. What that one of those "too-much-information" moments?

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Birthday Round-Up


Well, all in all, an awesome birthday. I always love to hear what people got for their birthdays, so if you are one of those people as well, here is the sum and total of my loot.

From: Dad: $$
Paul (my brother): 2 Laurell K. Hamilton books
Mike(my brother): 4 bottles of Pop Shoppe Black Cherry Cola-my all time favourite soda-, a Chilly Willy t-shirt, and three pairs of chenille socks (one blue, and two pink)
Mama & Papa: $$
Mark: tickets to a show on Dec 5. Don't know what it is yet. It's a surprise!
Phoenix: black chenille sweater and DVD of The Real Ghostbusters cartoon (more for him, than me, but it's the thought...)
Keegan: red chenille sweater and the new Weird Al cd
Ty: CD Buddy Holly's Greatest Hits (which I've listened to so much that my kids go around singing "Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty Peggy Sue!")
Christy(my friend): baklava and a tea rest
Darra(my friend): home-baked pumpkin muffins-YUM-and hey, Happy Birthday Darra!!!
Leanne (my friend): dinner and a movie-we saw...um....the name escapes me. The new will Farrell one. It was really good. He was brilliant. Oh yeah! Stranger Than Fiction. See, my brain still works, even though I'm a year older!
Auntie Mo: beautiful china teacup & saucer, 2007 Herb Calendar and a new address book
Auntie Helen: the new Philippa Gregory book and a gift certificate for Chapters
Auntie Cathy: 4 martini glasses and an awesome penguin shaped martini shaker
Auntie Susan: a gold "Shannon" necklace, a la "Carrie-from-Sex-In-the-City" from her trip to Ireland
Lori (my cousin): a beautiful moss green chenille sweater and 3 pairs of black chenille socks (can you tell I'm into that fabric these days?)
Dana (my cousin-in-law): gift certificate to Kate's (where I have my hair done)

All in all, an awesome haul. Thank you all!!!!

Today was my and my Auntie Susan's birthday party. Usually we do a dinner, but this year we decided to do something different and had a tea party instead. It was great! Auntie Susan went all out, and the food was de-lish! Little sandwiches of ultimate decadence-yum! I tried my hand at scones, at they turned out really well. If anyone wants recipes, leave a comment and I'll e-mail them to you. I made spice ones (with cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg), lemon and cheddar. The spice ones were my favourite, served with wild strawberry jam and Devon cream. I also made a "Teapot" cake. It turned out really well; I was quite happy with it. I ended up doing an impromptu tea-leaf reading too, and that was fun. Altogether, a great afternoon.
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Mark went on a bit of a cleaning/reorganizing frenzy today. As a result, I now have four new shelves in the basement, a reorganized laundry area, and a MUCH tidier toy room. When he gets an idea in his head, he goes to town...now if I could only get him to magically make my closet bigger!

Well, day is done, gone the sun...and whatever the rest of that Girl Guide taps song says. Time to curl up with a cup of tea, and dig into one of my new books. TTFN!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Happy Birthday to Me!


Last, but not least, me at age 6. The caption on the back of the photo reads "Shannon all dressed up for a birthday party". I'm wondering now if it was a costume party. With that dress and those shoes, I look like Dorothy Gale!

And with that, Happy Birthday to me! All dressed up, and ready to go!

My girlfriend Leanne, from Rye High, is coming to see me today, and we're going for dinner and a movie (weather permitting...it's raining so hard that I may have to cash in my presents for an ark...). I'm looking forward to seeing her, as the last time we got together was 1 1/2 years ago, when Tyger was born.

Last night, someone asked me how old I was turning today. I quoted from a recently read book and said, "The same age as my tongue, as a few months older than my teeth." All kidding aside, today I am 29. Again. Shut up. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. I figure I can get away with it until Bun turns 10. I still get carded at the LCBO! So no comments from the peanut gallery.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown 7


This picture should have been a sign of things to come (aka three babies!) for me! The note on the back of the photo penned by Mom reads, "Shannon as a "Fat Lady"". She obviously didn't realize that I was determined to be her when I grew up (having lots of kids, that is)...and still, she beat me by one...the most important one. Me!

And speaking of things to come, and babies....Jenny had her baby today! (Finally!) 7 pounds, one oz, 19 inches long. He's here! Name to come... Congrats babe! Welcome to the world of three kidlets.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown 6


Another Halifax shot. Note the coordinating ribbons, barrettes and turtleneck. My mother is the reason why, to this day, my socks always match my shirt.

And see those trees in the background? Gone! I went back to the old 'hood a few years back and all those trees are now history and have been replaced with monster homes. Can't even see the Basin...






I'd also like to wish my brother Michael a very Happy 37th Birthday!!!!!! Have a good one, brotha!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown 5


I am 4 in this shot, outside of our place when we lived in Halifax. I'm pretty sure that the coat I am wearing is exactly the style I saw at Old Navy the other night, minus the 70's belt. But still...CHEESE!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

A Surprise Literary Find

I was tidying up my bedside table today (insert gasps of shock from the readers at the thought of Shannon voluntarily tidying anything here) and found a notebook. Only two pages had been written on. It was a story. Last year Phoenix had woken up from a rare nap and had found me industrially scribbling away at a short story in my notebook. He expressed to me that he wished that he could write down stories when he thought of them, but he didn't know how to write yet. So I told him that whenever he had an idea for a story, to tell me, and I would write it for him. The following is the story that he proceeded to tell me, and I wrote in "his" notebook.

Superfriends Story by Phoenix

Once upon a time, there was a bunch of people called the Superfriends. They were superheroes and friends, and that's why they were called the Superfriends. One day they went for a walk in the forest. It was called the Warm Forest.

Captain Cold was up in a tree and he froze them but he missed. Superman threw a rock at the tree and it fell on Captain Cold and he was trapped. He was there for ages and ages and ages and ages and ages. It was five whole days. And then you know what happened? Captain Cold's team came and started throwing trees at the Superfriends. But they missed because they all flew away. Well, some of them flew away, and some ran, because not all of them can fly. The Flash runs. He runs really fast.

So they ran and flew away and they came to a big ditch. They all jumped over it. Then Captain Cold and his friends came and they jumped over the ditch too. And then you know what happened?

There was a big ball, a big rock ball, that fell from I don't know where, and made another big ditch and the Superfriends jumped to the other side, but it was too big for the bad guys. So then the Superfriends went home and had lunch.

The End.


Just goes to show that literary genius can start at any age.

Birthday Photo Countdown 4


This is me on my 3rd birthday. Mom made me a Barbie cake. I was so excited. So were my brothers, who battled amongst themselves as to who would get to lick the icing off of Barbie's chest...

This was also the beginning of the pretty much permanent hairstyle for the next 7 or 8 years. Two pony tails or braids, with ribbons and/or barrettes to match whatever shirt I was wearing, with the slight side-part to accomodate the stubborn cowlick.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown 3


In the 3rd installment, a rare photo! Here I am performing my first piano composition, at the tender age of two. Sounded a lot like the Sesame Street theme song...and man, did I love those shoes!
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Happy Remembrance Day to all of the brave Canadians who fought for our country in the wars. We salute you!
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Happy 34th Birthday to my hubby! I love ya! And Happy 34th Birthday also to my friend Melanie!

Friday, November 10, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown 2



Second photo in the countdown, the kiddie family portrait, starring me and my brothers. From the left, Tommy, Paul, and Michael and a pretty grumpy looking me, front and centre.

(Let's take a moment to comment on the wardrobe and hairdos. Boys? Nice hair! Did Mom use the same size Tupperware bowl for all three cuts? And Michael, can't say enought about that groovy t-shirt. I think I saw Bobby wear that one on the Brady Bunch...)

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Birthday Photo Countdown



As a fun way to count down the week leading up to my birthday, I thought I'd do a photo journey of my first 6 years, the same age that my eldest son is now. That being said, here is a photo of a very young me, with my Auntie Susan, who is also my Godmother...

Monday, November 06, 2006

Happy Birthdays!

Wishing a very happy birthday to my aunt/Godmother, Susan! You're the same age as me this year! 29, right?

Also, happy birthday to my girlfriend Jackie! Have a good one, sista!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Someone Gets A Visit From The Tooth Beaver


Yes, the event that changes the smile forever: the loss of the first baby tooth. Bun was so excited, especially about the prospect of a visit from the Tooth Beaver. Mmmhmm. You heard right. The Tooth Beaver. Mark started that story when they were first getting teeth. How if you didn't brush and floss your teeth really well, the Tooth Beaver would come and drill holes in your teeth to make them fall out. However, if you were really good at brushing and flossing, and your teeth fell out on their own to make way for adult teeth, then the Tooth Beaver would trade your first baby tooth for a coin with his picture on it.

So, I am sure Bun is going to be elated tomorrow when he brags about his Tooth Beaver coin. Or more accurately, his new shiny nickel.

(Don't worry folks. The Tooth Fairy came too, and left him 2 bucks.)

What Makes Me:

What makes me exhausted: I tell you, I getting mighty tired of this cough from hell. I cough all day. I cough all night. When I start coughing, I can't stop until I either choke or throw up. This sucks.

What makes me frustrated: Just realized that I am down to my last diaper. Not good.

What makes me worried: Mark took himself to emergency this morning. Also not good. Severe lower abdominal/groin pain. As I am at home with the kids, I know nothing of what is going on now with him. He's been there over an hour. I hope he's at least been triaged and has been given somewhere to lie down.

Will update when I hear from him.

What makes me proud: In other news, Phoenix got his first stripe (blue) on his white belt for karate. He also has a really wiggly tooth that is threatening to fall out at any time. His new tooth has already started to come in behind the loose one. My adult teeth came in the same way; always behind the baby ones. He chose 6:25 am this morning to wake us up to give us the tooth-wiggling status. Kripes. Joy of parenting.

What makes me check my weblog 3000 times a day: My pal Jenny is due to drop her third child any minute now. She is hoping that this baby will be considerate enough to come inbetween her husband's business trips. I hope he complies, but babies seem to follow Murphy's Law. Wish you the best of luck, babe! Two pushes and glory!

What I hate: people that have finished their Christmas shopping already. I haven't done a bloody thing. Well, not entirely true. I bought 2 books for Ty, and a game for Keegs. That's about it.

What makes me feel like I've accomplished SOMETHING: Did go out yesterday and pick up some November birthday gifts for my Auntie Susan, my brother Mike, and my hubby, so that part is done, at least. I always have to put the b-days behind me before I can focus on Christmas matters.

What makes me sad: As I was picking Ty up to get him away from dismantling my spice rack, he reached over and grabbed my teapot off of the shelf and threw it to the floor, where it smashed into 999,999,999,999,999,923 pieces. Eff. I LOVED that teapot. It was beautiful. I got it for my birthday about 6 years ago from my Auntie Mo. Damn damn damn.

What makes me happy: Keegan starts going to school 5 days a week starting tomorrow. I think that the continuity will straighten him out, temper wise. He does not react well to breaks in schedule, and I think that going to school daily as opposed to 3 times a week will help to settle him at home. I have hope, and as my friend Martha would say, that's a good thing.

Update later. TTFN.

11:34 am update: Just called the hospital. They've done bloodwork and are waiting on an ultrasound.
1:26 : waiting for the ultrasound report.
3:55: still waiting. No food. No drugs. Lots of pain. Shunted him from 5 rooms and is now relegated to chair in the hallway. Really pissed off at this point.
5:15: Came home. Apparently, there's nothing wrong. Here's some Tylenol 3 and an ice pack. Bye now!