Christmastime is here...

Back to the song titles. :) Well, hubby is officially on Christmas vacation, and as I type this he is off shopping with his homey to buy Christmas presents for the wives (ie me and B2). We spent the morning as a family stacking wood out on the front deck. The boys helped- loading logs on the sled and pulling it up to the deck, unloading it, and then tobogganing back to the wood shed. We got a large chunk of it moved, but there's still lots more to do.

Christmas will be a fun one this year. I've had to start putting presents under and around the furniture as we have already run out of room under the tree. I think it's a combination of a low tree with not much present-room, some bigger than usual boxes this year, and the fact that I'm using insurance money to replace things under the guise of gifts. Mom and Dad are due to arrive in a couple of days, and then our company will be complete for this Christmas. I am already looking forward to '09 though, when we plan to use the lodge in Alabama for all of us to be together; with a few new additions being J and our new little one.

And I'm very glad for facebook- got in touch with an old friend the other day. I haven't seen her since we moved up here, and we've only talked I think three times on the phone since then, but I've discovered that about some of my friends. There are a few who I can talk to only once or twice a year and see even less than that. Of course there are e-mails and facebook to help keep in touch, but when we do talk it's like we do it ever day. We spent a couple of hours catching up and having some great laughs. They have a VERY cute little 3 year old whom I have yet to meet, and her hubby has made a career move to the RCMP. He's like the ultimate mountie- think of Paul Gross in Due South, and that's what he looks like.

Well, my boys are sitting at the school desk anxiously awaiting my company to draw Christmas trees. I guess the rest of the housework can wait. And doing the church service for tomorrow. And my reading up on adoption. And... oh, nevermind.

So many countries....

So little time. We have it narrowed down to two. After making up our mind for certain for about the third time, settling on Thailand, we found out we qualify to adopt from India as well thanks to the lifting of a restriction that said one of us had to be of Indian decent. India has mostly girls and they are usually less than 1 year old at the time of referral, so we think this is it. We think. So hard to decide! But the wheels are rolling anyway.

Yesterday we had our first meeting with a social worker, and we really like her. Turns out she is a fellow maritimer, and even though she went to the rival high school, I think we'll get along just fine. (Her first apartment was on Primrose St!)

So now we have homework before we get together again- I have been at it all day, filling in all the details of my life, booking appointments for physicals and fingerprinting, and looking up financial details about myself that even I don`t know. There is SO much paperwork. But it will be worth it- we are getting really excited.

The homestudy usually takes 3-4 months, but apparently people have done it in as little as one month. This, of course, I took as something of a challenge. The time it takes depends on how fast we can fill out paperwork and complete the other homework, so I figure since there`s so much of this process that we can`t control, I want to make the parts that I can control go as quickly as possible. The boys don`t like the thought of having to wait so long for a little sister either, so speeding it up is what everyone wants!

And, joy of joys, we are now on highspeed. It comes in and out, but someone is coming to remedy that tomorrow, and then I just have to get the new e-mail working, and we`ll off into cyberspace and able to talk on the phone at the same time- what a concept.

So that`s the latest in my life. Oh, and Christmas baking and Christmas wrapping and Christmas shopping and trying to fit some school in this week. (Not being entirely successful there...) Ah well, `tis the season.

Haven't blogged in a while. Not that things haven't been happening. But my time on the net has been spent elsewhere- researching, mostly. Most of the folks who read this blog already know what I've been looking up- international adoption. E and I have decided to pursue it. We're thinking a little girl from China, but we may look at other countries as well. Some leads we have gotten tell us that the wait for China can be up to 5 years, and other countries are much shorter waits. But we have a meeting with an agency that deals with China this weekend, and next week we are attending an information session with another agency that deals with about 6 countries. We'll see what happens. We're quite sure we're supposed to do this, though, and the boys are ecstatic about the thought of having a little sister. They are all ready to share a room again so she can have J's room, and were quite put out when I said it would probably be at least a year before we'd have her (didn't have the heart to tell them it would be probably be more like 2 or 3!).

Other than that, life progresses as normal. School, housework, blah blah, blah. The Christmas parties have started, with one for church last week, and two of E's work parties next week, both of which include the kids, which will be fun. J's birthday party (Bowling with a few friends) is on Sunday, and the following Sunday will be when we put up the tree. Should be interesting between the puppy and the cat. I wonder if it will even survive. Ah well, it's not like we have any old heirloom decorations we don't want to get broken this year.

This weekend I'm off to a retreat with church stuff. Not because I'm involved in the ministries, but because I'm our associate pastor's assistant extrordinaire. In other words, it's a working weekend for me. Computer stuff, organizing the snacks, and leading in some singing time. A little bit of everything. It will be fun, but I won't be here on the day of J's b-day (Saturday). I will be calling him, and E has lots of fun stuff planned to do- just the guys. But I'm back first thing Sunday morning and will be here for the party. J is fine with it, and was glad to be assured that he could still open his present on Saturday. :)

The only thing I haven't figured out yet is when I'm going Christmas shopping. I have the PEI gifts to mail away, but as for the boys, I have no idea. I'm thinking of calling J and farming the kids out for a day- Saturdays are not an option between now and Christmas. Then I can take her kids for a day in exchange. Time to send an e-mail...

The Gambler (Kenny Rogers)

OK, so it's not a completely accurate title, but it's the only one I could think of that referred to a card game. (I did, however, find a parody of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me", entitled "Foursomes Do it for Me", referring to bridge, if you believe it. But it was a very misleading title, so I decided against it).

Why all this card talk, you ask? Because we have found friends to play bridge with. Sorry Mom and Dad- a couple of times a year just doesn't cut it, so unless you plan to visit more often and play bridge, we need to find more bridge friends. We had Mr and Mrs K over for a lovely dinner (kids even behaved), and then played bridge. Mr K beat everyone, so I'm not sure if I'll invite him over again. Just kidding- it was tons of fun, and we plan to do it again soon. Found it a little weird by times when I remembered that they have kids our age and we're good friends, but then so do Mom and Dad.

Other than that, today was uneventful. School, housecleaning, and trip to Home Depot. E is outside as I type this playing with the new plow that is on the ATV. I think he is enjoying clearning the driveway just a little too much. But I can't talk, as I am hoping that he is out the next time it snows so that I can clear the driveway myself.

Bedtime.

Winter Wonderland

I love happy accidents (to coin a phrase from one of my favorite painters- who can guess who it is?). I took a picture yesterday morning of the first snow- the branches in our backyard were all perfectly outlined in snow, so after snapping a few shots of the puppy's first reaction to the white stuff (highly comical), I aimed the camera up and took a shot of the trees. My flash didn't go, and the exposure was longer than I liked, so I popped the flash up and took another. The one that I thought I had messed up for lack of a flash, was simply amazing. The sky came out an amazing blue color, the trees highly defined, and every snowflake highlighted. Not so much a testimony that I know what I'm doing as a testimony of the beauty of creation. And it raised some questions...

How can people not like snow? It's so beautiful. Makes brown and dingy surroundings look fresh and new, like they've gotten a new coat of paint. And they make you think of Christmas and cozy fires, and every child is instantly amazed and excited that it decided to visit again. They can't wait to play outside, and you get to sit inside, decorating for Christmas, while they play with the sled and try not to trip over the puppy, who has them in hysterics.

How do we really know that no two snowflakes are the same? I mean really- have they TESTED every snowflake in the world? One storm alone has more flakes than my mind can grasp. I'd like to see some concrete proof, thank-you.

And lastly, the most annoying question- why does something so beautiful have to trigger memories of something so horrible? As I looked out over my beautiful, untainted, white yard today, suddenly and uninvited, a vision of charred rubble under a fresh coat of snow came to mind. The day of the fire it snowed. Just a very little, but enough to give the whole scene a very ironic look of fresh whiteness on top of death. Again that analogy of getting to a spot you've been a hundred times before walking through the woods. I'd like to be out of the woods, thank you, with a map in my hadn to avoid these unpleasant surprises. Just like when I look at my new little puppy, who is so good and so sweet, and all I can do is to miss my dog and think how well she'd get along with the pup. Maybe it's the wine I'm drinking making me melancholy, but I'd like to be rid of it all (the memories, that is). We are in a new, beautiful home, with a new lovely puppy, all safe and sound. I don't miss the stuff. I can't explain why it still bothers me. And most of the time it doesn't. Just those unexpected triggers.

Ah well, until we are really home, that's the way it is, I guess. I wonder if it snows in heaven? And if people make snow angels, what do angels make... snow people? It will be interesting to see. Although I suppose snow is more like some people's idea of hell than heaven... scrooges.

The Long and Winding Road (the Beatles)

Ah, the lesson of learning that attitude is a choice. My W, as I type this, is sitting at the school desk not wanting to do work. Every one of the millions of snowflakes outside is calling his name, and he can't get it into his head that if he buckles down and works, he'll be free that much faster. Yesterday by this time he was finished. Today the light at the end of the tunnel is still very far off. His brother has been finished his work and off playing for a while, waiting for W to finish grammar and math so we can move on to French, history and science. So it's far from over for him. A mid-math snack of cookies and milk even did little to revive him.

You may think I'm mean and nasty for not giving them a snow day, but we have missed so much school this year with the move and other business, that I just can't let them have the day off (as much as I too would love to be out playing in the snow!) But I am hoping Awana is cancelled tonight, as I don't really want to have to go anywhere. This place is so cozy during a snowstorm.

Ah, good news. W seems to have begun to buckle down and is doing grammar. There is much rejoicing.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Ah, the first snowfall of the year. What makes it even better is that I had no idea it was coming. I awoke to the scampering of excited feet and cries of "it SNOWED!". What fun. So after going outside and being entertained by the puppy's reaction to the snow (she loved it once I finally got her to set foot in it), we did a good day's worth of school, and then went to Wal-Mart and bought Christmas decorations! It was a bit slushy for the boys to go and play in, but it just gave a nice Chirstmasy feel to the house. The Christmas CDs were broken out and played, and I think I may even put a fire on later.

Well, I must go and put up all those decorations I bought. The walls are just screaming for them.

Back in the saddle (Gene Autry)

Today brings in the full routine once again. School. Swimming. Home group. It's all good. I was up too late last night catching up on paperwork, but it's all done. What a feeling. Now I just have to get through the list of phone calls that I need to make and the nagging administrative stuff really is caught up.

I hope school goes well today. We have a busy afternoon of car appointment, swimming lessions, hockey practice, and then home group. It's been so long that I don't even remember where we left off. But first it will be a cup of coffee and quiet time in my lovely little quiet time room. What a happy place that is.

Seems to me I made a post before all the craziness about getting tired of the routine. Now I am loving it. Guess what I really needed was a week or two without the routine to remember why it's a good thing. Well, time to go- it may be routine, but it's still busy.

Foot in my mouth (Chris Tomlin)

OK, so I've gone and done it again. Typed stuff in my blog that has come across totally wrong. And this time I agree- my mom pointed a few things out about my last entry, and I am having a hard time typing with my foot so far in my mouth.

I said a while back that I would give God all the glory if things went well, and in my last post there was no mention of that. Don't get me wrong, He and I have had many chats about how much He rocks and how glad I am that He got me through. I do give Him ALL the credit.

And the conference was not such a success just because of me. I didn't mean to imply that in any way. Every part of it was a success because of the hard work of so many people. I was just so excited that the part for which I was directly responsible went very well.

So Mom, there you go- the rest of my thoughts. And I'm not being facetious here- I really do agree with what you said. I was wrong not to include this.

Freedom

Well, I did it. I helped organize a 750 person conference, and lived to tell the tale. It went very well, actually. On Wednesday I was a wreck (the fact that I had gotten 2 1/2 hours of sleep the night before didn't help). I had that feeling I used to have when there was a huge exam coming up and I knew there weren't enough hours left to study everything that was going to be on it. But Wednesday came, and, with a huge knot in my stomach, I got through it with flying colors. Thursday I felt a little better, and once again things came off without a hitch. Friday, which I thought would be the most nerve-wracking day (since I was going to be working with a real recording artist who's been around forever), was the easiest for me. By the time I met him, I felt like a seasoned pro, and all of his stuff, and everyone else's, went off without a hitch. It was a HUGE job, and I'm so glad it's done, but am I ever glad I did it. It really stretched me, but now I know why they asked me to do it- because I could, and I did a darned good job! :)

Yesterday was the day after, and even though I was exhausted, I spent the day getting ready to put 4 floats in the local Santa Claus parade. But it was good- it was a crazy day, but it was physical work- a great change from the mentally exhausting co-ordinating I had been doing all week. Then I got to do the most fun thing I think I've ever done on my birthday- sing in a parade! It was a blast, and although I'm now totally sick of the two songs we cycled over and over, I had so much fun that my face hurt from smiling.

And today I am free of the craziness. The week coming up is a busy one with some extra appointments etc in it. But it is routine stuff, and I can get to school with the boys, and it will be lovely. W is at a sleepover tonight, so it's quiet in the house. Tomorrow I will work at the church office and run some errands. It's routine. It's lovely. Ironic how there's freedom in routine.

Hey good lookin'

Whatcha got cookin'? 260 cookies and 4 pans of squares. That's what I made today with the help of a friend. I'm beat tonight, but it was fun and a much needed diversion from conference prepping that has been consuming my time as of late. But not tonight. I got a ton done this morning, and I think everything else I need to do can wait until tomorrow (and Monday when I'm at the church office taking advantage of their highspeed internet. Didn't feel like taking 22 hours downloading a countdown clock here in the land of dial-up)


So I think it will be a glass of wine and a movie on the laptop in bed. Yes, that sounds lovely. But what to watch? I have loaned out my favorite chick flick (not that I have many of them...) Probably doesn't make a whole lot of difference, though. I will most likely fall asleep long before the film is over.

Hmmm... getting sleepy already...zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Loss for words.

We did school yesterday- a whole load of it. Not sure how that happened in between cabinet repair men and builder walk throughs, but we did it. I'm really hoping to do it again today. I do have TONS of work to do for the conference coming up (more than I realize, I think), but I have this evening to start putting it all together.

J is tired today. Up too late last night, I guess. And he's grumpy. I hate mornings that start with grumpy kids. Sometimes I can get them to shake it, sometimes it lingers all day. We'll see how this one turns out.

Not much else to say. Gotta get some coffee.

Another Brick in the Wall

Today will not be an exciting day. Errands. Again. This morning it is to the chiropractor for everyone, then stuff at the church office, then shopping for a central vac and other sundry items. This afternoon the new Wal-Mart in CP opens, and I am going to try and snag some deals there. So once again, no school.

I had no idea how much this little move into our house would disrupt the school year. Between that and the conference I am helping to organize we have missed so many days. Ah for the weeks when I can get to it every day. Next week we're actually only to get to do one day of school the whole week. But after that, I am buckling down. When we're not in a routine with it, it's that much harder to get the kids into a school day. They seem much more reluctant to sit and study. It's like we're on a perpetual March Break and I keep trying to get them to work while they're on vacation.

Ah well, the week after next we're back at it. And then we'll be making up for some lost time, much to the boys' dismay. Mwahahahaha.

The conference is coming along well. Many curve balls are being thrown our way with "staffing", staging, room assigments and childcare. I don't know if it's the enemy's way of trying to derail things or God's way of testing our mettle. Or maybe both. But the conference will happen, and over 700 church planters will be glad they came. Still can't believe that little old me is helping to organize a nation-wide conference for over 700 people. What were they thinking when they asked me? Ah well, when it comes off without a hitch, God can get all the glory because I have NO idea what I'm doing!

Off to another day with no education.

Saturday

Ahhh, Saturday, with nothing pressing to do. Yes, there is stuff to be done on the computer for the church-planting conference, and the media to be done for church tomorrow, but that can wait until this evening, and right now I can work at a leisurely pace. But no school, laundry is pretty much caught up, and hubby is home. I like Saturdays.

It's shaping up to be a gorgeous day outside. Still 0 degrees, but it's going up to 8, and there's not a cloud in the sky. Mom and Dad, however are calling home to get someone to take their BBQ and deck chairs inside in preparation for the hurricane that is supposed to hit later today. That is one thing I like about our province. Not a ton of extreme weather. Boring is good.

Not much else to say today. I'm happy- the dog let me sleep till 8 am- a record for her in the 2 short weeks we've had her. She has some big shoes to fill, being a "replacement" for the best dog I've ever known, but I think she's up to the task. Toby cannot be replaced, and I'm surprised how much Phoenix makes me miss her, but she's a great dog in her own way.

Alright- well, I'd better to and do something somewhat productive. Even on a Saturday.

This is the song that doesn't end

When you think about it, life is very routine, and the one same thing after another, for the most part. Routine is nice, but sometimes it drives me crazy how much you do one day that has to be done again the next day. Feed the kids. Eat. Laundry. Brush teeth. Take the dog out. Answer the kid's questions. Make the beds. Sweep the floors. Cook dinner. Take vitamins. Shower. Wash the dishes. Empty the kitty litter. Referee the kids. Run errands. Teach school. Drink coffee. It doesn't matter how much you do these things. Within 24 hours (or sometimes minutes) they will have to be done again. It's no wonder I feel like I'm on a treadmill half the time. Maybe it's time to do something spontaneous. But what? Too busy to go on a trip right now- besides, we don't have our passports yet. Shopping? No- that's half the errands I am learning to hate. Perhaps a wine and chocolate evening. Now I'm talking. Or some cheese. Mmmmm..... havarti.

Walkin' on Sunshine

It is going to be a lovely day. Only 1 degree as I type this, watching the sun rise over my woods, but it's supposed to go up to 15, according to my computer. Not bad for Halloween. The boys are all excited to go trick-or-treating in their firefighter costumes (which were second choice as I wasn't dishing out 20 bucks a pop for two spider man costumes). Nothing like a little extortion for some fun childhood memories.

I'm glad for a nice day as well because of the afternoon we have planned. Goaliemom, the boys and I are going shopping, where she hopes to get presents for the G's. I hope to get presents for a lot of people, get them wrapped, and save mailing them all down. Now that we're getting settled into the house I can officially get my head around Christmas. Amazing what some normalcy can enable your brain to do.

Then this evening, of course, is trick-or-treating. Maybe we'll take the dog with us- that'd be fun. After a supper with mom and dad whenever they get here. Another non-stop day. But it's nice and sunny, and will be warm sooner or later.

Speechless

Don't know what to write about today. I'm tired, it's late. Did school, went swimming, and -oh- high point of the day. J won first prize in the Carleton Place Home Depot coloring contest. He was very excited. And I was glad to see that his prize was NOT a 10 pound toblerone bar.

Working 9 to 5

What a way to make a living. Even when I don't get paid for it, there are perks. I walked into the office today (I have switched from Wednesdays to Mondays) to find presents on my desk! A new software program (OK so I like nerdy gifts) and a Tim Horton's gift card- woohoo!

Work went well today- the very long list that had built up over the two weeks I wasn't there got accomplished, and I still got to leave early to be home in time for the arrival of goaliemom. She came for supper and then went to W's hockey game with us. I think she was entertained by the little guys falling down with every slap shot and other such 8-year-old hockey antics. Which is good- I was hoping she wouldn't be bored- not exactly university level stuff! But they played a good game, and tied. W had a few good chances at a goal, but didn't get one in tonight. But that's OK- he's still flying high over his goal scored on a breakaway Saturday evening.

So goaliemom is here for the week, and on Wednesday, mom and dad arrive for a week. I am looking forward to showing them the new house, and having them stay here. It will be a busy week (surprise, surprise) with school, swimming, meetings for me, trip to the vet for Phoenix, other appointments, and kid stuff with company here, but I think they're used to the pace of life we keep. Not sure if they think it's sane or not, but they're used to it!

Query: was my mom this busy when us kids were young? I don't remember as much running around (and there were 4 kids, not 2!), but maybe I was just so absorbed in my own little world and didn't see all the organizing my mom did to make everything run like a well-oiled machine. Now I'm on the other side of the equation- working dawn till midnight.

8 days a week

I am a busy person. I even find some kinds of work relaxing. E took the boys out to fill our shoeboxes this afternoon, so I had about an hour to myself with nothing pressing that had to be done. So what did I do for relaxation? Put the music on, made myself a cup of hot chocolate, and organized our new filing cabinet. It somewhat disturbs me how relaxing and therapeutic organizing is for me. It's like I thrive on making order out of chaos. Very rarely do I actually enjoy sitting still and doing nothing (unless it's in the jacuzzi with a good book- I have learned that our jets in the new tub do not automatically turn off after 20 minutes- or 30 or 40 for that matter). I think even if I had more hours in the day or more days in the week it would just give me more time to organize and clean.

The work of the weekend got done- with a few very late nights to show for it, but it got done and I was glad to be able to help. No rest for me yet though- the next week will be spent doing a media project for the pastor, and then it'll be into the last minute throws of organizing a nation-wide church planting conference. I originally wasn't sure why I was asked to do such a big task, but now I see- it is because I am so insanely organized. The other guy organizing the main sessions with me has great ideas and connections, but he is not what you'd call a details person. So my job has basically become to take his ideas and help him put them down on paper so that it'll all fit into the time alloted. It's kind of fun, but I won't know how good a job I've done until it actually comes to pass. And then, if I haven't done a good job at all, I'll have potentially ruined a bi-annual sold-out, nation-wide conference. No pressure. Ah well, if it does work, I get to give God all the credit, because I have no idea what I'm doing.

So after that I get to rest- WRONG. The next day, all of Barrhaven is having a parade in honor of my birthday. They are calling the Santa Claus Parade, but I am calling it my birthday parade. So I am helping with that and singing on one of the floats with B2 and a couple of other gals from the worship team. I just hope it's not REALLY cold like it was 2 years ago when I helped. I can't sing when I'm shivering.

SO after that I MAY get to rest, although by that time it'll be time to decorate my house for Christmas- a tradition for the day after my birthday. Only difference this year, is that I get to go out and buy ALL my decorations before I put them up. That is just a little overwhelming for me, and we'll see how it goes.

So I am busy- and would love to have 8 days a week, but I'm sure then I'd just cram more stuff in.

Puppy Love

Phoenix is highly entertaining. Tobes never chased her tail as much as she does- and once she gets it she rolls around the floor in a ball refusing to let go. And then there's the whole cat and dog love/hate relationship. Max hisses, bites, and literally puches her and she keeps coming back for more. Too funny.

Today we will run a few errands in the morning- the boys are getting SO sick of errands. They used to love going to the store, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Shopping has to stop soon! Then this afternoon there will be much cooking in my kitchen for the celebration lunch tomorrow at church. Always fun, and even more so since I don't have to go out to do it!

Well, puppy is whining to go out, so I would hate to ignore that request. Must get on with my day.

Oops, I did it again

It's going to be a long weekend. E is away at Engaged, and I have the usual stuff going on plus all the settling in that is still happening (tackling the garage today). Tomorrow, the gals are coming over to cook for the celebration lunch, which I am looking forward to. E and I are determined to use this house that God gave us for him whenever possible, and this is one thing I can do (plus, it saves me driving into Barrhaven to do it at S's house!). So, a busy weekend all around. But NOOOO, that's not enough! E has a big job to do for Sunday morning, and in typical E fashion, he left it till the last minute, assuming that the person who had it before him had kept info in a somewhat organized and logical manner. This, of course, was not the case, and now there is a huge load of work to be done for the Sunday service, and he is away the next two days. So guess who said she'd do it? Not sure why I said I'd do it, other than the fact that people are counting on E, and he and I come as a package. So if he doesn't come through, I feel like I haven't either. There's other stuff that needs to be done before Sunday that now is going to have to take a back seat, I think - shoeboxes will have to be (no, don't say it- hate that word...) LATE.

So today I wrestle with thoughts of cancelling school so I can tackle the garage and do the work I promised E I'd do for him. I have many many many shelves I bought at Ikea yesterday to build for in there and much orgainizing to do, which, for me, is strangely therpautic. School has been going well, but today I just want to ditch it. But we took all last week off.... maybe I'll work this morning and do some fun school this afternoon as we've been concentrating a lot on the 3 R's this week. So some French and world history (yes, the boys see those as fun), and even science might be good this afternoon. And I would be fairly guilt-free. Then tonight I will put on the coffee pot and sink myself into a good spreadsheet. They say behind every great man is a great woman. I think it should be behind every great man is a highly organized, slightly frustrated, tired, but happy-that-she's-helped-her-hubby woman.

Home

So I am looking out into my now barren woods, thinking about how only a week ago, they were full and colorful and lovely. But this is nice in it's own way- now I can see the sunrise (while I'm letting the dog out and shivering at 7 am), and it reminds me that soon the boys and I can go tracking in the woods again when there is a fresh snowfall. Only this year we will have puppy tracks messing them all up.

Puppy. She is AWESOME. Smart as a whip- she's laying on the livingroom carpet right now chewing a toy that is amost as big as her head. She hasn't messed on the carpet yet- seems to prefer the laminate, but even that is improving. Most times now she goes to the door to let us know she needs to go out. Just wish it wouldn't be 10 times a day. Ah well, it'll come. And she already knows how to sit at only 11 weeks old. Genius.

House is DONE. And starting to feel like a home. I am getting kind of tired of shopping for it, though. Guess I will be content with bare walls for a while (and bare shelves- they look funny without any nick-nacks). I do need to make just one more trip to IKEA (I sound like an addict- OK well, I am). to get shelves for the garage- it's still a war zone and I hate it. But the house is pretty much done (except for the basement- also a war zone). They are coming today with much topsoil to landscape and to get the potholes out of my driveway and to take the tree away from my front door. Things will look much nicer after that- then it's just to seed in the spring. Things sure will be nice and muddy before that. Speaking of which, I should go and get dressed - wouldn't do to have the foreman find me in my housecoat.

Feelings...

I have been given a challenge. And I am feeling up to it. My title of two blogs ago has inspired D to challenge me to give my blogs song titles for the next month. Of course, the simplest way to accomplish this would be to continue not blogging very often, but you know me. Don't do anything half way.

I feel good about today- first day back at school after the move with puppy in the house. It went very well. Poor W was still doing his math after supper, but the afternoon was spent out, so it was inevitable.

I feel proud of my boys- swimming started today. W has graduated from the 30 minute class where the last 10 minutes is spent playing in the "hot pool" to the 45 minute class of mostly doing laps. He LOVED it, and did very well. J, who flunked preschool B last time and had to register for it again, was deemed after 1 lesson to be way beyond preschool B and bumped right up to a C/D class (thanks to all the swimming in our pool this summer). He was very excited about this too, and wonders why he used to think swimming lessons were so bad back when he was only 5 (I guess being 6 in two months doesn't make you 5 anymore?)

I feel tired- but that's nothing new. The cold is better (I ignored it and it worked) but I am still going all day every day to try and get settled and feel like I'm "home".

I feel content- I am home. It's nice and cozy- especially when the fireplace is on during school and it's cold and rainy outside.

I feel like not typing anymore today.

Quiet and Coffee

OK, so I am posting today after all. It's not often I get a quiet hour in the morning with no one else here asking for breakfast (besides the dog and cat). But E and W are off to W's hockey practice, and J is still alseep. Maybe early morning hockey is good for something after all. Coffee is done...

There- hot coffee to complete the deal. I have decided that my computer is in a lovely location. I get to just turn my head to see the leaves falling. Yesterday was the day- I disovered it last fall, and it repeated itself again this year. It's almost like the night before, all the leaves in my woods have a meeting and deicde, "OK boys, tomorrow we jump." It rained leaves all day. Sometimes the pace was a little quicker than others, but at any given point you could look out the window and see them coming down. Every 20 minutes or so I could notice that I could see significantly farther into the woods. It's very cool- and mesmerizing. Didn't get a whole lot else done yesterday.

Except for putting things up. (As opposed to putting things on top of other things) I mounted our bedroom mirrors, the fire extinguisher, the cat door (that was traumatic- cutting a hole in the door.), the handles on W's dresser, a shelf in J's room, a towel rack, and I can't remember what else.

Today will hold very little productive work of any kind. S & B are here for the weekend, so I will be spending time wiht them. They (and D) came over for supper last night, and we ate after the kids were in bed. It was lovely to have an adult meal- somewhat lacking in refined conversation as it was, but at least I didn't have to cut anyone's food or threaten no dessert if they didn't finish.

Think I will do a little work before I head over to the G's though. The front hall is still a mess and driving me crazy, and it won't take that long to hang up the last few things in J's room. And I could always orgainze W's room while he's out- OK I'm getting carried away again. But the good news is that my cold seems to be getting better. Which supports my theory of most illnesses- ignore it and it will go away.

I ain't missin' you at all.

Ok. I am now receiving threatening e-mails regarding my lack of blogs. I wonder if I can get a government grant to study the addicitive quality of blogs, and if there should be some kind of government funded 12 step program for those who have a problem (you know who you are.).

However, since the coersion seems to have worked, here is my first blog in almost a month. Much has changed. We are finally in our home. It is lovely. Today the trailer was carted away, not at all bittersweet- any tears were those of joy. After it was gone, I stood there and looked at the patch of brown grass that was under where the trailer had been. Seeing it in two dimensions like that gave me a whole new appreciation for just how small a space we had in for the last 6 months. Not sure how I did it without going crazy (and as we all know, it's not that far for me). But gone it is, and now I am trying to settle into this wonderful house God gave us, and make it feel like a home. There are just a few minor things to be fixed up that weren't up to scratch, but it's all getting taken care of in a very timely manner.

And how do I really feel? Crappy. I'm sure I'd be flying high, but I'm sick. I told E he's got to stop bringing his work home with him. He gave all of us a cold- the boys all seemed to get over it in 3- 4 days, but at day 5, mine doesn't seem to be letting up. Maybe if I'd slow down I'd heal quicker, but then nothing would get done, and my beautiful home would still look like a war zone. Nah.

And finally- the puppy. Phoenix has arrived, and is it ever nice to have a dog around again. She is really good- very bright, and nicely laid back. I'm starting to question if she's actually a lab. She's sleeping at my feet right now- seems totally happy as long and she's in the same room with me. We have given her free run of the kitchen and classroom, which she is handling nicely. I may do some work up in the bedroom tonight and see how she does up there- that's a real leap of faith- putting her on carpet! Well, she's slept by the bed both nights and has been fine so far. The cat doesn't think much of her, but that is improving. He doesn't do the big scary halloween cat pose every time she comes within 5 feet anymore. She actually came as close as a foot or two today and didn't get hissed at. Don't think they'll be sending Christmas cards yet, but it's progress.

So there you have it. My blog. Probably won't blog tomorrow, as things will be the same. With the exception of my cold, I'd like things to be the same for a long time to come (and the messy house- gotta get that cleared up, and start doing school again... OK so some change will be good)

feeling the need to blog

I don't know what I am going to type about this morning, but everyone seems to be missing my blogs. Never thought they were particularly interesting... house progress, talking about my boring life. So here we go again.

House... we have floors. They are lovely- the laminate is such a warm knotty oak- it looks so great with the beige in the livingroom and the yellow in the kitchen and classroom. It's awesome. The boys floors are ROCKIN- that metal look with the red walls- it's so neat- better than I imagined- I can hardly wait for their rooms to be done. The tiles look good too. I am concerned about our room, but we'll see how it comes together. The carpet isn't in yet, but the paint has a much more pinky tone to it than I expected, and I'm not sure how they will go. Ah well- worst case scenario- I'll be painting in a month or two. Today they will continue- and I am hoping to get a closing date out of them today.

School... going well. We've sorted out some issues and scheduling frustrations. I'm starting to get into the fall routine- hockey has started for W, Awana starts for both of the boys tonight, and everything else is in full swing.

Hubby... not good. He threw out his back two days ago putting on his shoe of all things, and hasn't been the same since. Taking the whole rest of the week off work(the one time that it's cruddy to be self employed- no sick days).

Have a meeting this afternoon for a nation-wide conference I'm helping to organize. Feeling very inept and unqualified for that, but we'll see how it goes. How hard can it be, right?

There- that's my life right now- now everyone who misses my blog will be updated on my life. It's really not that exciting, you know.

Things I will NOT miss about our trailer

- boys rooms like a train berth
- mattress that makes E and I roll into the middle of the bed
- ugly vinyl floor with no finish left on it making it impossible to clean
- a hallway like a bowling alley
- washing dishes by hand
- backwards water hoses on the washer
- lousy insulation
- noisy furnace
- inept air conditioners that constantly trip the breakers
- a front door in my living room- and kitchen
- the only play area for the boys in my living room or kitchen
- WOOD PANELLING
- ugly curtains
- drawers that stick
- no counter space
- no storage space
- no bookshelves
- my kitchen table doubling as a classroom desk and computer desk
- light fixtures that look like small ugly punch bowls
- kitty litter in my closet
- microfibre couch and chair that show every little rub mark and fingerprint
- making the boys beds and hitting my head on the top bunk
- having to close the bedroom door to open the closet door and drawers
- having to close the bathroom door to open the dryer all the way
- pinching my finger between the taps and the backsplash
- not being able to hang anything on the walls
- water heater and well pump in my closet


There will not be a blog entitled "things I will miss about our trailer".

Things I would like to have on a tape recorder...

So I can play them back 50 times a day and save myself saying them...

- don't read at the table
- stay in your seat
- don't talk with your mouth full
- close your mouth when you chew
- what do you say? (appropriate reseponses vary, eg. "please", "thank you", "excuse me", "yes, Mom")
- because it's not safe
- because I said so
- we are having ___________ for supper
- yes, you have to finish if you want dessert
- Daddy is at work
- no, we can't go to the G's.
- no, our house isn't done yet
- no, we can't get a puppy yet
- you don't need to dip that in ketchup
- the pool is too cold to swim in- you'll get in and get right back out
- yes, you will
- because you do every time
- wait and see
- because they're good for you
- you're big enough to get your own drink
- I won't be mad if you tell me what you did- I'll be mad if you don't tell me.
- I don't care who started it
- there is no good reason to hit
- if you're going to rough-house, you have to expect to get hurt
- no, that is not thunder you heard
- I don't know what kind of car that is
- clean that up if you're done with it
- don't pick up the cat
- don't drop the cat
- don't dance with the cat
- I'm not surprised the cat bit/scratched you


Ah well, I'm sure I'll miss the days of saying this kind of stuff, and at least I can laugh my way through it.

He shoots....HE SCORES!

Well, it finally happened. W's last soccer game of the season was last night. He's been trying to hard all summer to score a goal, and he's come so close a few times. His last effort hit the post and bounced the wrong way. Last night was possibly his last chance until next year. Then it happened...

The Bears took the ball, passed it down the field... another player takes a shot on goal- it doesn't go in, but it rebounds. W, playing foward, was in the right place, and one-timed the rebound- the goalie didn't stand a chance! Didn't see it coming- the ball hit the post and GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL! Will freaked out- ran around the field, saluted his dad and high-fived his coach, who was beside herself. It was a big moment for him.

How did I react when I saw this, you might ask yourself? I had J in the bathroom and missed the whole thing. Gar.

Here we go again

Where does the time go? It's Monday again already. Tomorrow is W's last soccer game of the entire summer (hope they can hold on to their 2nd place status! Tomorrow they play the team that they kicked out of 2nd). We already planning our Labour Day weekend stuff. Fall is going to be here before we know it. I'm looking forward to homeschooling this year, but not so much in the trailer. I dream of the house, with its own classroom, and lots of room for organizing everything. I'll be so glad when my kitchen table doesn't double as my computer desk and classroom. Ugh.

Yesterday was lovely -after church we went to Serendipity's cottage with about a bajillion other people from church. R brought a friend's jet ski, and the boys and I had lots of fun on that. Everyone swam, tried the tarzan rope, floated on the raft, got knocked off the raft, the boys did the zip line- a good time was had by all. Not to mention the awesome food and company. It's one of my favorite days of the summer. In fact we had such a good time, that we have accepted Serendipity's invite to go up on Wednesday- E is taking the day off work, and we're heading up in the morning and staying all day. It will be lovely- just the K's, L's, and us.

Today is a quiet day (at least it's starting out that way!)- most of the day will be spent here, with a trip for groceries and to the chiro. I am thinking they will finish the soffits today and am really hoping to see some siding start to go on! Hopefully the inside trades will come- electrician didn't show up on Friday for some reason.

Tomorrow the kids go to the sitter's in lieu of Wednesday, and I can get all those errands done that I have been wanting to do alone. Don't think there will be any work at the church office, as the server has crashed, and my day was supposed to be training on that.

Stayed up to watch the big meteor shower last night. It was fairly clear out and there was no moon, so hubby and I got out a blanket, laid it on the picnic table, and laid down to stare at the sky. After ten minutes, ONE meteor, and about 20 mosquito bites later, I went to bed, bitter.

Maybe I'll try again tonight- with bug spray on.

Home is good

Ah. A day at home- it's been too long. The only thing I went out for was J's soccer practice this evening, and I was organized enough to have supper on the table early enough so that it was not rushed. Even had time to clean up the table and wash the dishes before I left. mmmm.... manicotti.

House went well today. We have lots more ductwork and a huge furnace in our basement, much lovely soffit, and 2 installed garage doors. The siding is all sitting in our garage to be put on next week. Hip Hip Hooray.

Tomorrow will be another day around here for the most part. Hubby and J will be going out in the morning to get a couple of new tires put on the church van, and W is taking me on a date. We're going to Cora's for breakfast, and he's very excited about it. He's even paying (after dad gives him money- had to laugh when he asked if he'd be able to keep the leftover money). Should be fun- he's been looking forward to it for a while, and tells me he's going to be the perfect gentleman. Let's see how many of those "gentleman" lessons he's remembered.

Think I'll relax this evening- continue working on my crossed-stitch (time is getting short to prepare for the takedown) and maybe watch a movie. Early to bed- I'm tired- even being home all day I end up busy as can be. Except when the boys want to swim- I get to sit in my camping chair and read "Emma" while I watch them swim and the progress on the house. Lovely.

Male Bonding

It's 7:50 am and the boys are still asleep. Last night hubby decided to take them to the local speedway to watch the car races. There are races every Wednesday night, and last night was the first one of the summer where we didn't have Bible study. At $15 for hubby and no charge for the kids, it was too good a deal to refuse. So after getting the boys to wolf down their supper and explaining that Mommy really doesn't enjoy car races (wasn't it enough that I went to the demolition derby??), the boys headed off to their evening of noise and fun.

I spent the entire time catching up on the books (Boring, I know, but I was about to drown in receipts if I didn't get them under control), and was still working when they came home 2 hours later. I can't remember the last time I saw J's face lit up like that. W loved it too, but he has been more excited about things lately than J. It was great to hear him talk of all the fun they had, and what numbers they were cheering for. They had great seats- right by the finish line, and I guess there were several different races of 10 laps each. They had an awesome time, and It think it's something they'll be doing again soon. I just hope they don't make me go with them- it's such a good time for hubby just to be with his boys. They don't always need mom.

Yesterday during the day was good for them too- I had another day of working at the church office, making organizational flow charts and revamping the church communication card among other things, and they were at a new sitter's as their regular one wasn't available. This lady actually runs a day care in her house, and will be looking after them when regular sitter is recovering from knee surgery. They had a ball- there was a swingset, sandbox, pool, playdoh, toys galore, and they each had kids their own age. So despite being very nervous at first (they didn't know this lady very well even though she goes to our church), they both had a great time. I think they're both looking forward to going back again. But there's no way I could do it more than one day a week! I really don't know how moms can work- I know some have to, but I couldn't do it very well. Not just missing the kids (although if I did it every day, I'd only get to see them for a couple of hours a day- ugh!), but just getting everything else done! By the time we got home cooking supper was a major rush (can hardly wait until I have room in my kitchen for a slow cooker- it will be used every Wednesday!), and I don't know when I'd get groceries or get all my housework done. no thanks.

Today will be a quieter day. Going into CP to check out the new Home Depot which opens today, hoping to find some sales. Will be stacking more wood today, and tonight is W's soccer practice and band. Just enough to keep me out of trouble.

back to the grind

So the auction yesterday was TONS of fun- got lots of stuff for a great deal. Tupperware, a quilt, a 5 gallon pickling crock, big huge baskets, a pitchfork, nice flannel blanket. A good time was had by all (even though it was HOT).

The work on the house will begin again after the long weekend- electrician arrives today. Woohoo- not too much else to say there, except that I'm going to try to figure out how to insert a picture here for my poor mother who is not on facebook!

Well, after trying for quite some time on dial-up with no luck I have determined that mom will have to wait until tomorrow when I have high speed at the church office.

SOLD!

So today we head out to a country auction. I love auctions there are always little treasures to be found, and bigger treasures as well! We are making a day of it with the G's and are hoping Serendipity will show up as well. Goaliemom I wish you were here to come!! The kids will play all day and sing "this is the auction that never ends" while we look and laugh and bid a few times. Now that our house is taking shape in my mind really well, I know the kinds of things I will be keeping an eye out for. A small table for the front hall, a ride-on mower, old books, cool pictures, pretty dishes. I always pick up a little something for the boys- last time is was a couple of baseball bats, which they have loved using immensely. I have learned the art of bidding at an auction. Never get emotionally attached to anything. Set your price in your head before you start bidding, and show no fear. If you hesitate on a bid, the other person will always outbid you because they think you won't go farther. If you bid quickly and without hesitation, they are much more likely to give up as they don't know how high you are willing to go. So many times they have given up just as I've hit my maximum bid because I acted like I'd go twice that high. So fun- such an adrenaline rush!

And today it is supposed to rain all day. This makes me happy because it means there will be fewer people there. Less competition. If the forecasted thunderstorms come it could be interesting, but we'll worry about that when the time comes.

Last weekend was very productive- rented a wood splitter on Saturday and split 5 or 6 cords of wood. Sore back Sunday morning. We stacked 2 trailer loads full, and still have to stack the rest. That should keep me out of trouble this week. Yesterday was spent mowing and weed-whacking. A lot of the long grass by the woods (mosquito breeding area) has been cut down and will become lawn. It looks great. And next week I'm going to make a pile of gravel from all the rocks around our new house- it's mostly gravel and a little dirt. These rocks will be used for the paths in my veggie garden, as I'm sick of weeding BETWEEN the garden boxes- there's enough weed to be done in the boxes themselves!

Time to make my coffee- I'm gonna need it today.

A relaxing weekend- NOT

Today was busy, but not much to write about. We went out this morning and rented a wood splitter, brought it home and split wood all day. We took 3 trailers full down to the wood shed, and there are probably 5 more loads waiting in the woods. I think we will have enough to do us for this winter with some to spare, so now we just have to start thinking ahead. Any trees we cut now will be green and will take a while to dry, so we may have to buy some wood for next year. No biggie- we can buy tandem loads of logs and cut and split it ourselves. Not too expensive that way. Hubby and the boys are returning the splitter right now. When they get back we are going out for supper. I'm way to tired to cook. We didn't stop all day, but it was fun. The boys helped lots, stacking wood, carrying logs, and even taking their turns operating the splitter. And everyone still has 10 fingers. Yay.

Tomorrow the lawn gets mowed and more grapevines will meet their maker.

I love it when a plan comes together

Just got home from the HH in Perth- hubby and I met there to pick out all the floors, cupboards, counters etc. My brain is mush now but I am happy. Went with beige carptet in the master, laminate in the hall, livingroom, classroom, and kitchen- a nice knotty oak look. Ceramic in the foyer and bathrooms, and really really cool fibrefloor in the boys rooms- looks like treaded metal- SO cool- they love it, and it's indestructible.

The cabinets in the kitchen and laundry are white with brushed nickel handels, and the bathrooms have wood with pewter handles. Blue counter in the kitchen, same counter in green for the main floor bath, and a nice ivory counter to go with the tiles in the two upstairs baths. Everything goes so nicely together, and now it's just deciding paint chips to go with all those colors- that's for another day though, when I am less confused and thinking more clearly.

The boys were good- it's amazing how happy they are when they're allowed to pick a few counter samples to bring home. And I'm very excited- saw a commercial on TV last night for the Brick- they now have exclusive Hot Wheels bedroom furniture for boys- I'm gonna get the dresser and maybe the desk for W's room- not the bed, though, which looks like a large Hot Wheels vehicle. I must go to the store to buy the dresser without him- he would simply have a coronary on the spot if he saw that bed. And if it works, I'll get the same dresser for J's room- it's black with silver drawers. Not very country, but it will work great in their very boyish car rooms, and they won't outgrow it quickly.

Time to go and take care of the neighbour's cat while they're away, and then watch the boys swim in the pool. A few phone calls to make and some chores to do will fill out the afternoon. I love summer.

The craziness continues

So I was disappointed when I got home from "work" yesterday and saw very little visible progress on the house. The ductwork still wasn't started, and the framers had worked in the basement all day- none of which I could see as there are no stairs down there yet.

But today made up for it. Before I was out of bed, the framers, ductwork guy, and plumber were all hard at it and the windows were being delivered! They worked hard all day- as they finish up for the day now, the main floor windows are all installed, and there's much progress with the subtrades too. I have a 10:00 appointment tomorrow morning with flooring man and kitchen gal to finalize what we want for floors and kitchen cupboards, bathroom vanities and counters. Wohoo!

Tonight brings soccer practice (too darn hot for that- better take extra water) and band practice. Tomorrow's supposed to be a little warmer, thank goodness- our poor little a/c can't keep up with this humidex of 42. We have one turned off because it just wastes hydro, and doesn't cool us off at all.

Off to make supper- hate to turn the stove on on a day like this.

Coffee break

So here I am at my first day of "work", although to me it feels more like playing on the computer. Kids were dropped off at 8:30 this morning, and I had time to run a quick errand before heading to the church office. Have spent the day playing with graphics, making "kids" sermon notes for all the kids who will be in the service this week (no access to the classrooms), and doing research on the internet. All the while wondering if my kids are having fun and trying to think of them too often (not working). Although I am pleasantly surprised that there is no guilt about leaving them today. I know they are in good hands, and I am doing something worthwhile.

Back on the homestead today the ductwork is going in, and plumbing continues. In the next couple of days I get to pick out my cupboards counters and floors, and after I pick up the kids today I will go and order my fridge and stove. How very fun. Well, coffee break's over- back to work.

The calm before the storm

I mean storm in a good way. There won't be much happening with the house today. Yesterday I did a walk through with the electrician and plumber- decided where everything will be, and am very happy with all the results. The plumbers started roughing some stuff in, and the roof got finished off. Today I think the only thing happening will be the framework for the soffits being finished- not much else. Then tomorrow it all starts to go crazy again. Ductwork is going in tomorrow, plumbers will really start working tomorrow. Windows arrive on Thursday and siding shortly thereafter. Electician guys go to work on Monday. I will very soon have to pick out my bathroom vainities and counters, and flooring, and paint, etc etc. I have to go and buy all my lights sometime in the next couple of weeks (tis scary how excited one can get when designing the lighting of a house!) It felt so weird having a say in every little detail yesterday, having the contractors make suggestions but letting me have the final decision- such a contrast from the building project in NS when I had to fight to get a different bathroom faucet- had to go and buy it myself and then didn't get any reimbursement from the builder for the faucet he had included in the price. And had to fight to get a light fixture moved when they didn't center it over the island. Nice to be dealing with a professional! I am wondering if I would be consulted on so many things if I wasn't on site all the time though. It sure is nice.

Not sure what today will hold for us- W has a soccer game tonight- hope he can finally score that elusive goal! He came SO close last week. I get to design my kitchen with Kitchen Lady, and it will probably be hot enough to live in the pool for the afternoon again. A nice quiet day all around.

Pizza's in the oven

Great day. Have almost recovered from the day camp last week. Did NOTHING last night after I finished the church media, and got a good sleep. Beautiful day today, so after church, came home and started chopping some wood. Hubby went in the woods with the chainsaw to tackle some trees that had fallen across the path over the winter. Drove the ATV in with the trailer attached, and brought out 2 trailer-fulls of wood. All ready to be split now- will be renting a wood splitter one of these Saturdays and get all those logs cut and drying for the winter. It's very rewarding to think while you're out there in the bug infested woods (thank you, Deep Woods Off) that the work we're doing now will keep our family warm this winter. After the logs were transferred to the pile and all the tools and vehicles put away, it was time for a family swim. Now we're all cooled off and smelling of outdoors (smelling "brown" as mom says), and supper is cooking. When it's done we will pack up the paper plates, drinks, etc and a blanket and have a picnic in our house- Hubby's idea- on the floor of what will someday be our kitchen! I thought it was a fantastic idea- just have to get supper done before it's too dark out to see in there- shouldn't be a problem.

Tomorrow I get to do my walkthroughs with the plumber and the electrician- tell them where I want plugs and drains- all that good stuff. The roofing should be totally finished by the end of tomorrow and perhaps the decking even started. Oh, I can hardly wait to have a house again. The trailer is home, but it's so small and temporary, and I can't hang anything on the walls (never thought that would bug me so much!) I already have 3 things waiting to go up on the walls of the house, and I know just where I'm going to put them!

Wonder what the Lord has in store for us next? I like life when it's blissfully dull, but sometimes excitement can be good too. After all, I have a compulsive need for change- maybe He's trying to cure me of it and give me enough change in a few months to last a lifetime. What will I do with my brand new house that doesn't need any decorating? I'm sure I'll find something. :)

Caffeine, the wonder drug

It's amazing to me how much you can do on pure adrenaline and caffeine. I have 1 1/2 days left of this crazy day camp, and it's gonna take a lot of coffee (and prayer) to get me through it. Wouldn't be so bad if after we came home and put the kids to bed I could go to bed too. But there's all the mom stuff to do that I didn't get done in the day to take care of- computer stuff, devotions, cleaning, laundry, pack lunches for the next day, wash the dishes, book keeping, etc etc. And yesterday I even had time for a shower. And sometimes I get to sit and actually talk to my husband.

And then there's the fact that I can't even sleep as late as I should be able to- now I am not complaining about this (OK so maybe I am), but at 6 am- yes 6 o'clock IN THE MORNING, the builder's truck drove in our driveway today. By 6:15 they were on the roof shingling! I have decided that they are all crazy. Perhaps they should be medicated. Or it may be the fact that it's supposed to go up to 30 degrees without the humidex, so they want to be off my roof before it's one million degrees up there. At any rate, when I am this tired, I get these crazy notions that my house can wait, even though it means I'll be in my trailer longer. I just want my 8 hours of sleep. Ludicrous.

Think I'll go make some coffee- gonna need that first cup of caffiene just to get the boys out of bed- they may be even more tired than me.

thoughts.

Well, we all survived another day at VBS. It went a little smoother today, although I am still exhausted. It was nice to get to know the kids a little better today- and sad to hear some of their stories. One who lives with his mom and grandpa, and doesn't trust anyone outside of his family. It was amazing to see his face when I told him I had 2 families- my family I live with and my family in God. It was something that he'd never imagined, and by the end he promised to ask his mom to bring him to church soon. I would be so excited if they walk through that door some week soon. Another little one who is quiet and shy... turns out his mom committed suicide a year ago, and he knows everything. His dad is getting remarried soon, and so he will have 2 new sisters. I can't imagine kids that young having those kind of weights on their shoulders. My prayer time has been full the last few days. I just pray that we can reach some of these kids and that God will rescue them from the lives for which they are headed. We have it so good.

On to happier thoughts. The house looks good- still working on the roof today and tomorrow. Either tomorrow or probably the next day shingling will begin, and it will start to look even more like a house than it already does.

Is it Friday yet?

Well, the first day of our VBS is done, and so am I. It's gonna be a long week. Don't get me wrong- today was great fun. Lots of stories and crafts and music and games- with 10 grade 3 boys. Yes, that's right TEN GRADE 3 BOYS, and one poor lonely girl. She stuck pretty close to me today- we're good buds now. They're good boys for the most part, but holy cow, the energy- I don't think there's that much energy in one room in a nuclear reactor. And I know how they get it. They suck it out of the adults. If you want to test my theory, just come to VBS at the end of the day. All of the kids are still running around, and the teachers all have glazed looks in their eyes.

So you can imagine my relief and surprise when I came home after VBS (and chiropractor and groceries- walked in the door at 6) and got a phone call which reminded me about a birthday party I was invited to tonight (which started at 6). I was very tired- but hey, it meant I didn't have to cook. And it was at the pastor's house, where there's an awesome campfire, a hot tub, and Coronas- all of which were very welcome after the day I had. Now I'm home, tired little boys are conked out in their beds, I've had my quiet time and made lunches for tomorrow, and as soon as the laundry is done, I'll be heading to bed myself. And I do believe I will sleep well.

The house looks wonderful- while we were gone today they put the boards on the roof and finished up some little details of framing inside. I am hoping I will come home tomorrow to find the shingles, which are now on pallets in my yard, installed on the roof. It is so lovely to see it looking like a house now! Facebook pics to follow whenever I can find time to take them this week. Nighty night.

Summer fun

Another beautiful summer day out there- 25 degrees with a cool breeze- perfect. Spent the morning at church and most of the afternoon at the B's at a potluck lunch. It was for all the people helping out with the VBS this week- a nice chance to meet the folks who have come up from Alabama to helup us run it. The boys swam in the pool, (W is becoming a regular fish, and J is unstoppable as long as he has his life jacket on!), we chatted with our new friends, and a good time was had by all. Now I am enjoying (almost as much) the ac in our trailer, and smelling "brown" (as opposed to a "code brown"). Will be going out again tonight to help set up the church where the VBS will be held, and am tempted in the meantime to go and chop some wood. We have some set aside for the winter, but I know we will need much more. Now that the trailer is hooked up on the ATV, I have visions of hauling all sorts of lovely fuel in from the woods. That's my kind of exercise- none of this running 10 K races (although that's great for some, don't get me wrong), but I need a purpose to my workouts- chopping wood, canoeing with a destination in mind, yard work, stuff like that. That's what I enjoy.

And I need to get it in while I can- before I know it school will be upon us again. But by then (especially once we're in the house) life will have some more routine to it- the lovely swing of each week, as each day brings pretty much the same schedule... extracurricular activities that are on the same day each week, chores assigned to certain days, a school schedule. It's amazing how much time I find for other stuff when my core activities are organized. I am missing that and can't seem to get there while I'm in the trailer. Too many other things on my mind, I guess. Oh well- "whatever".

Sunny days are here again.

Well we survived the rain- have instructions from Builder to go and drill a few small holes in the plywood subfloor of our house so that the inch of water laying on it will drain through and not ruin the floor. It was like a good ol' Nova Scotia day yesterday. I've never seen it rain so hard for so long since I moved here.
But today the sun shines, and we will take advantage of that. Yard work aplenty awaits us, for most of which we will be able to find a use for the ATV, I'm sure. There are a few indoor chores to do, but we'll have to get them out of the way early.

Last night was a new exerience for me- the family jumped into the car after supper and headed of to a county fair. I've been to county fairs before, but never to the much antipicated (by the boys anyway) demolition derby. I paid $10 to watch beat up rusty old cars ram into each other and fling mud everywhere in the process. It's like bumper cards for adults. Not my idea of a great night out, but when there are three pairs of eyes belonging to the boys I love most saying, "Please, Mommy come with us- it'll be fun!", how could I say no? So off we went- the boys had fun, and I had poutine- made it all worth it. And I happened to see LB, another mom from church there with her little boy, so at least I had some female company to talk to. I'm only afraid that I have set a precedent now that county fair season is here- there is one somewhere around here every week, and each has it's own demolition derby. I fear for my sainty (for that and so many other reasons)

Maybe we'll pack up a picnic lunch and go to Pakenham today. Been meaning to do that for a while, but the weather hasn't cooperated. Besides I need to keep busy for the next couple of days. Unmentioned dilemma hanging over my head needs to be pushed aside. There's NOTHING that can be done about it over the weekend, and yet it haunts me. Sometimes I'm jealous of E's ability to compartmentalize and not let emotions over one quandry taint everything else. Got a little crabby with him last night when he expected me to do the same, but apologized later, reminding him that I'm a girl and don't want him to fix it, just want him to listen. He said he forgot for a minute that I was a girl and apologized too- kinda funny now that I think about it.

Well, J has just woken up and is wanting some breakfast, so I must go and feed his little tummy.

The romance has ended

There's always been something romantic about the sound of rain on a metal roof. And in the trailer we're in right now, it's somewhat the same. No attic or roof insulation to quiet the sound. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. It rained ALL night last night like it has never rained before. The thunder and lightning were spectacular (even with both kids in bed with us- one loving it and the other scared to death). Just when you thought it couldn't rain any harder, it would kick up another notch. Was pleasantly surprised this morning to see the house still standing, and no flooding. Scratch that- a huge puddle in the middle of my kitchen floor as I come out to breakfast after about 4 hours sleep. Didn't come from the ceiling, all I can figure is that it came in from the side- some kind of leak in the wall.

I don't think there will be any work done on the house today as it is STILL pouring. Good thing they were ahead of schedule. The shingles arrive on Monday, and yesterday, for some good old retail therapy after a stressful day, I went and picked out my kitchen cupboards and countertops. Very therapeutic.

Off to take W to soccer camp- thing we'll see if one of our neighbours has a canoe that I can take him in.

crazy days

The children are still asleep. I think soccer camp is finally catching up with W. He is having a ball, but they don't stop all day- and on top of that, after camp yesterday he came home, had supper and then it was straight out to his weekly soccer game. (which they won 4-1... GO BEARS!) Came home, went for a cool-down swim in the pool, and then we couldn't send him to bed without going for a spin on the ATV. So now he sleeps- first morning I will have had to wake him up to get ready for camp. But he is loving it, making all sorts of new friends, and learning new stuff. I am learning new stuff too, for example that I need to come up with a new standard lunch than peanut butter sandwich, and that bananas are another allergy I have to worry about with kids (who ever heard of a kid being deathly allergic to bananas? Well, there's one at W's camp and now I can't send bananas). And I was informed yesterday in no uncertain terms, that I FORGOT to send dessert with him the first two days of camp, and he didn't want to see it happen again. tee hee. So the chocolate chip cookies are packed today- wonder what he'll eat first?

The house is still chugging along. Builders finished framing the top floor yesterday, and today roof trusses arrive. Not sure if they get put on today or tomorrow (or both)- either way, it will be cool to see it actually house-shaped- will post pics on facebook later.

Must go wake the kiddies up or W will be late for camp. It's a day at home for J and I today as we were out ALL day yesterday with meetings, playdates, errands and coffees with friends (oh wait, that last one was here- nice to be able to say "bring your kids' swimsuits- they can swim while we chat).

I got a new ATV!

I got a new ATV! I got a new ATV! I got a new ATV! I got a new ATV! I got a new ATV!new ATV!

But don't worry- it's purely for work purposes. NOT

The entrepreneurial spirit- did I spell that right?

So today after church, W decided to set up a lemonade stand at the end of the driveway. For those who know where we live, it's not exactly a high traffic area with lots of potential customers. But, not wanting to crush his little spirit for capitalism, E helped him set up a little table and sign, and I mixed up a batch of yummy lemonade and sent it out with some plastic cups. He decided to charge 5 cents a cup (where are you going to find a better deal than that?). I gave him the little speech of "now, don't be disappointed if you don't sell any. This is a quiet street, and noone wanting lemonade may come along". Out of pity, I bought the first cup- 5 cents for the lemonade and a 5 cent tip, which he thought was great. J bought a cup (he was only allowed one free one and then he had to pay) and so did E. Shortly afterwards, I see a car stopped at the end of the driveway, and thus was born W's first drive-thru sale. My generous 5 cent tip seemed paultry now in the face of the $2 paid for this cup. W couldn't believe his good fortune when he was told to keep the change. Then came the guy from up the street walking his dog- didn't have any money on him, so after he was done his walk- he actually went home, got a quarter, and came back to buy a cup. Again, keep the change. Gotta love this neighbourhood.

Well, after that rush of business, things were quiet for about 5 minutes, and W decided to pack it in. So on W's first business venture, he made $2.45. Not bad for 20 minutes work, when all I paid him to help me clean the whole trailer the other day was $1.50. He was a little surprised when I told him he had to pay me for supplies- lemonade, water, ice, and cups, and grudgingly agreed to pay me 15 cents (this amount was arrived upon after ferocious bartering- that kid drives a hard bargain). And of course, next Sunday, a tenth of that will go into the church offering. but still- over $2 left- that will buy a Hot Wheels car with change left over- life is good.

W starts soccer camp tomorrow- 8:30-4:30 every day this week. He will spend each day doing soccer drills, playing 2 games, playing other fun soccer `games`, and swimming at the CP pool. Add to that his weekly Tuesday night soccer game and his Thursday night soccer practice, and I don`t forsee having any trouble getting that kid to sleep at night. (As opposed to tonight when he is so excited sleep is not coming easily). J and I will spend our days getting lots done and just spending quality time together. Tomorrow will include, among other things hunting down all the oregano on our property. Yes, we have oregano growing all over our lawn- smells great when you cut it. So I plan to harvest it, and hang it to dry in the shed. We`ll never have to buy the stuff again. Although it just occurred to me that E mowed the lawn tonight- may be slim pickings.

More progess will occur on the house tomorrow- I expect to see walls go up on the second floor, which will be very exciting. I am getting a little bit impatient for the interior to start- it`s been a while since I had to pick anything out or make any decisions, which for me is the fun part. I`ll have to try and nail down the shingle color soon (no pun intended).

Speaking of money making ventures- pics for the art show are still coming along nicely. It`s going to be hard to choose which ones to blow up for prints- I`ll have to get votes on them or something- or ask Serendipity- she has an eye for art. You can all feel free to comment on my facebook which ones you would buy if they were, say 8x10 enlargements.

Boys and their toys

Went out and bought an ATV this morning. Got a used demo from a dealer with only 500K on it. It's got 700CCs, automatic transmission, winch, trailer hitch, removeable plow and passenger seat, and... the only thing that I really understand... it's red. But E did lots of research and is happy with the purchase, so that's good enough for me. Also got a gas powered weed whacker (or as J calls it, a whipper-sniffer) after we discovered that no extension cord will do on a 30 acre property for the electric one we had. The boys are very excited (all 3 of them) that we now have an atv, and are all a little sad, I think, that we can't pick it up until next week. I always kinda freak out when we spend major money on stuff, even if it's worth that much. But helloooo air miles on the Visa! :) We earned ourselves about 1/2 a plane ticket this morning alone. Ran into House Builder who was at the store looking at a boat, so it was nice to see him and chat. ATV salesman inquired about the house we're getting built, and after we told him our story, we got 15% off all the helmets and the extra seats! I'm not one to milk this, but hey, the guy asked. :)

This afternoon holds outdoor work for us. E will be whacking at the many weeds around the property, and I will be re-organizing the shed to fit both the lawn tractor and the ATV. And I will dream of the time when the ATV will be in the garage and we'll have our snowmobiles in the shed. Maybe we'll have enough insurance money left over for a couple... one can always dream!

Lunch is ready and we gotta get outdoors before the rain comes.

Little boys

Poor J had a rough day yesterday. Burnt his hands on hot water when he tried to wash them and turned on the wrong tap. Fell down the ramp leading into our new house and skinned his knee. Scraped a spot where he had scraped a few days ago when he fell in his room.

But the day had it's plusses too. Got to sit in the cement truck and pull the air horn. Got to write his name in the concrete floor of the garage before it dried. Got to watch even more of our house take shape (we now have a top floor and it will have walls today!)

Today we were supposed to go to Serendipity's cottage, but the black clouds overhead may cancel the day trip. Too bad- that's always such a fun place. Ah well, it's pretty exciting around here too these days. And the foreman keeps checking with me on design possibilities and what I would like him to do here and there. What a refreshing change from the last time we built a house! Pretty soon I'll be choosing interior finishes, electrical layout, all sorts of stuff-woohoo!

Off to get W's breakfast for him and then get dressed so I can go and say hello to the guys.

I'm baaaack!

Wow- almost a whole week without internet. How do people do it? Lots has happened since I last blogged, including my survival of the canoe trip. Lots of fun was had with good friends, and we made some new friends as well. Next year, however, I'm thinking "spa". Less potential for injury and drowning.

TONS has happened on the house front- we now have a fully framed first floor, concrete in the garage and basement, and they are working on the second floor. Was able to make a few last minute changes to the closet layout in the boys' rooms to give them a little more space. The boys are in heaven with all the trucks and tools around here every day. The cement truck driver today let them sit in his truck and use the air horn- much excitement over that. Once they're done smooting out the garage floor, they're going to come and get us so that the boys can write their names in the floor before it hardens. They think that is pretty darn cool.

Well, both boys are standing in their swimsuits looking at me and waiting for me to go to the pool with them and watch them swim. Will blog more later- and to anyone who e-mailed me in the last week- once I'm done downloading my 137 messages- on dial-up- which will probably take days, hours- several minutes even... I will respond.

Heading Home

I'm sitting in the Vancouver airport, marvelling, as I sometimes do, at what technology allows us to do. Wireless internet, for example, pretty much baffles me. If we could see all the messages and information flying around in the air everywhere, it would be insane.

The conference went great. In the end, the media went very well, and everyone seemed pleased with the work we did. We have already been invited back next year- a convenient thing, as the convention is in Charlottetown and we will make a family vacation out of it. We will get to enjoy the Charlottetown Canada Day fireworks, a lobster supper, and much to Eric's dismay, Anne of Green Gables- I think the boys would enjoy it. And I'm sure the golf clubs will need to be packed as well.

The conference also grew a desire that I've had for some time now, which is to go on a family missions trip. It won't happen for a year or two, as we want the boys to be older (found out that E has been thinking of this too), but what an experience it would be. We really connected with a missionary who just got back from 4 1/2 years in Taiwan, and we both feel that this may be where we are supposed to go for some short-term missions. Our lifestyle really allows for something like this- E working on his own could go away for a while and still have a job when he got back, and the boys would not be missing out on school. Who knows when it would happen, but the possibility is exciting. We'll see what God does with it.

Also I am really looking forward to getting back home and having a coffee with DL over the possibility of working with her on some things. It really answers the prayer of my needing a "break" from home- one day a week- it allows me to serve where I've been wanting to for some time and haven't seen the doors open, and it will free up DL to take some things where she's been wanting to take them. We've e-mailed a bit about it during my trip here, and are both looking forward to the other's ideas and perspective on it.

And now I find my thoughts turning to tomorrow. I packed for the canoe trip before we left for Vancouver, and now I have no idea what exactly I packed. I hope I remembered everything, as I am not about to take it all out again to check. It was hard enough to get in that bag- I'm not taking it out until I have to. The weekend will be fun- last year I was scared to death, until we actually dipped, and I realized that I was not going to drown and leave my children motherless. I also found that I was physically up to it, despite my fears in that regard. I have heard since the men's trip this year that the water is substantially higher than it was last year this time, so I know that we will probaby be going for a swim again. I just hope the weather's warm enough that we dry off fairly quickly after we dump.

In celebration of my 100th blog

I have been inspired by my sister to write a second blog today. I won't write (not today anyway) how much I think of my parents, as it would be redundant to her blog, as my sentiments are the same. It has gotten me thinking, though, of the little snippets of childhood memories that are interwoven with my parents.

Things I remember of my childhood...

- catching fireflies on the golf course in PEI with dad.
- learning the gift of hospitality every time mom got me to serve punch at the dinner parties.
- sharing brownies and ice cream with two spoons, usually called "chocolate explosion" or something like that, with dad
- digging holes in the sand and seeing how long it would take to hit water.
- being taught to sew, knit, crossed-stitch, you name it, by mom.
- being allowed to navigate in downtown Boston traffic with no questions asked.
- being allowed to lead the way through airports even when they knew I was going the wrong way.
- listening to mom and dad play bridge with the nickersons while I was pretending to sleep in Brudenell.
- being allowed to watch TV when I was home from school and really sick and being made to stay in bed when I was faking it.
- dad sitting in his chair at Christmas, making sure the star on the tree was facing him just right.
- being made to go places and, as mom promised, having fun once I got there.
- dad driving around Orlando after dark trying to find a hotel with a pool for us after he had already driven for 12 hours.
- mom sticking up for me when my big brother thought I was just in the way. (and I probably was)
- dad letting me drive his Lincoln to the prom
- mom and I making strawberry jam- my job was skimming the scum off the top
- dad letting me stay up late to watch 1/2 of the dukes of hazard, and telling me I could stay up until the end of the 1/2 of my choice.
- doing jigsaw puzzles with dad while listening to the gatlin brothers (all the gold in california....)
- doing the middle of the puzzle with mom behind dad's back, knowing we'd get caught later.

Learning to be flexible

Well, yesterday went pretty well, I think. No one has told me that I'm not allowed to work the computer today, anyway, so I guess that's a good sign. I managed to handle the powerpoint presentations that were handed to me AFTER the session had already started. That's always a scary thing, as there was no time to test it out, so I had to pray that it would work. And downloading stuff onto the computer while trying to keep up with the other video clips and song lyrics at the same time is always interesting. But it came off without a hitch in the afternoon session.

My only challenge was the song lyrics- I have realized just how very spoiled I am with the worship team that we have. For one thing, we actually know the songs that we are singing. Ugh. No I know that every band will not always do a song in the same order that they had planned, but it makes it really interesting when they skip around, and I can't understand what they're singing to skip to that same slide because they're so unsure of themselves. Add to that my computer software's peculiar tendency to switch the slide orders from time to time, and it kept me on my toes finding the right ones. Oh, and then there was the time that the leader verbally cued one line, saying "from age to age", and then immediately singing a completely different verse ("Name above all names")- go figure. And then there was the song they stuck in at the last minute and didn't bother to tell me about. Fortunately I found it in the list about half way through the first slide and was able to throw it up there. But in the end, I don't think many people noticed my quandry, which is exactly what I want. My job is to go totally unnoticed up there. It's only when things go wrong, that I am paid any attention to.

So today it's another morning session (with a different worship team, I believe- could be interesting), and then we have the afternoon off. Not sure what we'll do- but R, E, and I have plans to do a little sightseeing. The last session is tonight (which the sound guy warns me could be full of fun and interesting things for me) and then we fly out mid-morning tomorrow.

Oh, and before I forget- happy 4th of July, goaliemom :)

Bee, the media chick

So I'm in the media booth at the conference burning some DVDs. With the new computer, which I am learning to hate a little less, there is a huge learning curve this weekend, but I think D will be happy at the little tricks I have learned this weekend. Yes, D, I can finally play videos on a Sunday morning- and yes, even WINDOWS videos. There will be much rejoicing.

Went to see the ocean last night- E had to stay at the conference and do some filming, so he gave permission to R to take me out on a date. We went to White Rock, a beach not too far from here, and I got my first smell of salt air in way too long. Walked along the boardwalk and then out on the pier, and had supper at a little beachside restaurant. Got to look at both the ocean and the mountains while eating the best clam chowder I think I've ever had, and had my first Corona. This has been quite a journey- E has been trying for a long time to find a beer I like. I have always thought it pretty disgusting stuff and didn't know that I would ever enjoy one. E said I needed to try a Corona- that I would like it. So I thought- what better time to try a Corona than on a balcony at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean. I have to say I was VERY surprised to find it really quite good! E was happy to hear that at long last there is a beer that we will be able to enjoy together. I, for one, don't see what the big deal was, but at least I found something to enjoy.

R and I had some great chats during our dinner- about E and I, about church, and about some exciting possibilities for ministry for me. Don't know if anything will come of it yet, but if it does it will be an answer to prayer for E and I, and for R and D as well. Can't say more right now, but I am excited about the possibilities.

Well, the DVDs I was burning are done, so I need to go and do some more actual work and earn my keep. Am very nervous, and hope I don't screw things up and can earn my keep. We want them to invite us out to next year's conference, which happens to be in PEI. Would be very fun to make a vacation out of it, take the boys and visit the family. We had planned to do that this year, but our summer got a wee bit derailed back in Feb.

Speaking of which, I am excited to go home at the end of the week and see how the place looks different- they are supposed to be backfilling it today and starting on framing tomorrow. So exciting.

And now back to my role as Bee, the media chick.

the unknown

I have no idea what today will hold. We are at the disposal of convention staff, helping out wherever we can. The conference doesn't actually start until tonight, so there'll be lots of setup and last minute computer work today to get everything ready. Our flight and hotel have been paid, so we want to make sure we "earn our keep" and do the fantastic job everyone is expecting us to do.

Vancouver is a pretty city. I think it just about has it all. The beauty of the mountains, and you still get to enjoy the ocean (the one thing I miss in Ontario). If it weren't for the rain 360 days of the year, I'd be tempted to live here.

Well, it's off to reintroduce ourselves to the CCSB folks who are having breakfast and don't seem to remember us. Gotta push that shy hubby of mine into taking the lead and introducing us. That's always a little bit fun for me as I don't have to say a word- I just give him that grin and I know he knows exactly what I'm thinking. "OK honey- time to do the head of the family thing that you are learning to do so well" tee hee.

Jet Lag

We're in Vancouver now. And I'm tired- I've been up for over 20 hours. Woke up at 5 this morning, and now it's 1:10 am on Monday, Ontario time. Need to get to bed pronto so I won't be useless tomorrow. I went without caffeine all last week and did fine- think I'll be making up for that this week.

Nighty night.

Random thoughts

Packing to go to Vancouver today. We will leave tomorrow afternoon. Need to go into town to pick up a couple of items for the canoe trip after that, and then I'll be ready. It'll be interesting to be gone for a week, and see the difference in the house when we get back. I'm looking forward to that.

I hope the pool survives OK while we're gone. I just got it working, and I hope it's not all green and scummy after a week. Hope the cat doesn't go crazy with us gone either. We've not left him yet. Enzo used to scold us for hours if we were gone for a couple of days.

Doesn't look like it'll be warm enough for a swim today.

Sometimes I wonder if my kid is ADD. How does one child have so much energy at all hours of the day and night? If it weren't for his ability to thoroughly sink himself into a book, or task of his choice, I'd really think ADD was an issue. He can be so hard to make attentive. And there are times I just want him to go for a run around the block- and in the country, a block is BIG.

(Pause while I tell him here to settle down- again- the trailer is small today- think I will send them outside shortly)

I think I need to mow the lawn today. With the push mower- ugh.

Going to Tim's for lunch today- maybe I'll take the blanket and we can make it a picnic by the river.

(Pause while I tell other kid to stop jumping on the couch)

I'll be glad when sending them to their rooms to play means a) they actually have space in their room to play in, and b) they are on a different floor.

Ah, sweet relief- they went outside of their own accord- that means they'll stay out there a lot longer.

Guess I should get dressed and think about packing. I hate packing. I always forget something. Maybe a second cup of coffee first.

New weight watchers strategy is going very well. I've been VERY strict on my new points level, and since Tuesday have lost 2 pounds. That's more like it. Think I will log my weight tomorrow morning and call it Monday, as I won't have access to a scale next week.

OK on to my day- hope hubby gets home soon- you never know when he's with the pastor- there was talk of getting in his hot tub, but he'd better not do that without me. I will be bitter.

The fun continues

Ah, the joys of swimming in my own pool. Today at long last I will get to experience that. Pool guy came last evening and hooked up new filter. Today I just have to give it a good vacuum and it's ready to go. And, being an above ground, it's already nice and warm for a swim. There is much rejoicing in the B home.

Foundation was poured yesterday. Workmen once again came before I was even out of bed, and are currently removing the forms from the concrete. Once the long weekend is over, the backfillers will come in, and then framing will begin. It will be so lovely. I am now getting truly excited about the new house now. Am a little sad that our friend didn't get the job for plumbing and heating. He came in 11K higher than Builder's plumber, so we had to go with them. Saw him at band last night and he was OK with it- was wondering if things would be awkward.

On the kid front, W has finally learned the joys of reading chapter books. Nephew's girlfriend's mother (got that?) was kind enough to send some stuff up for the boys- Bethel shirts and some books that had been favorites of her kids. This included the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series of chapter books. Had been reading them to the boys at bedtime, and W decided he didn't want to wait and see what happened. So he read on ahead, and a monster has been created. He reads in the car, he reads in his room, when I call him to come, he comes walking slowly reading at the same time. Is driving his brother nuts because he doesn't hear him calling his name. I am surprised that it's taken this long as he's had such a high reading level for quite a while, but it is nice to finally see it nontheless. But at the rate he's going it looks like I am going to have quite a job keeping ahead of him. Going to be one of these kids who gets a new book and has finished it the next day. Ah well, there are worse things he could be doing, like being addicted to photography.

Status report

Yeserday was the hottest on record. House guys did a little work but kicked off early because of the heat- couldn't blame them. Got to order my windows and exterior doors yesterday. Am happy to say that by taking the grills out of the side and back windows, we could put in an extra window over the jacuzzi, and get a colored (deep red) front door with specialty glass for no extra money. (And I love my builder, who said "the new price is within $100, so I'll just swallow that-whoohoo!)

Call from the pool guy yesterday. Have a price for the new filter, but no filter arrived- will call him today to see when he's heading out my way with that.

Had a lovely visit with Serendipity, took digital pics of her paintings for note cards for the art show and sale, and on the way home took a wrong turn on purpose to get a pic of some hay bales in a field- turned out really well.

Don't know if there will be any photo opps today, but I will take my camera with me- strawberry picking and to J's for a swim- if she's gotten the algae infestation under control, that is. I think my camera will start to be a constant companion- you never know when you're going to see a cool shot.

My name is Bee, and I am addicted to crafts.

A Woman Obsessed

So I find I am getting a little consumed with thoughts of the art show. Whenever I get a spare minute I am outside with my camera looking for new things to shoot. Found myself tracking a deer that had walked through my yard yesterday in hopes of getting a picture off, but no luck. People say that they have addictive personalities, and sometimes I wonder if I do too. Only instead of getting addicted to alcohol, tv, internet etc, I get addicted to crafts. Scrapbooking, stamping, crossed-stitch, and now photography. Ah well, if you're going to do something, do it right, eh?

Not sure what I'll shoot today, but people who have been seeing my pictures (posted on my facebook, if you're curious) have been saying that they're great, and they would buy them. So that's good, I guess. All I can think is why would they pay money for something they could easily do themselves? But if they want to, who am I to stop them from giving me money for them? And as hubby pointed out, if they don't sell, they'll make great gifts. (Mom has already requested some note cards for her birthday!)

Am hoping the long saga of my pool-opening will finish today. Pool guy was here yesterday hooking up new pump, and turned on filter to find that it was shot from the fire after all- looked OK to me, but we need a new one. So today I hope he will come with a new one so we can get stuff moving in the pool. Have to call insurance lady to ask her to pay for that too.

Don't think there will be much happening on the house front today. It was grand central her yesterday with footings, and stone slingers, and cement trucks. Now things are drying and setting, and I'm not sure how long that has to happen before they can move on. Have enough other things to do anyway- maybe I'll walk in the woods today to see what treasures I can find for my camera to capture. But there's supposed to be thunderstorms, so maybe not- maybe I can get a pic of some cool lightning...is there a 12-step program for crafts anonymous?