Summer Update

I have been waiting and waiting to get pictures from my new-to-me Blackberry (Mark's hand-me-downs....now that he has his latest toy...the "iPhone")...but have realized that it is now 3 weeks from my last post....still waiting on pictures.

So, here's what has kept me busy for the first 1/2 of the summer break:

I set 2 goals for Jianna and myself for the summer....learning to ride a 2 wheeler and learning to swim.

Although she had a new bike and was pretty 'gung-ho' in the Spring, she was not terribly motivated to learn and though I had many promises from siblings to help her....we were no closer to learning. SOOOOOO being the ingenious mom that I happen to be, and knowing my kids are all VERY much Mark's off spring....I did what any good mom would do.......

I BRIBED THEM!!!!

Jianna and Maria are heading with me to Indiana on Sunday and have been furiously doing chores to earn money to shop with . So, Tuesday or Wed. of last week, I announced that I would give Jianna $20.00 if she could learn to ride by Sunday....AND whoever helped her learn, (the last person before she could ride independently) would also earn $20.00.

You should have seen the eyes light up around the table!!!

EVEN MARK'S!!!!

Suddenly everyone was willing to help! 

Two days later, Jianna was riding independently and by Monday she looked like she'd been riding for a year...She and Michael are $20.00 richer and Jianna is very proud of her new found freedom.

(would be pictures here...)

Now for swimming, She has gotten far more comfortable in the water, but due to a spill from a tube in  the middle of Moira Lake earlier in the season, she is not as close as I'd like to swimming. Maria and Miss Britt. have worked furiously to get her kicking and trying to get Jianna to put her face in the water....and YES, I offered money AGAIN....but Jianna will need more time, and probably some lessons. 

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Saturday night the girls and I had a Hannah Montana Party with Rhonda and Miss Britt.

We had munchies, Hannah Montana clothes, hair 'do-dads', press on nails, tattoos,

lip gloss, decorations, and Candy....and if I ever figure out how to download the pictures, you'd get to see Miss Britt in complete Hannah clothes, she looked awesome!....It was great fun!!!

Britt squealed over her beloved Jonas Brothers and Jianna danced the eve. away....girls are so much fun!

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Sunday night was the boys' night....technically Jonathan's, but Mike had a great time with the guys too.

Jonathan was celebrating his 16'th Birthday with all his buddies for a sleep over...seven young men, eating pizza, and junk and ice cream cake....laughing and making us laugh and playing video games into the night. They are all such a great group of kids, and always fun to have around.

Easy too!

As long as I provide lots of food and keep the girls out of their way, they are pretty self sufficient. They must be growing up too, because they actually went to sleep around 1:30 vs an all nighter that they would ordinarily pull....all of them having jobs now, probably helps with that need to sleep.

Yesterday My beloved first born turned 16!!!

I know, I know!!!

There is NOOOOO way I could be the mother of a 16 year old....I AGREE. but alas it must be so, although I KNOW I am not aging, this towering being that occupies my home and my heart, screams a truth, I am not yet willing to accept.

Is it possible to have the kiddos grow up, and remain as young as I THINK I am?!??!?!?

Lies are not only permissible here, but ENCOURAGED...even CRAVED!!!!!!

Jonathan, being the youngest of his group, was determined to be the first to actually get his G1 drivers on the day of his birthday...so we set out yesterday for the driver exam office, only to find out that they no longer recognized Quebec birth certificates issued prior to 1994...Jon was 1992.....AIGHHH!! I love Quebec, I love Quebec, I love Quebec.....(keep telling yourself Jen).

Thankfully, as Jonathan's was issued by the city and not a baptismal certificate, they called 45 minutes before they closed to tell Jonathan he could write!!!!!!

Woo HOO!!!

He DID pass and his daddy has given him his first lesson.....sigh....I am not sure I am ready for this. How do we jump ahead to a safe confident driver who can help with the family chauffeur service?

Wasn't I just taking Jonathan to the park to practice riding his 2 wheeler?....Oh right, that was Jianna......

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CHANGE.....life feels a little like a whirl wind at the moment...

On top of all of this and in case you local folk haven't noticed, all of my phone numbers have changed this summer....my hubby has been in the middle of turmoil as he weighed the pros and cons to a major business move he was approached about.

This was really tough for both of us as it affects our lively hoods but also the futures of our 2 business associates....

What is the right decision? Is there a right decision? Is this a case of God blessing "whatever your hand finds to do"? Where is the writing on the wall when you need it?

Well, Monday the decision was made and announced that Mark and The Piers Group will be joining and coming under the umbrella of Dominion Lending which is operated by a local business giant who is respected and praised for rejuvenating and bringing life back to our down town core.

We do feel that this is the right decision and will mean that by Sept. Mark will have his office outside the home....(sorry Starbucks), I will get my "quiet room" back, and Mark (and his team) will have the support of one of the premiere business minds in this city.

I am personally, hoping that the rest of the summer is a little less intense than the first 1/2 has been....but doubly enjoyable in the fun factor category!!!!

If I ever get techy minded enough, I will post the pictures that correspond to this post...if not....use your imaginations!