Dear CEO of Toy Companies and Toy Packaging Companies:
Well, another Christmas has come and gone, and another seven bags of garbage are being thrown out. Sadly, most of this garbage consists of cardboard packaging, plastic, and other assorted items used in packaging my children's toys.
Why oh why do you find it necessary to strap a toy into a box with those wonderful silver twist ties? Nothing says cheer and fun like hearing Mommy and Daddy swear because there are 17 silver beauties holding the toy in place. It gets even better when Mommy has to run and get a bandage because Daddy sliced his hand because he had to use scissors to cut through the silver beasts to get the toy out. And Christmas just wouldn't be the same without having anxious, over-sugared children waiting desperately for their toys to be pried out of jaws of those silver vice-grips.
I always knew that toy companies were in cahoots with battery companies (I mean come on, does it really take 6 double AA batteries to run a toy car?), but now I realize that you are also in collaboration with Home Depot and other hardware stores. Now there are actually tools that are specifically designed to get toys out of their plastic packing! What brilliance! What genius!! What a royal pain in the ass!!
I have to say though, my favourite part of the whole de-packaging fiasco was to find that my son's toy was actually screwed into a solid piece of plastic. Said piece of plastic was then twist-tied into the cardboard box, and said cardboard box.... you guessed it! It was totally encased with more plastic!! But then again, that toy can be shot to the moon and back and that sucker won't move a centimeter because of all that fantastic packaging.
The true irony of the situation is that when unpacking a toy for my 3 month old daughter, I had to cut through the ties. Nothing says choking hazard like lethal silver twist ties!
So thank you Mr or Ms CEO. Thank you for extending the time it takes to unwrap presents by a solid two hours because it takes at least that much time to pull the toys out of their packages. Thank you for destroying my children's innocence because they had to hear their parents swear to high heaven in frustration over these packages. Thank you for destroying the Earth by filling landfills with unneccessary packing material. And finally, thank you, thank you, thank you for creating choking hazards not with your toys, but with your packaging.
But hey - that's what Christmas is all about - right?
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Merry Christmas!! (a little late....)
Merry Christmas!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and got to spend time with family and friends.
Our Christmas started with festivities at Brigitte and Mac's place on Christmas Eve. We opened presents, had a turkey dinner, and spent some great time with Brigitte & Mac, and Karen & Tim and the kids. Aidan scored with a Hot Wheels garage / racetrack thingamajig, and Quinn was delighted with his cool guitar (who cares if it's pink - both kids LOVED it!).
We left Brigitte and Mac's around 8:00 for the drive to Cinci so we could spend Christmas Day with my family. All three kids were spectacular and slept the whole drive. We managed to power through with zero stops and did the drive in around 4.5 hours.
Christmas day at Nanna and Nannu's house was chaotic to say the least, but I think everyone had a great time. The cousins' had a blast playing together, and I don't think there was a quiet moment the entire time we were there. Chris and I learned how to play Rumoli, and I discovered the folly of over-eating (ugh!). Quinn opened his mixer and blender from Santa and the smile hasn't left his face!!
We arrived home on Thursday night to discover that Santa had also stopped at our house. Aidan was so cute- he was jumping up and down with this HUGE grin on his face saying: Santa came here too!!! I was super happy because Santa brought me a day at the spa - that Santa sure knows me well!
Now we're in a bit of a lull - just trying to figure out where all the new toys will go!
Our Christmas started with festivities at Brigitte and Mac's place on Christmas Eve. We opened presents, had a turkey dinner, and spent some great time with Brigitte & Mac, and Karen & Tim and the kids. Aidan scored with a Hot Wheels garage / racetrack thingamajig, and Quinn was delighted with his cool guitar (who cares if it's pink - both kids LOVED it!).
We left Brigitte and Mac's around 8:00 for the drive to Cinci so we could spend Christmas Day with my family. All three kids were spectacular and slept the whole drive. We managed to power through with zero stops and did the drive in around 4.5 hours.
Christmas day at Nanna and Nannu's house was chaotic to say the least, but I think everyone had a great time. The cousins' had a blast playing together, and I don't think there was a quiet moment the entire time we were there. Chris and I learned how to play Rumoli, and I discovered the folly of over-eating (ugh!). Quinn opened his mixer and blender from Santa and the smile hasn't left his face!!
We arrived home on Thursday night to discover that Santa had also stopped at our house. Aidan was so cute- he was jumping up and down with this HUGE grin on his face saying: Santa came here too!!! I was super happy because Santa brought me a day at the spa - that Santa sure knows me well!
Now we're in a bit of a lull - just trying to figure out where all the new toys will go!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Naughty and Nice
A little naughty:
Dear Santa,
Please send me a baby brother.
Santa wrote back:
'Send me your mother..
A little nice:
Dear Santa,
Please send me a baby brother.
Santa wrote back:
'Send me your mother..
A little nice:
Monday, December 17, 2007
It's a white Christmas already
And now for your weekend update:
On Saturday, we went over to Karen's place and celebrated the James Christmas since Heidi, Robert and little Robert were in town. It was a really nice time and the kids had a blast playing with each other. Both kids were exhausted when we left, and Quinn fell asleep in the car on the way home (around 5:45 or so). Well, the poor little bugger was so tired he never woke up! We stripped him down, put on his PJs and put him in bed, and we didn't hear from him until 7:30 the next morning!
Saturday night was also a big night for Miss Shannon. She went to sleep at 11:15 p.m. and didn't wake up until 7:15 a.m. Yep, we got a solid 8 hours of sleep!! I felt like a new woman!
On Sunday we had snow, snow, and more snow. We got about 6 - 8 inches of snow, which for us is MASSIVE!! We shoveled the driveway twice, and Chris and I each had to help push cars out of our street (of course Aidan thought that it was soooo..... cool that Mummy and Daddy pushed cars!). But, it was a pretty awesome day as we just hung around, played in the snow and hung out with the neighbours. I have to say though, I am sooooo..... tired and sore today from all that shoveling AND dragging Aidan back from the toboggan hill (the snow was so deep the kids couldn't really walk so we just piled them into the sleds and then pulled them home. I tell ya, I felt like a sled-dog!)
Today things are mostly back to normal, and everything looks very festive covered in a big blanket of snow. However, Aidan is quite concerned that Santa's not going to be able to see our house since a lot of the Christmas lights are buried under the snow. I've told him that Santa will have no problem finding our house, but I'm not sure that he bought it.
Just a reminder: t-minus 8 days and counting!!
On Saturday, we went over to Karen's place and celebrated the James Christmas since Heidi, Robert and little Robert were in town. It was a really nice time and the kids had a blast playing with each other. Both kids were exhausted when we left, and Quinn fell asleep in the car on the way home (around 5:45 or so). Well, the poor little bugger was so tired he never woke up! We stripped him down, put on his PJs and put him in bed, and we didn't hear from him until 7:30 the next morning!
Saturday night was also a big night for Miss Shannon. She went to sleep at 11:15 p.m. and didn't wake up until 7:15 a.m. Yep, we got a solid 8 hours of sleep!! I felt like a new woman!
On Sunday we had snow, snow, and more snow. We got about 6 - 8 inches of snow, which for us is MASSIVE!! We shoveled the driveway twice, and Chris and I each had to help push cars out of our street (of course Aidan thought that it was soooo..... cool that Mummy and Daddy pushed cars!). But, it was a pretty awesome day as we just hung around, played in the snow and hung out with the neighbours. I have to say though, I am sooooo..... tired and sore today from all that shoveling AND dragging Aidan back from the toboggan hill (the snow was so deep the kids couldn't really walk so we just piled them into the sleds and then pulled them home. I tell ya, I felt like a sled-dog!)
Today things are mostly back to normal, and everything looks very festive covered in a big blanket of snow. However, Aidan is quite concerned that Santa's not going to be able to see our house since a lot of the Christmas lights are buried under the snow. I've told him that Santa will have no problem finding our house, but I'm not sure that he bought it.
Just a reminder: t-minus 8 days and counting!!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
It's up!
Yesterday the boys were at school so I took advantage of the calm and serenity to decorate the tree. I'm a bit anal about tree decorating (to put it mildly!) so it's better for everyone if I do it on my own. ;-)
The tree came out really well, and there was only some minor swearing involved (which for me is nothing short of miraculous!!). So now the house is totally decorated and we can get ready for Santa's visit!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Hustle and Bustle
The Christmas crush is certainly upon us: it seems like the days are just flying by! On Saturday we went to the Christmas tree farm, and we had a fantastic time. The day was just glorious, sunny, warm (well, warm for December!) and we had a great time cutting down the tree, riding the train and ponies, and sitting by the campfire. The tree is now in the house, and I'm just waiting for the branches to fall a bit before the decorating madness begins.
On Sunday we took it easy, and just lounged around. After dinner Chris brought out the spotlight and we went skating in the backyard rink for the first time. Aidan had so much fun! He kept saying: "We're doing midnight skating mummy!!" Here are some pics:
Today we had a Christmas party at our playgroup, and all three kids got presents from Santa. Quinn kept running up to Santa saying: "Santa, want mixer and blender peez!!" (translation: Santa, I want a mixer and blender please!". It was too cute!
Finally, the other night we gave Shannon a bath, and she was just too cute. She was totally relaxed and just loving life. Check it out:
On Sunday we took it easy, and just lounged around. After dinner Chris brought out the spotlight and we went skating in the backyard rink for the first time. Aidan had so much fun! He kept saying: "We're doing midnight skating mummy!!" Here are some pics:
Today we had a Christmas party at our playgroup, and all three kids got presents from Santa. Quinn kept running up to Santa saying: "Santa, want mixer and blender peez!!" (translation: Santa, I want a mixer and blender please!". It was too cute!
Finally, the other night we gave Shannon a bath, and she was just too cute. She was totally relaxed and just loving life. Check it out:
Monday, December 10, 2007
Memorable quotes:
Overheard tonight at dinner:
Quinn: "Eeedan gib me a bake!!"
Translation: "Aidan, give me a break!"
Too funny!!
Quinn: "Eeedan gib me a bake!!"
Translation: "Aidan, give me a break!"
Too funny!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Smile!
SMILE FOR YOU
Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Here are some pictures to get you started:
Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Here are some pictures to get you started:
Monday, December 3, 2007
Musings...
Mondays are 'girls day'. Aidan is in school, and Quinn goes to daycare so it's just Shannon and I.
Well today is a pretty crummy day weather-wise, so Shannon and I are hanging out at home. Actually, she's lounging and I'm running around trying to do laundry, put up some Christmas decorations, etc.
I finished feeding her, and laid her in my lap. I spent the next five minutes just staring at my beautiful girl. She was fast asleep, a little dribble of milk in the corner of her mouth, arms splayed out to the side and her feet dangling off my lap. She was totally relaxed and at peace, and it was so nice to be able to take some time and just watch and stare at this little miracle. I've always thought that babies are the most amazing creatures - it just boggles my mind to think that this little being is the creation of two people. When I look at Shannon it's even more special because I know (or at least I'm 99% sure) that she's going to be our last. To see her smiling, twitching and just lying in my lap blows me away. There is nothing more special than being able to sit and enjoy this moment.
OK - the dryer just buzzed - back to reality!
Well today is a pretty crummy day weather-wise, so Shannon and I are hanging out at home. Actually, she's lounging and I'm running around trying to do laundry, put up some Christmas decorations, etc.
I finished feeding her, and laid her in my lap. I spent the next five minutes just staring at my beautiful girl. She was fast asleep, a little dribble of milk in the corner of her mouth, arms splayed out to the side and her feet dangling off my lap. She was totally relaxed and at peace, and it was so nice to be able to take some time and just watch and stare at this little miracle. I've always thought that babies are the most amazing creatures - it just boggles my mind to think that this little being is the creation of two people. When I look at Shannon it's even more special because I know (or at least I'm 99% sure) that she's going to be our last. To see her smiling, twitching and just lying in my lap blows me away. There is nothing more special than being able to sit and enjoy this moment.
OK - the dryer just buzzed - back to reality!
T-minus 22 days and counting....
Yep, only 22 days left till Christmas - AAAACKKKK!!!
We had a fun-filled weekend. We took it easy for the most part on Saturday and then hit the Santa Claus parade on Saturday night. Yep - they have the parade at night here which is pretty cool because all the floats are lit up with Christmas lights. It was a good parade, but short on candy (as Aidan and Quinn kept reminding me), and it was COLD. It started out fine, but the longer we stood there the colder it got. Thankfully it only lasted about 45 minutes!
On Sunday we went to a birthday party, and then Chris and Aidan went outside to build the hockey rink. It snowed Saturday night (mark this down - Saturday Dec 1 was the first snowfall of the year!) so we actually had to clear the snow away to build the rink. By the time Chris finished it was pouring rain so we got a head start on filling it! We'll see how it turns out - Aidan is super excited to skate on it!!
Here are some random pictures from the weekend:
Aidan and his tree:
Aidan being the pirate:
Quinn jumping of the couch downstairs:
We had a fun-filled weekend. We took it easy for the most part on Saturday and then hit the Santa Claus parade on Saturday night. Yep - they have the parade at night here which is pretty cool because all the floats are lit up with Christmas lights. It was a good parade, but short on candy (as Aidan and Quinn kept reminding me), and it was COLD. It started out fine, but the longer we stood there the colder it got. Thankfully it only lasted about 45 minutes!
On Sunday we went to a birthday party, and then Chris and Aidan went outside to build the hockey rink. It snowed Saturday night (mark this down - Saturday Dec 1 was the first snowfall of the year!) so we actually had to clear the snow away to build the rink. By the time Chris finished it was pouring rain so we got a head start on filling it! We'll see how it turns out - Aidan is super excited to skate on it!!
Here are some random pictures from the weekend:
Aidan and his tree:
Aidan being the pirate:
Quinn jumping of the couch downstairs:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)