The Big Move

After many family meetings we are going to be moving. We had been wanting to move for awhile and after discovering mold on the beams in the roof, our decision came a little quicker. There has been a leak coming from our upstairs bathroom fan and Dwayne decided to open it up and have a look. Grabbing the flashlight he looked in the fan and saw mold all through out the roof. We have dealt with mold before. When our windows were replaced we found mold under the windows. Mold was found in behind our shower wall when the bathroom was renovated. And just this past October mold was found in the kitchen when that was renovated. So we really shouldn't have been surprised when we found it in the beams. That would explain our little health problems like coughs, headaches, Riley's bleeding noses, etc. We always contributed this to Dwayne and I smoking. But we have been smoke free for 2 years now and I can't see why we would still be dealing with these symptoms. So as of February 28, we will be moving to our new home. We are still staying in the area and the kids will still be going to the same school. The only thing that has really changed is our walk to school has increased by ten minutes. The kids are super excited. They'll know some kids in the neighbourhood which is great. Also we have access to an Olympic size pool and a gym. Now the work begins. I have six and half years of crap in this house and I only have 29 more days.

Oh Boy

Riley came to me the other day with a joke. Thinking it would be a silly kid joke that I have probably heard before I appeased him and let him tell it. He told me that after every question he asked me I was to answer ketchup and liquor. Very hesitant and not remembering any kid joke that had ketchup and liquor in it I told him to go ahead. What do you eat for breakfast? Ketchup and liquor. What do you eat for lunch? Ketchup and liquor. What do you eat for dinner? Ketchup and liquor. (here comes the punch line) What do you do when you see a lady crossing the street?..... Hmmm. If you don't get it, think about it....Sooo... After I was able to close my jaw and erase the total shock off my face, I got him to tell his dad. Let's just say that when Dwayne was able to put himself back together, he sat down with Riley and explained to him that those types of jokes are not very nice and some people might be offended by them. I asked him where he heard that joke and he told me from some boys at school. I guess this is a sign that he is getting older and no matter how much you want your kids to live in the bubble you create for them, there are always outside forces that are slowly breaking through that bubble.

I Guess He Does Pay Attention

Riley was having a conversation with one of his friends about Barack Obama. It was when we were at the eye doctor. There was a picture of Barack on the cover of a magazine that was in the waiting room. He said to his friend, "Do you know who he is?" She didn't know. He proceeded to say, "That's Barack Obama." She just looked at him with the expression "So". He then said, "That's the next president of the United States. He's the first black president ever." I guess he does pay attention to things other than video games and TV. He sure made his mom proud that day. Yesterday he sat with us as we watched the highlights from the day. I explained to him that we have witnessed history today. It was something that I never thought we would see in our life time.

A Moment In History

In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. -Barack Obama 01/20/09

Saturday

After what has seemed like forever, the weather finally made a turn for the better. I decided to take the kids out for some sledding this afternoon. The sun sure felt good on our faces. The kids had a blast going up and down the hill. Riley even met up with some boys that let him try out their snowboard. For someone who has never been on a board, he did pretty good. After about two hours the kids were starting to slow down and I knew it was time to head back home.
Bella on her way to school. Thought we would stop and take a quick picture. It was so warm that she didn't have to wear her hat.

Bailey being Bailey.

Post Holiday News

It's been a while since I've posted anything new here. With the holidays and being busy with the kids I guess time got away from me. It was nice to have the kids home for two weeks, but it was sure nice walking them to school this morning.

The Christmas holidays were a great way to get down to basics and spend some quality time with the family. Christmas Day we stayed home until evening when we got into the car and headed over to the Mercer's house to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The kids (and along with us) were thankful to stay home and play with our new toys and new gadgets. Mom joined us for an early dinner and a game of Twister. They really should put a warning label on that game. No one over the age of 30 should play it. We had some big time laughs over Dwayne and Mom trying to put their bodies in positions that they haven't done in years.

At the Mercer's we were able to see family members we hadn't seen in awhile. Especially the two little cousins. I looked at them and was amazed. I had a hard time imaging mine were ever that small. It was also neat to see how they interacted with each other. (they are both one and only hours apart.)

New Years was pretty quiet. Dwayne, Riley, Bella, and I went over to some friends place to have some celebrations drinks and food. Dwayne and I aren't night owls and we were home by 9:30. We watch the ball drop in Time Square at ten, gave each other a kiss goodnight, and went
to sleep. I know we act like old people. Maybe next year we'll make it until 11pm.

That's about it. We are now heading into some really long days here. I would like this weather to improve so I can take the kids sledding. I'm crossing my fingers that Saturday it will be decent enough to get out to the hill. But this is Alberta and it's winter.

Side Note:
Bailey decided to give her brother the middle finger last night. So not like her. I would have expected it out of Bella. It was really hard to discipline her when I was trying so hard to not to laugh.

HAPPY 2009!!!!

Cheers to a great year!!!

From the Tanners