3 Cheers for Ottawa

Birthdays

Nicolas Piping for my Dad

Nicholas and Mitchell

Nicholas and Matthew in their matching sweaters (Matthew picked it out for Nicholas' b-day)

Well, after my last post... I needed to make time to write something positive. Birthdays to me, are more important than any other holiday. More important than New Years for resolutions. A time to sit back and take into account where you've come from... where you are... and where you are going. A time of year to appreciate life, especially when they are my children's.

Last Wednesday, Nicholas celebrated his 11th birthday (as noted in an earlier post on Facebook). Each day I am reminded how lucky I am to have such wonderful, stable, loving children, but each year on their birthday I make it a point to reflect on how much they bring to my life.

Nicholas, my little piper, determined against all odds to play the bagpipes started almost 3 years ago on his chanter. His first public performance was to play Amazing Grace at my Nana's funeral. I have never been so proud of him as I was that day. To stand up in front of a room full on strangers, and heartbroken family, and play his heart out in honour of my Nana (and Papa that had gone on before her) My Papa never got to hear Nicholas play, but being the stubborn Scot that he was... I'm sure if possible... he's moved hell and high water just to be present enough to be a part of Nicholas' piping. Actually in honour of this family legacy, my Aunt Diane bought Nicholas' first set of pipes, so that he could fulfill his dream.

We had dinner at my dad's Saturday night and I honestly didn't realize that my dad hadn't heard Nick on the actual pipes before. Nick got them out and started playing... and I mentioned that he wanted to go play at the graveside, and Nicholas started playing Amazing Grace on the pipes for my dad. Well it was a little to overwhelming and my dad started to cry...

Nicholas, with the sense of humour too much like my own, my cool kid... who is everyone's friend... who is confident... yet so compassionate and loving. The world is a better place because he is in it!



(Oh... and Caileigh and Joel...don't worry, you will get your Birthday Blog too ;) )

And it's March...

I have to say... that I had the worst night last night... I know I shouldn't be shocked, I of all people know that bad things can happen to children. 13 is still a child right? I think so, Joel is 14, and as much as he is maturing, he is still my child.

There was a 13 year old child that came into emerg to confirm a pregnancy. 13! THIRTEEN! I know it happens, I know that, but my heart is broken for that girl... and for her mom. I was way too young at 19... even though I was finished high school... this child hasn't even begun.

One of her friends parents brought her in, and they were trying to arrange to keep it from her parents... I don't know what is happening, what will happen, but I am sick, SICK about it...

Every emotion, every fear, every devastating reality hit tonight, and all I can do is pray that my kids do not go through the same thing.

Wow... this is quite the downer post I'm sorry, and it has been so long since I've posted anything really, but I will try later to put some new pictures up, and catch up on everything since my return from PEI.

I guess all I can say is hug your kid today... they grow up too fast... apparently whether they are ready to or not...

Well... Home again...

Mei-Lin making faces

Mei-Lin and Babe (her Grandma)

It's been a heck of a weekend! Getting home was a challenge! About an hour before I was to leave for the airport, I received a call from my mom. There was a huge accident on the 401, and Dave couldn't come pick me up from the airport as planned. Here is a link to the news footage of that accident. To view photos, go to http://www.nesphotos.ca/1_mulit_vehicle.htm

http://www.nesphotos.ca/Newswatch_401Accident.WMV

It has snowed every day since I've been home! And everyone is sick! I should have stayed in PEI! haha

Rory and I... my last day... completely exhausted... and yes!!! NO MAKEUP

Effie (far right) at daycare with one of the Summerside Capitals

Oh well! It feels like a dream... time went too quickly. Now the countdown is on for summer!

Just sitting here studying for a test I have tomorrow, and thought I'd take a little break. Tomorrow is a busy day, class in Peterborough, then working nights in Emerg. Hopefully it's a quiet night!

First Visit With Mei-Lin!!!

I will write more later... but I wanted to get some video footage on here so that you can see/hear for yourself what a sweetheart Mei-Lin is!!!


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I'm Here!!!!

Flying over Ontario Power Generation - Pickering... Hi Dad!!!

Well I have to say... I love it here! I know it's been a while since I've posted, but it has been hard to find the time... Well I guess it is more appropriate to say the Internet Connection!

Currently I am picking up a wireless signal... from who knows where... but its working... so I'll try to get this done as quick as possible before I lose it.

On the way to the airport last Thursday, we passed my Mom on the highway... honked... waved... and hurried on our way... then about 5 mins later, THE CAR BROKE DOWN!!! Thank God Mom was behind us... because true to form, she swooped in and saved the day! I arrived in time to check in and get on board my flight to Charlottetown.

My cousin Tracey and her friend Crystal picked me up and took my to my Aunt Ethel's house! All I can say is... it's so good to be here!

Friday night, I went to Tracey's mom's (Babe) for a girls night with a few friends, and my cousin Natalie (aka: Babe's daughter, Tracey's sister, Mei-Lin's mommy... are you following??? I know it's hard... everyone is related here!!!) Tracey wasn't sure if she could make it, but when she did we decided to mark the occaision with a temporary tatoo... ala moi!

Saturday I spent the afternoon with Tracey and her children, Natalie came out and we all went out to a party at another cousins' home... (To make it easier... we are all 3rd cousins... Our grandmothers were sisters)

Natalie smiling after taking the secret footage... lol!!!!

Sunday... recoup and study. Then today, Tracey, Ethel and I went on a road trip to Tignish.

I am so exhausted! Tomorrow, I finally get to meet Mei-Lin! Short and sweet on the info... I'll add pictures to this post, and fill in more details... but for now I just thought I'd give a little update!

As much as I am having a fantastic time... I miss my dog!! (haha and my family too!!! Just teasing!!!) (but I do miss my dog too!!!) Love you guys!!!!

One week to go!!!

Well... One week and 18 hours from now I'll be in PEI. Trying to figure out how I am going to manage to write a test for my Anatomy class while down there... I'm hoping for an extension of 2 days... if not... I'll be taking it when I'm on holiday... How fun is that??? Oh well. It's all worth it in the end.

Looking forward to some homemade bread and molasses! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

We just had a blast of winter, a dumping of ice and snow, I'm just praying that it is fine the day I leave, and that I am not kept from going by old man winter!

I'm a little to tired to blog tonight... but thought I'd share my excitement...