Happy Birthday Ethan

My little munchkin turned 11 today. 

I can't believe how fast the years have gone.

I'm enjoying the moments,

because before I know it,

he'll become a young man.

Happy birthday Ethan.

Love you bunches. 

Happy Birthday Dad

You came into this world,

so many years ago, 

bringing with you

your ever special glow.

So full of love

and with a big heart.

We're thinking of you today

even though we are apart.

I know you're watching us, 

even though you're not around.

Today we will celebrate,

and try our best not to frown.

You are always in our thoughts,

you are always in our prayers,

Happy birthday to my dearest dad,

my angel upstairs.

Birthday Tradition

I know you've all been wondering whatever happened to the birthday tradition of matching shirts! lol No I have not forgotten. In fact, Ethan choose the shirts this summer, that he actually forgot what they were.

But how could we celebrate Scott's birthday without the whole matching t-shirt tradition? Well of course we couldn't.

This year's theme is inspired by our plans to head to Disney this summer, and Ethan's newfound respect for the "evils".

Birthday Tradition

When Ethan was 8 months old, I ordered a birthday present, online, for Scott. The week before his birthday, it hadn't arrived, and I panicked. Scott's first year as a dad, and no gift? That can't happen! So I bought a kanga (African printed fabric) and had a shirt made for him. There was some fabric left over, so I had one made for Ethan too. On the day of Scott's birthday, I dressed Ethan in his new shirt, and presented Scott with his.

It began with this.

And a tradition was born!

Every year since then, on Scott's birthday, the boys have matching shirts. This year, is the 10th year we've done this, so I thought I'd share the evolution of shirts.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

And this year's shirts.....

Happy birthday Scott. Thanks for being an amazing husband, father, human being!!!

Happy Birthday Dad

I've learned that

regardless of your

relationship with your

parents,

you'll miss them

when they're gone

from your life.

                               - Maya Angelou

Today would be my dad's birthday.

Tomorrow marks

6 months since his accident.

And I am still fluctuating

between

denial and anger.

I haven't really moved beyond that.

And while members of my family

celebrate a wedding this weekend.

I miss my dad.

I miss my dad.

Everyday.

I cry at least 4 times a week.

I'm in denial,

cos I still can't believe he's gone.

We hadn't been very close

in years,

but I am having a hard time understanding

that I can't just call him.

Or see him.

Ever again.

And I'm angry.

Not for him leaving,

but for everyone else

who feels they can tell me

what he would want.

I've been wanting to write 

a beautiful birthday post

for my dad,

but every time I start

I go off on one tangent

or another.

It never comes out right.

But it's his birthday today,

and since I can't wish him a 

happy one,

I'm going to stop being angry for 

five minutes.

My dad taught me to value one's family.

He loved his siblings.

They were the world to them.

My brother and I 

may not have been close growing up

but he's the best baby brother a girl

could ask for.

My dad believed you could do anything

you set your mind to.

He's taught me

the importance of the encouraging word.

My dad loved to travel.

He showed me there was a big wide world,

just outside your door.

You could learn a lot,

just by hopping on a plane to a new destination.

And when you get there,

take advantage of what there is,

no matter how small it may seem.

It hurts that he is gone.

2015 is an amazing year.

He'd be so proud of everything 

that's going on.

I have a cousin

who got into an amazing Masters

program.

When she told me,

I thought

I can't wait till dad hears.

Meanwhile,

her sister got engaged.

Dad will be so thrilled!

And another cousin is expecting.

Dad has another great niece/nephew to spoil.

Each time good news comes,

I'm angry that dad won't be here

to see these things.

But,

I will soon learn to breathe

and remember

that he sees it all

and that he's smiling at us.

So dad,

for your birthday,

I promise to try

to be angry less.

I will try.

And since that's all you ever asked of me

that I try,

I know you'll be proud.

I've learnt

that people will forget what you've said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget

how you made them feel.

       - Maya Angelou

Happy birthday dad.

Birthday Tradition

Earlier this school year,

Ethan was assigned some homework

which asked him to learn about

some family traditions.

At the time,

it was a little hard to think of one.

But then this weekend came...

Yesterday was Scott's birthday.

Happy birthday Scott!

Since Ethan was 8 months old,

we've had a birthday tradition.

Every year,

they get matching t-shirts.

Last year,

they got Sochi shirts,

this year,

we went with the Superhero theme.

Happy birthday Batman!!!

High Five for Friday

It's been another fabulous week.

I'm finally settled back home

after our extended summer vacation

and Ethan is happy at school.

This week's highlights include:

Dinner with great friends

at Salt.

Peter and Nina will be leaving Dar soon.

It's sad when friends leave.

But being able to enjoy an

awesome meal at Salt

(Katy's new restaurant)

makes saying goodbye 

easier.

Chocolate

Really?
Need I say more?

Birthday dinner with my boys

This year,
instead of a big birthday dinner
I spent the evening with my two favourite boys.
We had dinner at Osaka
and came home to cake.
It was perfect.

Watching Ethan at his first skateboard
activity

I was a nervous wreck.
Terrified he'd fall and spend
the rest of the year
in a body cast.
I love how his mate,
an advanced skateboarder,
helped him
and was so patient.
And he didn't break any bones.

Ladies night

We tried a new Iranian place.
The owner brought out
a sampler for us to,
well,
sample!

Birthday Tradition

It was Scott's birthday this past weekend.

Happy Birthday Babes!

For the last eight years

for Scott's birthday,

he and Ethan get matching shirts.

It began with kanga shirts.

But we've moved on since then.

And since this year was a

winter Olympics year,

and since Scott and Ethan 

enjoyed watching different events,

I thought getting them matching

Team Canada shirts

was the way to go.