No time like right now.

After several failed attempts to continue regular posts here, I just dug up the site again and will give this a valiant effort. Obviously a lot has happened during the absence and there is no way I can go back to try and recap it all. There are several things that stand out though and I will plug them in.

Mateo is now in Grade 5 and Mikah in Grade 2. Both are doing very well in school and are very popular among the kids. This past September, after sitting as his class representative last year, Mateo decided he wanted to run for VP of the Student Council. Only Grade 6 students can run for President. Well, there were 4 contenders for VP and he won, and I was really proud of him just for trying. Inside sources told me it was a landslide victory and that puts a little smile on my face! He already has his eyes set on the top seat for Grade 6 next year. Both boys have really been into soccer the last few summers and I got a little more serious with coaching too. At school though, Mikah and his buddies have had a perpetual match running over their recess and lunch periods since last year! Mikah takes his soccer quite seriously and doesn't like letting infractions slide no matter how small. In order to keep their game legit he decided to draft a rule sheet so the others, most of whom just want to run and kick the ball, have a better understanding of how to really play. He also appointed himself head referee to get things going at every round but prefers playing.

Watching both boys play with their respective teams during the summer is truly quite something. They both have a natural proficiency for most sports however, soccer is the one they are currently hooked on and play with an organised team. Their intensity and energy is amazing. Mikah also started watching sports on TV, mostly European soccer and NHL hockey when he is allowed, and is very familiar with league standings and key players. When the snow starts to fly their weekend activity switches over to skiing. This winter Mikah chose to try snowboarding because he received a board & boots from a friend. Both are signed up for lessons again so it should continue quite well.

The biggest development in their (all our) lives is that the boy's mother and I have separated since August and for now the boys are living full time with her. I have either been taking them or visiting them at the house on weekends and also coming in as 'babysitter' on week nights when their mother has other obligations. Even though they call me every night to tell me about their day, this is by far the toughest thing I have ever experienced. I know it isn't easy on them either, however, they seem to be coping quite well as far as I can tell and I can only hope things continue on like this.

Hunting for food

We've been searching for a new house for some time now and sometimes go for drives in the region looking for a nice area. Having visited one particular house in a slightly more remote area 2 weeks ago Mikah said this past weekend he didn't want to live so far in the woods that we would have to hunt animals for food. Point taken!

I have 300 cents!

Poppa look! I have 300 cents! I counted them; 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 2 five cents makes 100 and 2 more five cents is 200 and 2 more five cents is 300!!

While we were finishing dinner with friends the kids were busy making several drawings in the living room. The others drifted off to play but Mikah cleared the coffee table, made a sign that said 25¢, laid out his drawings, and sat back in his new art gallery! He made 75¢ within 5 minutes!

This time I'm serious.

Time just goes by too quickly. The boys are getting older and encounter so many new and cool things that deserve to be added here that I have just made a conscious decision to continue noting their journey through life.

Mateo is now in Grade 3 and Mikah is in Kindergarten. The school day ritual ends with homework for Mateo from Monday to Thursday. Mikah is so keen on school that he has been asking us to give him homework too. Both are accelerating at their levels quite well. Having an older brother has given Mikah a slight edge though as he has picked up math skills beyond his grade and his reading skills are coming along also. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Not to forget ...

Long time no post but we're all here and doing fine; thank you! We'll be taking this up again very soon.

There was Mikah with "trellement" (French) and Mateo with his "underbrella" which makes sense when you think about it!

Back soon.

King for a day

I had 1 genuine birthday wish: to have a little party with my buddies at McDonald's. Well, my birthday was Wednesday, I've had 3 other parties and today this one.

IT WAS GREAT!!

Momma & Poppa liked it too because there was no mess to clean up or lingering guests. We had our own area to eat, run around, and yell and scream in. Then after cake and opening cool presents we went to play in the indoor play area. Yeeehaaaa!

Thank you Momma & Poppa! And thank you to all my friends and their parents for the cool gifts.

PS: In case you're counting, I'm 4 now, not 10 like the candles show.

Star Wars episode 7: Vader Returns

The first episode came out in 1977. The last episode in 2005; Mikah was 2.5 years old, Mateo was 5. They didn't see any of these movies until earlier this year! The continuing effect of these movies on their generation is unbelievable. Having seen a few homemade light saber fight sequences online lately, the boys wanted to make their own. Here it is from Omi's backyard: