Beginner's Test

"Well, if I have to walk home from the GO station, at least it's a beautiful evening. And a half hour walk is good exercise. If I ever get to live in Toronto, maybe I will be walking a half hour home from work every day.  This is good."

Rob and his folks are in the city for a family function, and Carson has my car.  This isn't the first time I haven't had a ride home and it definitely isn't going to be the last.  We are now just days until our new lives officially begin. New homes, new labels.  Single mom. The kids will still have their support group. Mine will be significantly diminished.

7:40 p.m. Five minutes from home I receive a text from Evann.  She's volunteering at a school carnival in the next neighbourhood and needs money and a sweater. I tell her that I'm almost home and will bike over with her stuff. "A little more exercise!" I tell myself.

I'm starving. In the house, a quick hug to Leah, a greeting to her friend, change, grab a square of dark chocolate, hop on my bike and I'm off. I also managed to scrounge a handful of change - hoping I have enough for Evann to buy one of the bbq offerings. Curse these school events - just about the only place that doesn't accept debit cards.

8:15   I find Evann outside at the back of the school working at the freezie stand - freezing and hungry.  She gets permission to take a break and we head for the cafeteria.  Hooray, the food is marked down. We can get a hamburger or hotdog and a drink for $3.00.  Ev counts the change. I had managed to scrape together $6.25. Yippee! We can both dine at the school tonight!

We park ourselves outside on a baseball bench, wolf down our burgers and take a few minutes to catch up.  Ev has to help out til 9 so I bike around the neighbourhood until she is done.  I really don't want to walk all the way home so I make Ev ride with me. She is seated and I am pedaling upright. It takes a bit of adjusting to keep her legs from tangling in mine and in the pedals.  We laugh as we picture how we must look - thinking of those images from somewhere in the far east of families of 8 or so all piled on one bicycle. Ev is a great sport. She is both mortified (that someone she knows will see her) and terrified (I'm a bit wobbly riding this way), but hangs on tight and laughs along with me.  We manage to ride together most of the way home.

As we near our house I see my car in the driveway. "How long has Carson been home? Don't tell me we could have got her to pick us up."  Ev finally clues in that my walk home from the train and my bike ride were not whims of fancy. They were a necessity.

I remain positive, thinking "Ah well, it was a fun bonding experience and a great workout. One car, one parent and three busy kids. We will be able to make this work."

I am greeted at the door by a panicked Carson.  Her toilet won't flush. Only a few days ago I was thinking about all the little home maintenance jobs that I felt I would be able to handle on my own once I'm in my new place.  "I think I'm going to warn the landlord that he better be prepared to help out with any clogged toilets.  That's about the only thing I don't want to deal with."

It didn't take long for me to become agitated - especially after finding out that it has been clogged for two days.  Two days that Opa or Rob could have fixed the problem.  At first I told her she was on her own - but then I gave my head a shake and rose to the occasion.

And we did it! That's about all the details I need to share about THAT bonding experience.

Back downstairs to check in with Leah, fold some laundry and finally at 9:50 I sat down, thinking "That felt like a test."

I think I passed.

Kyran stayed here, Evann went there, Leah's arms were everywhere

Kyran's whirlwind tour into Toronto packed a heck of a lot of people and fun into 72 hours:
Reading at Harbourfront

If you look closely, you should be able to see Stuart McLean in the audience - really!

After the reading, nine of us headed a few blocks over to a condo I had "borrowed" for the evening.  Driving rain swept away our umbrellas and within minutes we were soaked.

We dried ourselves off as best we could and spent the next few hours drinking wine, laughing and sharing stories about our lives.  

The next day, Kyran was escorted around town for some interviews.  I had my own special day that afternoon at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre where I joined my Vancouver Olympic Ontario House team to receive the highest award given within the Ontario Public Service - the Amethyst Award.

I had to pass on joining the team for dinner to race to pick up Kyran and meet some of the family at home (that was Plan C...). It was great to have Kyran to ourselves for a few hours.

 (Aunt Joyce - one of those books is yours, but somehow it has disappeared.  You will get it soon, I promise!)

Later that evening, Carson had a few friends over.  It was fun to see the expressions on their faces when they saw the books, the author picture on the dust cover and made the connection with the woman sitting next to them...

In a blink of an eye, she was headed back home. I was thrilled the next morning to see her book quoted in an article (about Target) on the front page of National Post.  A feature article about her and the book will be published in the Post any day now.  

Life returned to whatever passes for normal around here these days.  Then yesterday I saw that one of our favourite GLEE characters was in town - and was available to meet and greet the first 300 people who bought his CD at the Eaton Center store.  Within minutes I got confirmation that Evann and Carson would love to have that opportunity.   On my lunch break I went down to the record store (are they still called that?) and bought some CD's.  

The girls made it downtown - with only a bit of teenage angst and time-mismanagement - and got in line to meet Mr. Schuester aka Matthew Morrison.

Ev said that he was really sweet.  When it was her turn to meet him, he stuck out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Matt".

After that excitement, we made our way to Queen Street for sushi and shopping.

And tonight, out at Leah's basketball tournament. This was the third tournament of the season but the first time Leah was off the injured list and on the court.  The girls made it into the finals - again.  I only arrived in time for the last game, but what a game to watch.  The girls won 19-7.  Leah and her friend Chantel scored most of the points.  About halfway through the game, Leah got 4 successive baskets - all within in few minutes.  I had my new crappy camera with me and could not get a good action shot.

Or maybe she is just too fast

The crowd of parents had a good laugh watching Leah press the other team - she was a giant wall. A happy giant wall.

So proud! So glad Carson and Andrew were there too.

We celebrated with some ice cream.

A few more busy days ahead.

Pix from Good Friday Hike

Our last hike from Leigh and Enid's beautiful home on the escarpment. They are movin' on up to the east side (of Hamilton).

 We had a great turnout.

 Lots of kids.

 Lots of mud.

 Lots of hogging of baby Sydney by cousin Rochelle.

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Last night at dinner, we were talking about the tradition of eating fish on Good Friday. Leah was pleased to point out our tradition of eating hot dogs every Good Friday.   

Maple Syrup and Oreos

The last day of March Break.  We capped off our fun week with a trip to the local Maple Syrup Festival.

Ev and Carson both worked today but we were able to find one more girl to join us - our Avry. She kept Leah, Vienna and Eli busy as they chased her throughout the park.

Here's Vienna checking out the sap

We watched demonstrations of maple syrup cooking methods.

Took lots of pictures

After we said goodbye to Paula, Ven and Eli, we hit the mall to buy a few birthday goodies for Evann. Made it home in time to pack up the hockey gear, pick up Ev from work and get Leah to one of her last games of the season.  The team was short a full line and a few of the girls, Leah included, were recovering from bad colds/strep throat/bronchitis.  Despite an excellent effort, they lost 3-1.  Leah was very disappointed "We should have won that game. What could we have done different so we could win?"  

Home for dinner, then Leah and Ev had an oreo eating contest.  One of those win-win contests...

 

One last job to wrap up a great week...

Somebody is turning 17 tomorrow!!!

This morning's smile

Those of you who know me well, know that I have what some would describe as an unhealthy scepticism of organized religion.  That said, I do my best to engage my kids in discussions of the various religious holidays, traditions and observances that are happening at the time.

This morning's discussion was about Lent.  I opined that it would be good for us to give up something; make a small personal sacrifice in our rich lives.  "What is something that we really like, that we could try to do without for 4 weeks?"

Without missing a beat, one of my darlings proposed "Boys!?!"

Life for Luke

For 10 years, the family and friends of Lucy and Enio Liegghio have organized a spectacular Life For Luke Dinner Gala in support of the SickKids Foundation and the Canadian Chapter of the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation.  


Niemann-Pick Disease(NPD) is one of a group of lysosomal storage diseases that affect metabolism and that are caused by genetic mutations. The three most commonly recognized forms are Niemann-Pick Types A, B and C.


Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) most often strikes young children or infants. It is not easy to diagnose and it is always fatal. Luke Liegghio, Alex Vaughan and Laura Vaughan were 8, 4 and 6 respectively when they died from NPC.  Their bodies were not able to metabolize cholesterol and other lipids properly within the cell. Consequently, excessive amounts of cholesterol accumulate within the liver and spleen and excessive amounts of other lipids accumulate in the brain.  


My friends Allan and Tammy Vaughan lost 2 children to NPC.  Alex would be 23 and Laura 15, if they were still alive.  I met Al and Tammy in high school up in Hanover way back in 1978.  We never could have imagined how our lives would be affected by this disease.  I was honoured to be asked to be a founding board member of the Canadian Chapter of the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation. We want to do everything we can to keep another family from losing a child. 


Here are some interesting numbers:

• 500 - the estimated number of NPC cases world-wide
• 675 - the number of people at the Life for Luke event   
• 3,340 - the number of Canadians who will be diagnosed with cancer every week.

Raising awareness and money to support research for a rare disease like Niemann-Pick is a challenge.  Events like Life for Luke and the Alex & Laura Vaughan Memorial Golf Tournament have raised over $1 million dollars to support research and support families.  

There are so many charities and causes that need our support - either with time or money.  I'm not able to give a lot, but I am proud of what I can do to make the difference to 500 kids, their families and friends.  

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The Life for Luke Gala was sad, poignant and hopeful.  Amid the tears, there was fun and laughter.  The first few years I attended the Life for Luke event, I went on my own and sat with Allan, Tammy and various board members and on occasion, was seated with local elected officials.  The past two years I invited some girlfriends to join me. Last year Carol, Laurie and Marion bought tickets and attended the gala.  We had fun bidding on silent auction items and dancing the night away.  

This year, Paula, Brigid and Brigid's friend Rosa joined me.  

It was great to spend time with Tammy and Allan again (the golf tournament is June 25th this year).

Paula couldn't help teasing me when she found out that the midnight porchetta buffet was my favourite part of the evening.  I'm kicking myself for not offering to buy the remains of this little piggy.  Oh man, all the food was delicious, but that pork was divine.

We dressed up, enjoyed great food, furiously bid on some great silent auction items, connected with old friends, made some new ones, danced like it was 1999 and had a fabulous evening. There are thousands of these charity events in our area every year. Put on by thousands of volunteers and supported by thousands more.  

Fundraiser by fundraiser, board meeting by board meeting, we are all making a difference. 

Syd the Newest Kid and the Miracle of Modern Communication

 Monday January 24, 2011
BBM [Text messages] with Evann and Carson

1:43 pm
E:      What are we doing with those fish that were in Carson's bathroom?
          [Discussion ensues.....]

1:50 pm
E:      Oh! and did you hear where Carson went?

Mom:    Uh oh.  Where?

E:      To take aunt yvonne to the hospital!!   Wooooo

Mom:     Wooo!  Have you heard from gma and gpa?

E:       Nope

Mom:    I can't find them

E:     Find? or reach

Mom:   I will call up to aunt Joyce.  I think they might be there

E:        OK tell me what happens then

Mom:   When did C go to hospital?

E:         Maybe 20 minutes ago or so

Mom:   How exciting!  Keep me in the loop

E:         Yupp!   Ughhh what is your administrator password for the last time! I need.....
  
 [More discussion that reveals:
   1. mom's complete disregard for a teenager's need for her own laptop, or at the least,
   2. a teenager's need for a mom who can remember administrator passwords...]
====================================================

2:12 pm
Mom :   Hey - what's going on?
 
C:          Hey yvonne is in labour, guessing you knew that but I'm just 
             at the hospital with her right now.  With uncle adam and flo
 
[Phone call to catch up and to direct me to text phone numbers to C so A can call folks and brother]
 
C:        Or just call them
 
Mom:   Will do
 
C:        Call dwayne too
 
Mom:   Kk
 
C:        Or just give me the numbers ill do it
 
3:04
Mom:   Gma & gpa are coming home tomorrow morning.
            I left a msg for D&J
 
3:46
C:         Ok!  Omg adam passed out
 
Mom:   Is he ok?
 
C:        We brought him some food and drink. He hadn't eaten anything all day. 
            Poor guy was white as a ghost
 
Mom:   My tummy flipped when I read that
 
C:        Passed out when Y was getting the eppidural.  I just took him home...
 
Mom:   You aren't in there too are you? Let me know what we can do to help
 
C:         No I'm not. Flo and I were  in the waiting room
            Well he's home now. 
            I drove his car there and bob followed and drove me back
        
            But u can do my laundry, shower for me and go to work .... :D
 
Mom: Np! [translation - No problem]
3:52
 
========================================================
10:00 pm
Mom at A&Y's keeping watch over Avry 
Ev at home studying for biology exam
C at work
 
Status on my BBM -  "Baby Bailey weighs in at 9 pounds!"
 
10:06 pm
C:       Aww!  She was born!!  What time! And what's her name? 
          Please say drew!
          And holy moses 9 lbs!!!!
 
Mom:  No name yet.  Ad says she looks just like Avry only darker hair
 
C:      Awww
 
10:20 pm
E:      Name?
 
Mom: None yet
 
E:      OK
===================================================
Tuesday January 25
 
10:55 am
 Mom:     Hi. Let me know what you are up to today. 
               Do you have time to visit Y and Syd this afternoon? 
               Should bring a gift but I don't know what. 
               Something for Avry too?
 
E:           They named her sydney!
 
12:16 pm
C:          Thanks for the email, were gonna go visit right now!


And shortly after, the girls had posted these pictures on their BBM profiles:

Awww!
Tonight Leah and I made it to the hospital a half hour before visiting time was over.  I was in such a hurry to get there, that I forgot my camera.  Thankfully I have a phone that takes pictures...


We arrived as Avry was about to hold her little sister

 Leah was a pro at holding a newborn

 And here she is - this picture doesn't do her justice 'cause she is a real cutie.

Welcome Sydney Gwendolyn!

Sweet Dream are Made of This

The girl with the posters on her wall

And ceiling

Has her laid out her outfit

And is fast asleep (finally)

Dreaming of the day she has been anticipating for months

Mom has the sharpies

(Purple is his favourite colour you know)

And the bookjacket cover

Now tucked away in her purse

Just in case cousin Brian finds a way to get us in for a

MEET AND GREET with Justin!

Just in case...

(Shhh, we don't want to get her hopes up.)

Well that backfired...

Someone didn't do her homework last weekend and had to face the consequences. According to her status on her MSN account, she was (barely) able to survive the punishment:

"im grounded this week so im up in my room eatin halloween candy doing homework (love being grounded!)"

Halloween

She had been anticipating this day for months. She knew what she wanted to be, but over the past few weeks, some of her costume ideas didn't pan out. Thankfully her sister found time to collaborate the night before and these two creative girls found a way to realize Leah's vision.

Ahh, a cute bunny

A cute bunny doesn't win "Most Original Costume".  No, our sweet child welcomed Halloween as Road Kill. Here she is with Zombie and Vampire Fairy:

Gore and gruesome carried over to my world as my colleagues and I carved this revolting pumpkin at a charity event on Friday:

We were awarded 3rd place.

Next year we will contract Evann and Leah to design costumes for us. My kids aren't going to be the only ones winning top prizes.