Spring has arrived

Whether you like it or not, get your rubber boots out because Spring has arrived. We saw our first official butterfly today (this one in the photo is from a Conservatory and from Colombia or somewhere) and that makes it official, we have entered Spring and I don't miss Winnipeg. Even if I do watch 'Less than Kind' each week in case they drive by my old house, my old University, my old work, the place where Eaton's once stood, or Polo Park. Okay, maybe sometimes I do miss Winnipeg.

signed, the willow

My Gold Medalist

The past two weeks my mom was here with us and yesterday we sadly released her on loan to my brother. I know, not fair! Today we've been sighing and *Mila* was found covered in party hats on the floor rolling around moaning "Birthday Party" with a belly full of broccoli.

There was a highlight on the weekend. This was in addition to Colin and Justin. I'm speaking of my nephew, *Barrett*. You may as well know, we all go by our middle names on this blog. All but *Steve*, he has no middle name and simply prefers to be called "Steve". Okay, where was I? Right, my nephew. He competed in a National Nordic ski race held in Duntroon, Ontario (close to Collingwood). This was his first national race and his first 10 K race! At one point he skied past us with what appeared to be a plastic bag on his boot. I think it was a flag. He did really well and we're all so proud of him. He'll be our gold medalist always....so will his little sister who I hear can give her age category a run for their money.

Were we nuts thinking that *Mila* would climb that hill? Good thing for Uncle *Rodney*!

There are endorsements on his outfit. Does he know that? Is that cool or what?

When I was a kid X-country ski poles had to fit under your armpits. Guess times have changed. Now they skate ski and the poles reach over their heads.

Beyond this hill 90 cars were stuck in the mud. We were one of those cars. Thanks to the kind fellow Ontarians who helped to push us out!

Gramma, come back!

signed, the willow

Wonder if they wore their Design Panties?

God Bless Colin & Justin (for taping 52 episodes of Home Heist in the Hamilton area)!

signed, the willow

One of these things is not like the others

Why did the Ken dolls always lose their heads?

signed, the willow

The Big C

I have been very absent from my blog lately. There have been many plans in the making to

put on a 5th Birthday Party, invite the Big C, make cupcakes with Gramma and find a way to hide presents.

Forever burned into my memory, *Mila* with a giant wad of Double Bubble in her mouth sitting beside Big C on the couch. Oh and I strongly recommend hiring a princess for your party, especially if you are under 6.

signed, the willow

Nuf Said

Really? Going out like this? Yup!

signed, the willow

I want to take this moment to say...

There is a dog hair on my cupcake. So, I will not be eating it.

signed, the willow

Forgive me Banana Republic, for I have sinned

About 5 years ago when my belly was full of chocolates and baby, I promised myself that within 2 years I would waltz into Banana Republic and barely fill out a pair of size 2 jeans. Okay, so that didn't happen. I dreamed about those jeans and yes, I did even find an old pair of American Eagle pants in a 2 that I literally stuffed myself into. After consuming no meat and downing a a bottle of "Liquid Bum Party" pills and the purchase of a treadmill, I can safely say that I will officially scratch Banana Republic off my list. Sorry, I really wanted it to happen but it won't be happening.

This Sunday we went in pursuit of a Sleeping Beauty costume for *Mila*. Being February, there aren't a lot of costumes around and she was pretty adamant that she wanted one for her birthday. In talking to a friend, she suggested we try a second hand store.

Second hand stores when I was a little girl consisted of stinky old black plastic garbage bags full of moth-eaten sweaters in an over-packed Sally Ann. And yes *Steve*, I believe I spent a good chunk of my childhood there with my grandmother as she volunteered a good chunk of her life to sorting and bagging and selling and providing to the needy. We used to uncover a lot of great treasures there and I can remember my mom cringing when I would ask if I could take home the spit-stained peach or turquoise dress from 40 years ago, so I could wear it to school. Hey, Gran suggested it might be a clever look for the Spring.

So, theses joints have changed an incredible deal from where they were 30 years ago. The clothes are hand picked, clean, scent-free and come from top stores like...ahem...Banana Republic. Yep. So, what was I worried about. Maybe after I picked up several pair that looked like the ones that were currently in my closet, i.e. ripped to be cool, I decided on a cute little pair for $5, in a size 4 (sorry, no 2s for me ever again).

Last night I was up watching the Oscars until the bitter end. Can we say "Slumdog"? Why is there always a clear winner at the Academy? I don't get it sometimes. When Sean Penn won for Best Actor, I yelled out excitedly "BRAD PITT!!!" *Steve* glanced over at me with that look that husbands sometimes get for their wives when their wives yell out Brad Pitt at random on inappropriate occasions. I guess I was just so happy to not hear Mickey Rourke, that Sean Penn was the closest thing to Brad Pitt. Have you seen Mickey Rourke lately? Can we say "Slumdog"? (Sorry Slumdogs).

signed, the willow

If I yelled "NO" at you, would you listen?

You might think that I am starting off this blog entry about yelling at your five year old. Not true. For one, my child is still on the brink of five and for two, I don't need to yell at her unless she walks into traffic (and yes, even the most brilliant children get distracted and do this)! I have for a long time had an issue with saying NO to people and confronting them. On most, if not all, occasions it has caused me duress and even heartache. When you feel too much it can become a detriment.

Recently I was mentioned at a meeting that they would enlist me for my services. I wasn't there and of course found out through the tight little grapevine that I was volunteered for a position I knew nothing about. When I tried to say no in my polite way of saying "Well, I can't do this part and I could do that part" it wasn't regarded. Next thing I knew I was getting my husband involved and I had hoped that I wouldn't have to make up a terrible excuse about the whole thing. So, I came right out and said "no"....and now I wait to see what will come of it. Will my no be discounted? Will they hear only what they want to hear? I think we all know what will happen then.

Then this little school incident happened yesterday. *Mila* came home in tears as some boy in her class took ownership of her artwork and took it home. Okay, I know it's Junior Kindergarten and I explained to her that she needs to put her name on things. But the little boy lied about it and *Mila* needed my power as a parent to defend her. She was clearly upset about it and so I did something I thought would be more difficult. I confronted the boy's mother. She basically discounted it and thought it was funny that he would lie. Almost as if it were clever. It wasn't. It hurt a little girl's feelings and he's lying! Why are you letting your kid lie? Now, I know you're probably thinking to yourself "How the Hell do you know that your kid is telling the truth?" Here is how I know...I've spent many days in that classroom with the kids and I know that the little boy will lie about the most foolish of things. Not sure why he does it. Maybe to gain attention. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Maybe I'm doing what I should do, which is to stick up for my child. And maybe my daughter will now witness what I have known for many years, some people JUST DON'T GET IT!

signed, the willow

Thankfully

My 5 Loves for the day:

1. Listening to *Mila* read a story to me. The whole book!

2. *Steve* sending me the Pro Canada Rant from Newsweek. Not sure if I love him more for sending it, or the article itself.

3. Calling my mother and being able to say anything.

4. Thankful that I grew up in a home where parents loved one another and loved their children. Thankful that I can give the same to my family.

5. Talking to my niece on the phone and listening to her sweet little giggle that is changing into a teenage snicker.

signed, the willow