i'm the lucky one

A few weeks ago my amazingly wonderful friend Robin celebrated a milestone birthday -- I'm sure she'd prefer if I just didn't bring it up, but the pictures will tell the whole story anyway -- she turned 40. The big four-oh. Not that she looks it though. Not even close.



I've mentioned Robin and how much she means to me countless times on this blog, but it really cannot be overstated. She is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life. She sees and believes the very best in me. She supports me in everything and loves me despite my flaws. She has seen me through the best and the worst that life has handed me since I met her. She's cried with me and laughed with me. We've killed endless (long distance) hours on the phone. Thank goodness she's a local call now. We've shared dinners and secrets and afternoons and evenings. We've argued over who's turn it is to decide which movie to see and which restaurant to eat at after and who's turn it is to pick up the cheque. She is, without a doubt, a true sister of my heart and I am forever grateful for the forces that brought us together.

It was my great pleasure to create the cake for Robin's very special birthday celebration. I agonized for days over how I wanted it to look. I really didn't have any idea, beyond the message I wanted that cake to convey. The ladybug is a very emotionally charged symbol for Robin and I wanted that to be the focus without being overwhelming. I finally settled on this.....



A simple little garden-ish idea with icing transfer daisies and that one tiny little ladybug dotting the eye. Likely nobody else would have given it much thought, but Robin zeroed right in on it. It was perfect.



Again - happy birthday my sweetest friend. Every day I know you is truly a gift.

what's cooking wednesday - the robin edition

Today is typically the day for my weekly What's Cooking Wednesday posts, but today is a very special day, it being Robin's birthday and all. Robin and I have been friends for a lifetime it seems. We met as two young single ladies and we've managed to rack up six girls and a couple of decades of marriage between us. We've seen each other through so much stuff. Good stuff, sad stuff, and all the stuff in between. At this point she is so much more than a best friend. She's my family. She's amazing and I am thankful every day that we met. Even if she's not jumping at the chance to be my next door neighbour. So today instead of a new recipe I'm going to share with you my favourite Robin recipes. Yep, I've shared them here before, but they're still wonderful just like Robin!



Chocolate Bailey Shooters - mmmmm these were fantastic and a nice change from the usual jello shots. And Robin and I have consumed our fair share of jello shots. Back when we were younger and didn't have to get up early with kids.

Chocolate Bar Trifle - Umm I could eat a lot of this in one seating. It is so incredibly yummy. I'd like to try it with different chocolate bars, but Mike like it as is. And reallY i'm fine with that too.

So that's it, just the two recipes. I don't want you walking out of here thinking Robin only makes two things well. She's a great cook. Her pulled pork sandwiches are out of this world. And when she hosts a party she puts out a heck of a spread,but she likes to keep her recipes closey guarded family secrets, so be thankful I managed to get her to share these with us.




What is What's Cooking Wednesday and how can I play?

What's cooking Wednesday was born out of a desire to get out of that what's for dinner rut. Playing is easy, on Wednesday post a recipe that has been tried and tested by you and then pop over here and add your name to the Mr. Linky. When entering your name also add the name of the recipe in brackets and make sure you link to your What's Cooking Wednesday post and not just your blog's front page. And don't forget to link back here, the home of What's Cooking Wednesday.

So for example I would write Shan (Speedy Chicken Stir Fry) in the name section. For the URL section I would post this: http://shanrev.blogspot.com/2007/10/whats-cooking-wednesday-speedy-chicken.html

I'll let you in on a little secret, my WCW recipes are almost never made on a Wednesday. So feel free to cook and photograph whenever you have time and join us posting on Wednesday

so lucky to have them

Yesterday was our 12th anniversary and we had zero plans beyond the promise of a dollar store shopping spree with the girls. To be fair Mike was supposed to work, but he ended up with a cancellation and we had already made plans for a romantic getaway for Monday night. I'm there right now. Having an awesome time, wish you were here!

And then Robin called, could they stop by? And somehow that snowballed into me cooking dinner for 10. Apparently after 12 years Mike and I still need to work on our communication skills. It was all good though. I made one of my favourite meals, drunken chicken, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn bread and a salad. Just like that our quiet little day turned into one big party! And I couldn't have picked better people to mark the occasion with.

When it came to picking our honour attendants for our wedding it really was a no brainer. And I can't tell you how wonderful it is that we're even closer now then we were 12 years ago when they stood up with us on that sweltering August day. The four of us have seen each other through the births of 6 babies, the loss of parents and grandparents, birthdays, new jobs, illness, surgeries, hospital stays, Godparenting, anniversaries, trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows, and more laughs then anybody has a right to. They supported us then and continue to support us now.



Thanks guys for making our anniversary a celebration!

mamma mia here we go again

I am not a huge Abba fan. No that distinction falls to Mike. He would play the Abba Gold album until it darn near drove me nuts. So you might think it's odd that I managed to see Mamma Mia! twice in seven days. Funny story that.

I can't remember exactly how it first came up, but the year I turned 30 Robin thought we should do something special. We were going to see Mamma Mia! together. Now I do love a good musical. I have been to see Cats, Miss Saigon, Camelot, The Lion King, We Will Rock You and a Chorus Line over the years. So I was game. But somehow my birthday came and went and we never actually made it. Probably because Robin was pregnant with Kailey at the time. Months later she called me up to say we had tickets for the two of us to see Mamma Mia! We would be going a couple of weeks after Christmas.

Fast forward to Christmas and opening gifts at Papa and Grandma Linda's. I receive an envelope and inside is...... if you guessed two tickets to Mamma Mia! Give yourself a pat on the back. Bonus points if you guessed they were for January as well. And in a move that made me look like the world's most ungrateful daughter in law I sat there staring at them and said nothing. Inside, of course I was panicking. What if they were for the same day? What on earth was I going to do? Finally I managed to choke out a thank you and said a silent prayer that everything would work out.

As it turned out the tickets were seven days apart. Mike and I saw the show together with Papa and Grandma Linda's tickets first. They didn't know I would be seeing the show again nor did Robin know I had already seen the show when we went the following Saturday. In an amazing stroke of coincidence the tickets for both shows were virtually the same.

So why didn't I tell everyone that I had two sets of ticket? Well I did eventually, a year or so later in Robin's case when it accidentally slipped out that Mike had seen the show as well. I just didn't want anybody to feel bad. Plus Robin had had a string of bad luck in which she couldn't buy me a present that I hadn't already received from someone else. I didn't want to disappoint her.

In the end seeing the show twice in one week was a gift. I completely loved it and was singing Abba songs for weeks afterwards. I told anybody and everybody that I would see it a third time if I could. Yeah, I loved it that much.

So given our history it should be no surprise that we celebrated Robin's birthday by seeing the feature film edition of Mamma Mia! I have to admit I wasn't sure about their casting choices, but Meryl Streep surprised me. And, for the record, the woman looks incredible. The part where she sings The Winner Takes it All was amazing and brought one poor movie goer sitting in front of us to tears. The actress that played the daughter was great. If you remember her at all from Mean Girls you will be impressed with her performance. Or at least you should be.

It was just the perfect day. No husbands. No girls. Just us, a bucket of popcorn and some of Abba's finest hits. Then we hit dinner at a place where we could doodle on the "tablecloth" and chat about everything and nothing. I'm starting to think we should make this a monthly thing. What do you say Robin, what should we see next month?

rain, fireworks, weenies and robin

Oh my gosh it seems like I have so many stories to tell you and so many pictures to share that I'm falling behind. I'm going to see if I can't get caught up.

First off I have to wish a very happy anniversary to my best friends in the entire world, Abby's Godparents, my beloved Robin and Tim. Love you guys!!!

Also earlier this week Robin celebrated her 27th birthday for the 11th time. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

For the past five years Mike and I have been hosting a yearly weenie roast that last year I cheekily renamed the Roast Your Weenie Event. And yes it is the social event of the season. Typically this is held as close to Canada Day as we can make it. This year on the appointed day they called for thunderstorms, so we canceled and it turned out to be a lovely night with no rain.

So we rescheduled it for last weekend. People were set to arrive at 7, at 5 it was pouring rain with no signs of it letting up any time soon. So we canceled. Again. Robin and the girls still made the trek out. We had a bunch of food anyway, so we were just going to hang out. By some miracle the rain stopped right around dusk. Mike managed to get a fire going and a couple of the most local people showed up to our soggy backyard, like my neighbour from right across the street.



The kids got to roast their marshmallows. And Abby, who wasn't feeling so hot, wandered off to toss her cookies a couple of times. She's s trooper that kid though and wasn't about to miss out on a party even if she did have to take a 45 minute power nap in the middle of it. Mike set off the fireworks we'd bought for the first attempt and we sat around gabbing until the rain began to fall again officially ending the 5th addition of the Roasting of our Weenies.

I did have one small surprise up my sleeve though. Since Monday was Robin's birthday and it was a weenie roasting get together I did the only logical thing I could do and make a weenie cake or two.



They were totally adorable, super easy to make and Robin loved them. Which was the most important part. That being said I still discussed at great length with anybody and everybody who would listen how I could make them better. First off the bun to dog ratio was off. I had made the hotdog out of cool whip, next time I'll cut down the "bun" and use the leftover cake to make the dog. The condiments though, were dead on.



And now to Robin, although I'm not sure what I have left to say about her. I may have said it all. I could tell you how much I love her, but it goes so far beyond that. We're talking about a woman who's seen me at my best and at my worst. Who's put my drunken ass to bed and never mocked me for it. Who's laughed with me and cried with me. Who's shared her home and her family and her life with me. Who's life is completely and utterly meshed with mine. Who cooks for me, supports me, cheers me on and cheers me up. Who lets me rant and vent and bitch and sometimes all three at once. Who's funny and amazing and wonderful and sweet and truly the sister of my heart.

I love you Robin! Everyday a little bit more! You and me.... Mamma Mia, just say when!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

hodge podge

Well tonight should have found me in the backyard at the Fifth Annual Roast Your Weenie Event, but for the first time in it's long and distinguished history we had to call it on account of rain. And of course it ended up not raining. What are the odds?

Roast Your Weenie started out small, but it's been growing in popularity. It is the ultimate night for this hostess with the mostess since it requires me to do very little at all in the way of preparation. It's hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. We'll supply the food and the roasting sticks, you take care of the rest. Originally it started it out as a work thing for Michael, but every year I think about tinkering with the formula.

Since we suddenly found ourselves with no plans, Robin invited us over for Chinese and the opportunity for Michael to unleash his inner Rock God with some RockBand. Turns out endless years of air guitar and air drums don't exactly translate well to the "real thing". My man can sing though, ninety something percent on Wanted Dead or Alive.

I saved myself some embarrassment and didn't even attempt RockBand, but y'all know if they had a Nashville Star edition I would have kicked it, old school.

next is a $7 million condo

Have I mentioned lately how terrific Robin is? Because she seriously is (and Tim too). Last night they invited us over for dinner. Brave girl that she is. It's always a little bit of controlled chaos when we get our six girls together. Anyway there was Chinese food on the menu, which is great because we don't typically order Chinese at home. And it's kind of become our thing when we're there. Yes, Abby is a picky eater, but she's usually good with chicken wings and/or chicken balls. Last night she just wasn't feeling either. Although she did try and I have to give her points for that. Usually food is rejected before it touches her lips. It's a stage I can't wait to be over with.

Having decided that she wouldn't be eating dinner Abby quietly excused herself from the table. Robin, of course, offered to make her something else. I insisted she was fine. And Tim quietly excused himself from the table. Ten minutes later he was back with a pizza for her. Which Abby happily ate for dinner instead. It was a real "awww, you guys!" kind of a moment. Not that such a scenario should have surprised me because Robin's my Oprah and that's how Oprah rolls, yo!

it's all over now

My intention was to post this yesterday, but was waylaid by computer problems and a house full of sick people. So enjoy today instead!

Last night we finally wound up Christmas and got together to exchange gifts with Robin, Tim and the kids. I think I was over come with the need to prove myself because one day after this disaster I attempted to make another fancy ass bundt cake in the other fancy ass bundt pan I got this year.



With much better results I think. A little sprinkling of icing sugar is all I allowed myself to do. I thought it would look like a light dusting of snow. Abby declared it Tinkerbell dust because damn that girl remembers everything. Whatever, it looked good and that's all I really cared about.

Now Robin always puts out a good spread because she rocks and I have to say after last night I'm seriously considering hiring her as my personal chef because Maya would not stop eating. Yep, the kid that never eats anything beyond peanut butter on a wrap stuffed herself with whatever Robin happened to set in front of her.



This is Mexican pizza that Maya ate by the spoonful or rather the chips she used merely as a spoon until it got too soggy to effectively load up with cream cheese and salsa. I'd like to point out that the other day I made her a bagel with cream cheese that she would not eat. She followed the dip with pizza, french fries, some chicken wings, about 4 glasses of water and chased it all with two pieces of chocolate castle cake. Most of which got into her, but a lot of it ended up all over her sleeper and Robin's floor.

Now you may be asking yourself why she was in her sleepers at dinner time, well that would be because her Dad and I forgot all about the puking she likes to do on long drives and didn't dose her up with gravol before we left the house. We also forgot to bring diapers because we rock as parents. A quick stop at the drugstore fixed the diaper problem and a dose of gravol at Robin's made the drive home puke free.

So as always Robin, my Oprah, spoiled us. The girls both got horses that they are crazy about. I got a potentially frightening gift card for a hair cut. Robin thinks I should go for that short and spiky at the back cut, but so far she's been unable to talk me into it. She is determined that I should get it done though, hence the gift card which says right on it.... for haircut so I can't be sneaky and go for a pedi instead. What do y'all think about this haircut business. Is Robin on to something or just out of her ever lovin' mind?

got the message

Today a funeral service was held for Robin's Mom. It was a loving tribute to a wonderful woman. She will be greatly missed. Lots of things happen in this world that people dismiss as coincidence, but depending on your belief structure that very same thing could also be viewed as a "sign" or "message". Me, I tend to waver back and forth between the two, only believing enough to not freak myself right out. What happened today I take as a sign. A very big sign. A message meant to comfort.

Years ago around Father's day our local airport would host an air show. It was something Robin's parents enjoyed attending each and every year until Robin's Dad passed away some years ago. Today as we traveled from the service to the reception and as Robin stood outside the reception site the Snowbirds, in formation, flew right overhead, circled back and flew over again. The Snowbirds are based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, but are in the area for an air show in Brantford tomorrow. An amazing coincidence for sure, but I like to think it was a little bit more than that.

life's learning curves

Abby was understandably curious and concerned about my reaction to Robin's phone call the other afternoon. Once off the phone I explained to her that I was sad because Robin's Mom had passed away.

"Well," she replied, "it isn't sad for me."

And I smiled a little smile through my tears because the honesty of kids is funny. Some times.

"Yes, you're right." I had to agree. "You didn't know Robin's Mom very well, but you know Robin right? And we love Robin, right?" Abby nodded in agreement. "Well Robin is sad and that makes Mommy sad."

She seemed okay with my somewhat simplistic attempt to teach her empathy so I left it at that. Later that night in bed we said our prayers asking for special prayers for Robin, her family and her Mom. "Is Robin still sad or is she happy?" Abby wondered.

"I think she's going to be sad for a while, honey."

"But I want her to be happy again." Ahh if it were only that easy. Not surprisingly the last couple of days have been filled with questions from Abby. I have tried to answer her as honestly as I can while still keeping it age appropriate. Tonight on our way to Robin's house we talked about how she should act when she saw Robin, what she could say to Robin and so on.

Abby mulled all this over and then asked, "Is Robin's Mom in heaven?"

"Yes, she is," I answered.

"How do you get to heaven?" Abby wanted to know.

"I really don't know, honey."

"I know how," Abby offered.

"How?"

"You lie down and you're dead. Then a cloud comes down from the sky and takes you to heaven."

I'm not sure that's how it happens, but I kind of hope she's right.

Sylvia, have a safe trip.

sad

Please excuse the lack of a What's Cooking Wednesday post, sometimes life just gets in the way. Tonight, instead, my heart aches for Robin and her family. Tonight I weep with them over the shockingly sudden passing of her Mother, Sylvia. Even now, hours after I first heard the news I sit here in disbelief. I have recanted the story several times for various members of my own friends and family, but it hasn't made it anymore real. I would hazard a guess that Robin is feeling much the same thing. That first stage of numbness, the one that carries you through the myriad of decisions that need to be made in the coming days.

I think I met Sylvia for the first time just when Robin and I were on the cusp of becoming friends. Probably during one of the dozens of worker bee parties that we had to get Robin ready for her wedding day. That could very well be my first memory of her. In my kitchen, icing an elaborate "dummy" cake for Robin and Tim's big day. It was such a complicated structure, but she did an amazing job with it. Not that it was surprising, she was quite the talented crafter. Robin's home showcases many of her projects. From boo boo bunnies to toilet paper holders and everything in between. When Robin's girls arrived on the scene so did little projects she had made for them, like hats. There were a lot of "made by Grandma" hats for those girls.

I'm not quite sure when she found the time and energy to work on these projects since a lot of her time was spent with Robin and the girls. With Tim being out of town for work most of the week, Sylvia was there to lend a helping hand. I can't imagine being at Robin's without Sylvia tapping away at the laptop in the kitchen.

I just don't know what else to say. Words fail me in the way they do for most in these circumstances. I pray.... well for so many things, but right now for Robin to have the strength to get through, a lot, but especially these next few days.

it's all about robin

Well it's been exactly one year since my first post in The Birthday Series. A little something I cooked up for my dearest friend Robin. Since we're back here one full year later it would be safe to assume that, once again, we're celebrating Robin's birth. Now it would be real easy for me to throw last year's post up here and just add one more reason I love her, but I think she deserves a little bit better than that, especially since I couldn't be with her today. I largely blame her though because she's been away for like a month (or maybe it just feels like a month) and really what kind of BFF does that?

Robin and I have been friends forever or so it seems. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly when she arrived in my life. She was actually friends with my Mom first, but I knew a good thing when I saw it and scooped her up. Oh the things we have shared since then. Well I could write a book, but this post will have to suffice.

Good hair cuts and bad ones (okay the bad ones were largely mine). Dye jobs, both home grown and professional. Manis and pedis. Foot rubs, back rubs, head massages. Clothes, but not often because have you seen her? She's like Big Bird and me not so much.

Weddings. Hers, we were just newly friends, but that didn't stop her from getting me to thread endless spools of ribbon through endless miles of lace. To get even with her I had her plan and organize my entire wedding. True story.

Sleepless nights. Late nights on the phone watching TV together. Sleepovers. Movie nights. Close the restaurant nights. (East Side Mario's is our place. I'm not afraid to say it out loud.) Dinners at my house and hers. Barbecues. Parties - birthday, anniversary, surprise, buck & does. Recipes, mine and hers.

Babies. Mine and hers. All girls. Courtney first, for her. Then Nikki and Breanne (my God daughter) before I got my turn. Abby (her God daughter), then Kailey. Their birthdays only three hundred and sixty-four days a part. Finally my turn again with Maya. Whenever possible being there to meet the pink scrunched up face of a newborn who's age could be measured in minutes.

Good times. Laughs, laughs and more laughs, it just comes so easy when we're together. Drinks. Alcoholic drinks. She may have had to pour me into bed one night, but I don't really remember and she has the good grace not to mention it. We're all iced tea and water girls now.

Low times. Crying on each others shoulder. I've seen her cry as much for my loss as her own. Hugs exactly when you need them. Or just showing up with dinner when you're hormonal and have a baby in NICU and a pre-schooler who doesn't understand what's going on and you're making endless trips to the hospital.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this. Everyone should have Robin in their life. I am so lucky I have mine.

Love you and happy birthday!

random scenes from a mall

On the way to the mall I turned to check on Maya and found her with both index fingers knuckle deep up her nose. They stayed that way for a long time.

Walking into the mall, Mike's pushing Maya in the stroller and Abby says "I wish I'd brought my cat."
Me: Abby, you can't bring a cat to the mall.
Abby: Yes I can. I did last time.
Me: Oh you mean your cat you made at Build-a-Bear with Granny.
Abby: Yeah! I didn't mean Zebby.
That last sentence was said with that 'gee is my Mom lame' tone of voice that they usually don't perfect until they're 14.

Picked up a Sleeping Beauty shirt and matching shorts at the Disney Store for $9.99, regular price $22.50. Also snagged a Sleeping Beauty plush doll for $7.99, regular price $19.99. So, for those playing along at home, I got both items for less than the cost of one.

Some how managed to keep from buying up a whole whack of $2.99 flip flops for Abby. Oh and $3.50 canvas slip-ons.

Restrained myself and stayed out of The Children's Place even though they were having their "Monster Sale".

Picked up three t-shirts for Abby at Old Navy at the bargain basement price of $12.00 for the lot.

Keeping with my habit of running into long lost friends at Old Navy, Abby and I happened upon Robin Oprah and the girls.

While I was busy trying to have my bill adjusted Abby declared she didn't want to be a part of our family anymore and she was going to pack "all her shorts and shirts" and move into Oprah's mansion.

On her own Abby gravitated towards the LaSenza Girl store and a table full of slinky halter tops. "I really love this Mom" she told me as she grasped the top tightly in her hand. Pointing out she was a minimum of 10 years to young for that top and it was about 7 sizes too big did little to dissuade her. Fortunately she's only a budding fashionista and could be bought off with the promise of an elevator ride.

Walking past the jewelry store:
Me: Hey Abby, want to get your ears pierced?
Abby: No it hurts I heard.
Me: Who did you hear that from?
Abby: Tiffany, she has them and it hurt her really bad.
Seriously, this is the conversations she's having with her friends?

Shuffle up and deal.

First I have to say I love the Super Wal-Mart. Tonight while grocery shopping I picked myself up a brand spanking new keyboard. A keyboard in which all the letters work. It's a Festivus miracle. Anyway as ecstatic as I am over being able to use all letters of the alphabet I have to say this keyboard will take a bit of adjusting to. It's much smaller that my previous keyboard which was a microsoft with all the bells and whistles and by that I mean it had an email key. This one has little space between the sections of keys and the back space button is a single while I'm used to a double. Oh and there's no wrist rest, but what the hell do you expect for $9.88?

Okay so back to Saturday night and my pseudo birthday party. What did I tell you, this is the birthday that will not end. Abby was disappointed that we had canceled the poker game last weekend that we reorganized it. I am far from a great poker player, but I do enjoy the game. This time Courtney begged to be allowed to play. Yes, that would be the eleven year old daughter of my best friend Oprah Robin. So we let her play and before you know it.....



She's the stinkin' chip leader. Watch out Jennifer Tilly she's coming after you. Yep, she schooled us all in the game of poker until it was down to just her and Michael. And the surprising winner was...



Michael! Yes, I know it's hard to believe isn't it?

Now you'd think that the poker game would be the highlight of the night,but you'd be wrong because folks I got out the chocolate fountain. No pseudo birthday party/poker game is complete without one. The little girls ate a disgusting amount of pretzels dipped in chocolate which was fine with me because at least they were leaving the strawberries alone. So that's it. I think we can now safely wrap up my birthday for another year and start focusing on Abby's birthday party. Or at least that's what she keeps telling me.

Complete photographic evidence here.

Friday Favourites - A Night Out

I have droned on and on about being on a debt diet for the last year. I have to say it has been the best decision I have ever made in my life. It still sickens me to think of the money that we wasted by simply not paying attention to our spending. So with our new budget came a lot of lifestyle changes, things like unnecessary spending and eating out went out the window. Now that I'm back to work and making more money that I was on government support maternity leave there is a little more wiggle room in the budget. So when Robin Oprah asked me earlier this week if Mike and I wanted to catch a movie I did a quick numbers crunch, tracked down a baby sitter and MSN'ed her to say, "Hell yes."

Tonight we met up at our local googleplex to catch last week's number one flick, Wild Hogs. I was instantly in because my secret boyfriend is John Travolta. Yeah I've been a John Travolta fan since back when Grease was the word. Mike wasn't sure he wanted to go since he's really not a Tim Allen fan. So I helpfully suggested he block Tim Allen out and concentrate on Martin Lawrence instead. He wasn't convinced that would work, but being a good sport he agreed to go. We weren't the only ones that had this idea as the theater was packed and boy, was the place laughing. From start to finish it was funny funny stuff. William H Macy is really great in this movie and even Mike had to admit that Tim Allen was impressive. I expect this will be one we'll be purchasing on DVD.

After the movie we popped over to Montana's for some ribs. Well they all had ribs, I stuck with the chicken. Before I knew it the coach was getting dangerously close to turning back into a pumpkin. It was time to settle up the bill and head home so Grandma Linda could get home to bed. Tonight was a really great treat for us. Thanks Robin for suggesting it. We'll meet up again next month for Blades of Steel.

No dinner and a movie was great, especially when we get to go with Robin and Tim, but what was a little bit better was coming home to find the mountain of precariously stacked dishes I left in the sink had all been washed. I could have and should have kissed Grandma Linda. Although I have to admit it is a bit of a struggle for me to accept gifts like that. I find I have to consciously remind myself that it was done to simply help us out and in no way was it a passive aggressive comment on my home making skills, like you would expect from some mother in laws. Then afterwards I fear that I never sound grateful enough. So just on the off chance I didn't adequately convey how much I love you for doing that I'll say it again! Thanks so much!