"Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time!"

I don't know if you've seen this email - this cake was purchased at Walmart and I received this pic with the explaination that the person ordered the writing as "Please write 'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that write 'We will miss you.' " Although I didn't laugh out loud, the image stays with me and still makes me smile.

RKZ was home yesterday (still using up those "days off" he hasn't used for the year). We had a fun day of running all over Calgary doing errands. These are always much more fun if RKZ is around. We were able to get our Christmas tree and put up a good many of our decorations. So far, Buck's favorites are the lights - on the tree, outside, in the windows - and the ornament bells we have for the tree. In between playing, Buck will run to the tree and ring one of the bells. It cracks me up even as I have to remind him not to touch the tree. We were playing at a friend's house on Wednesday and Buck crushed one of their ornaments in his hand. He said, 'I popped that thing.' I am trying to avoid any popping at our house.

The next few posts (probably until Christmas) will be various photos of our house decorations (exciting for you, I'm sure) and the "winter weather" we are enjoying here in the Great White North. It's -4F/-20C outside right now. It is supposed to warm up to 39F/4C on Tuesday, which seems impossibly warm as we smother ourselves in thick jackets, fluffy hats and snow boots. I see that it's supposed to be 62F/16 C in Huntington Beach on Sunday...wow! I took that temp for granted. 62 degrees is shorts weather up here. But I do have a very close girlfriend who lives in Forth Lauderdale, Florida and it is 81F/27C there today. So don't you HB crowd get too high and mighty :) I will throw a snowball for you today (if I can stand outside for that long without painful repercussions to my hands and face). It is pretty and easy to feel "christmassy" here in December. In Feb &/or March, I'll be in California or Florida as fast as I can!!!

"Wish I had a river - that I could skate away on"

Pic of Calgary traffic yesterday - the first real snowy day of the season. 17 F/-8C. Actually, it wasn't too cold, just really snowy. Buck insisted on shoveling the driveway. He is totally his father's son. And he was moderately helpful as well. Too bad his gloves don't fit very well. I am currently trying to shrink the only pair he likes to wear (red Elmo gloves from Grandma Duchess).

None of the weather woes (woahs?) are helped by the fact that I live across the street from Bressie the know-it-all nanny. It's bad enough that I have to compete with other first time moms, but nannies too? After a marathon drive to the grocery store through the snow and traffic (imperative, or I wouldn't have gone), I was putting the groceries away and letting Buck "shovel" the driveway. Enter Bressie and Brent - her 3 year old charge. They were creating a "snow mountain" in their front yard while their yellow lab searched for the ball they were hiding from him in the snow. Laughter - frivolity - a good time was being had by all.

So, of course, Bressie yells over - "Hello, Daniel! Do you want to come and play?"

Now, at this point, I don't remember Bressie or the boy's names. Buck and I are wearing regular jeans and thick jackets, but not snow clothes. And Buck sorely wants to "go say hi to the doggy." Since I am "nominal-mommy" (neither good nor bad) I ignore my melting ice cream and walk Buck across the street.

I long ago got over the taboo against asking people their names if I couldn't remember - particularly people I see only twice a month. So, I asked Bressie (she remembered our names of course) and complimented her on remembering Buck and my names. Her response, " Yeah, I think it's the most important thing we can do for people is to remember their names." Uhhh...I'm not totally sure I agree with that statement, but I still saw the truth of the importance of knowing people's names, so I immediately countered with dead air and began talking about the fun they were having.

Now, I love to ski and snowboard. I own the gear, I enjoy the cold weather when it's accompanied by fun, but Bessie has taken this to a new level. She went on to explain to me that she snowboards every weekend and that she is going to start taking Bret (Brent - I'll never be able to remember the most important piece of info for them) skiing as more snow comes. Bressie observes: "So many nannies don't even own snowpants! Even one of the moms who comes over to play doesn't own snowpants. I ask her how she is going to play in the snow with her children? They own snowpants, but she doesn't." At this point, I am imagining that the frozen lasagna I bought (to poison my husband and child, I'm sure) is turning into a gooey, meaty mess in my mudroom, so I use the "no snow pants" monologue as an out.

"Yeah, I really wish we had snow pants." I lie - and then pull Buck away from the dog.

Buck didn't even want to play in the snow - he just wanted to pet that freekin' dog.

"When the [bear] bites - with his teeth, dear!"

These pictures crack me up. RKZ sent them with the subject line "violent bear attack - be warned!" So you're warned too.

I hope that all of the Americans had a great Thanksgiving. RKZ stayed home the Friday after and we were able to finish up our paperwork to begin the adoption process. It was funny to go into an RCMP (Mountie) office and have the older police gentlemen gushing over our plans. They were very curious and excited as to what gender and type of baby we would get. One of the men asked Buck if he was "ready to be an older brother." It was very cute and highlighted the reality of the situation - we are actively beginning to adopt a baby!

Of course, the last papers for us to gather were birth and marriage certificates. My birth cert is a phantom. We can't find it. Thank goodness that we're adopting in the 21st Century as I was able to go to the Nevada Records website and literally order 3 copies of my birth cert in about 2 minutes. There were very interesting 'personal' questions I had to answer in order to prove my identity and these actually freaked me out the most as they seemed to have every address and roommate I'd ever had in their info banks!! I answered a series of "pick the one that does not apply to you" multiple choice questions and they had all of my correct information dating back to high school!! One of the questions listed my college po box -- a bit unnerving, to say the least. I don't actually need a microchip imbedded in my skin, it seems that anyone who wanted to could find out everything about me in moments if they needed too!

My birth cert should arrive in 3 days, which will put us just under my personal deadline of handing in all of the adoption paperwork by the end of November. Then, we will begin the homestudy process, which should take a couple of months with the Christmas holidays looming. We are not on the adoption list yet!! (just for the sake of clarity). But my hope is that we will be on the waiting list by the end of January or early Feb.

I'll keep everyone posted with my posts (totally cheesy, I know).

Watch out for those bears! (especially the ones from Chicago as we found out last night. Poor Broncos...)

"Bye! Bye! Miss American Pie"

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring as Dad was out (what a louse).
The baby was sleeping all snug in his bed
And mom was was downstairs eating cheese and French bread.
Nothing was baking - no cooking could be found -
Everything was so quiet with no family around.
Canada was peaceful - no driving - no flights
The street already filled with X-Mas "low energy" lights.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear?
But the fact that ESPN still transmits here!
So without any doubt - without a turkey to carve
I'll be spending my Thursday with a man named Brett Farve.

"Dasing through the snow"

Some strange things about Canada (or just Calgary, maybe). We have a playdate with a friend at 9am. We were supposed to meet at the zoo today but it was snowing last night and was about 17 degrees (Farenheit). There was an actual discussion as to whether we should still go. Yes, we debated how the kids would do (they'd be fine) and how we would do (be freezing). Eventually, we settled on a "coffee and play place" where they have playgrounds inside of coffee shops. Another interesting Calgary feature (although I'm sure they do have these in cold areas of the US).

Second fun feature of Calgary - dentists who make 7am appointments to do fillings. Yes, in 15 minutes I have to get a filling. The dentist's office is 2 minutes from our house (literally) so I have plenty of time.

I swear that Canadians are just more hearty - or maybe it's me who is such a woos. Add this filling to the fact that it's the WEDNESDAY before Thanksgiving, and this is just turning into one banner holiday weekend :)

Oh, on a "Thanksgiving" day topic - I am going to try and link the latest episode of "How I Met Your Mother" to my site somehow. This is literally the funniest show on TV right now. It's funny and touching (but mostly funny). It's like a very cynical Friends. One of the characters is Canadian and they had an entire scene and discussion about Canadian Thanksgiving. RKZ and I couldn't stop laughing.

Well - I'd better go and blow dry my hair before my dentist appointment. Yes, I still have time!

"Here we are now - Entertain us!"

It's funny that here in Canada, we've already begun decorating for Christmas. Since Thanksgiving is officially over here, we've already begun the quick dash into the Christmas Craziness. Our family spent Saturday at a Christmas Craft fair - of course, there wasn't anything that actually mentioned Christ (nope, not even a creche scene) - but it was fun to walk around with RKZ and Buck and buy reindeer and greenery and hot chocolate/lattees.

We are very homesick for American Thanksgiving, of course. Showing movies in the classroom, getting ready for the 8 hour drive (or 4 hour flight to Mexico!): It is a bittersweet time for us. It's fun to put up Christmas lights, but I can't believe that we won't be surrounded by family in three days! Our first Thanksgiving as if there was no Thanksgiving. It's mostly Buck that I'm sad for - because he doesn't even know that there is a huge holiday going on in his old country. Oh, I'm sure we'll find our way to American Turkey day again - he'll feel the love - and this Thursday we'll actually be at Clemmie's 2nd birthday party (hence, the reason we're not just making it a big holiday here). Buck really loves birthday parties...so that will be a consolation.

And once again, I will not be making my own pies for this or any other holiday.

"Then we wouldn't have to wait so long"

Ahhhh...the joys of raising a 2 year old...This morning, I awoke at 6am to the shouts of, "Momma, I awake!" over and over again until I finally yelled back, "Come in here!" As luck would have it, Buck was covered in pee and there would be no romanticized vision of us returning to sleep until 7 (at least). We were up and changing into clothes for the day and deciding which train each person would be.

Some crazy person took over my brain and I decided to make eggs and peanut butter bagel for breakfast. Buck now insists on sitting in a big boy chair. By the end of breakfast, he and the chair were covered in peanut butter. Only 1 hour in and we're on our second change of clothes (not the norm, but occasionally happens. Chock it up to bad mothering). Of course, even as I write this, Buck is still wearing only a diaper. Don't worry, he'll get some clothes before music class.

Now, as the day wears on into 8:30 am, I have found two drum sticks under the couch, a truck in my tupperware drawer, a piece of a puzzle under the TV, a train in the play kitchen which simply had to be found and I have covered about 3 miles as said James the Train.

Forget the army, Man, I have done more before 8:30 am than some 20 year olds do all day.

Oops! I have to go, the Garbage men are here and we must watch from the front window.
Have a great weekend!!!

"American Woman!"

I just received this email from a wise elder statesman. It's probably true. You might have read it on email, but it made me laugh. Seriously, what can you get for a rib these days?

Here is the lost paragraph in GENESIS

So God asked Adam, "What is wrong with you?.
Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to.
God said that he was going to make Adam a companion
and it would be a woman.
God said, "This person will gather food for you, and when
you discover clothing she'll wash it for you.
She will always agree with any decision you make.
She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in
the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not
nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong
whe you have a disagreement. She will never have a headache
and will freely give you love and passion when ever you need it."
Adam asked God, "What will this woman cost?"
God replied, "An arm and a leg."
Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?"
And the rest is history

"Splish Splash, I was taking a bath!"

Clemmie and Buck in the first of (probably) many teenaged blackmail photos.
A leaf fight with Charlie's daddy, Charlie, RKZ, myself and Buck (who is about to throw leaves at Charlie's mommy, Rachel).

Random pictures for a random morning. RKZ is in Montreal last night and today - it is quite a glamourous place to visit. He's there on work, but we are both still sad that we can't all be there together. This morning we are having a playdate with Jackson and a new friend, Ben. Also, Clemmie is coming over as her mommy has a doctor's appointment to check out her bun in the oven.

Yes, I didn't update yesterday because our lives are a bit dull here.

I did become the President of Challenge here in Calgary just last week. It's a long story (and maybe I already mentioned it), but this is a pretty full use of my time. Meetings and arrangements galore. I'm excited but nervous with everything that needs to be done kinda' quickly.

"Between the crosses row on row"

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

It's Rembrance Day and Veterans Day and so it's a good day to thank everyone and anyone who is giving or has given his or her life for our countries and our freedoms. I'm not sure if everyone is familar with this poem - I think it's one of the only truly Canadian things that American school children read in our classrooms (which is unfortunate). I've always loved this poem and I think it is still pretty meaningful. The flower is a poppy - Canadians and people in the UK wear them today (and for the past week or so) to commemorate the soldiers. RKZ swears that they give out poppies in the US also, but I don't think I've ever seen them.

"Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?"

CSG (Canadian Safari Guide) came over a while ago to watch the Broncos actually win a game. Lately, we have been more sad because they are not doing terrifically well and our favorites keep being hurt. I thought you'd enjoy the fact that RKZ makes everyone wear a jersey - even visitors. It's a good look for all of us...

We had music class today. Nobody has been sleeping well since RKZ has been away. He's home tonight - yeah!!

"A Hole lot of shakin' goin on" [sic]

What happens when you leave your 36 year old husband home with your 2 year old son? Well, they race around the house, of course - leaving "marks of love" all over the house.

Here is my favorite - a nice big hole in the bathroom wall, courtesty of RKZ's knee. Hmmmm.

"Signs, Signs Everywhere they're signs!'

Two posts tonight! I am so excited that we just purchased our very first scanner!! I know, welcome to the 21st Century...anyway...This cartoon was near to me, so I just scanned this. I will move on to bigger and pictures very soon. A last note about the picture is that RK and I were having a "lively discussion" and Buck said - "No yelling, mommy...talk soft." RK thinks that's hilarious. Hmmmm....

"You'll be a dentist!"

No pictures today (it's also a little late for me to be blogging, but it still counts!)

Big day yesterday - I wish I had a few pictures - Buck's first trip to the dentist. We are a little early with this visit, but the dental office specializes in kids and is always full to capacity, so when they added a new dentist, I jumped at the chance to make an appointment. It was really worth it. The office has a bank of computers at various levels and they have a playhouse with Thomas the Tank Engine inside. Also, there is a model train running around the ceiling! These are all really big deals to a two year old and his stressed out mommy. Buck loved the dentist and the office, which was really the whole point to the visit. Of course, we do have to go back in 6 months because the dentist is worried about how close together his teeth are. Looking like we'll be spending a bundle on braces (not a big shocker to anyone).

And the second very fun thing was that RKZ and I were able to see Billy Joel in concert. He opened saying, "Good evening, I'm Billy Joel's dad," which was really funny because he looked like he now could be the dad of the Billy Joel we know from childhood (and college). It was a fun date and we had great seats. all in all, a good time.

Today (Tues) was a bit more slow. I think I'm really becoming a Calgarian as I was irritated wih the amount of traffic today. Upon reflection (and 13 years in California), that makes me laugh.

"I see a bad moon risin' "

The best news of all this weekend - Coach K and Hoonka had a beautiful, healthy little boy after only 35 minutes of labor (with no drugs as there wasn't enough time!) 8 pounds and 21 inches (stats not official)! He's HUGE! We're so happy he finally decided to come and join the party...and really grateful that Hoonka is doing well also. SO SAD that we can't rush right over and be there. CONGRATULATIONS, my wonderful family!!

Another video- this one is scary on many fronts. First, my voice is really loud and I am talking like a preschool teacher on crack (not the good craig). I apologize ahead of time. Second, please notice that I had to stop the video as Buck insisted that the nice stranger who was giving him a bag of chips actually open them for him. Not enough that he is getting free food - he'd like to be served as well.

I am glad that Halloween is over. Sad that Thanksgiving is gone in our neck of the woods. I really love Thanksgiving. We'll be on to Christmas soon - which is really amazing.

It snowed today - and it looks like it's going to start sticking. RKZ leaves for Pheonix on Wednesday...he made me leave out his sandals when we "winterized" our clothes and house this weekend. I hate him now.

"OO went the wind and out went the light..."

Well, we threw our first Halloween party complete with 15 kids (mainly 2 & 3 years old). The pictures are evidence but my favorite part was the panic attack I had about 30 minutes before when I realized that I'd never had a "kids party" before. Clemmie and Buck holding hands as they walk through the snow in someone's yard. Clemmie is Hermione, Buck is Jay Cutler.
Eventually, Keaton wanted to hold hands also. It was quite funny to have the three of them holding hands and walking down the street.
The crowd again. I was disappointed that it is so fuzzy.
A little less fuzzy. From left to right: baby 1, Lucy, Megan (baby), Jack, Adam, zebra, Charlie, Buck, Clemmie, and Keaton (unfortunately, the 2 unnamed kids came late and I forgot who they are).
Zebra, Charlie (Harry Potter), Buck, Clem, Keaton
The babies weren't excited about trick or treating.
More hand holding.
Our friend, Janet and her son Adam (who is dressed as Pablo the Backyardigan). They are at the first station where the kids painted/drew onto their own mini pumpkin.
Carrie, Lloyd and Jackson (the tiger) also at the pumpkin station.
The second station was "make your own trick-or-treat bag." this was much more popular. Here, Lucy, Emma, Emma's daddy Chad, Ben, Buck (RKZ), Keaton and Megan make bags.
After the bags, these kids moved on to the pumpkins.
It was Buck's favorite station.
Joya helped to make "alien sandwhiches" for the adults.
Look in the corner under the chair to see RKZ's favorite part of the party - the dry ice.
Susan (a neighbor) and Keaton, Megan and Clemmie hanging out. Notice that I have giant strips of plastic on the floor.
Jack the dragon
Megan the monkey. I love these warm costumes but I am convinced as to never spending money on a coustume again after the cloak fiasco.

...and 5 little pumpkins rolled out of sight.