I love having our table full and listening to the stories, the jokes, the experiences and most of all the laughter that fills this house after school.
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Monday, December 01, 2014
Love Came Down
December is here, and yes, I've failed to be a good "blogger" this year. Only 2 entries since today. Hoping to post daily in December. Things I'm most thankful, the big and the small each day. To remember what truly happened to have us all celebrate Christmas. It's when Love Came Down to earth.
Sunday, June 01, 2014
Life Got in the Way
Wow, I have not had a night where I could sit in front of a computer and just browse, since....well, according to my last post January! Life is crazy!
So thankful for the warmer sunnier days to be here. Love the long days, the large amounts of fresh air and outdoor activities, and deeper sleeps at night! Since the weather is here, also means our schedule is really full! Monday's baseball, Tuesday Track and Field and baseball, Wednesday t-balls, Thursday soccer and Friday brings the weekend which by looking at the calendar has something written on it every weekend! Between tournaments, races, gatherings, functions and soon camping, we are on the go!
It's nights like this that I long for simpler days. But I'm so content, and continually learning to be thankful and happy for the things we have and just living intentionally in the moments that come, fully engaged and present.
Just thankful!
So thankful for the warmer sunnier days to be here. Love the long days, the large amounts of fresh air and outdoor activities, and deeper sleeps at night! Since the weather is here, also means our schedule is really full! Monday's baseball, Tuesday Track and Field and baseball, Wednesday t-balls, Thursday soccer and Friday brings the weekend which by looking at the calendar has something written on it every weekend! Between tournaments, races, gatherings, functions and soon camping, we are on the go!
It's nights like this that I long for simpler days. But I'm so content, and continually learning to be thankful and happy for the things we have and just living intentionally in the moments that come, fully engaged and present.
Just thankful!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
New Year, New Beginnings
We are officially half way done the first month of 2014. This has been the first week of real normal routine around our home. Last week started out with buses cancelled, school closed, buses cancelled and power outages, Thursday was the kids first official day back to school. Joel was lost with them gone. So was I! But when Monday rolled around, I started to feel that control came back, and routine began. Although it's Thursday night, and the kids are excited because it's already the weekend here due to the pd day that is tomorrow.
Our Christmas was great, low key, and we really just had time to enjoy. Sure we didn't decorate to the nines, cook huge meals, and spoil the kids, but I think we pulled off a happy time, a great family time.
When January rolls around, do you find yourself starting new things, starting over things you never seem to make a habit? I do. One thing I've started is a memory jar for the family. We write things down that happen in a day that we want to remember. I'm sure people do this daily, but I've been doing it with random things on random days, like the day Amberly lost her tooth, or when we had company, funny things that were said, things like that. Then on Dec. 31, 2014, we open the jar and go through it all.
Other than that I have the typical things I want to work on. Of course one is to get fit again. Last year I let it all slide, I didn't care what I put in my mouth, and never opted for the healthy options, I just let it all go, and boy is my body showing the evidence of that! So I've started to think about what I eat, and really listen to my body, most of the time I'm not hungry! And I've been exercising 5 days a week. I've been getting up at the dark time of 5:20am and I drag myself down to the basement where I ride the exercise bike for 30mins. After that I spend time in God's word. I've just started doing a new study with the girls from Alma called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed. It's so far great! And lastly, I've been apart of an online group called Hello Mornings, where we're encouraged to rise early, spend time with God, plan for our day and exercise. I've been doing 2 of those 3 things, but I've not been a planner. So this week has been a simple challenge to just pinpoint 3 things you want to accomplish by the end of the day. Easy! I've been tired, trying to adjust to my new early start times, but I already find that I get the best sleep at night, and I just feel better.
2014 makes me nervous as it moves our family into a different stage in life, leaving behind a stage I'm not sure I want to leave quite yet. This past week, I completed the form to register Joel into JK. I'm not sure he's ready to go, and I know I'm definitely not ready! It means that I don't have any babies at home, and that makes me sad. But the thought of having another baby doesn't sit well with me either, there are times, yes, where I would love to do it all again, but I've come to appreciate the little bit of independence that has re-entered my life. But with Joel's return to school also makes the question of returning to work come to mind. Yes this was the original idea, I would return to work when Joel starts school. As easy as that sounds, it's not. We still have summers, school holidays, pd days to contend with, as well as the unexpected illness that requires a day off school. And it's the rushing around, the schedules and the list goes on. I've gotten used to this life of being home full-time, and I feel that I've been doing it well. But I just don't know!
Lots of things to think about early in the mornings! What's in store for your 2014?
Our Christmas was great, low key, and we really just had time to enjoy. Sure we didn't decorate to the nines, cook huge meals, and spoil the kids, but I think we pulled off a happy time, a great family time.
When January rolls around, do you find yourself starting new things, starting over things you never seem to make a habit? I do. One thing I've started is a memory jar for the family. We write things down that happen in a day that we want to remember. I'm sure people do this daily, but I've been doing it with random things on random days, like the day Amberly lost her tooth, or when we had company, funny things that were said, things like that. Then on Dec. 31, 2014, we open the jar and go through it all.
Other than that I have the typical things I want to work on. Of course one is to get fit again. Last year I let it all slide, I didn't care what I put in my mouth, and never opted for the healthy options, I just let it all go, and boy is my body showing the evidence of that! So I've started to think about what I eat, and really listen to my body, most of the time I'm not hungry! And I've been exercising 5 days a week. I've been getting up at the dark time of 5:20am and I drag myself down to the basement where I ride the exercise bike for 30mins. After that I spend time in God's word. I've just started doing a new study with the girls from Alma called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed. It's so far great! And lastly, I've been apart of an online group called Hello Mornings, where we're encouraged to rise early, spend time with God, plan for our day and exercise. I've been doing 2 of those 3 things, but I've not been a planner. So this week has been a simple challenge to just pinpoint 3 things you want to accomplish by the end of the day. Easy! I've been tired, trying to adjust to my new early start times, but I already find that I get the best sleep at night, and I just feel better.
2014 makes me nervous as it moves our family into a different stage in life, leaving behind a stage I'm not sure I want to leave quite yet. This past week, I completed the form to register Joel into JK. I'm not sure he's ready to go, and I know I'm definitely not ready! It means that I don't have any babies at home, and that makes me sad. But the thought of having another baby doesn't sit well with me either, there are times, yes, where I would love to do it all again, but I've come to appreciate the little bit of independence that has re-entered my life. But with Joel's return to school also makes the question of returning to work come to mind. Yes this was the original idea, I would return to work when Joel starts school. As easy as that sounds, it's not. We still have summers, school holidays, pd days to contend with, as well as the unexpected illness that requires a day off school. And it's the rushing around, the schedules and the list goes on. I've gotten used to this life of being home full-time, and I feel that I've been doing it well. But I just don't know!
Lots of things to think about early in the mornings! What's in store for your 2014?
Sunday, November 03, 2013
November?
Whoa, where did October go? I can't believe we have been shoved into November already. The chill is in the air, and all the Christmas things are looming in the stores. My 3 year old happen to see the box of Christmas lights in storage and has been begging me at random times to hang them. Today would have been a perfect day to do that, but it didn't happen.
The time change didn't go as smoothly as it has in the past. Joel has been miserable all day! And he refused to nap because Gramma and Grandpa and Benj was here. So we've hit the 7pm mark and squeezing every ounce of patience left out of me to get him to bed for the night!
I have found that October was a month where my boys have tested me. It seems at the same time, Caleb hit an attitude where nothing I do is good enough and the slightest thing frustrates him and makes him upset. And I hear countless "I'm Bored" coming from his lips. He has developed an attitude that when he's tired, he thinks that all disrespectful talk is fine. It hit the fan this week when he spoke to me in an unacceptable way at school in front of many mothers. I even got glares which make me so angry, why do women think it's fine to judge you, as if motherhood gives you an entitlement to pass judgement on other mothers. I am not the type to raise my voice in front of an audience, nor do I want to discipline with a crowd of judgmental mothers. I asked him to wait in the van. And I still didn't have it in me to talk to him because I was done. I emailed Dave and asked him to talk to Caleb about how to speak to his mother, because I was beyond on the point of reason, I don't think he would care about anything I would say to him. So Dave spoke with him that night, just him and Caleb, and for the past few days, I've noticed he's been really trying to watch what he says. All at the same time Joel has discovered temper tantrums. I honestly don't remember my other two going thru this, but surely they must have and I've just chosen to forget. But patience is running thin in this mother at the moment. Who would have thought that my spirited 5 year old daughter is truly an angel!!!! It's usually her that I have issue with!
Amberly has been dealing with anxiety at school. She apparently doesn't like change so much. Finding this out had surprised me, out of my 3, she's been the most outgoing. But this has now changed, and she's very shy and holds tight to me. We have put her through a big change with church. We are attending a church that has 4 times the amount of children she's used to! Her class has about 10-15 (just 5 year olds, that's a lot!) I don't know if this change has reflected the change in school, but she's become the teacher's shadow and stays close by her side. Hoping with time, she'll get over this and return to her outgoing self. She's loving being a spark, so up her alley the crafts and girls!
With the year quickly coming to an end, I'm really beginning to realize how really we are like vapors in the wind, shadow in time. Trying to hold tight to the time I have and really make use of my day. But some days I do just want to stay in bed all day, in the comfort of warm covers and silence.....
The time change didn't go as smoothly as it has in the past. Joel has been miserable all day! And he refused to nap because Gramma and Grandpa and Benj was here. So we've hit the 7pm mark and squeezing every ounce of patience left out of me to get him to bed for the night!
I have found that October was a month where my boys have tested me. It seems at the same time, Caleb hit an attitude where nothing I do is good enough and the slightest thing frustrates him and makes him upset. And I hear countless "I'm Bored" coming from his lips. He has developed an attitude that when he's tired, he thinks that all disrespectful talk is fine. It hit the fan this week when he spoke to me in an unacceptable way at school in front of many mothers. I even got glares which make me so angry, why do women think it's fine to judge you, as if motherhood gives you an entitlement to pass judgement on other mothers. I am not the type to raise my voice in front of an audience, nor do I want to discipline with a crowd of judgmental mothers. I asked him to wait in the van. And I still didn't have it in me to talk to him because I was done. I emailed Dave and asked him to talk to Caleb about how to speak to his mother, because I was beyond on the point of reason, I don't think he would care about anything I would say to him. So Dave spoke with him that night, just him and Caleb, and for the past few days, I've noticed he's been really trying to watch what he says. All at the same time Joel has discovered temper tantrums. I honestly don't remember my other two going thru this, but surely they must have and I've just chosen to forget. But patience is running thin in this mother at the moment. Who would have thought that my spirited 5 year old daughter is truly an angel!!!! It's usually her that I have issue with!
Amberly has been dealing with anxiety at school. She apparently doesn't like change so much. Finding this out had surprised me, out of my 3, she's been the most outgoing. But this has now changed, and she's very shy and holds tight to me. We have put her through a big change with church. We are attending a church that has 4 times the amount of children she's used to! Her class has about 10-15 (just 5 year olds, that's a lot!) I don't know if this change has reflected the change in school, but she's become the teacher's shadow and stays close by her side. Hoping with time, she'll get over this and return to her outgoing self. She's loving being a spark, so up her alley the crafts and girls!
With the year quickly coming to an end, I'm really beginning to realize how really we are like vapors in the wind, shadow in time. Trying to hold tight to the time I have and really make use of my day. But some days I do just want to stay in bed all day, in the comfort of warm covers and silence.....
Monday, September 23, 2013
Autumn is Here
As I sat down at the computer, I looked at the calendar yet again, and really realized that summer is behind me, and winter is before me. I am sad summer is over. We had a great summer, filled with many happy times! The kids all got along well, and we were enjoying each other and our days will filled with non-routine things.
September arrived with schedules and routines that needed to be set back in motion. School started. This year Amberly attends school every day. The first week went well. Us parents then found out that lots of changes were going to happen because the numbers in the classes were exceeding the boards requirements. Our school is small, and my kids didn't have the anxieties of who would be in their class, or even who their teacher would be because it was a one class per grade situation. However since the change has happened, the classes look like this now, K, 1, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 6. I was worried about Caleb having to go to a new class with a new teacher, but he stayed where he is and is now in the 1/2 class, (they only moved 4 gr. 1's into his class). Then we found out last Thursday that Amberly's teacher was leaving and being placed somewhere else. Sigh. But all is good, they already replaced her with a teacher who they've seen before from last year who helped out here and there.
Alternating Mondays, Dave and I have groups at our church we attend, Tuesdays the kids all have swimming lessons at the same time which is great. Joel's lessons however require me to be in the pool with him, hoping that with time and confidence, he will be able to go in without me there. Wednesdays Caleb plays ball hockey and Amberly is a spark with the Brownies. Thursdays out are just relaxed home times. So life is busy here.
Joel is going to be 3 in one week! Again, time flies. We have now been attending the Wee Talk program for the past 3 weeks, it's a music program, he seems to enjoy it. His speech is coming, his vocabulary has definitely been expanded, but he still is dropping the initial consonants and isn't forming many sentences without using "ah ah ah...." But I'm confident he will get there. We have also sent him back to Christa on Mondays, to help socialize him. He is loving this which makes me feel good. (except all my kids love Christa naturally, so I'm not sure if going to her puts him out of his comfort zone, but he gets to interact with kids his age, which is more then he gets at home with me!) So between nursery on Sundays, to Christa's, to story time at the library, I'm hoping his entry to school next year won't be a major devastation for him.
I'm so excited about church. Dave and I have made the full commitment to attend a new church. It was a hard decision for Dave, leaving the church he attended all his life, but it has been the best decision we made. I love our new church, it's so exciting, and I'm just excited to go each Sunday. The worship time is like a concert, and I love seeing my kids enjoy the music. And the pastor is so loving, welcoming and genuinely kind. He's also funny and makes me laugh! It's a really big church which we're not used to. The kids are a little overwhelmed, as the Sunday school program is large and they don't have familiar faces to see, but with time that will change. Although I'm so happy with our decision, I also feel like I am mourning the loss of our other church, I see it in our kids when they ask to go and be with their friends, and I feel such a separation, and distance from our close Friends. I know that a disconnect is bound to happen, but I guess the "cut off" feeling is what I have. But I rest in the peace God has given me, and the knowledge that this is where He wants us to be. And that is such a wonderful experience.
Anyway, it's my free day and I already feel a little guilty spending this much time on the computer, I better go and do something productive!
September arrived with schedules and routines that needed to be set back in motion. School started. This year Amberly attends school every day. The first week went well. Us parents then found out that lots of changes were going to happen because the numbers in the classes were exceeding the boards requirements. Our school is small, and my kids didn't have the anxieties of who would be in their class, or even who their teacher would be because it was a one class per grade situation. However since the change has happened, the classes look like this now, K, 1, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 6. I was worried about Caleb having to go to a new class with a new teacher, but he stayed where he is and is now in the 1/2 class, (they only moved 4 gr. 1's into his class). Then we found out last Thursday that Amberly's teacher was leaving and being placed somewhere else. Sigh. But all is good, they already replaced her with a teacher who they've seen before from last year who helped out here and there.
Alternating Mondays, Dave and I have groups at our church we attend, Tuesdays the kids all have swimming lessons at the same time which is great. Joel's lessons however require me to be in the pool with him, hoping that with time and confidence, he will be able to go in without me there. Wednesdays Caleb plays ball hockey and Amberly is a spark with the Brownies. Thursdays out are just relaxed home times. So life is busy here.
Joel is going to be 3 in one week! Again, time flies. We have now been attending the Wee Talk program for the past 3 weeks, it's a music program, he seems to enjoy it. His speech is coming, his vocabulary has definitely been expanded, but he still is dropping the initial consonants and isn't forming many sentences without using "ah ah ah...." But I'm confident he will get there. We have also sent him back to Christa on Mondays, to help socialize him. He is loving this which makes me feel good. (except all my kids love Christa naturally, so I'm not sure if going to her puts him out of his comfort zone, but he gets to interact with kids his age, which is more then he gets at home with me!) So between nursery on Sundays, to Christa's, to story time at the library, I'm hoping his entry to school next year won't be a major devastation for him.
I'm so excited about church. Dave and I have made the full commitment to attend a new church. It was a hard decision for Dave, leaving the church he attended all his life, but it has been the best decision we made. I love our new church, it's so exciting, and I'm just excited to go each Sunday. The worship time is like a concert, and I love seeing my kids enjoy the music. And the pastor is so loving, welcoming and genuinely kind. He's also funny and makes me laugh! It's a really big church which we're not used to. The kids are a little overwhelmed, as the Sunday school program is large and they don't have familiar faces to see, but with time that will change. Although I'm so happy with our decision, I also feel like I am mourning the loss of our other church, I see it in our kids when they ask to go and be with their friends, and I feel such a separation, and distance from our close Friends. I know that a disconnect is bound to happen, but I guess the "cut off" feeling is what I have. But I rest in the peace God has given me, and the knowledge that this is where He wants us to be. And that is such a wonderful experience.
Anyway, it's my free day and I already feel a little guilty spending this much time on the computer, I better go and do something productive!
Monday, July 29, 2013
July Highlights
Through the eyes of my kids....
Days filled with
Anticipation of fireworks
Birthday wishes coming true
Cooling off at splash pads
Enjoying the fun of beach life
Exploring while waiting for the sun to set
Discovering the pure joy of splashing in the puddles
Jumping into our pool
camping and the great outdoors
The trouble that comes from a pair of brothers
and the exhaustion of complete fun
Hanging out and finding new parks
Being surrounded by many many friends
waging wars with big guys!
The company we keep during backyard campfires
hot soccer nights
perfect ways to cool off in the evenings
finding new found pets at Gramma and Grandpa's
Pulling teeth out with blood and sweat!(losing 2 with in 2 days!)
The simple pleasures of a lawn sprinkler
Many evening bike rides around our community
Loving the summer of 2013, can't wait to see what else is in store for the other half of it :)
Days filled with
Anticipation of fireworks
Birthday wishes coming true
Cooling off at splash pads
Enjoying the fun of beach life
Exploring while waiting for the sun to set
Discovering the pure joy of splashing in the puddles
Jumping into our pool
camping and the great outdoors
The trouble that comes from a pair of brothers
and the exhaustion of complete fun
Hanging out and finding new parks
Being surrounded by many many friends
waging wars with big guys!
The company we keep during backyard campfires
hot soccer nights
perfect ways to cool off in the evenings
finding new found pets at Gramma and Grandpa's
Pulling teeth out with blood and sweat!(losing 2 with in 2 days!)
The simple pleasures of a lawn sprinkler
Many evening bike rides around our community
Loving the summer of 2013, can't wait to see what else is in store for the other half of it :)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
May is My Month
Yes, I've declared this my month to get myself on track, on top, in control of things.
I started this post in the beginning of May and am only now getting on here to finish it. With only 4 days left of the month.
It's been a busy month, and I think that here on out, it will be a busy few months. We kicked off the first of the month celebrating 9 years of marriage. I still very much love this guy, and continue to thank God for the blessings that He has given me. We also celebrated mother's day and to end out the month, we celebrate Dave's birthday. Lots of little parties and gatherings here and there has been a lot of fun.
This month I also joined a few challenges (yes, 3!) The first one, and the one I try to find most success is, Hello Mornings, where I've joined a network of fellow Christian women who several are friends or aquintances I have from around the area, and others I don't know from the US. We are encouraged to wake up early and greet our day by spending time in God's word, plan out our day and exercise. I've been truly enjoying this. We are all reading thru the book of John, and we share each morning what stood out to us. I've been waking up at 5:30am (yes, you read that right!) and I get dressed, take Andy for a walk, come home and spend time with God, and then prepare for the day. Although at 1;30 in the afternoon I'm ready for a nap, my days go so much smoother, and I've found a confidence in myself that I didn't always have. It's hard to explain.
The other two challenges are exercise based, I joined another group on facebook where we are given a task to complete in a day, mostly 2 different exercises, and we are in our last week and she's asking for 100 push-ups today! Yikes! The other one is just with in a small group of friends where we pick one exercise per week and see if we can out do eachother! I've so far been successful and beat them in 2 weeks! But who knows what will happen this week, it's squats :( And although I've accomplished these exercise goals, my weight has not changed on the scale. I still eat out of control, especially over the lunch hour. I've already signed up for another challenge which starts in June where the focus is on abs and better eating. So hopefully this will help inspire me in that.
I have returned to work this week for a few days, to help out with a project that has kept them so busy. It was a little uncomfortable walking in to the place I left behind not so long ago, but the love I felt from them all made me feel great. It was a great experience. I go again tomorrow and maybe Friday. Dave took those days off work to be with the kids, it's a great experience for both of us I think!
Soccer has begun, Caleb loves this so much. He plays in the Elmira league and we now have signed up both Amberly and Caleb for a family soccer night at a church up the road. It so far has been rained out, and we'll see if that's the case again tonight.
I would go into details over the trampoline drama that occured last week, but the short version is, we bought a new trampoline for the kids, after 4 days of it being used, Andy ruined the enclosure net, I called the manufacturer, told them the whole story, expecting to pay for a replacement, and the amazing lady on the other end of the phone is sending us a new one with out charge. I don't know why she did this, only that she had a super kind heart, and I will never forget her generousity! (otherwise we might have sold Andy in order to buy a new one!)
That's it for May....
I started this post in the beginning of May and am only now getting on here to finish it. With only 4 days left of the month.
It's been a busy month, and I think that here on out, it will be a busy few months. We kicked off the first of the month celebrating 9 years of marriage. I still very much love this guy, and continue to thank God for the blessings that He has given me. We also celebrated mother's day and to end out the month, we celebrate Dave's birthday. Lots of little parties and gatherings here and there has been a lot of fun.
This month I also joined a few challenges (yes, 3!) The first one, and the one I try to find most success is, Hello Mornings, where I've joined a network of fellow Christian women who several are friends or aquintances I have from around the area, and others I don't know from the US. We are encouraged to wake up early and greet our day by spending time in God's word, plan out our day and exercise. I've been truly enjoying this. We are all reading thru the book of John, and we share each morning what stood out to us. I've been waking up at 5:30am (yes, you read that right!) and I get dressed, take Andy for a walk, come home and spend time with God, and then prepare for the day. Although at 1;30 in the afternoon I'm ready for a nap, my days go so much smoother, and I've found a confidence in myself that I didn't always have. It's hard to explain.
The other two challenges are exercise based, I joined another group on facebook where we are given a task to complete in a day, mostly 2 different exercises, and we are in our last week and she's asking for 100 push-ups today! Yikes! The other one is just with in a small group of friends where we pick one exercise per week and see if we can out do eachother! I've so far been successful and beat them in 2 weeks! But who knows what will happen this week, it's squats :( And although I've accomplished these exercise goals, my weight has not changed on the scale. I still eat out of control, especially over the lunch hour. I've already signed up for another challenge which starts in June where the focus is on abs and better eating. So hopefully this will help inspire me in that.
I have returned to work this week for a few days, to help out with a project that has kept them so busy. It was a little uncomfortable walking in to the place I left behind not so long ago, but the love I felt from them all made me feel great. It was a great experience. I go again tomorrow and maybe Friday. Dave took those days off work to be with the kids, it's a great experience for both of us I think!
Soccer has begun, Caleb loves this so much. He plays in the Elmira league and we now have signed up both Amberly and Caleb for a family soccer night at a church up the road. It so far has been rained out, and we'll see if that's the case again tonight.
I would go into details over the trampoline drama that occured last week, but the short version is, we bought a new trampoline for the kids, after 4 days of it being used, Andy ruined the enclosure net, I called the manufacturer, told them the whole story, expecting to pay for a replacement, and the amazing lady on the other end of the phone is sending us a new one with out charge. I don't know why she did this, only that she had a super kind heart, and I will never forget her generousity! (otherwise we might have sold Andy in order to buy a new one!)
That's it for May....
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Back to Normal
The week before Easter, Caleb was sick and it has been on going until now! Last weekend, Caleb had a terrible high fever. It was scarey, because it was very high. On Monday I took him into the doctor and turns out he was suffering with strep throat. So we got some medication and we were home and good to go. The next morning Amberly woke up with a fever, and it went high as well, so I called the doctor and couldn't get her in until Wednesday. On Wednesday Joel woke up with a fever and it was the first time I saw the termometre read 104.0. So once we got to the doctor, she confirmed that they as well have the strep throat. So all 3 were on antibiotics, the boys had the same kind, an easy once a day for 5 day dose, Amberly however is still working on hers until this Friday since she had the zithromax back in February for her pneumonia, so we have a different kind that is given twice daily for 10 days. But I'm glad to report that they are all fine now, and it didn't spread to us. I was worried about getting strep throat, because the last time I had it, I thought I was going to die! ha ha ha.
Today Joel had a speech assessment. I was discouraged, because as it turns out, we need to have therapy. No mother wants to hear that her child is delayed in any way. Joel maybe has somewhere between 20-30 words if not a few more, but he rarely ties two together, and most of his sentences are spoken in his own language. Most of the time I know what he's trying to convey, he has enough words to tell me what he wants, and if that doesn't work, he just shows me. He can totally comprehend everything, knows what is going on, and has no problem understanding what we say to him, he just doesn't know how to communicate with his words. So now we are on another waiting list and will probably do private therapy until we can go to the public health sessions. I feel like it may be a long road ahead of us, but as long as we take care of it now, and pray that he'll be up to "par" for school, I'll be o.k.
I'm so happy that the weather is finally coming around. We have been out biking and spending most of our free time outdoors. (what it's been like 4 days now!) The ice storm was exciting and beautiful and such and we didn't even lose our power when all around us were out for several hours and days even! I'm so glad we didn't lose power, because our sumpump continues to run constantly, and even though we have a battery back-up, I still don't know if I would trust it.
The time has drawn near now the kids are due to get to bed, better go and help tuck them in!
Today Joel had a speech assessment. I was discouraged, because as it turns out, we need to have therapy. No mother wants to hear that her child is delayed in any way. Joel maybe has somewhere between 20-30 words if not a few more, but he rarely ties two together, and most of his sentences are spoken in his own language. Most of the time I know what he's trying to convey, he has enough words to tell me what he wants, and if that doesn't work, he just shows me. He can totally comprehend everything, knows what is going on, and has no problem understanding what we say to him, he just doesn't know how to communicate with his words. So now we are on another waiting list and will probably do private therapy until we can go to the public health sessions. I feel like it may be a long road ahead of us, but as long as we take care of it now, and pray that he'll be up to "par" for school, I'll be o.k.
I'm so happy that the weather is finally coming around. We have been out biking and spending most of our free time outdoors. (what it's been like 4 days now!) The ice storm was exciting and beautiful and such and we didn't even lose our power when all around us were out for several hours and days even! I'm so glad we didn't lose power, because our sumpump continues to run constantly, and even though we have a battery back-up, I still don't know if I would trust it.
The time has drawn near now the kids are due to get to bed, better go and help tuck them in!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
That was Quick
March is usually a month that seems to never end. But now that we are in April, I wonder where did that last month go? It's not like we had done anything special, but with a busy schedule, it's hard to make time slow down. March brought the end of the kids skating lessons. They were happy about it. They had a little carnival at the end in which my two skated to "Surfin the USA" dressed in Hawaiian style. It was quite cute!
We had a wonderful Easter despite a bug that went through our family. The Tuesday prior to Easter, Caleb threw up at school, it was so unexpected, I didn't see it coming. But it was only a 24 hour thing, and he was fine the next day. But then on Friday Joel threw up at my parents at the end of the day, and then Sunday it hit Amberly and Monday both Dave and I got it. It was horrible. Dave passed out and hit his head on the end table, and trying to look after him and the kids while vomiting myself wasn't a good thing. I called my parents out of desperation, they came to my rescue :) We are both on the mend today, slowly putting things into our tummies and drinking our fluids.
Good Friday we went to Orangeville, went to church with Stephen and Sally and then back to my parents where there was lots of food and good times. The cousins love being together, we did our annual egg hunt outside which they loved! Dave took Andy on an 9.5km adventure on the side roads of Amaranth. It was great. Sunday we had Fern and Mert over for a roast beef supper that turned out great. I love Easter!
A few milestones were made on the weekend also. Caleb can now ride his bike with no training wheels and Joel no longer has a soother. Although he's been asking for it during nap times in which the past two days have been non-existing. I'm thinking with this nicer weather, Amberly might even lose her training wheels too, you know, to keep up! Who knows, but we will see.
We had a wonderful Easter despite a bug that went through our family. The Tuesday prior to Easter, Caleb threw up at school, it was so unexpected, I didn't see it coming. But it was only a 24 hour thing, and he was fine the next day. But then on Friday Joel threw up at my parents at the end of the day, and then Sunday it hit Amberly and Monday both Dave and I got it. It was horrible. Dave passed out and hit his head on the end table, and trying to look after him and the kids while vomiting myself wasn't a good thing. I called my parents out of desperation, they came to my rescue :) We are both on the mend today, slowly putting things into our tummies and drinking our fluids.
Good Friday we went to Orangeville, went to church with Stephen and Sally and then back to my parents where there was lots of food and good times. The cousins love being together, we did our annual egg hunt outside which they loved! Dave took Andy on an 9.5km adventure on the side roads of Amaranth. It was great. Sunday we had Fern and Mert over for a roast beef supper that turned out great. I love Easter!
A few milestones were made on the weekend also. Caleb can now ride his bike with no training wheels and Joel no longer has a soother. Although he's been asking for it during nap times in which the past two days have been non-existing. I'm thinking with this nicer weather, Amberly might even lose her training wheels too, you know, to keep up! Who knows, but we will see.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday Motivation
When I used to work outside of the home I always disliked Mondays. It was always the beginning of what seemed like a long week. A day where routine took over, and early morning wake ups and rushing around would begin, and it never seemed to start off right. Now that I am home, I enjoy Mondays. Right now the way things work is it's my quiet day. I still have to get up earlier than I would on weekends, but for different reasons. Both Caleb and Amberly are in school on Mondays, so I just have Joel at home, which after a few days around his siblings, he too enjoys having me all to himself on Mondays. Many things get accomplished on Mondays. Yesterday I tackled the floors, I vacuumed and swept and mopped, and was happy to do it. (can you believe that?) I baked 3 dozen chocolate chip cookies. I sat with Joel and worked on the letter 'o' with him and read stories and even watched Baby Einstein together. I invested a little time in myself, I rode the bike for 1/2 an hour and then did 15 minutes of different exercises (my pants are too tight now it's horrible, need to work on this a lot!) I went outside and scraped away the ice that has accumulated on our driveway in preparation of this "monster storm" that is supposed to hit on Tuesday. I prepared supper and had it ready to throw in the oven after I picked up the kids from school allowing me to have time to spend on them instead of pushing them aside in order to get things done. Overall I had a really successful day! I went to bed with a good feeling.
Tuesday is usually where my motivation stops. I for some reason tell myself since I worked so hard on Monday, I can take a break today, which then turns into the whole week of things not being done! But I woke up today thinking that I wasn't going to do that. So I didn't. I got Caleb off to school, cleaned out the puddles in the garage and took my kids to the local church for the first time to join in a women's Bible study. I haven't been apart of one for such a long time, and sitting and listening felt so good. Definitely will continue this as I truly need it. Once we returned home, I made a quick lunch and got Joel to bed. Amberly wanted to watch a movie, which I encourage because it allows her quiet time and me quiet time! I again rode the bike today, it feels so good afterwards. I also went back outside to conquer more ice on the driveway. Now with supper in the oven, jello in the fridge, we are just waiting for Dave to come home. Tonight is skating night, so I take the kids while Dave stays home with Joel. It gives him some one on one time with his baby, which is really good for the two of them!
And then we await the storm!
Will this motivation end by tomorrow? Motivation might turn into obligation, but I will still get things done, it's just whether I have the right attitude or not!
Tuesday is usually where my motivation stops. I for some reason tell myself since I worked so hard on Monday, I can take a break today, which then turns into the whole week of things not being done! But I woke up today thinking that I wasn't going to do that. So I didn't. I got Caleb off to school, cleaned out the puddles in the garage and took my kids to the local church for the first time to join in a women's Bible study. I haven't been apart of one for such a long time, and sitting and listening felt so good. Definitely will continue this as I truly need it. Once we returned home, I made a quick lunch and got Joel to bed. Amberly wanted to watch a movie, which I encourage because it allows her quiet time and me quiet time! I again rode the bike today, it feels so good afterwards. I also went back outside to conquer more ice on the driveway. Now with supper in the oven, jello in the fridge, we are just waiting for Dave to come home. Tonight is skating night, so I take the kids while Dave stays home with Joel. It gives him some one on one time with his baby, which is really good for the two of them!
And then we await the storm!
Will this motivation end by tomorrow? Motivation might turn into obligation, but I will still get things done, it's just whether I have the right attitude or not!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Love Month
February has arrived. We are well into our second month of 2013. I feel like I don't have much to show so far, outside of daily cleaning feats and accomplishments with the kids where I go to bed tired and still manage to wake tired. I was given the added task of nurse over these past 6 days, as Amberly got really sick with pneumonia. Today is actually the first day that seems somewhat normal, she is playing and fighting with her brothers, the only difference is she isn't really eating much. I was hoping that I could send her back to school tomorrow, but with the threat of snow, the buses will inevitably be cancelled and being it's Friday, I could easily let Caleb have a long weekend, but for Amberly, it would mean she would have missed 4 days of school (in JK that's a lot! ha ha ha).
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
And in the Midst of Fog...
I look out our front window and just see the fog settling lower to the ground, making things dull, grey and blanketed. It's days like today that I'm happy to be home. Sounds odd I know. But I like the comfort of my home on these days, where I can curl up on the couch with a blanket, because not only does this weather bring a sense of sleep to me, it also brings it to my baby. Baking cookies and their smell filling the air is another thing I enjoy on these days.
I fall in love with our home more and more each day, today it was the kindness of a stranger who stopped on his way out of the street to shove the boulders of wet snow the snowplow left behind out of our driveway. This past weekend Dave hung our family pictures above the fireplace mantel in our family room and this has now become my favourite room in the house. I can't help but think that even though 2012 was such a difficult year, and the move here was insane, God is walking me slowly up a hill. There are moments where I fall and slide down the hill a little, but He is quick to help me up.
The end of January is here and we are back into a regular routine. Caleb is enjoying school, and his gentle heart is so kind and loving, I'm proud of him every single day. Amberly is so creative, most of the things she brings home from school to me without explanation is just plain odd, but when she tells you what it is to her, well then, so be it! She is working hard at being a helpful and kind big sister to Joel who turns to her for attention and companionship. Joel misses Amberly when she is away. He gets so happy for return, and although after a day at school Amberly wants nothing to do with him, he still lovingly follows her everywhere. We are currently waiting upon an appointment date for Weetalk through the public health. My doctor suggested that we have him assessed by a speech therapist. He doesn't say many words, he does talk in his own language a lot, and most of the time I know what he wants or he shows me. And although the doctor isn't too concerned, she doesn't want to miss the ball if there is a problem and risk having a long term effect on him.
Almost time to get the kids from school. It was a no-bus day today, but I still sent mine to school. I feel bad, knowing that if I were them I would want to be home, but I know that they would have more fun there then here. There will be a lot more opportunities when they are older to stay home on no-bus days, and when they are older, it would mean more to them, getting a day off school!
I fall in love with our home more and more each day, today it was the kindness of a stranger who stopped on his way out of the street to shove the boulders of wet snow the snowplow left behind out of our driveway. This past weekend Dave hung our family pictures above the fireplace mantel in our family room and this has now become my favourite room in the house. I can't help but think that even though 2012 was such a difficult year, and the move here was insane, God is walking me slowly up a hill. There are moments where I fall and slide down the hill a little, but He is quick to help me up.
The end of January is here and we are back into a regular routine. Caleb is enjoying school, and his gentle heart is so kind and loving, I'm proud of him every single day. Amberly is so creative, most of the things she brings home from school to me without explanation is just plain odd, but when she tells you what it is to her, well then, so be it! She is working hard at being a helpful and kind big sister to Joel who turns to her for attention and companionship. Joel misses Amberly when she is away. He gets so happy for return, and although after a day at school Amberly wants nothing to do with him, he still lovingly follows her everywhere. We are currently waiting upon an appointment date for Weetalk through the public health. My doctor suggested that we have him assessed by a speech therapist. He doesn't say many words, he does talk in his own language a lot, and most of the time I know what he wants or he shows me. And although the doctor isn't too concerned, she doesn't want to miss the ball if there is a problem and risk having a long term effect on him.
Almost time to get the kids from school. It was a no-bus day today, but I still sent mine to school. I feel bad, knowing that if I were them I would want to be home, but I know that they would have more fun there then here. There will be a lot more opportunities when they are older to stay home on no-bus days, and when they are older, it would mean more to them, getting a day off school!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Favourite Things
I've got a quiet afternoon. Most days that both Amberly and Caleb are in school are quiet at home, especially in the afternoon while Joel naps. Sometimes I nap with him, other times I watch television, and then others I am productive and get things done. One thing I should be doing is exercising while he's napping. I used to do that, but I don't have that motivation any more.
Update! After typing the above, I rushed downstairs and hopped on the bike and did 25 minutes burning 368 calories! Woohoo! I definitely need to do that more often as it makes me feel so much better afterwards! I'm so not a morning person, but maybe I should get up with my hubby and work out with him in the mornings, it would give us time with each other first thing....but I bet you tomorrow the alarm will go off and I will covet my warm blankets and just stay there :)
Today I've just been enjoying my time I have with the kids. Joel is just so much fun. His emotions are written all over his face, and most of the time he just looks so joyful. He doesn't have many words that one can understand (outside of his mommy) but hearing his squeals of delight when someone he loves walks through the door is one of my favourite things. I've been thinking today of all the things that I love and that I'm thankful for. I'm going to list some of my favourite things, may be a bit of a bore, but to me, absolute, pure joy!
-The way Joel talks in his own language. Sings in his own language
-The way Caleb talks passionately about a game, his eyes wide and intense
-Amberly and her constant chatter and make believe while she plays
-Their desire to snuggle, I pray that never ends
-When he tries not to smile at something so funny, I know deep down he is laughing
-My personal care giver in the bathroom, Joel is like an automatic toilet, he hands you the toilet paper and as soon as you stand up he flushes for you.
-Joel's concern over ouchies, his constant checking, looking, touching, again diagnosing in his own chatter, leads me to believe a future in medicine??? (ha ha)
-The way I feel after I have exercised, energized and good about myself
-having friends who are there for me when ever I need them
-ooooh my electric blanket
-The sunshine and clear blue sky
-Amberly and her gorgeous long hair, and her requests for design, turning me into a stylist
-how all three kids play well together even it's only for a few moments
-the sounds that fill the house with happy kids
-a clean house with that clean smell
-a small community to raise the kids in, where everyone seems to know who they are and where they belong
-listening to awesome music and having the coolest kids in town who can sing along to Mumford and Sons
-planning summer camping weekends in January
-seeing the excitement on my little girls face with anticipation of a sleepover coming up
-cooking supper in peace (means kids are happily entertaining each other and themselves)
-a pup that shows glimpses of goodness
-a reminder of no matter how I feel about myself, I'm loved in ways unexplainable by my heavenly Father
My list can go on and on, when you start to really look at your day and the moments in them, it's easy to be thankful to my creator, and the blessings He has bestowed on me.
Update! After typing the above, I rushed downstairs and hopped on the bike and did 25 minutes burning 368 calories! Woohoo! I definitely need to do that more often as it makes me feel so much better afterwards! I'm so not a morning person, but maybe I should get up with my hubby and work out with him in the mornings, it would give us time with each other first thing....but I bet you tomorrow the alarm will go off and I will covet my warm blankets and just stay there :)
Today I've just been enjoying my time I have with the kids. Joel is just so much fun. His emotions are written all over his face, and most of the time he just looks so joyful. He doesn't have many words that one can understand (outside of his mommy) but hearing his squeals of delight when someone he loves walks through the door is one of my favourite things. I've been thinking today of all the things that I love and that I'm thankful for. I'm going to list some of my favourite things, may be a bit of a bore, but to me, absolute, pure joy!
-The way Joel talks in his own language. Sings in his own language
-The way Caleb talks passionately about a game, his eyes wide and intense
-Amberly and her constant chatter and make believe while she plays
-Their desire to snuggle, I pray that never ends
-When he tries not to smile at something so funny, I know deep down he is laughing
-My personal care giver in the bathroom, Joel is like an automatic toilet, he hands you the toilet paper and as soon as you stand up he flushes for you.
-Joel's concern over ouchies, his constant checking, looking, touching, again diagnosing in his own chatter, leads me to believe a future in medicine??? (ha ha)
-The way I feel after I have exercised, energized and good about myself
-having friends who are there for me when ever I need them
-ooooh my electric blanket
-The sunshine and clear blue sky
-Amberly and her gorgeous long hair, and her requests for design, turning me into a stylist
-how all three kids play well together even it's only for a few moments
-the sounds that fill the house with happy kids
-a clean house with that clean smell
-a small community to raise the kids in, where everyone seems to know who they are and where they belong
-listening to awesome music and having the coolest kids in town who can sing along to Mumford and Sons
-planning summer camping weekends in January
-seeing the excitement on my little girls face with anticipation of a sleepover coming up
-cooking supper in peace (means kids are happily entertaining each other and themselves)
-a pup that shows glimpses of goodness
-a reminder of no matter how I feel about myself, I'm loved in ways unexplainable by my heavenly Father
My list can go on and on, when you start to really look at your day and the moments in them, it's easy to be thankful to my creator, and the blessings He has bestowed on me.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Happy New Year
We are in 2013. Kids are back to school today. Joel is napping, and everything is quiet in the house. Too quiet. I took the Christmas tree down, packed everything away, cleaned and moved things back to their normal places and the holiday season is gone for another year.
Even though it's only the first week in, I feel like something is missing. Normally with a new calendar year comes things to anticipate. But so far we don't have anything. Maybe it's because I'm not working, there isn't an urgency to coordinate vacation days with Dave and our babysitter. I don't know what it is, but it feels different.
Goals/Resolutions for 2013. I know that I want to live intentionally. Not sure what everyday will look like, but I want there to be a purpose for everything, and I want to be physically/emotionally present in every moment. I want to be a better Mom. I want to have patience that never ends. I want to be a better wife, to generate a smile on his face each day. There is so many other things I want to do this year. With a little practise and determination, I'm sure it will be a wonderful year.
What are your goals for 2013?
Even though it's only the first week in, I feel like something is missing. Normally with a new calendar year comes things to anticipate. But so far we don't have anything. Maybe it's because I'm not working, there isn't an urgency to coordinate vacation days with Dave and our babysitter. I don't know what it is, but it feels different.
Goals/Resolutions for 2013. I know that I want to live intentionally. Not sure what everyday will look like, but I want there to be a purpose for everything, and I want to be physically/emotionally present in every moment. I want to be a better Mom. I want to have patience that never ends. I want to be a better wife, to generate a smile on his face each day. There is so many other things I want to do this year. With a little practise and determination, I'm sure it will be a wonderful year.
What are your goals for 2013?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Would One Word Sum it All Up?
Today I was thinking about New Years Eve pasts, and all the fun things I used to do on this evening. Back in the young days I would go to youth group all nighter parties (which now I totally admire our leaders who did this), then there was the stage of movies all night, and stopping for the countdown, and then love entered in, and it was romantic to finally have a boy to kiss on the stroke of midnight. But then children graced our lives, and midnight, even if it's just for one night, is not something I chase after. We tried it a couple of times, but really, I love sleep way too much to see a new year tick its way here. I would much rather prefer getting a perfect nights sleep (which perfect doesn't exist any more) and wake up refreshed and ready for a new day, where we can go to my parents and spend the day happy instead of miserable due to being so tired. This year we did have a couple of different options we were thinking about doing, but Caleb and I are both now sick, so our option now is to chill out at home and stick to routine. I did encourage Dave to take Amberly and still go out to one of the parties, but loving as he is, he stayed with us to be together. The kids don't know what a new year really means, Caleb knows that it's going to be 2013, but he doesn't care really. So right now they are having popcorn (which is for special occasions) and watching Tangled together. And yes, they probably will get to stay up a little later than usual, pending their behaviour!
Today I was also thinking about 2012 and wondering if there was one word I could use to describe this past year. Couldn't think of any. Different, Change, Whirlwind, Bumpy, Educational? Maybe just Crazy? I remember the beginning of the year was rough, the kids were all so sick, and Joel even had scarlet fever which was not fun. I had a couple of funerals to attend during this time also and I feel like the first 5 months were extremely tough. Then spring and summer rolled around, and a flurry of change happened. We unexpectedly decided to move, God had things fall into place, and with the move has brought so many wonderful blessings that have ended this year on top of a high peak. Even this morning, we were able to go out and toboggan as a family on a community hill, and I looked around and just felt so much peace and love for our new home. I love this community, this school and the new friends we are making. I left my job (which I still question myself the odd day about), we have a dog, lots of things that are different in our lives. So even though a huge chunk of 2012 was hard, it sure ended wonderfully and I'm so excited to see what 2013 has in store.
Happy New Year!
Today I was also thinking about 2012 and wondering if there was one word I could use to describe this past year. Couldn't think of any. Different, Change, Whirlwind, Bumpy, Educational? Maybe just Crazy? I remember the beginning of the year was rough, the kids were all so sick, and Joel even had scarlet fever which was not fun. I had a couple of funerals to attend during this time also and I feel like the first 5 months were extremely tough. Then spring and summer rolled around, and a flurry of change happened. We unexpectedly decided to move, God had things fall into place, and with the move has brought so many wonderful blessings that have ended this year on top of a high peak. Even this morning, we were able to go out and toboggan as a family on a community hill, and I looked around and just felt so much peace and love for our new home. I love this community, this school and the new friends we are making. I left my job (which I still question myself the odd day about), we have a dog, lots of things that are different in our lives. So even though a huge chunk of 2012 was hard, it sure ended wonderfully and I'm so excited to see what 2013 has in store.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
It Was a Small Glimpse
Christmas. You spend weeks preparing for the big day. Shopping, baking, wrapping, cleaning, making lists, organizing, planning, visiting, and when the day arrives, you blink and it's over.
This year seemed different. This year seemed like we did it right. The end of each day, when the kids were safe and fast asleep, Dave and I could relax and relive the events of the day. We had the chance to enjoy each other. Maybe it was because we were prepared. (Another pro for being home all the time, allows me the time to prepare.) Or maybe it was because we cut things out and eliminated some events from our list so we weren't so busy all the time. But the main reason we got it right was we had the opportunity to find quiet and peace and JOY. I felt a blanket of Love surrounding us this year. Christmas we celebrate Christ's birth, the day that God sent LOVE down to earth to save us. And Love is what I felt.
Opening up the first gifts of Christmas
Sporting new pj's from Gramma
Snuggles with baby Mason, newest addition to the family
Santa doesn't forget the kitties!
We celebrated Christmas on the 23rd with my family. This year, instead of us adults exchanging gifts we all went out for lunch at the Mandarin. After stuffing ourselves, we came back to our place and let the kids open up their gifts and just hung out. The 24th, as we do every year, we all gathered at my parents place and had a potluck meal and gift games with my aunts, uncles and cousins. I love this get together, it is so much fun to see all of my cousins again, and meet new little ones.
Christmas Day was spent at home, the kids actually slept in? We opened up stockings and presents and had a quiet morning. Dave's mom came around 10:30 (his Dad stayed home sick) and we ate all day long. My parents and Buddy and Benji later joined us and it is the very first year that Dave and I prepared a turkey! I felt quite accomplished after pulling that off successfully. But I'm truly blessed to have a husband who likes to be in the kitchen. I wouldn't be able to pull it off without him! Yesterday we went out to Walmart. We got a couple of things on sale and spent the rest of the day home. Dave took the left over turkey and made a soup for our supper and had his parents come and help eat that. (His dad was feeling better). And today I don't know what is on the agenda. Caleb has been getting the odd fever here and there, but we may venture out to my parents, as Dave is back to work today. But first I think we'll all bundle up and shovel the drive way!
A new Donkey Hat!
Sitting down for our turkey dinner
This is how I eat pie
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
This year seemed different. This year seemed like we did it right. The end of each day, when the kids were safe and fast asleep, Dave and I could relax and relive the events of the day. We had the chance to enjoy each other. Maybe it was because we were prepared. (Another pro for being home all the time, allows me the time to prepare.) Or maybe it was because we cut things out and eliminated some events from our list so we weren't so busy all the time. But the main reason we got it right was we had the opportunity to find quiet and peace and JOY. I felt a blanket of Love surrounding us this year. Christmas we celebrate Christ's birth, the day that God sent LOVE down to earth to save us. And Love is what I felt.
We celebrated Christmas on the 23rd with my family. This year, instead of us adults exchanging gifts we all went out for lunch at the Mandarin. After stuffing ourselves, we came back to our place and let the kids open up their gifts and just hung out. The 24th, as we do every year, we all gathered at my parents place and had a potluck meal and gift games with my aunts, uncles and cousins. I love this get together, it is so much fun to see all of my cousins again, and meet new little ones.
Christmas Day was spent at home, the kids actually slept in? We opened up stockings and presents and had a quiet morning. Dave's mom came around 10:30 (his Dad stayed home sick) and we ate all day long. My parents and Buddy and Benji later joined us and it is the very first year that Dave and I prepared a turkey! I felt quite accomplished after pulling that off successfully. But I'm truly blessed to have a husband who likes to be in the kitchen. I wouldn't be able to pull it off without him! Yesterday we went out to Walmart. We got a couple of things on sale and spent the rest of the day home. Dave took the left over turkey and made a soup for our supper and had his parents come and help eat that. (His dad was feeling better). And today I don't know what is on the agenda. Caleb has been getting the odd fever here and there, but we may venture out to my parents, as Dave is back to work today. But first I think we'll all bundle up and shovel the drive way!
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Most Precious Earthly Possessions
It is tragic, when something as horrific as a school shooting that takes 6 and 7 year old lives to put things into perspective. I admittedly have days where I want to hide in my bathroom and hope for a moments peace. Days where my voice is raised more often then not. Days where my frustration leads me to ask the question why did we have kids? But these 3 beautiful children are my most prized possession. I live a life of sacrifice for them every day. I wouldn't know where I would be if I didn't have them, or if someone were to chose to take them away from me. And yet, as much as the world and everyone in it would call them my own, they are not. God is Father over all, and these children have been given to me from my heavenly Father to tend to, raise, protect, and cherish. They are His gift to us, and we are to live each day in every moment as if it were our last. That is so often hard to do. Even this weekend I failed to do this. But this morning, when buckling them up in our van and driving to school, I looked at them in the rear view mirror, took in every little feature they have. At the school I held Caleb a little extra longer and gave him an even bigger kiss, I held Amberly's hand up to the last moment of the bell and watched has she entered into the school, hoping for her to turn around for just one more glimpse. As I tell myself that something so horrible couldn't happen to our community, our little family, I'm reminded that 20 sets of parents in a small community probably always thought the same thing too.
My heart is broken for those who mourn.
I cling to my most precious gifts, and hope to never take them for granted.
My heart is broken for those who mourn.
I cling to my most precious gifts, and hope to never take them for granted.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I Love Her
One of my dearest friends saw this, and forwarded it to me in dedication. I love my friend, some things just never change. Back at you babe!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tomorrow is December 1st
Do you do something special to count down the days? Advent? We haven't really done anything special before, outside of the cheap advent chocolate calendars you get at the store. I saw a nice home made advent banner with pockets I thought would be nice. It had a star dangle from the top and you just move the star from one day to the next to approach the 25th. But moved too late on that purchase. Maybe next year. Do you do Santa? I do. I sometimes wrestle with the fact that I'm lying to my children and totally making up falsehood to make them believe. To make matters worse, I went and got The Elf on the Shelf. It's a book and elf that is sent to you by Santa before Christmas, so the elf can observe the children and report back to Santa. The elf gets into some mischief over night, but he goes home with Santa on Christmas eve. At first I thought this was such a fun idea, the kids will love it, but then I feel guilty for yet again tricking my kids.
I never thought it would do any harm, I mean, I once believed in Santa and I don't remember the world fell apart when I found out he wasn't real. Caleb already questions Santa which boggles me, he asks if Santa lives with Jesus in heaven. He also wonders if he's apart of Jesus's family. These questions get me. I don't know what to say! I tell him he lives in the North Pole. Caleb then states that the north pole is in heaven....right? ahhhhh. I don't know what to do. While chatting with some other moms at church, I'm left feeling guilty yet again, because they don't do the whole Santa thing. They don't "lie" to their children and they make Christmas what it's supposed to really be about, Christ's birth.
Well I make it about Christ's birth. The kids know that it's Jesus's birthday. They know that Christmas happens because we celebrate that God sent His one and only son to earth. This is only our second Christmas where each child will only get 3 wrapped gifts under the tree, just like Jesus got 3 gifts, one gift is from Mom and Dad, one gift is from their siblings and the other gift is from well....Santa!
It's hard to stick to only 3 gifts. The tree does look a little bare Christmas morning, especially when you compare what you see on tv and the movies, presents everywhere! But our kids have TOO much STUFF. We love to give to them, it's our nature to love on them with delighting them with new things. But, it can be too much.
You've all probably seen those pictures, Define Necessity. Well, I need to look at that everyday to remind me, that my kids have so much, when one precious child(along with millions) can't even find a piece of food.
So tomorrow, a little elf is going to move into our house. I'm hoping not only will it bring fun, but perhaps good behaviour too! December is here. Parties, food, presents, happiness, stress, birthdays, company, travels, joy, laughter, vacation time, snow, cold, beauty, music. I love this time of year!
What is your favourite part of Christmas?
I never thought it would do any harm, I mean, I once believed in Santa and I don't remember the world fell apart when I found out he wasn't real. Caleb already questions Santa which boggles me, he asks if Santa lives with Jesus in heaven. He also wonders if he's apart of Jesus's family. These questions get me. I don't know what to say! I tell him he lives in the North Pole. Caleb then states that the north pole is in heaven....right? ahhhhh. I don't know what to do. While chatting with some other moms at church, I'm left feeling guilty yet again, because they don't do the whole Santa thing. They don't "lie" to their children and they make Christmas what it's supposed to really be about, Christ's birth.
Well I make it about Christ's birth. The kids know that it's Jesus's birthday. They know that Christmas happens because we celebrate that God sent His one and only son to earth. This is only our second Christmas where each child will only get 3 wrapped gifts under the tree, just like Jesus got 3 gifts, one gift is from Mom and Dad, one gift is from their siblings and the other gift is from well....Santa!
It's hard to stick to only 3 gifts. The tree does look a little bare Christmas morning, especially when you compare what you see on tv and the movies, presents everywhere! But our kids have TOO much STUFF. We love to give to them, it's our nature to love on them with delighting them with new things. But, it can be too much.
You've all probably seen those pictures, Define Necessity. Well, I need to look at that everyday to remind me, that my kids have so much, when one precious child(along with millions) can't even find a piece of food.
So tomorrow, a little elf is going to move into our house. I'm hoping not only will it bring fun, but perhaps good behaviour too! December is here. Parties, food, presents, happiness, stress, birthdays, company, travels, joy, laughter, vacation time, snow, cold, beauty, music. I love this time of year!
What is your favourite part of Christmas?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Finding Routine
I'm in my fourth week of being home, and I've made things too busy for myself. It could be the time of year, but I've squeezed in events that occur everyday. I don't mind this really, as it still is a slower pace to what I was used to. I've reserved Mondays to be a day of rest. Both Caleb and Amberly are in school that day, so it's just Joel and I, and I get a chance to recover the house from the weekend. But still manage to find something to throw on the calendar, like last night I had a few girlfriends over for dinner and a movie. Tuesdays I've joined a women's Bible study which runs the whole morning, Amberly and Joel have a program at the same time, it's more than provided childcare, but it's an actual program which I'm glad for. Tuesday evenings Caleb and Amberly are in the Canskate Learn to skate program. Wednesdays my church and the church in town have perfect alternating weeks of play groups, and that night Caleb and Amberly go off to their Awana clubs. Thursdays I take Joel and Amberly to the library for their children's story time. Friday thru to Sunday we don't have a routine but seem to always be busy.
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to decorate the house for Christmas. It was fun looking around our new house figuring out where we can put different things. I'm happy with the outcome, there are still a few final touches I would like to place, I don't know if some things will make their annual appearance. But that's o.k. The kids were eager to help decorate and as you can see, they were happy with the final product!
I didn't get involved in any Christmas happenings at church this year, hoping that I will be able to sit back and just be an audience member for once, and I'm really looking forward to attending different events here and there! Might have to even check out Jay's church :)
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to decorate the house for Christmas. It was fun looking around our new house figuring out where we can put different things. I'm happy with the outcome, there are still a few final touches I would like to place, I don't know if some things will make their annual appearance. But that's o.k. The kids were eager to help decorate and as you can see, they were happy with the final product!
I didn't get involved in any Christmas happenings at church this year, hoping that I will be able to sit back and just be an audience member for once, and I'm really looking forward to attending different events here and there! Might have to even check out Jay's church :)
Monday, November 12, 2012
What Have You Been Listening To?
I love music, and right now, I can't get enough of Mumford & Sons.....
What's hot on your player???
What's hot on your player???
Life at Home
I have had one full week at home. It wasn't any normal week, and I'm sure it will take several weeks before anything feels normal, but it was a good week. Every day I thought about work, and my co-workers and it felt as though I took the week off as vacation.
I thought about the word "Intentional". I want to be intentional in everything I do at home. I don't want to lay my head on my pillow at night and wonder what my purpose is. And even though the tasks as a stay-at-home mom can seem mundane, boring and even sometimes ridiculous, I want to know the purpose in each chore. I look at my kids and how I want to serve them and be the best mom I can be for them. I think of my husband and consider the tasks it takes to better serve him, and overall, I want our home to be a happy one, full of joy, full of love. If sweeping the floors, scrubbing the toilets or even washing down the mirrors aid in this desire, then so be it.
As I type this now, the weather is cold, wet and rainy, and I am eager to see the rain turn into snow. I have memories of being home with my mom, because it was a no-bus day and feeling cozy and warm, looking out at the snow flying down. This is one memory that I want to be able to re-live today with my family. I'm looking forward to having a white blanket of snow over everything, and sitting by the fire warm inside looking out. Either watching the kids play in it, or hear them happily playing warm inside.
I am looking forward to Christmas, and having a little bit of extra time to do things in preparation for it. I want to make a list of all the goodies I like to bake. I look around our new house and start to envision where all the Christmas decor will go. These things excite me.
The month of November I have decided to look for the things that bring joy and capture it on camera to share on facebook. So far I don't ever have to look too hard to find the joy. It's usually right in front of me. Doing this as also brought to light the many many things I have to be thankful for. God has truly blessed me and I hope to remember everyday to thank him for these moments, big and little, they are all a blessing.
I thought about the word "Intentional". I want to be intentional in everything I do at home. I don't want to lay my head on my pillow at night and wonder what my purpose is. And even though the tasks as a stay-at-home mom can seem mundane, boring and even sometimes ridiculous, I want to know the purpose in each chore. I look at my kids and how I want to serve them and be the best mom I can be for them. I think of my husband and consider the tasks it takes to better serve him, and overall, I want our home to be a happy one, full of joy, full of love. If sweeping the floors, scrubbing the toilets or even washing down the mirrors aid in this desire, then so be it.
As I type this now, the weather is cold, wet and rainy, and I am eager to see the rain turn into snow. I have memories of being home with my mom, because it was a no-bus day and feeling cozy and warm, looking out at the snow flying down. This is one memory that I want to be able to re-live today with my family. I'm looking forward to having a white blanket of snow over everything, and sitting by the fire warm inside looking out. Either watching the kids play in it, or hear them happily playing warm inside.
I am looking forward to Christmas, and having a little bit of extra time to do things in preparation for it. I want to make a list of all the goodies I like to bake. I look around our new house and start to envision where all the Christmas decor will go. These things excite me.
The month of November I have decided to look for the things that bring joy and capture it on camera to share on facebook. So far I don't ever have to look too hard to find the joy. It's usually right in front of me. Doing this as also brought to light the many many things I have to be thankful for. God has truly blessed me and I hope to remember everyday to thank him for these moments, big and little, they are all a blessing.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Everything Keeps Changing
Ever since we moved to Alma, the idea of me quitting my job has been floating around. Moving here made this idea an option in some ways. The pros and cons were beginning to be weighed. The middle of September I had to switch my hours and instead of working 3 days a week, I had to work 5 days a week between school hours so I could be home before and after school for Caleb and Amberly. The thought of it sounded great, but when I began this schedule, reality hit, and it is hard. I'm constantly on the go, rushing through things, doing things, preparing things, and leaving no time for me to enjoy the kids, the moments. I wake up at 6am, to get myself ready, not long after that, someone with little hands and feet are up and needing me. I get all three dressed, fed breakfast, pack school bags/diaper bags, feed the dog, let him in and out, prep supper, brush hair and teeth, change another diaper, get on shoes/boots/coats/umbrellas/ and we fly out the door at 8:40am to make it to the school where the bell rings at 8:45am. Then after walking Amberly/Caleb to their respective lines, I march Joel (and Amberly on her off days) load them back in the van and scurry off to Elmira where I meet Christa at our old School for 9am so she can take my kids. Then I make it to work. I work, some days I'm on the phone all morning (getting beat up thru the phone sometimes) and then maybe get to my work load, which seems to grow more than dwindle. I leave at 3:00 to swing by and pick up Joel (and Amberly) and rush back to Alma to get Caleb/Amberly at the bell for 3:30pm. Once I am home, I unpack bags, looks at notes, throw away lunch garbage, give kids a snack, let the dog out, put coats and boots away. Prepare for the evening events (Tues-skating lessons, Wed-Awana)work more on supper, either starting it from scratch or getting the final touches together. Try to get home reading done. Referee fights, watch all 4 kids (yes I said 4 because the next door neighbour girl has become a part of the Snyder household almost every day after school and on weekends) set table, pour drinks, set out food, get all kids at the table. Daddy walks in the door at 5:35ish. Supper may be done at 6, then clean up starts again. Dishes, table, floor swept. Play with the kids a little if lucky, otherwise we start baths, then jammies, then a little tv time, books, prayers, bedtime. Kids in bed, I make the lunches for the next day. When all is done, it is usually 8:30-9pm, and I'm ready for bed myself. Only to start the same routine tomorrow.
Not having any fun. Not having any time.
So after a couple of weeks of this, and some other serious conversations, I was encouraged to make the jump and resign my position as administrator at rwam. Although some may think this was an easy decision. It wasn't. I love the people I work for and with. They have helped me find my identity as a married woman in a town that I called home. My friends are there, I see them every day. They are supportive, loving and hilarious. When I told my boss, I was weeping the whole time. She has been so good to me, has always helped me when I needed it, and allowed me to have flexibility in hours. Even now, she is supporting me, after I let her down and told her I was leaving, she told me to consider it a leave of absence, and that I would always have a place there if I choose to come back. How generous is that? Even the president of the company signed her email to me, "Looking forward to your return". November 2 is the day I say so long. I will enter into the world of "stay at home Mom".
I will need to find a new identity.
Not having any fun. Not having any time.
So after a couple of weeks of this, and some other serious conversations, I was encouraged to make the jump and resign my position as administrator at rwam. Although some may think this was an easy decision. It wasn't. I love the people I work for and with. They have helped me find my identity as a married woman in a town that I called home. My friends are there, I see them every day. They are supportive, loving and hilarious. When I told my boss, I was weeping the whole time. She has been so good to me, has always helped me when I needed it, and allowed me to have flexibility in hours. Even now, she is supporting me, after I let her down and told her I was leaving, she told me to consider it a leave of absence, and that I would always have a place there if I choose to come back. How generous is that? Even the president of the company signed her email to me, "Looking forward to your return". November 2 is the day I say so long. I will enter into the world of "stay at home Mom".
I will need to find a new identity.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Woah, Welcome October
I can't believe it's October. This coming weekend is Thanksgiving. It's one of my favourite times of the year. The beauty of the fall colours surrounds us every where we go now. I love it.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Unfortunate Events, I guess that is how I'll describe what I am going through these days. There hasn't been the perfect day. You know where nothing goes wrong, everything is peachy. Haven't seen one of those days in months. I don't have any explanation as to why I'm living through a valley a lot lately, not sure where this journey is going to lead me, but one thing I do know, God is in control of it.
Currently the situation is our van is almost dead. It's only 4 years old, only 60,000kms on it and the transmission is broken. We've left it in the hands of our trusty mechanic, and praying that most of it will be covered under warranty. Stupid thing! I mean, we move to a place that requires commuting, and with in the first month, I blow a tire on the side of a country road, and now this. We now have to rely on the little civic for the rest of the week, my 12 year old thing that has proven to be one of the best things I've ever invested in.
With today being the first day of school and having to deal with the vehicle situation, Dave and I did our best to make things happen in orderly fashion. And as much as I believe we did that, I'm on the verge of tears, with the "woe is me" attitude. Plus my motherly hormones are getting the best of me, and I want so much as to go into Caleb's class and make friends for him. But that isn't going to get him anywhere. I know that these things take time, and I know that boys are different than girls, but it just breaks my heart to hear that my little guy didn't make any friends today.
And to add one final blow, after being off work since last Thursday, I arrived later, to find a mountain of emails and phone calls to return, a stack of mail to go through, and I didn't even make a dent in it today. I want to just leave that all behind me, but I just know that I'm going to go to bed tonight and lay there thinking about what I need to be doing.
Tomorrow is my day off. I will have no vehicle, I can walk Caleb to school and make the most of my day with Amberly and Joel. Perhaps tomorrow things will look like rainbows and butterflies?
Currently the situation is our van is almost dead. It's only 4 years old, only 60,000kms on it and the transmission is broken. We've left it in the hands of our trusty mechanic, and praying that most of it will be covered under warranty. Stupid thing! I mean, we move to a place that requires commuting, and with in the first month, I blow a tire on the side of a country road, and now this. We now have to rely on the little civic for the rest of the week, my 12 year old thing that has proven to be one of the best things I've ever invested in.
With today being the first day of school and having to deal with the vehicle situation, Dave and I did our best to make things happen in orderly fashion. And as much as I believe we did that, I'm on the verge of tears, with the "woe is me" attitude. Plus my motherly hormones are getting the best of me, and I want so much as to go into Caleb's class and make friends for him. But that isn't going to get him anywhere. I know that these things take time, and I know that boys are different than girls, but it just breaks my heart to hear that my little guy didn't make any friends today.
And to add one final blow, after being off work since last Thursday, I arrived later, to find a mountain of emails and phone calls to return, a stack of mail to go through, and I didn't even make a dent in it today. I want to just leave that all behind me, but I just know that I'm going to go to bed tonight and lay there thinking about what I need to be doing.
Tomorrow is my day off. I will have no vehicle, I can walk Caleb to school and make the most of my day with Amberly and Joel. Perhaps tomorrow things will look like rainbows and butterflies?
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