Leanne is out of town this week - left this AM. Today, we had Pizza Hut for dinner. I ordered enough so that we have left-overs for another night too.
Also, the kids did not brush their teeth before going to bed. (Actually, they fell asleep while I was on the phone with Leanne.)
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Who's been following this saga ...
www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/03/08/timhortons_dispute060308.html
Synopsis is ...
- 10 year old girl finds coffee cup in the garbage at school and remembers it's part of contest.
- 10yr-old asks a 12 year old friend for help with rolling-up-the-rim (of the cup, which is how you check for prizes)
- turns out it's a winner for a new SUV
This is when the "adult's" start getting involved ...
- 10yr-old girl's father gets to school first, takes the cup with the intent (I think he told a teacher at school) of selling it and offer some of the money to the 12yr-old's family
- then 12yr-old girl's mother arrives and says the prize should be all theirs and takes her appeal to a radio station, which prompts the 10yr-old's father to change his mind re: sharing prize
This is when lawyer's start getting involved ...
- At some point along the way, one of the teacher's got involved claiming that the cup was originally his and that the prize should be his.
- His lawyer is asking for a DNA sample of the cup
- Tim Horton's position is - whomever shows up with the prize cup first gets the prize - full stop
Here's my question ... anyone that I've talked to thinks it's pretty cut and dry - 10yr-old gets the prize by virtue of "finder's keepers". Up to the 10yr-old to decide whether or not to share anything with 12yr-old. Teacher should pound salt. All adults involved should be ashamed.
Anyone have countering opinions on that? I'm interested in both people's opinions, but also in finding out if there's any correlation with the affiliated opinions, i.e. do people tend to hang around with people who share the same general principles on matters such as this?
I've read that in one workplace, there was a 50-50 split for those that think the 10yr-old and 12yr-old have a claim. Admittedly, people can't control who they hang around with at the workplace, however, there may be an "industry" correlation as well. This was a reporter who polled his office. (yeah, yeah, yeah - ouch, I know.)
As far as I know, I haven't heard of anyone (other than his lawyer) who is siding with the teacher.
www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/03/08/timhortons_dispute060308.html
Synopsis is ...
- 10 year old girl finds coffee cup in the garbage at school and remembers it's part of contest.
- 10yr-old asks a 12 year old friend for help with rolling-up-the-rim (of the cup, which is how you check for prizes)
- turns out it's a winner for a new SUV
This is when the "adult's" start getting involved ...
- 10yr-old girl's father gets to school first, takes the cup with the intent (I think he told a teacher at school) of selling it and offer some of the money to the 12yr-old's family
- then 12yr-old girl's mother arrives and says the prize should be all theirs and takes her appeal to a radio station, which prompts the 10yr-old's father to change his mind re: sharing prize
This is when lawyer's start getting involved ...
- At some point along the way, one of the teacher's got involved claiming that the cup was originally his and that the prize should be his.
- His lawyer is asking for a DNA sample of the cup
- Tim Horton's position is - whomever shows up with the prize cup first gets the prize - full stop
Here's my question ... anyone that I've talked to thinks it's pretty cut and dry - 10yr-old gets the prize by virtue of "finder's keepers". Up to the 10yr-old to decide whether or not to share anything with 12yr-old. Teacher should pound salt. All adults involved should be ashamed.
Anyone have countering opinions on that? I'm interested in both people's opinions, but also in finding out if there's any correlation with the affiliated opinions, i.e. do people tend to hang around with people who share the same general principles on matters such as this?
I've read that in one workplace, there was a 50-50 split for those that think the 10yr-old and 12yr-old have a claim. Admittedly, people can't control who they hang around with at the workplace, however, there may be an "industry" correlation as well. This was a reporter who polled his office. (yeah, yeah, yeah - ouch, I know.)
As far as I know, I haven't heard of anyone (other than his lawyer) who is siding with the teacher.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Hoodlum in the making
Here's the boy rifling through some infant buggies parked outside the mall restaurant.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Mr. Dressup
Very few pics of the boy lately because ... well because I'm hooked on "24" and I have Season One and Two on DVD.
All better
Very few pix of the girl lately, because she had a nasty virus and her mouth was covered in cold sores. Pretty much all gone now.
Here's a hint for all you budding physicians (and even you grizzlied veterans, who occasionally forget your patients are customers) ...
The first thing that you say when you see a patient should rarely be "Oh my goodness." That's just not helping anybody.
Here's a hint for all you budding physicians (and even you grizzlied veterans, who occasionally forget your patients are customers) ...
The first thing that you say when you see a patient should rarely be "Oh my goodness." That's just not helping anybody.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Snap
The boy waiting for the girl's ballet class to finish. Taken from my new phone. Next up is to see how video's from my phone upload to YouTube.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
My Treo went ring-tones up, so I replaced it with a Windows Mobile phone (PocketPC? Smartphone? I don't get the distinctions yet). First thing I loaded on it (other than synching my contacts, calender, etc...)? Bejeweled. I might actually spend the time to see if I can get one of my movies converted and loaded onto my SD card. What else should I load up? The IR is too feeble to find a Universal Remote app. I'm trying to find a utility to measure my data traffic, 'cuz my plan is 4MB/month. I've lost all sense of how much or little I can do with 4MB a month.Yes - this is my return to posting. BTW - I did see a utility that claims to allow me to post from my phone.
What else can I tell you? The kids are all better after coming down with separate viruses. My men's volleyball team actually went undefeated this last round-robin. We got an exercise bike and I've actually used it about 1/2 dozen times. I played basketball for the first time in about 4 years - and for some reason, my basketball shoes tore the skin off of one of my toes. And, all we have in the house are brightly coloured or Dora band-aids.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Let those who ride (and toddle) decide!
Notice how the boy lets LL ride the recalled toy. That thing has a design flaw that causes toddlers to flip over the handles at the least bit of lean forward.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Visiting hours
The girl, the boy, the cous - visiting An Ma. This seating actually has about 6 photo's all with different permutations of each kid looking off in a different direction.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Bye-Bye LL
See you next time. See you soon. It has to be soon because I've got your Einstein Baby video in my DVD player.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Hi, just catching up on a few of our holiday season moments as captured by my cel phone ...
This first one is from the mall where we took the kids for their Santa photo. As it turns out, we chose the same day/evening that a local (and ever increasing in numbers) group of naer-do-wells who take joy from dressing up as the elf himself filling themselves with Christmas Cheer (nudge, nudge, wink, wink ) and terrorizing local establishments. In this case, they just happened to be streaming through the mall at the same time as we were walking up to the mall-shop Santa. I would guess that there were about 80 of these fools. I suppose I would have had more humour if this did not threaten our chances of getting the boy and girl to sit still for the Santa photo.
The kids turned out to be heartier than we feared and none the worse for wear as we awaited our seating for dinner afterwards.
These are from the BNL concert that L and I went to. I hope I don't get busted for any copyright infringements, but I wanted to share the experience. This is their first number with local kids choir. J2 - if you're reading this - you would appreciate the fine detail on their embroidered collars.
This is Ed "giving 'er" to "Box Set"...
... and a more laid back Stephen, at the start of "What a Good Boy".
This first one is from the mall where we took the kids for their Santa photo. As it turns out, we chose the same day/evening that a local (and ever increasing in numbers) group of naer-do-wells who take joy from dressing up as the elf himself filling themselves with Christmas Cheer (nudge, nudge, wink, wink ) and terrorizing local establishments. In this case, they just happened to be streaming through the mall at the same time as we were walking up to the mall-shop Santa. I would guess that there were about 80 of these fools. I suppose I would have had more humour if this did not threaten our chances of getting the boy and girl to sit still for the Santa photo.
The kids turned out to be heartier than we feared and none the worse for wear as we awaited our seating for dinner afterwards.
These are from the BNL concert that L and I went to. I hope I don't get busted for any copyright infringements, but I wanted to share the experience. This is their first number with local kids choir. J2 - if you're reading this - you would appreciate the fine detail on their embroidered collars.
This is Ed "giving 'er" to "Box Set"...
... and a more laid back Stephen, at the start of "What a Good Boy".
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
2006 - a rebuilding year
Hey - hope everyone had a great holiday. From scanning the other circle of blogs - it would appear so.
We kept close to home and had some good quality time - lots of sledding, some visiting and a bit of boxing day/week shopping.
This is one example of how we spent our time. After talking to jie-jie and hearing that her girl was into baking and crafts, that reminded me that we had this 3 year-old gingerbread house kit wasting shelf space. Lots of fun building and keeping the boy out of the candy dishes. It's now on it's way to a landfill where the boy can't snack on it behind our backs.
We kept close to home and had some good quality time - lots of sledding, some visiting and a bit of boxing day/week shopping.
This is one example of how we spent our time. After talking to jie-jie and hearing that her girl was into baking and crafts, that reminded me that we had this 3 year-old gingerbread house kit wasting shelf space. Lots of fun building and keeping the boy out of the candy dishes. It's now on it's way to a landfill where the boy can't snack on it behind our backs.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Happy Holidays
Winding down - although there are a few more presents unwrapped, but boxes not opened. Gotta ease into it - a few more days before they go back to daycare.
Busy, busy, busy.
The boy takes a quiet moment, just for himself at Uncle G and Auntie R's place on Christmas Eve.
G&R (Uncle and Auntie, not Axl and company) have two dogs that the boy just loves. Puppy. PUPPY!!!
G&R (Uncle and Auntie, not Axl and company) have two dogs that the boy just loves. Puppy. PUPPY!!!
That's gonna leave a mark
I found out that the boy, with a lego traincar, at about two paces, thrown with a full body turn ... even by a 2 year old ... can hurt.
Monday, December 19, 2005
I think she has something to say ...
The girl has moved beyond crayons and markers to "oil pastels". Walmart does not stock enough fabric-gard for what is about to ensue.
Some times, being nurturing parents is bloody (I almost typed "bloddy") hard.
Some times, being nurturing parents is bloody (I almost typed "bloddy") hard.
Squishing your head
I am squishing your head - in the advanced, one-handed, upside down technique.
(I take so many pictures, that sometimes one gets by me.)
(I take so many pictures, that sometimes one gets by me.)
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Rules are Rules.
Can't recall if I've used that title before and too lazy to check.
This (3rd hand) was the conversation between the girl and mom coming home from day-care on Friday.
"Mommy, I learned a new rule today"
`What was that?`
"You're not supposed to put your hair in the toilet."
`Did you put your hair in the toilet?!?`
"No, Morgan did. And we learned you're not supposed to put your whole head in the toilet either"
'Who did that?`
"Meagan did."
`Well why did they do that?!?`
"'Cuz Stephanie told them to. But I didn't do it because I know that only pee and poo is supposed to go in the toilet."
Later on - the story changed a bit, because when I asker the girl why she didn't do the same, she said "Because I know I would get in trouble."
I wonder how early someone can apply for Mensa.
This (3rd hand) was the conversation between the girl and mom coming home from day-care on Friday.
"Mommy, I learned a new rule today"
`What was that?`
"You're not supposed to put your hair in the toilet."
`Did you put your hair in the toilet?!?`
"No, Morgan did. And we learned you're not supposed to put your whole head in the toilet either"
'Who did that?`
"Meagan did."
`Well why did they do that?!?`
"'Cuz Stephanie told them to. But I didn't do it because I know that only pee and poo is supposed to go in the toilet."
Later on - the story changed a bit, because when I asker the girl why she didn't do the same, she said "Because I know I would get in trouble."
I wonder how early someone can apply for Mensa.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Time flies
Over a week with no update ... must be the start of crazy season.
So, how the h*ll does this guy find the time to do this?
http://www.youtube.com/?v=fRf7JbpMOBs
(Don't worry, it's clean.)
So, how the h*ll does this guy find the time to do this?
http://www.youtube.com/?v=fRf7JbpMOBs
(Don't worry, it's clean.)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Quick update
Last week's "innocent bystander" returned to the scene of the ballet class, but for some reasons could not be persuaded to stay and join the class. (This photo was taken much later following the class.)
Meanwhile, the boy and I stayed home trying to build up both our toddler toboggan-run as well as our snow fort which, at this point, is not much more than a sad levy.
Meanwhile, the boy and I stayed home trying to build up both our toddler toboggan-run as well as our snow fort which, at this point, is not much more than a sad levy.
Oh yeah ...
... And the boy was crowned King of all Super Bounce Ball. All things fragile beware - your time is nigh!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
No mistakin ...
The boy got a much needed haircut and was actually civil about it.
In today's local news - a fireworks store catches fire. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my bowling ball, 'cuz there's a tugboat that needs sinking.
In today's local news - a fireworks store catches fire. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my bowling ball, 'cuz there's a tugboat that needs sinking.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Girlie-girl
The girl was treated to some nail polish today.
This was as a reward, because earlier in the day at her ballet class, she and another girl collided. Her nose was bleeding and the other girl was cut on the forehead and ended up going home.
The girl stayed and finished her ballet class, and no one makes fun of her tu-tu any more.
This was as a reward, because earlier in the day at her ballet class, she and another girl collided. Her nose was bleeding and the other girl was cut on the forehead and ended up going home.
The girl stayed and finished her ballet class, and no one makes fun of her tu-tu any more.
Art Gallery
The girl is very enamoured with her scissors and our tape. On the negative side, our kitchen is a lot darker than it used to be. On the plus side, birds do not go slamming into our windows.
Snow day
It got to about 6 above today. Perfect snowman building weather. Only, we didn't have much snow in our yard. For some reason, our landscaping causes more run-off than all our neighbours. Still, we managed to get two guys up.
Then afterwards, as depicted here, the boy did some tai-chi with the bigger one.
Then afterwards, as depicted here, the boy did some tai-chi with the bigger one.
Rodney King
In this photo, we find the boy giving me several boots to the head. He got me about five times, but I still managed to take the picture.
Santa Claus Parade
For the second year in a row, we made it out to the Santa Claus Parade. This time, we staked out a spot about halfway through the parade route. Last year, we were near the end and it took forever for all the floats to go by.
In retrospect, I think the paradites "save themseleves" for the last few blocks.
The kids did ok - it was about -15 with the windchill.
In retrospect, I think the paradites "save themseleves" for the last few blocks.
The kids did ok - it was about -15 with the windchill.
Sgt York
This would have been way cooler if he wasn't such a studious driver. Last year, a bunch of us from work did some go-karting. It was fun, except for the loaner helmets and realizing aftewards how sweaty you got in them.
A Christmas Classic
Visions of that orange syrup stuff they used to feed us at Chinese school ... are dancing in my head and likely still through certain arteries.
The big guy himself.
Actually anti-climatic. They must have been a bit behind schedule because he was moving pretty fast.
Neither the Mayor nor the Premier were out glad-handing either.
Neither the Mayor nor the Premier were out glad-handing either.
Pooped
The side of the boys crib broke, so the girl let him bunk with her for the night. Yeah - she's still sleeping in the tent.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Stages of development
Every time we take our kids to the doctor, I can't help but reference the developmental chart on the wall and "scoring" the kids, e.g. how many words, what motor co-ordination, what social skills, etc ... (actually, as I type this - I realize I should probably chart myself as well).
One thing about the boy that is specifically different from the girl ... he's physical. He likes to run at you, grab you, pinch your nose and often when you're holding him - he flails his arms around and usually ends up hitting you.
The other night, when I was holding him and he was flailing, I had to tell him, "no". Usually, this causes him to slow down or stop - often followed by a bit of a sulk. This night, he deliberately and distinctly reached around and cuffed me on the back of the head.
I could not have been more proud.
Every time we take our kids to the doctor, I can't help but reference the developmental chart on the wall and "scoring" the kids, e.g. how many words, what motor co-ordination, what social skills, etc ... (actually, as I type this - I realize I should probably chart myself as well).
One thing about the boy that is specifically different from the girl ... he's physical. He likes to run at you, grab you, pinch your nose and often when you're holding him - he flails his arms around and usually ends up hitting you.
The other night, when I was holding him and he was flailing, I had to tell him, "no". Usually, this causes him to slow down or stop - often followed by a bit of a sulk. This night, he deliberately and distinctly reached around and cuffed me on the back of the head.
I could not have been more proud.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Things to expect ...
This pic is a few days old, but I'm just using it as a placeholder. What I really want to say is ...
The boy has been soaking up new words for a few weeks now - so he's getting comfortable repeating words in the right context. This means that for the past few days, and probably for a few weeks more, if the girl was any indicator, I can look forward to being greeted when I come home by the boy stomping to the door from where ever he is - yelling "Da-da. Da-da. Da-da. Da-da.".
I love this part!
The boy has been soaking up new words for a few weeks now - so he's getting comfortable repeating words in the right context. This means that for the past few days, and probably for a few weeks more, if the girl was any indicator, I can look forward to being greeted when I come home by the boy stomping to the door from where ever he is - yelling "Da-da. Da-da. Da-da. Da-da.".
I love this part!
Friday, November 11, 2005
More good news / bad news
For a few days, I was able to say that I had started Christmas shopping. This thing (that the girl is riding) was an impulse buy when I saw it in a toy-store during a lunch break. It's powered by momentum that is initiated by turning the steering wheel, so you just need to keep turning to keep moving. Easy to use and steer. Very cool.
Except ... we had a few really nice days, so I brought it out for the kids to play with. So now my christmas stock is back down to zero.
BTW - just set up my PVR - using the Diamond XtremeTV USB external tuner. The hardware works well enough, but the really great thing is that it's bundled with SnapStream Beyond TV and Beyond Media software. Pretty much turns my desktop into a Media Center. Now I just need more drive space. 43 more shopping days.
Except ... we had a few really nice days, so I brought it out for the kids to play with. So now my christmas stock is back down to zero.
BTW - just set up my PVR - using the Diamond XtremeTV USB external tuner. The hardware works well enough, but the really great thing is that it's bundled with SnapStream Beyond TV and Beyond Media software. Pretty much turns my desktop into a Media Center. Now I just need more drive space. 43 more shopping days.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Cross-border shopping
Brought back a bunch of trinkets like this when I was in Florida in October. This "superball" has a light in it that flashes for a while after it's been bounced. Batteries cannot be replaced. The "superball" is in quotes because it actually doesn't bounce that high for it's size.
Four bucks.
Four bucks.
Some of the boy's favourite things #1
From this photo:
He likes to click lamps off/on. I think it's more the off/on part and not so much the clicking, because he likes grandma/grandpa's touch lamp.
He likes to stack coasters on the floor.
He likes to flip the vacuflow-cover. I caught him trying to stuff something down the vacuflow the other day, but it's only happened once, as far as I know, so I don't think that constitutes a "favourite".
Also present, although not necessarily visible - he likes to NOT tell us when his pants are full.
He likes to click lamps off/on. I think it's more the off/on part and not so much the clicking, because he likes grandma/grandpa's touch lamp.
He likes to stack coasters on the floor.
He likes to flip the vacuflow-cover. I caught him trying to stuff something down the vacuflow the other day, but it's only happened once, as far as I know, so I don't think that constitutes a "favourite".
Also present, although not necessarily visible - he likes to NOT tell us when his pants are full.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Woodshop
This is the swing that Grandpa made for us. We like to sit out there just lounging around, until the girl demands we go "supersonic".
We've also got a rocking horse (a unique piece, b/c Grandpa swore he's never doing another one of those again), matching animal-shaped clothes stands for the kids, several toy cars and trucks, and most recently, a glider for the front porch.
Hmmm, just typing all that - maybe we should up our insurance. It's front of mind, just because it's that time of year when everyone who gets a cent of our financial services bid-nezz starts calling around this time, in advance of trying to coax more fund/investment business from us in a few months. They mistake me for someone with disposable income. Ha! Disposable diapers maybe.
We've also got a rocking horse (a unique piece, b/c Grandpa swore he's never doing another one of those again), matching animal-shaped clothes stands for the kids, several toy cars and trucks, and most recently, a glider for the front porch.
Hmmm, just typing all that - maybe we should up our insurance. It's front of mind, just because it's that time of year when everyone who gets a cent of our financial services bid-nezz starts calling around this time, in advance of trying to coax more fund/investment business from us in a few months. They mistake me for someone with disposable income. Ha! Disposable diapers maybe.
Day after ....
It's becoming a ritual - the day after Halloween - the girl gets a bunch of costumes from sale bins. This is Belle. She got several other Princesses, none of which I can distinguish from each other, save the singularity of colour. Kinda like a visual cacophny of bride's maids dresses.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Kinda like Cher ...
Each day, the girl goes through an average of 3 wardrobe changes, usually including - what we make her wear; a dress she puts on as soon as she gets home; and usually one of her umpteen dozen princess dresses.
She calls this style - Amish-Pippi.
She calls this style - Amish-Pippi.
Baker
Jess made this snow man cookie to take to grandma's. Not to share, just to show. She pretty much at it all herself.
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