African Lion Safari

It was a rainy day, but we endured it anyway. The kids loved it. It was so neat seeing Caleb take in all the sights, he was quiet but you could tell he was really enjoying himself. Amberly had fun too, but for different reasons. She just loved splashing in puddles, running in circles, riding on a bus.....
You can just see Caleb's quiet joy here.....


This lion frightened Amberly a bit. She wrapped her arms around my neck and insisted on sitting on me...

The kids taking in all the sights....



Caleb was a happy boy that day...

Here are the elephants in for their swim...

Caleb's highlight was riding this little train...

My highlight was obvious, riding the elephant with the kids. Dave's cousin Sharlene is on the back because I needed one extra adult....It was so neat!



This was a talented artist for an elephant.

So that was our day at the Safari...

U2 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight

Posted this for a couple of reasons. Number #1, counting down the days till I can see U2 live again in Toronto. July 3rd will be here before I know it. Number #2, love the lyrics of this song. Number #3, Dave just left for the long weekend for his guys golf weekend. This being the first day of him being gone, has been terrible. The kids are from another planet, and I'm experiencing frustration like I can't believe, it's practically moving me to tears. Although, tears are not uncommon for me these days, but tears over their bad behaviour is. My refuge currently is their nap time, they are both in their rooms and for once today, all is quiet up there. During this time, I'm praying for a couple of things. First of all, I'm praying they wake up in their usual selves. The loving, gentle, fun and entertaining selves. Second, I'm praying for patience to fill me up so much I overflow with it. Third, I'm praying that I can take the opportunity I have with my kids and enjoy every second, instead of wishing the time away so fast that Sunday night is here before I know it.

I have plans for this weekend although I'm not sure the weather will be on my side. Tomorrow the big plan is to go to African Lion Safari. The other wives that have been left behind by their husbands are also going, making it to be a day of 4 moms and 8 (.5 counting the one inside!) children. I'm excited about this because I can't remember the last time I was there. I remember pictures of me with my family there, I had the famous pixie cut, which would make me anywhere between 4-7 years old I think! The plan is to go even with threat of rain. Sunday I can't decide if I'll go to church first, or maybe just spend the day at my parents. We'll see how the previous night is! Dave is supposed to be home early evening, so I'm hoping to watch this pasts week's episode of Lost and then the grand finale. Monday is supposed to be nice, so I may venture out to some place to get some things to plant in our garden. Otherwise I don't know what Monday will bring.

I'm going to assess the sleeping situation upstairs now....

Like Clockwork

This little baby is very predictable. Every evening for the past week or so, he's been very active with his kicking. Kicking so hard that Dave is able to feel it! I love this time of pregnancy. It makes it so magical and special. It by far makes up for the way I feel!

Yes, I am having a boy. I'm able to say this now because my Mom was o.k. with finding out, so I don't have to try and keep it under wraps anymore. As to a name, well, first Dave and I have to agree on something. And once we do, I think we'll keep it to ourselves until the birthday arrives!

My dad has been keeping himself busy with little projects that we throw his way. This was his latest creation which I am amazed at how amazing it turned out. He built this table and chair set for the kids. From scratch. With wood my brothers brought home from their work that would have normally been disposed of. Isn't it beautiful?!?! The kids totally love it. I have made a rule however (for now) that lunch and dinner are to be eaten at the big table while dessert is at the small table. This solves the problem of super huge messes and having to always get up from our seat in order to help the kids! Caleb loves the table so much that every time we go to have a meal he repeats the rule to me, making sure that I know he gets to sit there for dessert!





Maybe the next project could be something for outdoors, maybe a clubhouse?!? (hint hint)

I'm off for another ultrasound on Wednesday. They didn't get a good enough shot of the heart's outflow, so I'm going back for another one! I'm excited about it, plus I get another opportunity to confirm that he's a boy!

Amberly has been driving me nuts with diapers! Christa (babysitter) and I thought that she must be ready to potty train. She tells us when she's gone, and tries to remove her diaper on her own as she doesn't like being wet. She does this sucessfully at bedtime, where I'll find her naked! But after some trial we then decided that she's not quite ready because she can't make herself go yet. Even when offered a reward that she really really wants, she can't make herself pee. Caleb would do this all the time, every time I sat him on the potty he would naturally go, but Amberly doesn't know how to yet. So we firmly tell her not to touch her diaper and some days that works. Most days I'm fixing her or cleaning up an unwanted mess. But I know, this too shall pass!

Too Cool For Traffic Ticket

A Love Revolution

What will I do today to help someone else other than myself? I need to purposefully think about this and even step out of my comfort zone in order to help someone other than myself. But God is pointing this out to me, and I want to be a part of The Love Revolution.

Full of Baby

This week looks like a busy one, with appointments all revolving around this baby. Yesterday, Dave and I took the day off to celebrate our 6th anniversary as well as see our baby at our ultrasound. It was a great day. I can't tell you how amazing it is to see this little one inside! Despite the discomfort of a full bladder and board of a table, it was exciting. With Caleb and Amberly we waited to find out their sex until they arrived. Since we have one of each, we thought this time we would find out what we're having. I wasn't sure I wanted to, only because I love anticipating things like that, but Dave was sure he wanted to, and as the time drew near, I just wanted to know. We still haven't decided if we'll tell people, I have to be selective of who I tell, because my Mom doesn't want to know. So for right now and for here, I'll keep it under wraps. I would like to say one thing though. Because we know, I do feel a bond growing stronger more and more. It's just all wonderful.
Today, I had my first appointment with my OB. When I first walked into his office, he smiled and said it was about time, and that this time around we're going to aim for the most routine labour and delivery possible! We relived my last 2 labours and then discussed my options for this labour. He's fully confident that I would have a successful VBAC, but he's willing to do what ever I ask. At this point I too am hoping for a VBAC. He just laid out the risk and then proceeded to tell me what to be aware of. There can't be any inducing with a VBAC so I need to be prepared to go over due, and if I'm overdue by 10 days, then c-section it will be. As well, if I do go into active labour and I don't progress in dilating in a good time, then c-section it will be. Otherwise, it could potentially be a successful labour!
Thursday I head to Orangeville for my final appointment with my family doctor. It was just a coincidence that all these appointments happened in one week, but I'm o.k. with seeing and hearing my baby's heart beat on 3 different occasions in one week!
Baseball season has begun, and all seems right in my world right now. It's been a great week overall. (Plus it's only Tuesday!)

Saying Goodbye to a Dear Old Friend

Yesterday was Sunshine's last day with us. Over the past week she had not eaten much if anything, she was constantly breathing heavy and sneezing and coughing, and Dave and I knew that things weren't looking good. But I didn't want to think about the possibility of what needed to be done. I had always told Dave when the time came, I didn't want to know. Well, the time came on Monday. I didn't know. I went to work had a normal day. But when I got home with the kids and was spending time with them Caleb told me that Sunshine went to the doctors. I proceeded in asking questions and he told me that Sunshine was in a cage. I asked him where is Sunshine and he then said that she was in a cage in the car with Daddy. It was then I knew that Dave took her to the vet. When Dave came home I asked him about it and he confirmed that she was gone. I burst into tears. And then spent most of the evening crying. Even Caleb asked "Mommy, will you stop your tears?" I do regret not being able to say goodbye. But I have peace in knowing that this past week I treated her with love and took care of her.
Over the past few years I felt her becoming more of a pain, a nuisance, because I always had to clean up after her and coming home with kids in tow and having to find puke on the furniture was not a pleasant thing. But as much as she was a pain, she was dearly loved. I think even poor Dave had a hard time doing what he did.
Sunshine would have been about 17 or 18 years old I think. I remember her as a young kitten and I think I would have been 14 or 15 when we adopted her into our family. Caleb now thinks that Sunshine is in the clouds with Jesus.
It still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it, but I know it was for the best.

Goodbye my Sunshine. I will miss you dearly and think of you fondly!

Worries

I'm at the stage where I feel constantly worried about this baby inside of me. Sometimes I think I feel the baby, and most of the time I don't and that worries me. I tell myself that I'm being silly for worrying so much. But I just can't seem to stop. I wish I had one of those heart monitors that the doctors use to listen to the baby's heart. But I don't, so I shall just wait patiently for my next encounter with this little baby. I go for my ultrasound on May 3, that alone makes me a bit nervous, I kind of wish I could see the doctor before the ultrasound, because I wouldn't want to find out during an ultrasound that something is wrong. See, I'm just blubbering on about this worry and fear that consumes me. But I'll again try to NOT do it and worry!

My little angels are sleeping right now, and all is quiet in the house. I'm going to take advantage of this quiet time and watch some tv and maybe even have a nap myself!



Aren't they sweet?

We've had a busy morning, out for some groceries, library program and even a visit to work to celebrate a co-worker's 40th birthday party. Actually the past few weeks have been really busy with things going on around here. But it's all good!

Well, off I go for some rest!

Under The Weather

There's snow in the air. It's really cold outside. And I don't really mind. I'm sick. I have a head cold, and I'm still not feeling well otherwise. I'm overly tired, having joint issues, and most of the time I feel disconnected from lots of things. As much as I want to crawl under my covers and hide away for at least a day, I know I can't. So I continue on with the normal responsibilities of everyday life. It's just today seems extra hard.

I think I shall draw myself a warm bath and crawl into bed for a short nap before my kids wake from theirs....

Recent Pictures

It's been awhile since I've taken pictures or even posted pictures. So here is just a few.

Oops, Well I Guess I Forgot to Mention....

A part of the reason I feel like I'm in a "lull" and have no motivation is all due to a specific thing. I'm having another baby. So what comes with that is feeling really sick all the time, feeling overwhelmingly tired, and over the top emotional.

I never have felt well when being pregnant. I wish I would, but with past experience, I am in for a long 9 months (well 3 of them are behind me). Yes, call me crazy, lots of people have already. When I told my boss, first she didn't believe me, second she told me I need to abstain and thrid she covered her mouth in shock. She told me she has never been this shocked by news of this kind before. Granted she's thrilled for me, and totally believes I'm carrying twins (which I'm hoping very soon will be ruled out!)

We're excited about it, I just need to get over my current physical feelings. I try to think past them and when people ask how I'm doing, I try to cover it up with positive feedback, and yet in my quiet times, I really do just sit there and cry.

We always knew we wanted 3, Dave would have been happy to wait 5 or 6 years, but I would be old by then and because I know what I go through, I just wanted to get it over with! ha ha ha! Plus I always wanted them close in age, I know it's going to be hard, but rewarding.

So September 23, 2010 we should have a new Snyder to welcome into the world. (If it holds out one extra day it would be my Grandma's birthday, and even though she's not with us any more to see her great grandkids, she loving them from above!) I'm hoping the babe's not in too much of a hurry, because I don't want to ruin Caleb's first school days, a couple of ladies have already told me how their siblings ruined their first days of school and they say they are scarred for life, so I've been warned!

I'm having a baby!

Whoa, it's March

Sorry I haven't posted anything recently. Things just seemed to be in a lull and I'm tired. I don't really like sitting on the computer much. Well aside from Facebook I guess. I've even lacked in the photo department!

Yes, the time change. Tonight will be the true test on how well the kids do. Amberly cried for a while at bedtime which she doesn't normally do, but she's quiet now, so that's a good sign. Caleb will be next, we'll see how that will go. I'm grateful for the dull day, because I think it helped with the bed times, at least it's still somewhat dark out for bedtime.

Caleb's new found love is Monster Jam. We tape it for him each day and he watches them before his bedtime. He knows the names of all the trucks, and with help from my brother and a few others, he has begun his own Monster Truck collection. Christa has even built ramps out of Popsicles sticks for him. (She's amazing, I'm sure I've said that many times!)

Amberly is growing up so fast. In fact I think she may catch up to Caleb in height soon. She's got so many words and she is stubborn to boot! This part of her makes me frustrated easily, but at the end of the day, all I can do is laugh, right? We've had no success on the potty front with her, but I will continue to oblige her when she asks to sit on the potty.

This past weekend I attended a conference in Toronto with Beth Moore. She's a wonderful speaker. The praise and worship times were amazing, and there were lots of times where the band stopped and we only heard our voices, and man that was really amazing. As much as I had a great time with the girls, I was exhausted. So much so that when I got in the door I just sat down and cried. When did I get so old?

Not sure what is next on the list for events coming up, Easter is always a good time. I'm looking forward to that. Oh and with this week being March break, my sister-in-law Sally is hoping to bring the girls down on Friday for a play date. My kids love them. We were at their place last week, and on the way home Amberly kept asking for "Book" Ha ha ha! Krista is at the perfect age where she enjoys entertaining Caleb and it works out so great! So once I know for sure, I will use their visit for leverage when it comes to good behavior from Caleb. (I know I know, but it works so well!)

What to Say?

Well January is gone. Don't know what exactly happened that month. Do you ever get that dazed feeling, like time is just passing and you don't feel like doing anything? Well I'm there. Motivation, or lack there of.... I don't have much motivation these days. I try.

Lost starts tonight. I'm very excited about it. But it comes on at 9pm, hello people, I go to bed then! ha ha ha. I will try and make every effort to stay awake to watch it tonight.

See, I even lack motivation to type anything here...

Living with Intent

This was the topic of our small group this past week. The opening question was, "does life sometimes feel like one day just blends into the next and it becomes a cycle that you don't know how it started, and how it can stop?" Sometimes I feel this way, I get up, get the kids ready, go to work, pick the kids up, make dinner, feed the kids, bath the kids, put the kids to bed, watch some tv, go to bed myself. Seems like a boring routine. Life isn't supposed to be this way. So in the next few weeks I want to set some goals. Daily ones, weekly ones and even some for the year. I know starting with daily ones, I need to find patience. I even need to tell myself to sit and enjoy the kids instead of worry about the unfolded laundry, or the cat hair floating on the floor. Plus I need to reflect on what a blessing my family is. I need to remember God, and start spending time in His word daily again, and take away some of my distractions so I can seek out His voice and listen to Him. I need to stay active, exercise isn't as bad as I sometimes make it out to be. I need to connect with my husband, ask him questions, have an actual conversation with him daily. What do I want for myself in 2010? Where do I want to vacation? What do I want to do to the house? On top of all of this, I need to believe in myself that I can reach these goals and achieve a happier life. But it's hard. I got up today and had no motivation to do anything. But when I put my mind to it, I accomplished everything I needed to, and did a few added bonuses like make a yummy brownie! My favourite thing to do is anticipate. I love this word and most of all I love the feeling it has to offer. Right now I'm anticipating a movie date with my hubby tomorrow afternoon to see Sherlock Homes.

What's happening with the kids? Caleb is adorable. He's talking so much more, telling me things, asking for things, and repeating bad things that come out of his mommy's mouth. Today he got in the rocking chair and said "Oh Crap!" Clear as a bell. Amberly has so many words too. I had to give her, her very first real time out today. She took ahold of Caleb's hair with both fists and pulled, and kept pulling until I could get her off of him. Caleb was crying and Amberly started to cry as I raised my voice. She was very upset. She gave Caleb the biggest longest hug to say sorry afterwards. It was cute, but at the same time, frustrating!

I've watched the first 2 episodes of the Bathelor and I literally feel stupider. See, my point exactly, that's not even a word. All the girls at work including my boss watch it, and the following day is usually a big discussion happens, so to feel apart of the crowd, I degraded myself. It's so retarded. This time around the guy is literally John Boy Walton. I'm serious. Save those brain cells ladies, and those 2 hours of your life and invest it somewhere else!

Another Year come and Gone

Well, here it is, the eve before a new year. When I think about the past year, I can't believe it's flown by so fast. Even the last decade really. Atleast when you think of the past 10 years, more milestones were hit.

We had a great Christmas. I little chaotic, but fun. Christmas eve we were out at my parents, as the tradition continues and all my cousins and their families come. I love Christmas eve. This was our attempt to get all the "great grandchildren" in one shot. Then we woke up Christmas morning in our own home. The kids, creatures of habit they are, woke at their normal time of 7am. Caleb wasn't so sure he wanted to go downstairs to see if Santa came, but he did. He's yawning here.

Then we headed to Dave's parents for the rest of the day. The kids were spoiled. We had a nice dinner with them and then from there went back to my parents place to spend the night and have my family Christmas Boxing day. Yet again, the kids were spoiled, and had a blast playing with their uncle's, aunt's and cousins. Uncle Steve even made a snow castle.

Dave spoiled me for Christmas as well. I got to open up on Christmas morning several different black frames, with black and white photos in them of our family. And then the real big present was a trip away Sunday night, a surprise. He told me on the way there. We went to Niagara Falls and stayed in the Embassy Suites over looking the falls. It was so lovely. We had a fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, an amazing view. We ate at the Keg which again overlooked the falls. And we skated "The Rink at the Brink". It was such a perfect way to relax after the crazy past few days. Below is the view from our room and the last one is of me at the rink. Not so great because it was night, but a really neat experience!

Tonight we're heading over to our friend's place, the kids will probably have to crash before midnight and I'm uneasy about ruining their routine, but everyone keeps telling me, "it's one night of the year Charlene" so we're going!

Happy New Year!

Recent Pictures of my Babes.

This is Amberly in a hand me down! Gotta love it. She's beautiful if I don't say so myself!Yes, the classic matching jammies. Not sure how long I will be able to get away with it, but Caleb thinks it's cool for now.

Decorating the tree. Amberly knows not to "grab" any decorations. But she'll go around and touch them, pointing them out to any new person in the house. Even to Sunshine sometimes.

The very happy Birthday Boy. He was so excited about the Thomas set he got.

Can't you see his exhaustion?! He was so tired, but did so well.

Hooray Christmas is on the Way!

Well, it's the last Saturday before Christmas. We spent the day at my parents, having a relaxing time. Kids love it there. We got home for supper and after supper, Dave played with the kids while I baked a couple of cookies. My shortbread ones were a flop, probably because I used margarine instead of butter, I should have known better but oh well. They are still edible. I also made my hubby's favourite, chocolate peanut butter mounds. So all I have left to make for Christmas is my white chocolate candy mix, and chocolate/pretzels snacks. I'm sure there is a few other things I'll have to whip up but I can handle it.

Dave and I have 2 days left of work. We both took the Wednesday off. The kids will still go to Christa's and leave us the day to prepare (me) and to do things you can't normally do anymore (Dave!)

Caleb's birthday party was last Sunday. It was ALOT of work, but lots of fun. Although I get my nerves in a knot and feel sick to my stomach most of the time while hosting big crowds, Caleb loved it and everyone said they had a great time. Half the people went to the Elmira Sugar Kings hockey game, including the birthday boy. Then everyone was back for a pizza dinner and cake. Caleb was totally spoiled with presents. Most revolving his new found love of Thomas the Tank Engine and Cars. It's hard to believe he's 3. He's growing up so fast!

Work has been going well. Our company spoiled us in their usual manner without removing events due to the economy (as so many companies have done). First of all, our department went to Ennio's for lunch which the company paid for. Then they threw their "Kids Christmas" party where I got to chose 2 $25 presents from the HH catalogue for them. There was a bouncey castle, a balloon man, face painting and Santa. And then this past Thursday we worked 1/2 a day (paid for a full day) and went bowling and then to the company banquet where we had an appetizer style meal, along with a Christmas bonus. It was great!

Now I hear Dave trying to get Caleb to bed. While Amberly keeps asking for me, so I better go. But in other big news, Amberly has peed and pooped on the potty! I'm feeling lazy when it comes to going down the potty training route, but also amazed at my little girl, so talented in so many ways!

Better run!

No Time

I'm totally tired. I want to just crash now. But I've got lots to do tonight. Well not really, just have to finish my Bible study stuff, and go to my small group. But after work, I shovelled the heavy wet snow and made supper and fed the children. I'm just tired. My arms are aching.
Yep. No time to blog.

The Weather Outside is Great, The Weather Inside is a Flurry!

The crazy times have begun! Although it may seem I have time to actually blog, I don't. But out of habit I am procrastinating. Yes, and I do it so well. I don't have anything pressing that I must accomplish immediately, but in the back of my mind I have to get the address book out, address Christmas cards, perhaps attempt to write a newsletter to send along to a few, take pictures of my angels, develope them so I can send, to show them off for some old friends.
The tree is up and decorated, but all the other decorations are sitting on a coffee table waiting to be appropiately placed.
The kids are quiet, upstairs, Caleb is watching Dora and Amberly is enjoying the time alone in his room with all of his toys. Dora is my Hero. I love her, and Diego and Bob & Larry. They bring peace to a house of chaos. Solitude to a worn out soul.
Tonight I have a ladies Christmas event to attend at church. I'm not sure if I will enjoy myself, I mean, the prep time alone has been un-enjoyable. We have to bring a dessert, a cash donation and a gift from our home that isn't used (DON'T ASK BECAUSE I STILL DON'T GET IT!) but is cherished?!?!? HUH? Anyway, I made some shortbread cookies, I wraped up a video and I'll rob my husband's wallet once he's home!
Tomorrow I'm off for the day with the kids to my parents. I'm giving a day for Dave to do Christmas shopping for his beautiful wife and time for just himself. Sunday is a normal day, and then we're heading into a week with December entering in. From then on, our weekends are booked! Next weekend we're hosting a party for Dave's highschool friends. The week after that is my work's Kids Christmas party as well as Caleb's 3rd Birthday party. Through out the week we've got lunches, planned, more evenings away, and all I can say is Christmas will be at the doorstep before I know it!
Well, it's almost too quiet upstairs. I'm getting a little concerned. I better go and see what those little "angels" have destroyed!

Another Quiet Night

I have a night to myself again. Amberly is sound asleep, and Caleb is watching a Veggie Tale movie before his bed time. Dave is at a poker night with the guys from work. So here I am. Over the past week, I've eliminated the soother from Amberly. Christa hasn't given it to her for months now, and so I thought I might as well go with the flow. I started last Wednesday night. To my surprise, she didn't seem too upset at bedtime. It was her naps that we are still continuing to struggle with. Now I have to go and rub her back until she relaxes enough to go to sleep. I don't know which was better! I feel bad because she's my baby first of all, and I think all babies look cute with their sussies! I kind of feel like I've rushed her out of it. And she's having a rough time cutting these silly eye teeth, and I took her comfort away. But I think we were successful and the tylenol is helping her with her mood swings and fussiness!
Caleb is getting so good at writing out his own name, it's amazing! We dot it first for him to trace, but he does a great job at doing it. Plus he's becoming more and more talkative. He cracks me up. He sometimes copy-cats Dave when Dave is trying to tell me something and it makes me laugh so hard!
Dave happened to have mentioned to me that he "thought he heard that U2 was coming back next summer" and then I discovered on Facebook that Jay got tickets! I was shocked. So I scrambled and started to look for some tickets hoping that there was some left. There was. Not the cheapest ones that I wanted. But I ordered myself 2 tickets. I loved their show so much, that I just couldn't pass it by again. After ordering them, Dave wanted to know who I was going to take, because he wasn't interested in going again! Yikes! So I called up my brother and asked him if he would be willing to spend that kind of money on a night out with his sister. I just might have him convinced! I hope so! It would be so much fun going with him. But I already have a back up plan, Lesa has already jumped at the opportunity if Steve isn't in. I feel the excitment already. July 3, 2010 is pretty far off!
I'm so tired of hearing about the crazy swine flu. The media has everyone paranoid and I am tired of hearing co-workers go on and on, feeding off of every word they hear or read from the media. I dont' know what to do about getting the shot. I'm still confused. But I know what ever decision Dave and I come to, will be the right one for our family. I just hope I don't make any mistakes.
Well, I better go check on my little guy. See what's happening with the Pirates who don't do Anything!