Am I the only one who thinks that kids toys are a bit too secure in their packaging? Declan and Rhys were both the incredibly lucky recipients of overly indulgent family members this year. Since they are the only nephews on our side they are definitely a little spoiled with toys. The fun part is getting these toys out of the boxes and in playing condition.
I don't remember it being this difficult in the past to get a truck out of the packaging. Now you have to pull it out of the box, take off all of the garbage ties and then make sure that any accessories are also untied. It doesn't seem that difficult but I swear it is awful!
I am convinced that the toy companies have a sadist who's entire job is to devise evil ways to secure toys in their boxes. This year I actually encountered the toy that is screwed into it's box! Ridiculous! I didn't realize that I would need a tool box to get Lightning McQueen out of the plastic!
It is all worth it in the end once you see the kids faces and watch the way they hit each other with the toys. The way their eyes sparkle with tears, the way their screams pierce the Christmas morning quiet. Ahhh there is nothing like it.
Kidding aside, Christmas morning was fun. Declan was excited about every present that he received (even the clothes). Due to his lack of a vocabulary, Rhys only managed "Wow!" every 5 minutes or so. It was exactly what we wanted for the boys on Christmas morning.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The House that Santa Claus Forgot.
So the decision has been made. No Christmas on Dundurn Street for the Carrolls this year. To be honest now that we have made the decision to stay out of the home until after Christmas I feel a little liberated. I don't feel the pressure to get in and try and make it perfect. This way I can make the most of Christmas and still celebrate with my family. I am just sorry that it took this long to get here.
So I have finally dusted off the Santa hat and am filling myself with Christmas cheer! Grabbing Christmas by the throat and squeezing all of the goodness that I can out of it in the last couple of days before the Fat Man arrives.
The problem at this point is that I don't feel prepared. I don't feel that I have had the run-up that most people do to December 25th. I haven't seen all of the shows that I wanted to see, listen to the music that I wanted to hear or take the time to just look at the Christmas tree that we put up last week.
In the end I have to admit at least we have each other. We are healthy, happy and doing well. Come the New Year we will back in our home and in all aspects that home will be better than the one that we left.
I want to thank everyone who has expressed their concern over the last 3 months. It is wonderful to know that so many people care about how things are going with us and have reached out to me at my gigs, when I am out and about or via email to find out how things are going. We are doing just fine and looking forward to a Christmas that we certainly won't forget any time soon.
So I have finally dusted off the Santa hat and am filling myself with Christmas cheer! Grabbing Christmas by the throat and squeezing all of the goodness that I can out of it in the last couple of days before the Fat Man arrives.
The problem at this point is that I don't feel prepared. I don't feel that I have had the run-up that most people do to December 25th. I haven't seen all of the shows that I wanted to see, listen to the music that I wanted to hear or take the time to just look at the Christmas tree that we put up last week.
In the end I have to admit at least we have each other. We are healthy, happy and doing well. Come the New Year we will back in our home and in all aspects that home will be better than the one that we left.
I want to thank everyone who has expressed their concern over the last 3 months. It is wonderful to know that so many people care about how things are going with us and have reached out to me at my gigs, when I am out and about or via email to find out how things are going. We are doing just fine and looking forward to a Christmas that we certainly won't forget any time soon.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Rush Hour Insanity
I don't know how many of my friends take the GO to or from work every day. If you do you may be one of the madding hoards that run off the train to get to your car. I was fascinated by this when I first saw it and admit now that I find it annoying more than anything.
How hard is it to open the second door to get down the stairs. Apparently almost impossible, because for the first 20 or so people only one door is opened and they all crush to get through it.
It got so insane a few weeks ago that I actually watched a women fall while running in heels and take 3 people out. I AM NOT JOKING.
All of this to get to their cars first so they are not waiting to get out of the parking lot. I have actually asked Andrea to wait for me at the WalMart parking lot instead of the GO Train one because it is easier to get out of and there is less chance of the car getting hit by some lunatic trying to get out a minute faster.
Having said please enjoy my poem below:
Ode to the GO Train Runner (on departing the train during Rush Hour)
Oh, Runner how you GO.
When the doors open and you dash,
Hopefully avoiding the clash,
That will ultimately happen.
I envy you your determination,
To be the first,
Possibly the worst of the lot.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The bell has barely begun,
And still you run, you run.
No time to open the other door,
Push your way through,
You'll be second no more.
First to the stairs,
Who cares who you shove?
Oh Runner how you GO.
Racing the tunnel and braving the hoards,
Checking others into the boards.
The clip clop of your heels
Like the hammer on steel,
Ringing out through the concrete below.
Take care not to fall,
If you do it shall all be in vain.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The goal's almost in hand.
You are the first,
The fastest in the land.
As the keys slip into the slot
Sit comfortable and warm with the thought
That you end your ride with a run,
Now the wait in your car has begun.
I am sure that I don't need to remind anyone that this poem is a fully original work and is protected by international copyright laws. As such if it is copied or reproduced without the express permission of the creator (ME) I will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.... or ask for a chocolate bar as compensation.
How hard is it to open the second door to get down the stairs. Apparently almost impossible, because for the first 20 or so people only one door is opened and they all crush to get through it.
It got so insane a few weeks ago that I actually watched a women fall while running in heels and take 3 people out. I AM NOT JOKING.
All of this to get to their cars first so they are not waiting to get out of the parking lot. I have actually asked Andrea to wait for me at the WalMart parking lot instead of the GO Train one because it is easier to get out of and there is less chance of the car getting hit by some lunatic trying to get out a minute faster.
Having said please enjoy my poem below:
Ode to the GO Train Runner (on departing the train during Rush Hour)
Oh, Runner how you GO.
When the doors open and you dash,
Hopefully avoiding the clash,
That will ultimately happen.
I envy you your determination,
To be the first,
Possibly the worst of the lot.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The bell has barely begun,
And still you run, you run.
No time to open the other door,
Push your way through,
You'll be second no more.
First to the stairs,
Who cares who you shove?
Oh Runner how you GO.
Racing the tunnel and braving the hoards,
Checking others into the boards.
The clip clop of your heels
Like the hammer on steel,
Ringing out through the concrete below.
Take care not to fall,
If you do it shall all be in vain.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The goal's almost in hand.
You are the first,
The fastest in the land.
As the keys slip into the slot
Sit comfortable and warm with the thought
That you end your ride with a run,
Now the wait in your car has begun.
I am sure that I don't need to remind anyone that this poem is a fully original work and is protected by international copyright laws. As such if it is copied or reproduced without the express permission of the creator (ME) I will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.... or ask for a chocolate bar as compensation.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Frustration
We were so close. We were supposed to get the keys back to the house on Friday with all of the cleaning and touch ups completed. That was not the case. They have been able to clean about 1/2 the house so far and there are still areas that we are not satisfied with. This has lead to no end of frustration for us as the new furniture was set for delivery and it was too late to push it back for a day or two.
I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything because the company that has been co-ordinating the renovations to our house has been pretty good with everything; they have been willing to work with us and have answered our questions with speed and courtesy. It's just time to get home. We haven't even done anything Christmas-y as of yet really. There is no tree, no lights, no decorations up, nothing... and it is starting to get me down.
As of now even if we get the keys by Monday or Tuesday we are stuck in a situation where we need to still sort out all of the stuff and try and get the place back to normal before we can really bring the boys back and make sure that it is safe. Like I said... Frustration.
More than anything I want to sleep in my own bed, sit on my own couch and watch my own television. We have been incredibly lucky with the support that Andrea's family has given us but in then end we need to be home.
I know that it will happen soon. I just wish that things were done and we were officially back home.
I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything because the company that has been co-ordinating the renovations to our house has been pretty good with everything; they have been willing to work with us and have answered our questions with speed and courtesy. It's just time to get home. We haven't even done anything Christmas-y as of yet really. There is no tree, no lights, no decorations up, nothing... and it is starting to get me down.
As of now even if we get the keys by Monday or Tuesday we are stuck in a situation where we need to still sort out all of the stuff and try and get the place back to normal before we can really bring the boys back and make sure that it is safe. Like I said... Frustration.
More than anything I want to sleep in my own bed, sit on my own couch and watch my own television. We have been incredibly lucky with the support that Andrea's family has given us but in then end we need to be home.
I know that it will happen soon. I just wish that things were done and we were officially back home.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Christmas Conundrum
I want to thank everyone who has given me feedback regarding my blog. I haven't been as diligent as I should be with updating it but I am trying hard to do so. Please don't hesitate to send comments in the blog itself either!
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In continuing with the holiday theme I am wondering what everyone is getting their kids this year? I have been having the hardest time trying to figure out what to get Rhys because he really just plays with all of the toys that we have for Declan. Anyone got any hot leads on the must have toy for 16 month old boys? So far we have purchased some toy cars and some clothes but I am really lost here.
It's funny to think of some of the hot toys that have come and gone over the years! I remember when the Cabbage Patch kid phenomenon came and went back when I was a kid. Both my sisters got them one year for Christmas and I swear my parents/Santa were seen as heroes for that Christmas. Tickle Me Elmo, Furby and Robosaurus all come to mind not to mention Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, Playstation et al.
It must have been so much easier when we were kids. There were only a handful of toys out there that were must haves and I think expectations were a bit more manageable. In this day and age it is pretty much expected that kids are going to get what they want no matter the price which is kind of scary.
I am terrified thinking about the day that Declan or Rhys ask for something that I think is unreasonable. Am I going to break their hearts on Christmas Morning or will I crack?
________________________________
In continuing with the holiday theme I am wondering what everyone is getting their kids this year? I have been having the hardest time trying to figure out what to get Rhys because he really just plays with all of the toys that we have for Declan. Anyone got any hot leads on the must have toy for 16 month old boys? So far we have purchased some toy cars and some clothes but I am really lost here.
It's funny to think of some of the hot toys that have come and gone over the years! I remember when the Cabbage Patch kid phenomenon came and went back when I was a kid. Both my sisters got them one year for Christmas and I swear my parents/Santa were seen as heroes for that Christmas. Tickle Me Elmo, Furby and Robosaurus all come to mind not to mention Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega, Playstation et al.
It must have been so much easier when we were kids. There were only a handful of toys out there that were must haves and I think expectations were a bit more manageable. In this day and age it is pretty much expected that kids are going to get what they want no matter the price which is kind of scary.
I am terrified thinking about the day that Declan or Rhys ask for something that I think is unreasonable. Am I going to break their hearts on Christmas Morning or will I crack?
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