Sometimes we just don't need the details....

One of the students in the other class was heard saying the following at lunch today:

"I saw my mommy laying on her back and my daddy was on top of her. He was doing push-ups. My mommy kept saying 'oh mamasita!' I took a picture."

I really hope you didn't kid. But if you did....I think it would make great show and tell.

One of my students (grade 2) asked me, "do you want to know a secret?"
I hate questions like that..but of course I said "sure"

"I'm wearing a bra today (she grabs her not-even-close-to-being-developed chest) and it itches like mad!!"

That's the price of being a woman my friend.

Grand Pappy Update

We went to see my grandfather on the weekend. Thank you for all your kind words, happy thoughts and prayers. He is doing a little better, but not entirely well. He was at least sitting up when we came in, but really wanted to be in bed. He hadn't eaten lunch nor dinner. He's really loosing weight (that he doesn't have to loose) these days. Skin and bones. He smiled at Mason and remembered Mr. Sass but wasn't interested in talking. He kept muttering "what am I suppose to do?" I'm not really sure what that was about. Then he told me I needed to take Mason for a walk...which we decided it meant all three of us, so he could talk to my mom alone. He won't complain or be nasty in front of us. Not that he was nasty to my mom, but he was irritated for sure. He was also very confused. He asked my mom if she had seen Ted Kennedy lately and what he was wearing. When we were leaving I gave him a kiss and he said "Happy New Year!". It's hard not to giggle, but at the same time, it breaks my heart. We just go along with what he says. All the research says to do that :)
So that is where we are right now.
Thanks again.

I know I haven't been around a lot lately, and I really have no good excuse. Yet, here I am, and I'm going to ask you for something...if anyone is still around that is.
My grandfather is not well at all. He has pneumonia. He's on oxygen. The family has been called and although the nurses and doctors say he's not dieing, his sisters think he is. He is unable to get up and walk around, and is breathing very shallow. He keeps mumbling that he wants to go home. He has someone with him 24/7 whether it be a nurse of family, so he's not alone, but I am just sick to my stomach. I hate this. I really hope my great aunts are wrong.
Mason and I are going tomorrow afternoon to see him and bring him Mason's latest pictures.
Prayers please?

A sea of snot...

It's almost pointless to post I think. I don't really have anything great to say. Maybe it's because work has been busy, Mr. Sass is working his ass off and that leaves me with extra housework and less time to do things that I enjoy. We all do what we can and I love that he's willing to do anything for his family (no, he's not stripping). Mason is growing so quickly and learning so many new things it's remarkable. He's talking more and more and does the sweetest little things. I'm going to put this out on the table now though: I want another. Realllly badly. If you know our story, then I ask for your prayers or positive thoughts, heck..even a little baby dust. That said, we are also starting the journey to adopt. We're just at the educating ourselves about the whole process part and taking baby steps...but you have to start somewhere. I know it will be a slow and long process, but heck we can still try in the mean time right? We just love Mason so much and really want to give him a brother or sister :)
We've also been battling colds. Mr. Sass and Mason being the hardest hit. I swear Mason handles it better than Mr. Sass though. Just when the damn cold seems to be letting up and the sea of snot is drying up, it hits again, this time with a cough to boot. Heaven help me.
So that's it. I really must try to post more. I've been trying to catch up and follow along...if I havn't been by, then I will be soon.
Hugs and kisses to all the pink parts...

Fun with Phonics Part 2

Things have been a little hectic around here. With business a little slow (that's a complete understatement) for Mr. Sass, he's had to go out and get a second job so that we can continue to make ends meet. I stress large about money. I can't help it.
With Mr. Sass gone a lot of the time, it leaves me to take care of everything around the house and spend as much time with Mason as possible. Sadly, that doesn't leave a lot of time for the computer or anything else for that matter.
That said, we continue to leave little messages for each other with the fridge phonics. The other morning I came in to the kitchen to see this:

I don't even want to know....

6th Picture

Ms. Mackey tagged me.

Here are the rules:

6th Picture Meme!

1.Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.

2.Go to the 6th Folder, then pick the 6th picture in that folder.

3.Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture.

4.Tag 6 other peoples that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

This picture was taken at the end of August in the Calgary airport. We were moving on to BC to spent some time with Mr. Sass' family. We were in Alberta visiting my brother and sister in law. I also got to meet Mackey! It was such an awesome trip, but I'm still kicking myself for not spending more time there. I really loved AB. A LOT. Maybe a little too much! Anyway, I do love this picture because it has my two men in it. My two favourite men. My husband, who clearly loves his boy and is so in awe of him. It's written all over his face. He loves being a daddy and is one hell of a daddy! He'd do anything for Mason. He beams whenever he sees him. Mason beams at the sight of his daddy! Mason was exhausted and teething, but was in great spirits as usual. He was charming the people in the airport. I look at this picture and it feels like yesterday that it was taken. He's grown so much!

So...as for tagging, I will tag the first 6 people who want to play. Mainly because I'm too lazy to name people and go and tell them. Forgive me!

Do I let the day go by without mentioning something? Probably not.
It's a monumental day for our friends south of us. Monumental for people around the world to witness. We had the tv on all day for the older classes to watch the Presidential inauguration. My grade 2's are really too young, but I brought them down to see the actual swearing in of President Obama. It was pretty amazing. I had chills at some points in his speech. It's uplifting to see people so motivated and eager to be involved. It's uplifting to think that perhaps this is the man that can ispire change. Change that will impact all of us.
I'm not naive though. I'm worried people are too carried away at the "Romanticism" of this election and all the hoopla. Do they really understand politics? I'm no expert but I do understand one thing. Change takes time. I think President Obama WILL make amazing changes, but I think we'll see many of these changes in a second term in office. I think some people misunderstand process and think that it can happen "overnight" and that because the "President says so," it will happen. Sadly, there are committees and sub-committees to deal with....
You know, maybe I'll stop rambling. Enjoy the moment. I'm proud of President Obama, I'm optimistic even, however I don't want to get carried away in the romanticism of it all.

Fun with Fridge Phonics...

Mason got some fridge phonics for his birthday. I'll spare you the details of how it works, because the point is we've found a new way to have fun with it.

You only get one of each letter, so we've taken to finding new "messages" to leave one another (Mr. Sass and I that is...the phonics is good, but Mason isn't up to writing yet!). I'm totally loosing. This is something I should be good at, but I'm sucking large.

The other day, I come home to this:

I need suggestions people. Help a girl out would ya?

Gotcha in the tenders!

So I'm really back into the swing of things at work. I guess it's real now. Before Christmas, it was all fun and games and art and all that jazz...now it's real work and I'm facing reality. This working is for chumps! Mason continues to do great at his daycare and I'm coping well. I'm SO exhausted by the time the evening comes around though. Bleh.

However, Now that I'm back, I'm loving all the things kids say!
Here are a few gems from this week:

1. "Bobby hit me in my tenders!" This is a first. I've never heard nuts called "tenders" It has since spread like wildfire amongst staff.

2.Taunting another kid: "Simon-Semon, Simon Semon!"..."Hey I know what Semen is!....Something you eat!" Yeah kid. You go ahead and eat it then.

3. We were having the grade 2's make their first reconciliation and each child was waiting their turn. One precious angel pipes up, loud enough to echo around the church and reach the ears of this poor kids parents: "WOW! Jeffery must have a lot of sins, he's been in there for a LONG time!"

4. One student (who lucky for me sits close to my desk...) apparently had gas. EVERY time he farted, he'd pipe up "Ooops! I farted!"...he must have farted at least 30 times. Thanks for the memo kid. Go take a shit.

Gotta love kids.

Last Night....

And I wasn't even drinking. Not one sip.

I swear.

I'm waiting for the men with the white jackets to come and get me. While I wait, I wanted to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

And so the lion fell in love with the lamb....

Want to know where I've been now?
I've had my nose stuck in "Twilight."
OH. MY. GOD.
I love it. As soon as I have a moment my nose is right back in there. I can't help it. I've always found stories about Vampires really romantic...even erotic. I can't believe this one has slipped by me (almost!). Now I want to see the movie. Each page is better than the last...

So that's where I am. Currently on page 312. Gotta run.

Guess What?!?!

I'm going to be an Auntie!!

My brother in law and his new wife are expecting their first baby together in July. She has a daughter who is five and she is beyond excited! We all are. God I love babies.

Fa-la-la-la-la-LA!!

We are on our way to celebrate Christmas today with Mr. Sass' family. So far it's been great. Mason really doesn't get the whole opening of gifts though. We had the trial run with his birthday but he'd much rather crawl around and climb stairs. No different Christmas morning. Santa brought him a wagon for the summer....so we pulled him around the house in it. He held on the sides for dear life, but did love it. He still has presents to open under our tree and a whole other family get together today! Can anyone say spoiled?!
So what was the one present that got him to actually stop, rip paper and then squeal with delight?
Check it out:

ELMO LIVE!!

Mommy knew what it was, so opened the bottom and pressed a certain red foot...and that got him going in his wrapping paper for Mason to open. This toy kills me. I think I've been playing with it more then Mason....
(**side note: Please disregard retarded looks on the parents' faces...I'm too lazy to crop this time.)


This picture just kills me. He makes this squished up face as he says "mom"...it sounds more like "Mumphf" when he does it. He's such a ham. Don't be fooled though, he's not upset. Unless it's the point that he figured out that we used his new wagon to barricade him into the living room...

Christmas Eve...

Creative title eh?
I've been so busy getting ready for Christmas. We were shopping and cleaning and wrapping. Boy have we been wrapping! This morning we had our traditional Christmas eve breakfast with my family. It got me thinking about our traditions and which ones we will continue for Mason and perhaps some new ones we'd like to start. Christmas is definitely more fun with kids around!! I love having breakfast with my family. We pile into my kitchen and make every breakfast food imaginable! I love the antics and the conversation and the memories we are making. Last year Mason slept in his swing, but this year he was right in the thick of things and ate with us. I loved looking over and seeing my boy smiling at everyone!
We used to always get new jammies on Christmas eve too, so tonight I have a special pair ready for my little guy.




I have Christmas carols playing. They haven't driven me nuts yet ;)
It got me thinking as to what my favourite carol is. I do love "Little Drummer Boy" It could be because as a kid my older brother HATED (and still does) that song, so like a loving sister, I'd play it alll the time. I also love "Santa Baby" by Madonna and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". Mr. Sass likes "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
What is your favourite Christmas carol??

We are up to our necks in snow..and more to come.
I was send home early from work yesterday (yay!) and we dug ourselves out of at least 30 cm yesterday and they are calling for another 20-25cm more!

At least we'll have a white Christmas right?

Now I just need to get my shopping done. I'm usually done by now and we've hardly started! I'm going to brave the mall today....

Hey!! Guess what?!?

My baby is one today!!!

Happy birthday Mason. My precious boy. It's been the best year of my life and I look forward to many more. Your smile brightens my day, your laughter makes me giggle. You make me stop and appreciate the little things in life again, by experiencing them for the first time with you. Nothing makes me happier and more proud then you. I love you with all my heart...in fact "I love you to the moon and back, and twice around the galaxy, forever and ever"

Here's my cookie!

For the cookie exchange of course!! I'm a bit late in posting, but there is still time to get the ingredients and try these out. If you want to join the fun of the virtual cookie exchange, go see ASM HERE!!!

I have a couple recipes:

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 40 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
3. Cream together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and milk. Add the flour mixture; mix well.
4. Shape into 40 balls and place each into an ungreased mini muffin pan.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately press a mini peanut butter cup into each ball. Cool and carefully remove from pan.

Santa's Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (11 ounce) package white chocolate chips
• 1 (1.4 ounce) bar chocolate covered English toffee, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, halved

1. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar in large bowl until well blended; stir in corn syrup, egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; gradually add this dry mixture to butter mixture. Blend well. Cover and refrigerate dough for 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll each ball in sugar mixture and arrange on a cookie sheet. Using your thumb, make an indentation in center of each cookie.
4. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 7 to 8 minutes or until just set.
5. Remove the cookies from the oven. If the indentation has grown indistinct, use the top of a spoon and press indentation in further. Immediately place 1 teaspoon white chips into each indentation. After several minutes, swirl the melted chips with a spoon. Top with toffee bits and maraschino cherry halves (if desired). Cool cookies on a wire rack.

Chocolate Macadamia Nut and White Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
2. Melt unsweetened chocolate in top of double boiler or hot, not boiling water. Remove from heat; let cool.
3. Cream butter, melted chocolate and sugar in large bowl until blended. Add egg and vanilla; beat until light. Blend in flour, baking soda, chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
4. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until firm. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Remove to wire racks to cool.

So there you go. I've spread my cookie joy across the world wide interweb.
Happy Baking!

Back to the grind...

Thanks to people who have checked up on me....

I went back to work this week! Argh. I have had a lot of anxiety over it and it was really upsetting me that I had to leave my boy. However, after 3 days, I think we're getting ourselves into our new routine. Mason loves his new baby sitter and has had no problems adjusting. He's eating well, sleeping well and loves playing with the other kids. He's exhausted when we get home, but he's all about playing with us and giving lots of cuddles. If I keep busy during the day, I'm okay :)
Yesterday he took 2 solid steps in a row inbetween Mr. Sass and I. Usually he's so excited he flies at us, but this time he was steady and focusing on walking. He did this several times!!! THEN...he climbed the stairs. He's never really showed any interest in them before (besides baning on them) and then last night, he just watched the dog go up, looked back at me and then climbed those stairs like he's been doing it for weeks! I was floored!! He's such an awesome litle guy.

So that's where we are. I'm absolutely exhausted myself. I'm actually amazed I'm still up...however I'm going to bed now. I'll catch up soon with everyone!

Christmas in the clink

Good news: I avoided the shitter with all the clementines I ate.

Although I narrowly escaped the clink. I went shopping with Mason yesterday and picked up a bunch of baby food, a new sippy cup, some new clothes for him, etc. I had him in the stroller and just piled everything in the bottom. I got completely sidetracked and left the store.

Without paying.

It wasn't until I was in the changeroom of the next store (I hate shopping for work clothes!) that I looked down and saw all of it. STOLEN GOODS. I half expected to open the curtain and see mall security. But then I realized what a sad pathetic excuse of a mall it is, in this two-bit town, so I finished up and went back.

Surprised? Shame on you. I'm an honest person. I wouldn't steal on purpose, and I most certainly wouldn't just leave with the stuff! Although it would have been easy enough....

Anyways, I laughed and told the lady what I did. Mason sat in his stroller the whole time laughing and with perfect timing would yell "ah ha!"

So it was a close call for Mason and I. We could have spent Christmas in the clink. Although, my loving husband did say he'd bail Mason out, but leave me to rot. Lovely eh?

Mmmm it's that time of year again.

Clementine oranges!! ...or Mandarin oranges..whatever you prefer. Me? I don't give a shit..just give me one! They are the BEST this time of year and I'll openly confess to making myself sick on them. This morning I've already eaten 4. At this rate, I should be in the shitter by noon.

Just thought I'd share!!

(...ahh..the news..not my oranges that is).