This is just a quick blurb really to just go with the all the photos we’ve uploaded in the photo album including Some of Griffins 4th Birthday and recent outdoor pics (when we aren’t sick..ahahh).
Griffin happily turned 4 at the end of May. Was very excited about his birthday and was spoiled rotten as usual. He’s loving up on his Bubble BBQ, New Sand Box and Bug Stuff (already have a caterpillar in the chrysalis stage in the habitat). Anything OUTSIDE this kids LOVES. Griffin has been having ALOT of problems with icepick headaches in recent months which has been distressing with his on and off again fevers, infections..ect - but he’s a trooper and does better then I would. Woke up again today with ear pain, headache…ect..so We’re keeping our fingers is subsides like is does some times - rather then flare up and put him out for a week or two.
Ethan is doing great. Growing LIKE CRAZY…and very excited to start grade 1 next year. He’s reading like a crazy person and jumped 4 reading levels at school last month alone. He just received an awared on Friday in front of the school for Excellence in EFFORT & PERSERVENCE for is working hard at focusing on his behaviour and his school work. He was very proud of himself as are we.
Ed is LOVING his new job. He’s still riding with another tech at this point while they get caught up on all the call that piled up while they were waiting for Ed to start ect. The kids love the minivan - and it’s wonderful to have silence while we drive cause they’re watching a DVD or something…lol.
I’m doing OK. I’ll just leave it at that without going into a tirade about endometriosis, hormones and other medical issues..ect. I’m here and that’ll do for now.
Tons of photos uploaded in the photo album…NEW PHOTOS
Just a quick update - finally! After 2 weeks of back and forth with a potential employer after a job offer and attempts by his current employer to keep him once he’d given notice of leave…Ed has FINALLY decided to move on and start a new chapter with this career with a new company. He’s slated to start on May 19th (holiday, but you get the idea). Tons of postive changes with this new job including company vehicle and gas card (as many of you know the current gas situation hasn’t been fun for those who’s job includes driving all day everywhere). Ottawa area only work is another big plus as it will lessen driving all over the place. Working from home will also eliminate any commute time. Pension program as well. There is as well included commission that Ed will actually see..not just be promised - so the extra earning potential is quite great. Tons of other great points to the new job….Ed’s very happy and looking forward to the change.
Not much else new here. I’m STILL dealing with a horrid sinus infection AGAIN (unfortunately all the construction in town seems to trigger more and more attacks from all the dust). Hopefully I’ll get some more pictures this week - Ethans having a mothers day party at at school tomorrow and Griffin has his open house for kindergarten tomorrow too…
Things here have been up and down (sort of like the weather for the past month or so). The snow has finally all melted here and I’ve managed to seed the front and back lawns this past week-end, clean out the garage, get my gardens resoiled, and the composter reved up with accelerator (Don’t Forget Earth Day APRIL 22nd…find something earth friendly to do) and do a ton of other chores (even building a small shade area for the pigs and bunny with actual nails , wood pieces and a hammer - only wacked my finger once) - so busy YES.
Griffin had us scared with his health again last week - we were back to the hosptial. He had serious ear infections and pnemonia. He’s feeling MUCH better now and can’t be bothered to rest when the weather is this nice (no puking and no fever means FUN FUN FUN). Seems that after his blood infection late last year and early this year his immune system isn’t quite back to where it should be. Griffin recently had some dental work done as well. When his 2 top front teeth originally came in they over lapped, they gradually grew apart, but the spot where they overlapped softened and decayed unfortunately (nothing we could have done to prevent this unfortunately). Well it’s all fixed up now after some AWESOME sedatives (too odd to watch a little child seem drunk) - he was a real trooper. He’s getting VERY excited about his Birthday next month and really wants a BUBBLE BBQ…they toys they come up with,..ugh!
Ethan is loving being outside in the nice weather. School is going good. He starts his Guitar lessons this wednesday…can’t wait to see if he enjoys them. His NEW favorite board game (and Griffins’ as well) is RISK..yeah the war one with the little blocks. The two of them will sit and play forever without fighting -it’s a miracle.
Ed’s working away as usual. He’s applied to the Military as most of you have probably heard by now. He still has some testing (tests) todo..ect before he knows what comes next.
Personally I’m looking into putting my business on hold until the fall or permanentally once i’ve listed my currently inventory. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing it and the extra money is VERY helpful, but i’ve just got TOO MUCH on my plate and absolutely not enough time to get the basics - i’m constantly overwhelmed and stressed (heck I’ve even considerd getting rid of the animals - but just can’t do that to the kids) . Something(s) has to go and I have to prioritize what’s important to myself - (even if it is to just exerise for 40 minutes and lose this BLOODY 70 lbs I gain while on that horrid medication)…I need to re-establish what is IMPORTANT. Finally getting off my meds has really allowed me to think in a clear mind about alot of things and move forward to make some changes.
The boys and I had an AMAZING day at the FULTON SUGARBUSH & PANHOUSE. It was suppose to be the last day of the season, but due to the late warm up…they’ve extended themselves an extra week. We had a VERY TASTY Pancake breakfast (2 for 1..can’t beat it - with free flowing maple syrup). The boys got their faces painted, went on a wagon ride and then we went for an extensive walk through the MUDDY, puddle filled forest (all in search of the SUGAR BUSH BEAST that Ethan developed in overflowing mind - see the YOUTUBE VIDEO ABOVE for the 4 mintue exciting video…don’t miss the end!).
I can’t believe we’re half way through March already…I’m so behind that I still have ballons up from Ethan’s Birthday..eek - perhaps I should just keep them up till Ed’s Birthday at the end of April..lol!
So what’s been going on? As you can see from some of the photos i’ve uploaded to the Flickr album it’s been all about the snow around here since Christmas. We keep getting HUGE storms and then it melts down and then another storm hits. As much of a pain as it to shovel and drive in…the BOYS LOVE IT! I spent 3 hours one afternoon this past week making a mazefort in the backyard with sliding hill and all which was a HUGE hit. The beautiful sunny days we’ve had this week while Ethans been on SPRING BREAK have been fabulous for burning energy off outside! There is something odd though about shovling 4-5 feet of snow in a T-shirt cause it’s so warm. We didn’t get to make it to the FULTON’S SUGAR BUSH this spring break due to the snow, but we’re hoping to make it on Tuesday or Thursday this upcoming week (alot less busy too).
Ethan celebrated is 6th Birthday on February 18th. I’m surely not old enough to have a 6 year old…(who looks like an 8 year old..lol). He had a great birthday and enjoyed some great gifts and fun. This past week Ethan got a NEW GUITAR as a birthday present and will start lessons next week hopefully - he’s very excited (as am I…..I’m thinking of pulling out my guitar out of storage and learning along with him)
The boys are into tons of new and interesting things. Both boys are in love with watching old LOONEY TUNES shows on Teletoon. The real hearty laughter that errupts when they are watching is beyond me as I’m not a Looney tunes fan….but wonderful to hear! Ethan is quite into a card game called CHAOTIC (based on a TV SHOW) and he and Ed each have their own cards and play online and against each other (i’m totally out of the loop on this one…but it looks fun I guess..hehe). Both boys are HUGE lego fans and spend hours making creations (killing mosnters usually) Griffin is really into playing kids games online (Dora, Deigo and the wonderpets ect) as well as wooden PUZZLES, art and Building. I’m finally relieved he’s showing some interest in learning something. He also loves singing…..he’s constantly making up songs and singing them for us.
I went in for my surgery almost a month ago now and things seemingly have gone well. It takes 6 months to a year to see the final results and if it worked as expected, but so far so good. Selling via my ebay store has been quite steady since Christmas which is good and I’m happy with.
Ed has been busy with work as usual. With some gifts from Dad LaBerge he made the computer downstairs quick and able to play more of his computer games…So he’s been playing some newer games and having fun. He’s as well been playing suck up with the Rabbit - who sees Ed as the leader of our heard or something and follows him around everywhere, sits on his lap and grooms him with kisses and licking…..it’s hilarious….but I think Ed loves it just as much as the bunny….it’s too funny to watch them play hide and seek / tag around the kitchen and living room after the kids go to bed.
That’s about it….for now! We are VERY excited about Adams upcoming wedding in June as it’s going to be AWESOME to see everyone (especially those it might have been years since we last saw).
It’s been awhile. I apologize for keeping everyone out of the loop. Since Christmas we’ve been busy with this that and the DRAMA (when are they going to make THE LaBerge Family: Soap Opera on everyday at 1 or so?).
As many of you know Griffin was sick sometime before Christmas with constant fever, throwing up, headaches..ect. It seemed to clear abit after time at the hosptial, but the blood test still showed a high white blood cell count. Well a couple days after Christmas we were right back to the same things except worse. It got really scary for a bit there, but it ended up after an intense round of antibiotics they were able to clear up what was found out to be a blood infection. He’s back to normal now, still down 6 of the 10lbs he lost, but hey we’ll take what we can get!
Shortly after Griffin got all cleared up Ethan got sick (something going around the school) and he was off school for a week. On the wednesday of that week we got seriously rear ended while stopped waiting for a car to turn downtown. We are all ok now, at the time Ethan had a pretty nasty headache from hitting his head for a couple of days and my neck was not doing so well. The car took some serious damage to the back and although we were told it would most likely be a write off , the garage guys for the insurance company decided that they could fix it and thus i’m STILL in a rental as I wait for my car to be returned! Apparently I should have it back by late this week.! Bit of a pisser for us cause we intented to sell my car this summer after Ed’s car was finally paid off so I’d get his current car and he’s use the sale for a downpayment on a new one (he racks up the millage so much from work that his less then 5 year old car already is way passed the over 10 year old one i’m driving) - but with an accident on it’s record we’ll have to work out some new plan. Ughh.. the frustration - we do nothing wrong but get screwed…..thus is life i suppose…lol!
I’m sure you’ve all been sick this month at some point since there is so much going around! The boys are FINALLY better from everything, so of course it’s been Ed and my turn to deal with the germ demons! The current one i’m just getting over, but Ed is still trying to shake is a doozy - the hungover feeling and pounding constant headache can only go on for so long before you feel like you’re going to explode.
Ah Yes - our FURNACE yet another lovely ordeal we’re still dealing with! Right after Christmas it stopped igniting properly so we’d wake up and it would be freezing. Of course we called a repair company they came in took forever to find out the problem and said it was fixed (something to do with the burner and tubes) alas after a TON of money it was fine for a couple weeks, but just this week-end started right back to where it was originally. AHHHHHHH! can I say GIVE US A BLOODY break! I swear we must have been evil in a previous life to get all this freaking bad Karma - they are certainly right when they say “when it rains - it pours”.
On a DELIGHTFUL note! We added a new member to our family! Buddy (or Bun Bun or Foo Foo - as Ed likes to call him). You can see the YOUTUBE video with him below and some info. WHY? A question certain people have asked while being being skeptical of our decision to add another animal to our brood! Because we have the love & space and unlike the guinea pigs….this rabbit is almost like a cat in the sense he roams free about 80% of the time, jumps on our laps, on the couch, plays with the kids ect. There isn’t more then a couple dollars per month extra expense because he used most of the same supplies as the pigs and eat similar human foods and pellet foods. All and all thus far its been a great addition.
Thats about it. On top of all the STUFF that’s been going on I’ve been working like a crazy person trying to make extra monies for all these things that have popped up this month….thus i’ve not been updating that often or making many phone calls / emails! I’m going in on February 13th for an endometrial ablasion to hopefully stop some issues i’ve been having - only day surgery and I’ll be up and around within a day or two. I’ve choosen this over a hysterectomy at this time because of the recoup time (2 days vs 10 -20 days). Wish me well!
If you have a moment you can take a peek at our NEW family member BUDDY. Buddy is a dwarf Holand Lop rabbit. He’s as big as he’ll get and is about the same size as BIG PIG with the EARS being abit extra. He’s very friendly, calm and fun. Loves the kids, gets along with the pigs and is so far a free roamer except for at night when we put him in his cage…otherwise he travels as he would like during the day going potty in his cage when he so wants…>FABULOUS! He for some reason thinks ED is the man and cleans him constantly like it was one of his own heard..lol…very cute!
We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We were DELIGHTED to be flown down to Brampton to have Christmas Dinner at Grandma Jans! The boys (even though still not feeling 100%) were stoked to take their first plane ride. Griffin LOVED that he was flying like a BIRD, while Ethan was more enthralled with watching the on demand kids videos on the seat screens!
It was WONDERFUL to see everyone. We all enjoyed seeing Danny, Laura, Melanie and Eric all together (It had been too long). Uncle Don and Grandma Jan made a FABULOUS dinner - I think i’m still full!
Although a quick visit we were so glad we got to see Grandma Jill and the Gang at a special meeting of TEA TIME. We hope you all recovered from the Rampage and Attack by Commando E & G (don’t you just love thoese games..lol). Check out all our Christmas Photos HERE!
CLICK HERE - YOU’VE GOT TO CHECK THIS OUT - This is a great jibjab sendable made by Uncle Pete using the boys, myself , Lynn and Pete. It is too cute - the boys just keep watching it and want to make our own - which hopefully we will in the next couple of days - we’re also working on making a STOP ANIMATION video for fun as well.
Poor Griffers - as most of you know he was quite ill prior to Christmas and to the hospital. Unfortunately whatever he’s dealing with has made an very strong and ugly return - continuous fever, headache, constant nausea and abdoninal pain, occasionally vomitting, sore legs..ect and of course lack of appetite or want to eat or drink. He had lost over 7+ lbs with the last bout of this and has maybe gained back a lb or 2. The last trip to the hospital showed nothing obviously wrong, but his blood worked showed some kind of infection as his white blood cell count was elevated. Obviously the situation is very distressing to us as we haven’t gotten any concrete answers to what is causing this and it’s been horrible to see our normally active and healthy little man constantly exhusted, sick and not eating. We’re back to the doctors tomorrow and will update.
That’s it for now as Griffers fever and vomitting increase at night which means little sleep for him or I. Please send GET WELL vibes for my little man.
So like most of the the Northern United states, Ontario and specifically the OTTAWA VALLEY was not saved from the crazy down pour of snow. Early yesterday as the storm started the WEATHERNETWORK said we could expect 30-40 cm total and even at some points downgraded how much exactally it would be in areas. For those wondering how much that is - think a yellow school ruler (30cm) + a bit. Not to bad I proclaimed as I saw pictures on the news and weather channel of more southern areas that were ahead of us in the storm and (yeah there was snow..but nothing over the top like i’d been hearing about). I was expecting even less for us as we seem to live in a town that has a weird airstream running over it and ALOT of precipitation misses us (especially in the summer when we need rain for our brown lawns).
Yet, as the day progress and the snow kept coming and coming and I began to start thinking maybe this was going to be a bit worse then stated. When I jumped out of the house at 12:30 to take Mr. E to a Birthday party the snow was up to our thighs - it was after 1 before we’d shoveled the small bit of the end of the drive way to get the car out - then it got stuck and stuck and stuck (being the ever so persistent mother - We made it to the party). By the end of the day and the sun was going down (and we sort of stopped keeping track) the snow banks on the side of the drive ways were way past the cars. This morning as we awoke to see what the day would bring - the plow FINALLY made it to our street after 6am - the snow bank at the end of the driveway was HIGHER then the car and there was NO WAY we were getting out without ALOT of shoveling! It took about 3 hours with 3 strong guys (Ed and our Neighbour and his friend) to get the end clear so we could get out. CRAZY!!!
Although the snow is a a major PAIN - I must say the one thing that I love about where we live is that the SNOW brings out all the neighbours and EVERYONE helps each other. People pushing peoples cars out, people sharing their snow-blowers and plows, People shoveling together…..Really our street is very wonderful in the snow!@
Ethan’s school has their annual Christmas concert this past Thursday. The theme this year was the story of THE HOCKEY SWEATER (but a more updated version - featuring the Ottawa Sens and Toronto Maple Leafs). Ethans Jr. & Sr. K class did O CANADA and it was adorable. Check the video below (E is sitting in the front row on the left side - hard to miss - he’s the one rocking to the music..lol). The concert was great - all music with little acting parts inbetween to tell the story. Ethan was happy as pie to be there and had a gre
at time and was very proud of his class.
On a side note - After seeing Katie Holmes on the cover of IN STYLE magazine recently I was LOVING her hair. I’ve been toying with the idea of saying goodbye to my Lovely long, yet not so styled and always UP in a ponytail locks for awhile now and after seeing her do I decided to take the plunge. I’m SOOOO happy with the results - my stylist was AWESOME (robin THANKS) and i’m still getting use to not being able to put my hair up (geeze it’s hard) I’m loving how it looks (perhaps a bit more styled and mature). Take a glance:
This is just a quick blurb really to just go with the all the photos we’ve uploaded in the photo album including Some of Griffins 4th Birthday and recent outdoor pics (when we aren’t sick..ahahh).
Just a quick update - finally! After 2 weeks of back and forth with a potential employer after a job offer and attempts by his current employer to keep him once he’d given notice of leave…Ed has FINALLY decided to move on and start a new chapter with this career with a new company. He’s slated to start on May 19th (holiday, but you get the idea). Tons of postive changes with this new job including company vehicle and gas card (as many of you know the current gas situation hasn’t been fun for those who’s job includes driving all day everywhere). Ottawa area only work is another big plus as it will lessen driving all over the place. Working from home will also eliminate any commute time. Pension program as well. There is as well included commission that Ed will actually see..not just be promised - so the extra earning potential is quite great. Tons of other great points to the new job….Ed’s very happy and looking forward to the change.
It’s been awhile. I apologize for keeping everyone out of the loop. Since Christmas we’ve been busy with this that and the DRAMA (when are they going to make THE LaBerge Family: Soap Opera on everyday at 1 or so?). 
I’m sure you’ve all been sick this month at some point since there is so much going around! The boys are FINALLY better from everything, so of course it’s been Ed and my turn to deal with the germ demons! The current one i’m just getting over, but Ed is still trying to shake is a doozy - the hungover feeling and pounding constant headache can only go on for so long before you feel like you’re going to explode. 
We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We were DELIGHTED to be flown down to Brampton to have Christmas Dinner at Grandma Jans! The boys (even though still not feeling 100%) were stoked to take their first plane ride. Griffin LOVED that he was flying like a BIRD, while Ethan was more enthralled with watching the on demand kids videos on the seat screens!
Poor Griffers - as most of you know he was quite ill prior to Christmas and to the hospital. Unfortunately whatever he’s dealing with has made an very strong and ugly return - continuous fever, headache, constant nausea and abdoninal pain, occasionally vomitting, sore legs..ect and of course lack of appetite or want to eat or drink. He had lost over 7+ lbs with the last bout of this and has maybe gained back a lb or 2. The last trip to the hospital showed nothing obviously wrong, but his blood worked showed some kind of infection as his white blood cell count was elevated. Obviously the situation is very distressing to us as we haven’t gotten any concrete answers to what is causing this and it’s been horrible to see our normally active and healthy little man constantly exhusted, sick and not eating. We’re back to the doctors tomorrow and will update.
So like most of the the Northern United states, Ontario and specifically the OTTAWA VALLEY was not saved from the crazy down pour of snow. Early yesterday as the storm started the 
