The Small yet Big Accomplishments of a 3 Year old and her Mommy!

My daughter is obsessed with her hair, she's a huge princess fan, so every morning I'm asked to give her princess hair. To her princess hair means french braids which her baby sitter can do so easily and very well. Amberly has given me permission to practise doing these braids in her hair and lately I've become pretty good at it. She's very proud of my accomplishments!
This 3 year old has also thrown in the pull up towel. She's been potty trained for a very long time, but still wore a pull up to bed. A month ago an issued her a challenge which was if she were to go 7 nights without peeing in her pullup, I would take her to Walmart so she could pick a new pair of pajama's. She was eager with this challenge. But unfortunately for the first little while she would go one, even two nights without wetting one, but then by the third or fourth would pee. Finally this past week she was successful and went 7 nights without wetting in one. We went to Walmart where she selected a set of Barbie pj's. She's gone now 4 nights with no pull ups on and has been dry ever since! Woohoo Amberly, I'm so proud of you!

My New Favourite...

Been in the Valley

Well, it's been a long while since I've posted. Life has been a little unfair these past few weeks. (can I even say that really?) The past week has been so consuming that I don't even really remember what happened prior to that. It all started with Joel waking up one morning with a rash all over his torso. He had a fever also, and when I called telehealth, they told me to go to emerg. So I took him and the doctor there didn't really look at him, just touched his rash and listened to his heart and then found a book, flipped through the pictures and decided that Joel had Fifths disease. So I went home and looked that up, and from what I read, I was not convinced this is what he had. So the next morning I called our doctor's office and spoke to the n.p. and she said that she would just have to go on what the doctor said and she told me more about the disease and what to look for. By day 4, Joel still was running a fairly high temperature, so on day 5, I called the doctor again and took him in. (It was on this day also where Amberly woke with a fever and sore tummy) As soon as the doctor saw Joel, she said it was not fifths disease but scarlet fever. Along with that, he had 2 ear infections and a throat infection. She prescribed amoxicillan. I left there feeling much better, finally having answers and knowing he'll be better. Well the next day we noticed that Joel seemed to be having a reaction to the meds. He would get blotchy and sunburned looking shortly after a dose. But I left that for a day. On this day also, Amberly seemed to be suffering still with a fever, and in the tub that night she said her ear hurt. Early the next morning I called the doctor's office again and told them what Joel was looking like and they said unfortunately I was going to have to come back. So I also made an appt. for Amberly at the same time. We got new medication for Joel and turns out Amberly was suffering with a pretty bad ear infection herself. So we got meds for her too. Again after leaving I felt better, knowing that a corner was soon to be turned. The next day things were looking up, but by afternoon I was sick. I developed a fever and a tight chest cough. That night I was so sick. The next morning Caleb woke up and was fevered. I cried. Dave stayed home to look after us that day. Tuesday Caleb stayed home from school and I from work, finally by Wednesday, we all turned a corner and were feeling better. We're still working on feeling 100%, but I think we're almost there, and I'm done complaining about it. Joel still has his rash from the fever, may have that for awhile, Amberly, Caleb and I still don't have our appetites back, but like I said. We are done complaining.
I will blame this crazy weather though.
I have also been going through a lot of things emotionally in relationships with friends. I wish I could eloborate on this, but the situation has left me with some kind of fear. My heart is broken for people and I feel alone when it comes to standing up for what I believe in. I feel God's leading, and His tugging on my heart, but then wonder why am I the only one to feel this way? I wonder if I've missed something, or completely misunderstand something? But I know this, grace has not been shown, it may be preached, but words mean nothing. Grace is something to be given with no limits, if Christ put a limit on grace, then he would have stepped down from the cross when he felt enough was enough. He didn't. Christ is all about grace, and forgiveness, 7 times 70. Shame on those who are replacing grace with self preservation. Christians should not expect higher standards from one another and when one doesn't reach our expectations, cut them down. Even though we have a relationship with Christ, doesn't make us perfect. If one can't find acceptance from a church for whoever they are or whatever they have done, then where do you expect them to find acceptance? Satan will make sure they find their acceptance, I'm certain of that.
Wow, just getting that out here makes me emotional.

Family Day Fun

For an experience, Dave and I took the Friday before the long weekend off to take the kids to the zoo. We booked a hotel package as well so we could spend the night after the day at the zoo. It was a great idea. We had a blast!


These jellyfish I think were my favourite!

Caleb's favourite were the cheetahs.


This aquarium is always a hit!

At the hotel....


The pool there had this small little frog slide, it also had a big one, but our kids were too small to use it. But good to keep in mind for a future destination!



It was a neat couple of days. It's nice to get out and do something completely different for a change with the kids!

Lost: Motivation, have you seen it?

Since the beginning of 2012 I have not been able to find that motivation I once had. Motivation to eat right, exercise and continue on the path of a healthier lifestyle. It's gone. Every morning I wake up feeling the presence inside, and then by lunch it's gone completely missing. When evening hits, I tell myself tomorrow is a new day. But it seems to be a cycle now.

Joining the gym is good for me, I haven't gone back on my commitment on that, I've been to 2 classes every week (that was my goal) and then back to just use the equipment here and there. It's really hard to find the time to make it to the gym 5-6 times a week, I'm proud for making it there twice a week.

Joining the contest at work hasn't helped any. In fact my last weigh in I was up a pound, which I was o.k. with because I feared I would be up like 5lbs! So I'll take 1. This month's challenge is to walk 10000 steps a day, and so I'm up for that. I didn't find out about the challenge until noon yesterday and I managed to pull off 8505 by bed time. But I'm really hoping to be down this month. Do I set a goal? I'm afraid to, but I think I could manage 5lbs. We'll see. Now that I've put it out there, maybe that will kick motivation into gear!

Ultimately I know what is wrong, and it's my eating habits, I love carbs too much. Bagels, bread, cereal, muffins, cookies and the ultimate destruction to any day is chocolate. Once I start, I can't stop! On the flip side, I don't love vegetables....I don't love eggs.....I don't love fish or steak. So finding the balance is difficult. Perhaps I'll learn to enjoy them, but they are definitely something that I currently have to force myself to eat.

In the end, it's not the number on the scale that matters, it's how you physically feel. I know when I've done bad by the way my body moves. If I can't feel good during a workout, and if I feel like I'm dragging my butt just to make it to the end, I know I've done bad with what I put in my mouth that day. So to know that and consider that before eating something, I think I've done good. And even though the number on the scale shouldn't matter, for this year, and this contest, I guess to me, it matters a little, because this is how I can win things!

So lets see how February pans out, how my challenge for 10000 steps goes and see if I'm 5 lbs lighter?

The Cinnamon Challenge ...

This is the best laugh ever!! For those who know me, you can probably hear me laughing....

Monter Jam

We headed to Toronto to see Monster Jam. The whole day before Caleb talked about it, wondering when it's time to go, and how we'll get there. Then the day actually arrives and I think he got overwhelmed. With the crowds and the fact that he was actually seeing these trucks up close and personal. He spent most of his time watching the big screen instead of watching them live. He didn't really seem excited about anything really. Well except when the pick up truck would come around shooting free t-shirts into the crowd. On our way home we stopped at a Walmart to have a quick bit of McD's for dinner and I asked him what he was going to tell Daddy was his favourite part of today, and he responded with "having supper at McD's" I was a little disappointed with this response, I could have saved a lot of money if that was all it was going to take. But then he quickly plugged on the end, "oh and the monster trucks too mom"

Oh well, we may wait a few more years before heading back, but the next day that's all that Caleb talked about, I knew he loved it, it was just hard to tell at the time!

Days Like Today

There is and will always be that ever pondering question....Do I stay at home or go to work? Most days I tell myself that I have the best of both worlds. I work part time only 3 days a week and the rest of the time I'm home with the kids. I believe it's the best balance for me, it gets me out of the house, into an adult social setting, brings in some money. But there is always that sense, is it all really worth it?
This morning Caleb woke up and went right into the bathroom. After a few seconds he ashamedly called me in to help as he had a little accident. What appeared to be a tiny amount of diarrhea in his pj's and on the toilet. I quickly cleaned him up and assured him that nothing is wrong, everyone has an accident. It's from here that I don't know if his embarrassment made him feel this way or if he honestly felt this way but he told me he was sick and he couldn't go to school. I continued to encourage him and got him ready like I normally do. All the while I worried for him, of course I would hate for him to have an accident at school. But his behaviour seemed normal so I continued with routine and got the kids all ready before I headed off to work. As I left, I asked Dave to call me to let me know if anything changes, I would then come home. Well at 7:55am he called to say that Caleb was lying in bed after going to the bathroom again. So I came home. Dave then left with the other 2 as I talked to Caleb. I reminded him that it was a pizza day at school, this made him perk up a bit. He then went to the bathroom again. After this time, he came out saying he felt fine and that he thought he could go to school. So I think I'll take him.
But if I was a stay at home mom, I might have kept him home. Because I would have the freedom to do so. But as it is, I'm missing work, only fretting about how I would make this time up? I'm blessed to have a very understanding boss who is very flexible and has been in the same boat I'm sure.
I want to live a life without regrets. You know?

Well 2012, What Have You Got For US??

We're a solid week into the new year. I'm not the type to make resolutions. I'm not even one to celebrate ringing in the new year. I made it to 11:30pm and even though I was so close, I decided to go to bed. I know, it's a sign of aging.

So far I do have a few plans set for 2012. One is going to happen on the 22nd. Monster Jam in Toronto. I think I'm just as excited if not more than Caleb. It's a pretty neat show to see! I also have tickets on their way to see Coldplay in Toronto in July.

On the 2nd, I walked over to the rec centre and bought a 6 month membership to the gym. I'm still not sure what I was thinking HA! But I love the zumba classes (looking forward to one tonight!) and I love swimming! I figure if I get there twice a week I'll get my money worth! I also joined the Biggest Winner Lifestyle challenge at work. It didn't cost much and it's for the entire year, there will be monthly challenges, and accountability and in the end the one with the most percentage lost wins. I haven't set goals yet, I haven't even found the inspiration to get back at eating properly again, but it will come. We'll see where I end up in this!

As far as health goes, my kiddies have all had the flu or some kind of bug. Joel has had it the worse, he seems to get over it and then catch it again. We've had him vomit since last Wednesday, at least once a day. Here's hoping there isn't any more puke in the next 24 hours so we can resume our normal schedule tomorrow.

2012 will also bring my very first nephew! With in the next two weeks that is! I'm so excited to meet this new little guy.

I love anticipation!

So Long 2011

This year was a rollercoaster. Some great moments and some not so great moments. I'll be honest, I've had some pretty difficult times this past year and I'm ready to learn from these moments and see how I can make 2012 better.

It all begins with prayer....

Happy New Year to all.

O Holy Night

Merry Christmas. May you find a moment for yourself today to reflect on the most amazing gift ever given. As a mother, I'm reminded of how impossible it would be for me to give a child...but His love is something beyond my comprehension.....

Boo

We didn't move from the midpoint, we finished in 3rd place. I admit, I'm being a sore loser. Mostly because I need new clothes and was really hoping to win the money so I could spend it on myself without guilt or regrets. But no, now I have to be very careful on what I buy, I have to analyze every dollar I spend, why? Because that is just how I am, I get into the store and I'm flooded with the thoughts of those people in India who spend their days in the dump in hopes of finding something they can sell to make money to feed themselves. Or I think that I don't really need those jeans, I have one pair that are fine with no holes. I can get a belt for my dress pants, I guess it doesn't really matter that someone told me I looked like I was wearing drapes....
3rd place was awarded a free massage, a foot detox thingy or 30 mins. with a trainer, we can choose 2 out of those 3. I'm definately doing the massage, but I don't know what else I'll choose.

(oh and by the way, there would have been no way to catch 1st place, the guy apparently lost 33lbs and he wasn't so big so his percentage was like 17%, I think he cheated some how! Or that is what I'm going to tell myself anyway!)

It's Coming.....So Exciting!

Christmas is literally just around the corner. I think I finally turned the corner too finding that patience which disappeared, finding the joy in the craziness and finding those moments of happiness.

Finishing the Biggest Winner contest was the beginning. I got to enjoy a pasta lunch, and was able to finally have dessert! I could stop worrying about how to avoid situations where I would have to turn down food. I successfully lost 26.2 pounds and I'm proud of that. I set a goal to reach 26.5 or greater and I maybe fell short of that a bit, but I'm so happy with my outcome, no regrets! As for the contest results and whether or not my 26.2 is good enough, we'll see.....I'll keep you posted!

This past weekend our choir performed it's cantata. As much as I enjoyed being apart of this, I'm glad it's over also.

My shopping is done, my baking is well on it's way and I can slow down a little and enjoy, take the moments in.

Celebrating Love coming down to earth.....

Hi Santa

This morning while running some errands in the mall. Amberly requested we visit with Santa. Our morning was going well, I was enjoying the opportunity to browse a bit and just take in some "Christmas" spirit, so we waited. While in line I thought it would be a wonderful picture, having all 3 of them with Santa this year. Once we got up there, Caleb and Amberly hopped on the seat beside him, and Joel was happy until my hands left his sides, he quickly realized that some stranger had him and not mommy. He was beside himself, he had that cry, the one where I have to tell him to breathe. So this is why my baby isn't in the shot. That's o.k. There's always next year.....Ho Ho HO.

Christmas This Year

How Come?

How come when December came, it pushed out any room for patience? Each morning I wake with hopes the patience came back to me. And every morning I fail to see it anywhere. I'm to the point it puts me into tears. Just this morning I had hopes to run to the grocery store before swimming lessons. But the time it took for me to get my daughter ready stole any opportunity for me to get what I hoped accomplished. We were all in the van backing out the drive when I noticed that it took me a good 20 mins to get her dressed, leaving me no time to get to the store. I had to pull the van back in and take everything off that was put on. I've lost it. She pushes my buttons constantly all the time, and I've had it.
The youngest won't let me out of his sights. To pee, to get a drink to even walk from room to another he screams when he can't see me. When he is content is when he's pulling everything out of the garbage, the toy bins the clothes drawers, essentially creating a huge pile of chaos. The oldest has become addicted to xbox. I had to take him to the Santa Claus Parade dragging him along because he was so wrapped up in his game that nothing else would do. So my attempt to take that xbox away for good until the new year failed as my husband thought that was too extreme. Now the plan is to limit it for 20 mins. once a day. I do admit that it seems to have help some, but I think my plan would have been better.
Between working, being home, working out, not being able to indulge on a treat here and there, I think I'm losing my mind. I feel like Christmas is going to come and go and I won't get that feeling. That feeling of contentment. That feeling of happiness. I'm afraid all of those desired feelings will be taken and replaced with regret, frustration and just plain burnt out.
How come?

Father let my heart be after you...

With Christmas coming quickly, we tend to get lost in the busyness of the season. This song reminds us of why God sent His one and only Son. The ultimate gift.

Half Way There

Boy I'm done. I feel like I'm split in half. One day I'm so competitive that I'll stick with it and work even harder, the next I'm ready to cave and have that ever so desired chocolate that I've gone without. But yes, we have 3 weeks left (not even) and today I know I can make it. We got the mid point result today and Dave and I are in 3rd place out of 27 teams. Which is awesome I know. But we're 1% lower than the team in 1st place. 1% is ALOT!!! So a part of me feels discouraged. I know that the end result is worth it all, but gee, $1500 is huge, I could have done a lot of shopping with that.

I don't know what I can do differently here on out to finish stronger, but strong I'll finish. Then I'll be able to enjoy some treats over the Christmas time.

I've been so far successful to exercising 6 days a week. I've been going to 3 classes a week and the other days I either go swimming or ride the exercise bike. I've found a new love, zumba! Yep, it's pretty darn fun! I've drastically changed my eating and follow the Dr. Phil diet. It's fairly simple, the first week is a killer, but now it's easy. I do miss carbs though. (I get 2 a day, but they have to be high in fiber which limits quite a bit) I find comfort in scrambled eggs with salsa - sounds gross I know, but right now, it's my comfort food! I savour every bite of my Fiber One cereal in the morning, that cereal makes me want to get up in the morning! HA HA HA! Sad but true. Dave has taken me to mongolian grill, a place I can throw together my meal, have them cook it in front of me and allows me to stick to my diet. And my new favourite is a turkey sub at subway. I don't love salad, so I stay away from that as much as I can, I would much rather eat heated veggies than a salad. Last week was our mid point weigh in and I lost 16.6lbs in 3 weeks according to the official gym scale, although my scale at home today says I'm down 20lbs. So we'll see. We'll see how these last few weeks unfold and what becomes it in the end.

The Meaning of a Shoebox

This is the 3rd year that Dave and I have intentionally taken our kids to the stores to find certain items to place in a shoebox for a little child, who just like them, loves to receive but are in a place where so little is given because there just isn't the means to give.
Our little guys this year really understood that we were giving to someone. Caleb picked things that he would like to get, and Amberly found things that she already has and loves and picked those because of how much she enjoys hers. We quickly packed them in the box, carefully placing things in certain ways to fit and make room for more things. I forgot the list at home, so there are still a few essentials items that I will buy to put in, such as soap bars and combs, but other than that they are ready to go. They are filled with toys, crayons, hair clips, notepads, balls, lollipops, toothbrushes, first aid kits. I enjoy filling the boxes up because the idea that it will reach a child who lives in a desolate place, where everything to us is simple for them is so difficult, fills my heart.
It's so important to teach our kids the gift of giving. Not to teach them by giving them everything they want, but by practically showing them how blessed they are and that for just so little we can turn around and bless someone else. This world is so full of need, and we have so much, it's the least we can do right??
All it takes is a shoebox.
If you want more information, watch the video below and plug in your postal code at the website, it will give you the nearest drop off location.



http://samaritanspurse.ca/Operation-Christmas-Child/Collection-Centre-Locator.aspx

A Week I'm Glad to be Gone

Last week was rough. It was a combination of several things. But the one that weighed my heart heavy was the death of an old friend. He and I had been really great friends in our high school days. Time took hold and I probably hadn't seen him in over 9 years. I went to his funeral this past Saturday, and was not only heart broken, but I found myself disappointed and angry. There were things said without any emotion. Truths between relationships came to light and it wasn't right. I wish I had kept in contact with him, because he needed to see grace given and shown and maybe I could have done that just a little for him. Where is Grace? Why can't the single, most important message of Christ come from a father/mother/pastor? Is it really that hard to extend? He was 34 years old. He died because of a blood clot. It was sudden, quick and way too soon. But God needed to show him the grace he deserved, so He took him home. Again, I don't know the facts, I've just read between the lines, and maybe I'm completely wrong. I pray I'm wrong, because a life of regrets is not one that God wants for His children.

Life is busy. Between working, running the house, looking for time to do workouts, I feel like Dave and I drift in and out. I miss him. So I breakdown. I cry. I'm entitled to fall apart sometimes. I always feel better after a good cry. But things will slow down come January. I hope!