MOvember Update

Well, whether you like it or not, I am enjoying some upper lip luxury. It's not easy grooming a Moustache. It takes a devoted man that is ready to face any challenge life can throw at him. As you can see, the more the Mo grows, the more Dapper I become. Just look at my face...I mean business! There is no settling for second-best in my eyes. It's all or nothing. So...here's to staying classy...

Movember

Well, it is that time of year again. Last year it was just a new concept, which I wasn't too sure of. But I have waited all year in anticipation for the wondrous event known as MOVEMBER!!!

If you have never heard of Movember, than I will quickly explain:

a MO = a moustache

November = a month toward the end of the year

Movember = a month in which men grow moustaches to raise money to fight Prostate Cancer.

A few of us at my work had fun growing a moustache last Movember...but this year we registered, and have the whole school involved. As of Nov. 1st, each of us shaved, and are currently growing moustaches. It is a fun way for us 'boys' to raise money for a good cause.

So...as the month continues...I will update with pictures.

If you want to learn more, go to this website...ca.movember.com

NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Well, I guess I figured I would just write briefly about some of my readings of late. I don't remember when I felt the need to do so, but sometime in the summer I thought I should read the Twilight series, just to see what the hype was about.

As I muddled through the first book, I wondered if there needed to be so much lovey-doveyness. The main storyline was alright, but the rest was borderline nauseating (sorry if I am offending anyone...just being honest).

The next few books I found I was just ignoring the lovey parts (I am not opposed to romance, but when it is somewhat cheesy, I am no good...just ask Kelly how I react to that sort of thing during movies), but the main parts were getting really good. So, I found myself reading as much as I could manage per day...even staying up later than a father of four early risers should. But, I was hooked. I finished the series off quickly, and even had that feeling at the end of "dang, it's over". BUT...I couldn't stand the romance part...to cheesy. Storyline was great.

So from there, I went on to read half of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. There are 13 books in all...but the library doesn't have them all, and after six or seven, I was getting tired of reading them. They are great books though. I read them fast, because they are easy to read, and very entertaining. I would recommend them to anyone that loves younger reader books. I happen to enjoy those types of books. I usually look in the Young Readers section at the library.

I then went to see the Guardians movie...and it was disappointing, as most movies are that have been based on books. As I was leaving the Theatre, I noticed there is another Chronicles of Narnia movie coming out...The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

So, since I have not finished that series (only read The Magician's Nephew, Lion/Witch/Wardrobe, and The Boy and His Horse). So I decided to read the Dawn Treader. I just finished. It was alright. Not boring, but not terribly exciting. I can't keep reading the Chronicles though. I find them hard to get into at times. Anyway, I didn't realize until today, when I looked in the inside of my Chronicles collection, that the movies are following the order the books were published, not the order in which CS Lewis wanted the books organized. Interesting.


Anyway, we have just been up to the usual...trying to survive and still have fun. Here are some pictures from Halloween.

This one is from Thanksgiving

Zoo Are You? Zoo Zoo. Zoo Zoo.

Last weekend we took off to the Valley to take the kids to the Zoo. We didn't end up getting there until 4PM or so. It was crazy hot out, too! I enjoyed the heat, but not sure it was great for Charlie. He was breaking out in heat rashes on his arms. The girls had a great time though. I like the zoo as well. It's fun to see the different animals. Though, the one complaint I have is that it is usually hard to see the "big ticket" animals...the lions, tigers and bears.

Anyway, there were some fun and funny moments while we were away. Here are some photos.

As you can see, Humphrey's humps are starting to get saggy. Poor fella. Not very appealing! He's getting old!
This is the little spider monkey. He was right by the fence, looking cute. He seemed sort of lonely. The girls liked him.

These two friends were up in the reptile room. They seemed like they were posing for a picture. Morgan really liked the spiders, but I couldn't get any good pictures of them. I was surprised she liked them.
This guy was Morgan's best friend. The other two were scared of him. I can't really blame them, he was pretty aggresive! Morgan didn't mind, though, even when he jumped at her when she was close to the cage. It was funny.

Here are a couple pics of Charlie enjoying his first big outing.

Emma looking somewhat pleased. She was actually somewhat afraid of some of the animals this year. She kept going crazy about needing hand sanitizer after petting any animal.

Ruby, who is scared of dogs, would only get so close to the docile pug. I kept telling her to get closer, but it was like pulling teeth.

Morgan had no problem with the animals. She loved it there. She was happily playing with this little goat, until some random girl came over, picked it up, and put it back over the fence it crawled under. It was very bizzare. It really annoyed me, actually, because we were having fun with the goat.

Here is one of the three girls, in front of a nice Llama. Emma was quite nervous.

Anyway, afterwards we ate at the Farmers resturant. It was great. I got the huge Clubhouse, but after a bite or two, I realised they forgot the bacon. So the waitress took it back for me, and they were going to cook up some bacon and put it on for me. I expected them to just shove it in the same sandwich...nope...they gave me a whole new sandwich. Great place to eat!

It was a fun day.

Photo Blog of Charlie

This is basically just going to be some photos. I chose ones that were good of Charlie, so that people could see the young lad. He is home now and doing well. His Mom is doing pretty good, too. Mom and Pops are both tired, but happy. I am actually at home with all 4 by myself, b/c Kelly and Ralph had to go to the bank. Luckily two are sleeping, one is watching Little Bear (not Emma), and the other is not complaining at the moment (playing quietly with barbies).

Life is changing! I love my increasing family!

Charlie is here!!

Okay, this is a quick one. I am just on a quick stop home, and figured I would spread the news. Charlie William Veinot was born to Kelly and I last night (June 30th...his actual due date) at about 10:30PM. It was a tough go during delivery for Kelly...first one without an epidural. She made it through, and Charlie is now with us. We are so excited, and so were the three girls this morning, when they met their baby brother (all with their "Big Sis" shirts on).

Okay, I better go. More info and pictures when we get back from the hospital.

A Tale of Two Girls

Once upon a time, there were two pregnant women that gave birth to two lovely babies within the course of five days. The first was named Audrey, and she was blessed with brown hair and an older brother. She was born in the land of Yarmouth.

The second, born five days later, was named Ruby, and she was blessed with blonde hair, and two older sisters. She was born in the land of Halifax.

Not only were these two girls born cousins to each other, but they would become friends and playmates. And...at a certain time each year, they would celebrate their birthdays...TOGETHER!

Here are the Birthday Girls...

They were born June 3rd and June 8th. Their magical 2nd Birthday Party was held Saturday, June 5th.

And look, their Birthday cakes...made by the village baker.

And then the cake was devoured...

And that is the tale of two girls that turned two together.

Here are a couple pictures of Ruby on her party day (her birthday for real is on Tuesday).

HAPPY B-DAY AUDREY AND RUBY.

My Brave Mother In Law

It has been almost a year since we received the news that Debbie had Lymphoma. We were quite shocked, and did not know what to expect as a result. She was to start Chemotherapy as soon as possible.

I never thought Debbie would make it through Chemo treatments. I don't know why. I guess I didn't think she was brave enough, or strong enough. I mean, nothing against my wonderful mother in law...but I seriously underestimated her.

As she went through the treatments for six months...I was surprised at her strength and courage. She dealt with the treatments very well, and was very brave.

As she went through more treatments early this year, it was evident that the pain was wearing her down a little. She still managed to impress me with her bravery.

Then, a month ago, when we got the news that more cancer was forming within her body, we were saddened, and could do nothing but hope for the best. She started a new, more intense chemotherapy, and it was definetly obvious that she was wearing down.

As we visited in early May, I saw how tired out Debbie was. She spoke of wanting the whole buisness to be over. The cancer was taking its toll. Poor Debbie was strong though, still...if not physically, then surly spiritually. She was very brave. She was not afraid to pass on. She wished the pain would go away, and was at peace with things in this life.

Then, last Friday, as we received the news that there would be no more chemotherapy, it was a time of sadness. Knowing that her cancer was winning the battle, and not her, was terrible news. We rushed to Halifax as soon as we could, to see her. Though the pain was almost completly absent, due to the morphine...we saw a very subdued and tired Debbie. But, she was brave, and at peace. She was happy, knowing that she would soon leave the pain that her treatments had left her with.

As we visited, expressed our love, and said our goodbyes...we did not know when we would see her again. We did not know if she would get to see Charlie or not. But we were blessed to spend that time with her.

We knew that her condition had been deteriorating all that week, but were not sure when she would pass away.

Last night, around 10:15PM, Ralph called to let us know our brave Debbie has passed away.

She leaves us having been much loved by so many. We intensely miss her. But we are happy that she is in a peaceful and restful place.

Her example of bravery is amazing. I wish I could express how deeply she will be missed. But how blessed we were to have her here. We will cherish all memories of her.

My mother in law was brave. She was loved. She was "my favorite mother in law".