On Black Friday in the U.S. ...

Please, let Black Friday stay in the States. We just. don't. want. it. here. 'Nuff said.

In honour of American Thanksgiving, the link to a blog post on "The Purpose of Thanks"

http://tolovehonorandvacuum.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksful-thursday-purpose-of-saying.html

Sheila's hubby Keith was our kids' pediatrician when we first moved to the area, and Sheila has quite a large speaking ministry. I always enjoy her blog :-). I particularly appreciate this one.

2008 School Photos :-)

Iain, almost 11

Claire, almost 13

Alison, 14.5

The school was kind enough to let us purchase Iain's photographs, despite the fact that we pulled him out at Thanksgiving prior to order date. The frame thing on Alison's photo was much more subtle on the proofs, and we were a little disappointed by the final photos. However, the kids look fine and that's the important part ;-).

And now, a "blast from the past"; all the kiddoes one decade ago:

This morning I was up at o'dark o'clock ... (family stuff mostly)

driving Alison in to the high school. Today her class heads to University of Toronto, where they are participating in a very cool sounding drama workshop. The day culminates with a production of Romeo and Juliet, which is the play they are currently studying. And for this trip, not just any old school bus, but a lovely big Franklin Tours coach! Our drive in was somewhat complicated by the face that we had quite a frost, and do you think I could find even ONE scraper for the windshield??? Nope.

Kev is back to work after a fairly restful "vacation". He did still do some church stuff, and of course, the ever-present "Annie", but on the whole he was able to sleep in to normal hours, do some reading, watch some TV and get some chores done. I'm not sure he was ready to go back today ... Kev, want to comment here?? :-)

Today is ice-skating day for my home educated student. However Iain did not sleep well last night (the first night ever he's been bothered by nightmares) so I've sent him back to bed, and we'll see how the day progresses.

Claire is enjoying some respite this week ... no Annie practices at all prior to Friday night's performance. She's basically enjoying school, protecting her voice, and getting lots of rest. She requested a sleepover with a cast member on Friday night, but her mean parents (both of us) emphatically said "no"! We suggested she wait and have the sleepover on a night where it wasn't quite as essential that she actually have a good night's sleep ;-).

I sold my first two fleeces this week. These were Eddy and Coriander's lamb fleeces, shorn this fall. Thanks, Ann and Michelle! I've actually changed my decision on a lamb based on her fleece. Coriander is staying because her fleece is just yummy and I can't bear the thought of not having her sheared next year. Remember girls, I want constructive criticism back on fleece quality!

Front and back of the "Annie" program!

Two shots from "Annie" and a too-short visit from Mom and Dad!

Claire and Kevin, taken after the performance.



Annie singing on the "Bert Healey" show (this is the part that Claire liked the least as she is teetering on a tiny box for this song!)

We've had serious camera problems, but Mom and Dad, driven by my nephew Ged and his girlfriend Amanda, came for an overnight and an Annie performance yesterday. It was wonderful to see everyone (and in particular to meet Amanda!!!). I borrowed Dad's camera to take these.

I'm hopeful that they will be making and selling a DVD of the production since our technology has failed us big time!

"Annie" in the County Weekly News

We Remember

"Greater love has no one than to lay down his life for a friend." John 15:13

To those who gave their lives; we remember you.

From last year's Remembrance Day post:



And one more ... "Soldier Song"

"Enchanted Sleeping Beauty" from last June

My wonderful friend Vic managed to get some video of Claire and Alison last year in their school production. Here they are :-). Claire is Evilina, and Alison plays the spider. I'm not sure how long this will stay up; Claire was not thrilled to be playing a witch, and was fearful of perpetual typecasting as an evil character. Given that she was 12 here, I think she'll be fine, and hopefully I'll be able to upload bits of Annie at some point :-).



And here is a last minute a capella rendition of "Tomorrow" that Claire did for the Talent Show at Mummers Drama Camp this past summer. I'm looking forward to see how she has developed come Saturday :-).

Thus begins the chaos that is "Annie" ...

We attempted a non-permanent dye job yesterday. No go.

Today, I dyed Claire's hair red with permanent dye. It is very, very (NEON) red. It's not my idea of "Annie" red, however the friends I took with me to Pharmaplus (Thanks Vic and Sally!!!) were sure that this was the one. I have the unsettling feeling that it will reflect the stage lights much like a disco ball.

I hope I'm wrong.

I also hope that I find my camera SOON! At the very least, in time for "Annie" and a visit from Mom, Dad, my nephew Ged and his girlfriend :-).

We had a great time at the UCB gala last night, so Kev is officially on vacation for a week. Unfortunately, I'm still homeschooling and working on UCB stuff. He will fill his week with some reading, some TV watching, some church stuff, and some home repair-type projects. Not to mention, dress rehearsals starting tomorrow night and running all week.

Life is busily good :-).