Left Coast Mama

My Grandmother

Gwen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:01:17 +0000

My grandmother is a force to be reckoned with and always has been. She is a little old Irish lady who always drummed to a different beat. My mother is the oldest of eight children and my youngest Aunt was only seven when I was born. I mention this because there were so many of my aunts and uncles still at home that I did not call my grandparents Nana and Papa, I called them Mom and Dad. I also had another set of grandparents and two sets of great grandparents so there was also not a lot of names left.

There are many stories about my grandmother Mom, like the fact that she did not get a driver’s licence until she was 40 (I think.) She could manage to take a short snooze and be missing to all 8 of her children. She was the life of the party and managed to flirt nicely with almost everyone. After my grandfather died she was a regular at O’Carroll’s, an Irish piano bar in downtown Halifax. She would bring us kids on long adventures that were really chances to get us to do a lot of blueberry picking for her.

We don’t know a whole lot about her early life in Dublin, and while she was close to some of her sisters, the move from Dublin to Canada was I think both a strain and a blessing. I know that my mom was 5 years old when she moved to Canada, and she and my uncle Paul (and maybe my uncle Peter) were the only ones born in Ireland. It must have been a really hard decision to pack up her family and move away from her mother and come to Canada. I am not quite sure how my grandparents met and I am not sure how much longer I have to find out.

*******

I know that Mom played the viola and was a wicked field hockey player at her boarding school. I know that she didn’t know she was Australian until she needed to move to Canada. Her father was a missionary doctor and after my grandmother was born her mother moved back to Ireland with her kids. I am pretty sure that my grandmother didn’t see her father again. After he died in Australia my great grandmother remarried, but apparently the second husband was not a nice man and my great grandmother left him. Unfortunately this meant that he got the property that had been in my great grandmother’s family and she got nothing.

******

I have some very distinct pictures of my grandmother in my head. The card playing, chain smoking Irish Catholic grandmother who is not afraid to shock people with her jokes. A woman who loves to garden and took up golf after my grandfather died to get out and walk more. As she got older my grandmother went out with younger people because people her own age bored her.

*******

There is photograph of me that looks very much like my son Aidan’s baby pictures except that there is a shot of my grandmother’s hand in the picture. In it I am outside and about to bite a candy apple that is covered in dirt and the hand that is holding it out to me also has a cigarette that has an ash that is about an inch and a half long. No other part of the woman is visible but we know it is Mom for two reasons; for one the apple is full of dirt and there was no attempt to wash it off, and for the other there is the ever present cigarette.

*******

When I was in university and O’carroll’s was still open I remember one St. Patrick’s day. I was sick as a dog and I was going to be performing that evening at a vocal recital at Dalhousie. I knew that my grandmother was going to be at O’Carroll’s because it was St. Paddy’s day and it was a Friday. I was old enough to go to bars and I decided to go and surprise Mom. She was really please and introduced me around to all her friends and had me do some singing. It was an interesting experience for me to watch the ease with which Mom interacted and flirted with all the young things in the bar. She was always in her element and I am not sure she ever had a tab to pay at the end of her evenings.

******

I am very far away from my family and sometimes, like now, it is very hard to be so far away. I am not sure how much longer my grandmother will be here with us. I am trying very hard not to be pessimistic, but with the amount of weight she has lost since Christmas and her problems with her lungs we are just not sure. Since she lives with my mother, and has since I moved out here to Vancouver, my mother is her primary caregiver. Just in the last year my mother has gone back to school and has done really well. Talking to her tonight I can hear how stressed she is about my grandmother. I have been thinking for about a week now that I really want to get back to see her. I am trying to figure out when is a good time and then I worry that if I wait until it is a good time for me that it will be too late. Then I beat myself up inside because I feel like I am sending the wrong kind of vibes back home to her. I am glad to know that Mom got to talk to her great-grandsons not long ago, but, I know that even that 7 minute phone call wore her out. I just don’t know.

Year of the Dragon {Sponsored and Contest}

Gwen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:57:03 +0000

I am not sure if you know this but Aidan and Quinlan will try almost anything as long as it is presented to them on a chopstick. This year they were not only excited about having a great meal, but also about making a great New Year’s celebration. That it is the year of the dragon just makes this new year even more special to them.

Aidan decided that this year we need to kick up our celebrations a bit. A chance to make decorations and party are always a good idea to our boys. I think, why not? We should celebrate as much as we can in this life. So the 23rd January was the beginning of the lunar new year and we went skating with Aidan’s beaver troop. We didn’t have time for our New Year’s feast so we put it off for a little later in the week. We made lanterns and dragons and ordered our wonton soup, spring rolls, noodles, and ginger beef.

Here in Vancouver we have a meeting of Chinese New Year and Robbie Burns day with something we like to call Gung Hagis Fat Choy. I like that it is a big multicultural soup. I want Aidan and Quinlan to be part of that big multicultural soup. I want them not only to be willing to try new foods, but speak new languages and learn about different cultures.

*******

I am a big fan of anything that makes dinner time easier, especially if it gets my boys to try something different. I am not adverse to having a little bit of dip to help my children eat what is healthier. I make oven baked breaded chicken that is much healthier than chicken nuggets and my boys gobble them up with a small bit of VH Sweet and Sour Sauce.

I was given some Garlic Hoisin Sauce and some Garlic Rib Sauce as well as some Sweet and Sour Sauce. I like the flavours and while I wouldn’t use the Hoisin sauce too often because of the sodium content, to make an occasional dinner it is fine. I used the rib sauce on a pot roast and it was fantastic. The vegetables took on the flavour of the garlic sauce and the roast was nice and tender. I am looking forward to making a few of the recipes from the VH site, especially the Orange Sesame Brochettes and the Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken.

As a part of this blog tour one of my readers will win a VH package of Sauces and Steamers. All you need to do is comment on this post what sauce or steamer you would like to try. Comments must be received by 8 February 2012. I will email the winner for details and the coupons will be mailed to you.

Disclosure – I am participating in the VH Chinese New Year Celebration program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of VH. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-02-05

Gwen — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Aidan loves the kinetic sculptures. #floydfamilyphotowalk http://t.co/ycOXTuG1 #
My view today. It is pouring out. #floydfamilyphotowalk @ Performance Works Theatre http://t.co/EXKEEemY #
Sunday morning at the market. http://t.co/75TnHY2M #
Pussy willows @ Granville Island Public Market http://t.co/NEJB5Yhp #
Umbrella love. http://t.co/bNzvl2cO #
How can you tell that Q is both sick and growing? I need to go wake him after a 2.75 hour nap. School pickup sucks. #
My Internet doppelgänger just bought 4 star wars costumes. I now have her street address & phone number. I think I might send her a letter. #
After 4 more emails abt the Star Wars costumes I emailed them back telling them I wasn't the Gwen Floyd they were looking for. #
I don't think they got the joke. These aren't the droids you are looking for. #
Pretending the sun is shining through the rain. #ilovebaretrees #waitingforai @ Lord Tennyson Elementary School http://t.co/uklu51QO #
Waiting to go out in the rain. Umbrella time. @ Lord Tennyson Elementary School http://t.co/PUnqefI3 #
It is both lovely and sad to be calling my grandmother on her 87th birthday. I really wish I were closer to NS sometimes. #farfromhome #
Sigh. The lowest I can get flights to NS around A's march break is $2400 for me and the 2 kids. #
I think the VSB app needs a few bugs fixed. It told me that today was a district closure day. Cc @VSB39 #
Sun streaming into the pool. Yay for sun! @ Vancouver Aquatic Centre http://t.co/D2cPpXA7 #
Primed and ready for lessons. @ Vancouver Aquatic Centre http://t.co/RF4PWtkT #
Great Blue Heron sunning himself. @ Burrard Street Bridge http://t.co/jKHxjm5Y #
My View right now. #febphotoaday http://t.co/NVqDlRFe #
I swear he is getting slower as he skates. He just won't go full out because he is afraid to fall. I think this must be my fault. #
He isn't at the very back of the pack . . . for the moment. @ Hillcrest Ice Rink http://t.co/IFi7tKEK #
Words I see all the time. Multicultural mural at Douglas Park. #febphotoaday #words http://t.co/dvMMpeLW #
Quinlan gave me Dianthe to cuddle with to make me feel better. He was going to give me Minnie but he decided he n http://t.co/gFczgyv3 #
Uncovering dinosaur tracks. @ Science World http://t.co/nBayzwxG #
I can touch everything! @ Science World http://t.co/RJDseQHr #
Parachute launching! @ Science World http://t.co/ETDIL9Wm #
Water, science and dams, what could be better? @ Science World http://t.co/z8QhgRo9 #
Reflection of the city in the water vortex. @ Science World http://t.co/wWEbDIid #
Locomotion show @scienceworldca then off for sushi. It was a great morning of hands on science. #sciencerocks #
Dropping Aidan off at a friends house and since Q is friends with the little brother he is staying too. I have unexpected free time ! Yes! #
Chubby preschooler hands. #febphotoaday #hands http://t.co/wdx3taZ2 #
And when the moon is on the rise . . . http://t.co/WxFtc6Z1 #
1,2,3 freeze! @ Dunbar Community Centre http://t.co/Nsw4h6aC #
Trying to convince Aidan that queen Victoria is dead. Dead dead dead dead!!!!!!!! #
We braved Science World on a day off school. Tonnes of fun! http://t.co/Xk4b7Hqq #
Trudging up the hill. @ Mt Seymour Resorts http://t.co/jMdrHXU7 #
Down the hill. @ Mt Seymour Resorts http://t.co/8YTREtrC #
Just before the wipeout. @ Mt Seymour Resorts http://t.co/8Eqjg5Oa #
I think we should have put sunscreen on our faces today. In other new sledding on @Mt_Seymour was fantastic. #
The helmet and goggles have turned my baby into a stranger. #febphotoaday http://t.co/h3dKzARr #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-29

Gwen — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

On our way to Phineas and Ferb in Everett. I am almost awake. Aidan is excited. #
He is a calm happy not the thrilling happy that can turn quickly to disappointment. http://t.co/bcfrN33T #
What did we do before portable entertainment? #phinferb2012 http://t.co/sF2bvrF0 #
At the border just about to pick up a few more people. Aidan and the @CrunchyCarpets kids being very good and quiet. #phinferb2012 #
Oops! Someone brought some fruit. Border crossing no no! #phinferb2012 Almost on our way again. #
Watching Phineas & Ferb on the way to the ice show. #phinferb2012 http://t.co/W2oTWG7X #
Phineas and Aidan! #phinferb2012 http://t.co/Jmiu0R78 #
Aidan talking with "Isabella" #phinferb2012 http://t.co/xdfcTALJ #
Perry the Playtpus. #phinferb2012 http://t.co/auL1KG2R #
Agent A and Agent P #phinferb2012 http://t.co/tQFHjmK6 #
Everything's Better With Perry! #phinferb2012 http://t.co/GqRGuOYj #
Aidan on stage at Phineas & Ferb. #phinferb2012 http://t.co/mnX6uDqG #
You look like a real prince, but you are a bum. They didn't get married after all. #lastlinebeforebed #
Lunch box finally found! Gung Hay Fat Choy! #
So happy to be back to swimming after a week away. http://t.co/zvLwg6tv #
Going underwater for rings! @ Vancouver Aquatic Centre http://t.co/q7j8zDJy #
Aidan just willingly went down for a nap. Well, to be accurate he decided he needed a nap before going skating with the beavers. #
On our way to beavers. @ Downtown Vancouver http://t.co/9tVm97gG #
Robson Square http://t.co/DNnEkRYm #
I want a cart! @ Robson Square http://t.co/8vshQR9v #
Ceiling of Robson Square http://t.co/aDdnPUe2 #
Quinlan in motion. http://t.co/0woIC00M #
All my boys. @ Robson Square Ice Rink http://t.co/j45F3cQF #
Reflections:Skating on the Ceiling @ Robson Square Ice Rink http://t.co/0bTMSjCq #
Rain on my windshield. http://t.co/fyVA4PbT #
The Adventures of Tintin http://t.co/CEqgBVDg #
Super Quinlan saves the train. http://t.co/B7CkpRtP #
Time for all zombie robots to go to bed. #zombierobots #
I just had to turn off the CBC as they were broadcasting someone about to be branded. When I'm starting to hyperventilate, it's time to stop #
Aidan is sooooooo uncoordinated. Skating is not coming naturally at all. It is very painful to watch. #heonlyusesonelegtopush #
Practicing backwards. @ Hillcrest Ice Rink http://t.co/bfokO3PH #
Waiting for his brother. It is a good thing I didn't get him into lesson with Aidan, there @ Hillcrest Ice Rink http://t.co/Hft6QeJ1 #
This sun thing feels weird. Quinlan is having a hard time with it, it is too sunny. http://t.co/9VxHEE18 #
Aidan's latest composition. I love that he is now notating his compositions. http://t.co/jtN0Iqri #
Spring is Forever http://t.co/qaWoZtud #
Is 7:45 pm to early to go to bed? Yes. Netflix it is. #
Apparently our childhood is back, video dances still alive & well. Cc @anthonyfloyd @ Dunbar Community Centre http://t.co/c6kTkm4C #
Outside time before piano. @ Dunbar Community Centre http://t.co/Zuws7aDh #
It is only 10:09? How can that be. I feel like I am on NS time and am up waaaaaaay too late. #
Windjammer lives? $20 to Spend @windjammer https://t.co/fIJHbcjG via @LivingSocial #
Yay @alexishinde for being an @CanadianFamily finding your bliss finalist. Go vote for her! http://t.co/veHAnPsr #
Dragon made for our late Chinese new year celebration. http://t.co/QagqnLy5 #
Lanterns and dragons. #yearoftheDragon http://t.co/2BFEceTP #
All the hysterical crying is not making me think that you don't need a nap child. It just confirmed it. Even 6yolds need a nap sometimes. #
Yay! Here at Windjammer and it is the same owners! So relieved. #
Just finished dinner @windjammer. http://t.co/p8Anq2QV #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-22

Gwen — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Dusting. #nofilter @ Carousel Theatre http://t.co/RjkExW8l #
Light and shadow. #ilovebaretrees @ The Railspur Alley District http://t.co/7pHeFNgA #
Garland. #familyphotowalk @ Granville Island http://t.co/zYtVOYf0 #
Industrial. #familyphotowalk @ Emily Carr University of Art & Design http://t.co/tU3SzMBw #
Peek hole. #ilovebaretrees #nofilter @ Granville Island http://t.co/50yNwj1D #
Artsy industrial. #familyphotowalk @ Granville Island http://t.co/09yKwMMI #
Bouy oh boy. #familyphotowalk #floydphotowalk @ Granville Island http://t.co/IKIDfiU7 #
Shadow letters. @carouseltheatre @ Carousel Theatre http://t.co/JI7sWl73 #
Hat hair. It is cold outside. #floydphotowalk #familyphotowalk @ Carousel Theatre http://t.co/q0uK90Wv #
Nature's oops. A cherry tree in bloom. #familyphotowalk @ False Creek Seawall http://t.co/IvRgTY7n #
Today is just the way he likes it. Snow! http://t.co/lbJ7fd0c #
Catching snow on his tongue. http://t.co/txFsNrTs #
Snow angel http://t.co/kXWrK62H #
Traffic crawling. My meander keeping pace with traffic. http://t.co/I1k896KD #
Wow some of the side streets are slick. Definitely not taking Aidan to beavers tonight. #
Snow on the bare tree. #ilovebaretrees http://t.co/FrvzU0mL #
What Aidan and I are reading together: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. Fabulous book, but I think we liked The In http://t.co/haXoKUeg #
311 was no help. I had to go out with my sick kid and a migraine to ask the construction site to move this. http://t.co/A7DwepHI #
How long do you think it will take to get the tar melter out from under my window? It is really not helping my migraine. #
Still not moved and the smell is making me sick. If not moved soon I will become *that* person. http://t.co/1PZUdLOC #
So it took less than an hour. I wonder where they put it. http://t.co/Yf42osyc #
If you can avoid being on Vancouver streets now, do. Not a fun drive from home to school. #
Cold. http://t.co/kb63sB5a #
West 11th. Cc @anthonyfloyd http://t.co/K5guM9d3 #
Confession: I have never seen Sixteen Candles. Rectifying that while the boy sleeps. #
Well that sucks. @Netflix_CA just dropped out in the middle of 16 Candles and now it can't find anything in the search function. #fail #
OH: Come down here right now or I will come up and bring you down. (Quinlan to me. I am ignoring him at the moment.) #lastlinebeforebed #
Dirty snow angels. Q will make them anywhere. @ Lord Tennyson Elementary School http://t.co/SyefmFHt #
He is methodically clearing the tables of snow. Having a tea party. @ Lord Tennyson Elementary School http://t.co/29Uegfro #
Pulling himself down the hill. http://t.co/ATYywRyY #
Now doing the hokey pokey while waiting for the bus. @ Bus Stop 50324 http://t.co/40WHeyoB #
Raindrops on my window. Playing with colour. #ilovebaretrees #waitingforAidan http://t.co/OSSAc6Cy #
More bubbles. Playing with color filters. http://t.co/QOHYnYrF #
Aidan just composed a song for his piano teacher. #iloveherteachingstyle #
Aidan's piano teacher made up robot training programs to help Aidan have proper hand and finger positions. #iloveherteachingstyle #
Getting milk and yogurt 5 minutes. Waiting in line to pay? Who knows how long. #
Tree and sky. #ilovebaretrees #yvr http://t.co/RtJK3NCC #
Lights and dark sky. http://t.co/aY4JPoUc #

January (So Far) in Photographs

Gwen — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:37:40 +0000

I have been playing with both my iPhone camera and my T2i a lot in the last couple of weeks. I have especially been playing with Instagram (my user name is Gwen Floyd) and with my macro lens on the T2i. I got a new camera strap and I am amazed at how much of a difference it makes on my photo walks with my boys. I also love that Aidan is getting so excited about walking around with his dad and I taking pictures.

This picture of Quinlan was captured by Aidan.

Quinlan and Anthony at the Aquarium.

Wonder

Watching the sea turtle.

Playing with my macro and the water drops.

Neon

Unintentional heart bokeh.

Wrought Iron, peeling.

First Family Photo Walk of the year.

Hail

Industrial

I am so happy with the photo and I am not sure why. It just works.

Playing with focusing through a frame.

My companions on the Floyd Family Photo Walk.

I think this may be one of my new headers.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-15

Gwen — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

In a public courtyard. Unrealistic. http://t.co/QqgZRUZ4 #
Do not touch! Really? http://t.co/NM5Eh9vW #
I am camouflaged. I have no idea what he thinks it means. @ Arts Club Theatre http://t.co/52IcRmWT #
Coloured Carrots , Organic. #nofilter @ Granville Island Public Market http://t.co/IMh89R3S #
Blossoms at Granville Island. @ Sutcliffe Park http://t.co/Ge8Wj5cw #
Look at the beautiful rain sparkles. http://t.co/UQS0E4fT #
Beautiful berries. #familyphotowalk http://t.co/20fsm35B #
Mommy, that is the great thing about winter in Vancouver, it is just like spring. -Aidan http://t.co/Y1h1LLe0 #
OH: I am sad I am not a baby any more. I miss the old life. -Aidan as he looks through old pictures of himself. #
Tea date with my oldest son. I am so grateful for these moments. @ Pekoe Tea Lounge http://t.co/3CRm47y0 #
Sigh. I love tea! @ Pekoe Tea Lounge http://t.co/sQBhrkS8 #
I love that Aidan gets so much out these small moments with me or his dad. He is at such a lovely age. #ilovemyboys #
From the walk home. I love where I live. http://t.co/OACHrmvh #
Sorting out our Lego instruction books and magazines. http://t.co/yVs7kI2D #
Huge binder full of Lego instructions and ideas. http://t.co/Q6H9lUCH #
Back to our swimming routine. Yay for routine! @ Vancouver Aquatic Centre http://t.co/UvvRsW46 #
On the move. http://t.co/FXc3VyO9 #
Look mommy I can actually go down the fire pole. I have been encouraging this for over a year. Yay! http://t.co/fZczcJxh #
Migraine means early to bed. Hopefully it means early to sleep. http://t.co/qiKuBCgR #
He loves digging in any kind of weather. http://t.co/uJQrfMlJ #
Bare trees and blue. #ilovebaretrees @ Douglas Park Community Centre http://t.co/w08ZS2QU #
Sun? I think that thing in the sky is the sun. Non Vancouverites can you confirm @ Douglas Park Community Centre http://t.co/3ruX2QmG #
My little boy didn't nap but he is taking care and being kind to me. http://t.co/jpSgTvFP #
Chicken baked in Antipasto. Looks good and I hope it tastes good. http://t.co/GKsyrIMx #
Are tin can stilts the newest schoolyard craze? http://t.co/CR4ulzZX #
There are a lot of artfully made beds on @instagram today. Glad I am not following any sort of theme for my daily pictures, at least now. #
I'm sure @AnthonyFloyd can tell you I only make the bed just before I get in, whether he is already in or not. #
The non rainy sky is too bright for my Vancouver baby. http://t.co/fJa7tEYM #
Magnolia buds. http://t.co/QKCECNS7 #
Practicing falling and getting back up. Skating lessons today. @ Hillcrest Ice Rink http://t.co/WSJPJJ1d #
One stubborn and determined boy. Others in the class skating so much faster but he kept going and tried everythin http://t.co/eWYfFTFC #
Yes? You want what? http://t.co/LRQBmKdI #
Afternoon cuddles. http://t.co/3kOtpXSP #
Waiting for Quinlan to finish ballet. Then he would like me to stop at Anthony's w @ Kerrisdale Community Centre http://t.co/PDuYkRCM #
Frost http://t.co/Uy09gihp #
Frosty orca @ Vancouver Aquarium http://t.co/J3wCFKp4 #
Quinlan reflected watching the red frogs. http://t.co/YzM7dJ51 #
Dolphin http://t.co/gTbf5k3p #
Hi mommy! http://t.co/vLFLv7HW #
On the high seas on our way to rescue some animals. http://t.co/iFUs6BKU #
Touch tank, no thanks. Brr @ Vancouver Aquarium http://t.co/I5wCITKI #
Quinlan is so good about programs and concerts. http://t.co/QPeYiy4N #
Looking up to the cloudy cold sky. #ilovebaretrees http://t.co/jNxoxxum #
He has worn the toque all day. It might be just a bit colder than he is used to. http://t.co/VBMeMPl1 #
Light diffused. @ Dunbar Community Centre http://t.co/1SBmfqTt #
Running before piano. #ilovebaretrees #myboys @ Dunbar Community Centre http://t.co/vJxcile9 #
Working hard at red robin. @ Red Robin Gourmet Burgers http://t.co/mnwviElZ #
Talking to Nana. http://t.co/xHdkgRur #
Now we are onto the table dancing. #rockyhorrorpictureshow #wearethebestparentsever #
Hot patootie bless my soul. #rockyhorror #bestparentsever #myboys http://t.co/DzWjQoEW #
OMG now I need to decide if I am going to take a vid of Aidan running over a minifig w/his Hogwarts Express. This pm is just full of laughs. #
Now we are into the punk portion of the evening. #soundtrackofourlives #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-08

Gwen — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Me in 2012. I am what I am. http://t.co/YY4EKsDu #
Playing loud based music after midnight on a Sunday sucks people. #justsaying #getoffmylawn #
who do I call to get a neighbours party stopped? I tried the doorbell but they are so fucking stoned they can't hear. #
I think I'll try some bagpipe music at 6 am to play for the neighbours. It is fair right? I am not getting any sleep & my kids are up at 6. #
police non emergency line called. I hate to be that person, but they wouldn't answer the door. #bassstillgoing #
Finally another lull in the music. Please goddess make it be the end of the party. Anthony works in the morning and Q gets up about 6. #
Migraine courtesy of so little sleep last night. Still considering bagpipe music for the neighbours. #
Sticky toffee puding! RT @BurgooBistro: Tell us what Burgoo Classic is your favorite, & be entered to win a $25.00 gc.http://ow.ly/7Vr2Y #
Praying that Q goes to sleep and A has a long quiet time. #sotired #migraine #asshatneighbours #
So tired. http://t.co/TTkY8UOz #
Crap. My cousin dropped by & I put my foot in my mouth. I hope he & his girlfriend are not totally kaput. Made him cry & I feel so bad. #
Just so you know, I didn't say anything mean, I just assume that all the couples are constant and I shouldn't. Poor cousin. #
Playing with perspective. http://t.co/SIxsfqGE #
Gingerbread House http://t.co/MpaRQPP0 #
Wonder struck http://t.co/iqtX6zV0 #
A Lego rose from my eldest. http://t.co/pEWSzxlw #
Rain drops colours. @ Douglas Park Community Centre http://t.co/IrWbtNV6 #
January in Vancouver. http://t.co/nhOofG9V #
I have about 45 minutes to myself. Happy sigh. #
Earl Grey tea latte, unsweetened. My 45 minutes of child free bliss. @ Starbucks http://t.co/mAxqVIR6 #
Searching for ants in the car and all he found were the hockey sticks. http://t.co/2hqwySHo #
My boys before bed. http://t.co/C7Eo0x4c #
I love play dough. It lets Quinlan play beside me while I am on the computer. An hour of fun at least. http://t.co/SUBsFuKm #
Getting Q down for his nap I very nearly fell asleep too. #greyday #
Hello? Is anyone there? It was the wrong answer according to Q. http://t.co/LK3fiyaa #
Yes boys, it isn't raining so run like the wind! http://t.co/vIcBHm18 #
The other game was too rough so they are playing by themselves. http://t.co/Ns39C3Kx #
Obligatory action shot. http://t.co/5GRFBci5 #
My boys playing together nicely. 2 seconds later this was not the case. http://t.co/FuyG60N6 #
Writing in our family gratitude journal. This is right up Aidan's alley project wise. I think there will be lots http://t.co/MnKIyoLV #
Actual blue tinge to the sky. http://t.co/ckDf0Jc7 #
January buds. http://t.co/gxIh9rSz #
This popped up while we were out. http://t.co/QXLxOc6A #
More and more blue. http://t.co/VhL4BdZY #
Quinlan so needed a nap that I put him down against my better judgment. I hope he is not getting sick. #
He needed a nap so badly that he was asleep before 5 minutes were up. No "I can't sleep very well" was uttered either. #
Do you have a 7-12 year old? Free ski/snowboard lessons @Mt_Seymour http://t.co/KW3yzaS9 Too bad Aidan is only almost 7. Next year! #
Q making Q's http://t.co/ruAzYzgT #
No ftf for us. Digging through foliage and garbage is not my idea of fun. At least Q is happy. http://t.co/KDcT4zmz #
Waiting. @ Lord Tennyson http://t.co/LJJCE08d #
Brothers holding hands. http://t.co/YiBNiJPd #
Trees through my window. #ilovebaretrees http://t.co/WtHkJwI2 #
This image makes my heart happy. waiting for piano lessons with a book. http://t.co/EhOcplac #
Moon. http://t.co/qwvsxbqZ #
Keeping us from starving while the roast roasts. http://t.co/QkaAi2QG #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-01-01

Gwen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Guess who said "I have a wiggly tooth!" and then wiggled it right out of his mouth? http://t.co/1Q5sShOO #
A hastily made pouch for Aidan's first tooth to fall out of his head. http://t.co/l5zc9oJn #
I can't believe that the tooth fairy needs to make a visit tonight. What does the tooth fairy do at your house? #
Bats @ Vancouver Aquarium http://t.co/DCX7BF1T #
Eels http://t.co/QtOp3fVW #
Blue frogs http://t.co/PFwe6G5F #
Tropical Fish @ Vancouver Aquarium http://t.co/qgmvRwdU #
Wonder http://t.co/CB9juYVh #
Beluga @ Vancouver Aquarium http://t.co/8NKg2g0d #
Flourescence http://t.co/edIp3dH0 #
Beluga http://t.co/ZZLgiezD #
Bubbles http://t.co/be1E1GIJ #
Bright nights @ Bright Nights http://t.co/d1qCg77M #
Lego train http://t.co/yUnslX16 #
Coming through the station. http://t.co/9rllHS78 #
Holiday munchkin http://t.co/S9OneN2R #
Wandering around granville island. http://t.co/Bwl5lwbO #
Heading to science world. http://t.co/TJeb1kXS #
BC Place from the water. http://t.co/gRFsMDbw #
Science world. http://t.co/9y92iOsP #
Making electricity. @ Science World http://t.co/jszJuP18 #
The illusions show at Science World. @ Science World http://t.co/Bul9rz8a #
Train. Lights. Pretty. http://t.co/Unk6qbfl #
Waiting for the theatre to be cleaned. It has been so long since Anthony and I have been to the movies by ourselv http://t.co/QnTJTlNp #
The first cup of tea came a little late today. http://t.co/T7yUDH0q #
Q and I out for a short walk on the last day of the year. http://t.co/4Bdex58r #
Happy New Year! http://t.co/wDVPbHdK #
Our big new year's plans. Early pjs and early to bed. http://t.co/6aVtn20b #
Happy New Year! Keep cozy all. http://t.co/X0GQMJdA #
Quinlan has built this Lego city. #nye11 http://t.co/wa0dV2Bn #
What city is complete without a crane? #nye11 http://t.co/xidqoYLW #
Watching the X files for new years eve. We are so bad ass #nye11 #
Not making it to midnight. @AnthonyFloyd already asleep. Good thing we had that countdown at 7:30. #nye11 Happy New Year everyone! #

Farewell 2011, Hello 2012

Gwen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:14:30 +0000

Like the last few years December has gotten away from me. I was so busy writing Advent letters and planning for surprises and trying to get something that might actually be a surprise for Anthony that it left me with little other time to write. Of course we have also had two bouts of intestinal illness go through the family as well.

Christmas was wonderful in many different ways. The best was Quinlan’s reaction to Christmas morning. He got up pretty early but we managed to keep him in our room for a few minutes so we could get upstairs with him and give the surprise guest a few seconds to get up as well. When the boys saw Grandpa sitting at the dining room table they were thrilled. When Quinlan saw the cookie that Santa took a big bit out of he was absolutely flabbergasted. I tell you I wish I had been awake enough to have my camera set up for his reaction as it was classic. He had the biggest round eyes and open mouth, and the hand to the cheek as he exclaimed “Santa ate the cookie!” Once Quinlan saw the presents under the tree there was absolutely no turning back. It was all we could do to open our own presents. I have never seen anyone open presents so fast in all my life. He was so excited that he even “helped” Aidan with the opening of Aidan’s presents.

Having Grandpa John come to stay for 5 days was fun, but went really quickly. We were able to have a small family get together on the 27th, and I am so glad we decided to have the turkey then and not on Christmas day.

There have been a lot of great things about 2011. The start of preschool for Quinlan has been a highlight. He loves school, and ballet and swimming. Aidan is growing up so very much. He is getting so grown up and he is so interested in learning about everything. It was especially acute during our road trip. Aidan was so interested in figuring out about everything. He found out about so many of the parks and their geological features. He got to look at the night sky and actually see stars.

This new year I am hoping to keep up with all the boys activities including theatre, swimming, skating, piano and ballet. I am also hoping to keep up with writing and photography for me. We want to keep up with our geocaching and keep going to events like the few that we took in this year. The Geo-monster ball and the best of the bad events were fantastic and really helped to give us the best caching year ever.

In 2012 I am going to try to get to Blogher in NY again. I won a conference ticket and as soon as I get the confirmation I plan to figure out the rest like hotel and airfare. I also want us to take the boys camping this year, it is about time we used the tent.

Those are my goals, simple and easy. No worries about losing weight or being a better person. I like who I am and I think that I will be much happier if I stop trying to change myself. All I want is to be happy.

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Related: Aidan, family, Family Time, goals, Gwen, Holidays, hope, My Boys, New Year, Quinlan.