Random thoughts

Camping

2011-06-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

No comments on my last blog... oh well, who cares. Time for another list. I am in PEI right now, and it is hot and sticky. People told me it wasn't really summer here yet- they lied. So while I sit here and sweat, and watch "A Few Good Men" (BORING), I will blog another list about fun things that happened on our camping trip.

1. Setting up camp before hubby arrived with huge rumbles of thunder going on for an hour. (Yes I'm weird, but that was FUN!)
2. Playing scrabble with W at the picnic table in the rain while holding the golf umbrella over our heads to stay dry so we could finish.
3. Listening to the rain on our tent.
4. Waking up (relatively) dry.
5. Insisting all day Saturday that it wasn't going to rain, and showing all the doubters that I was RIGHT.
6. Corn on the cob. Everything tastes better outside.
7. Sleeping in and waking up to the sound of birds.
8. Having the best camping neighbours one could want.
9. Watching W enjoy the freedom of being able to go anywhere in the whole park on his bike.
10. Fishing
11. Swimming
12. Dinner with the M's
13. Coolers by the campfire
14. S'mores
15. Raccoon hunting
16. NO schedule.
17. No computer
18. No phone
19. No emails
20. No work
21. No facebook
22. No electronics of any kind
23. Bacon. Did I mention everything tastes better outside?
24. Flush toilets- I appreciate them a whole lot more when I'm camping
25. We will be going for a week next year.

Kittens and endorphins

2011-06-22T21:09:00.003-05:00

About 2 weeks ago we got J a late birthday present. A new kitten. He had asked for one last December for his birthday. We took him to Disney World instead. But a few weeks ago, friends of ours were giving away kittens that they had, and the lone female caught our eye. She is a mottled little girl, and Jon absolutely adores her. We all do- except our other cat. He has moved on from loathing and now tolerates her.

I have never had a kitten before. Max (recently renamed "Gigantor") was 6 months old when we got him, and not very kitten-like anymore. I have had a few puppies, and while they are as fun as kittens in their own way, kittens are decidedly more low-maintenance and even a little more fun. Here, for your reading pleasure, is a list of things that are more fun when a kitten is involved:

1. Hanging birthday streamers. (They are surprisingly resistant to claws)
2. Blowing up balloons (Not so resistant)
3. Putting on socks. You must be sitting on the side of the bed and the kitten must be under the bed for full attack potential.
4. Playing with a yo-yo.
5. Crocheting. Yarn must be wound into a ball and laying on the floor.
6. Watching the dog wag her tail. This fairly throws the kitten into a frenzy
7. Turning on the ceiling fan. I don't know if kittens have trouble with depth perception, but she honestly seems to think that she can jump high enough to grab one of the fan blades.
8. Typing on the computer. She always seems to know just when to walk across the keyboard.
9. Moving the computer mouse. Depending on kitten's position, the fun can be in the chasing of the mouse cord, or following the arrow on the screen and trying to figure out why she can't get it with her paw.
10. Having a daughter with several braids. These provide surprisingly good grip for claws.
11. Vacuuming. hee hee
12. Opening any cupboard. Kitten must always be fished out before closing door.
13. Playing the piano. She often does this all by herself.
14. Taking clothes out of the dryer. Note to self- always locate kitten before turning on dryer.
15. Working on the pool pump- this requires some explanation, but our pump is under the deck, and when kitten, who was watching me through the window, saw me disappear under the deck, she freaked. Apparently the deck eats people.
16. Watching kitten figure out where the food in the automatic dispenser comes from. Efforts alternated between attempting to pry lid off and reaching up inside hopper trying to fish food out.
17. Reading a book. Must involve a bookmark with a tassle.
18. Drinking a latte.
19. Wiggling toes while laying in bed. This is fun when the comforter is on top of them. When it's just the sheet, and claws and teeth can penetrate, not so fun.
20. Folding laundry. Apparently it's a big game.
21. Hanging dish clothes on the holder. And picking them up off the floor once kitten has pulled them down. Repeat as needed.
22. Flushing the toilet. No cats overboard... yet.

That's all I can think of for now. The little furball is asleep on my lap as I type this. She has been for a while, and that can only mean one thing. At some point between 3 and 4 am, I will be facing the wrath of crazy kitten.

adventures and hippos

2010-10-30T13:31:00.003-05:00

So I feel a bit like Avis from Julie and Julia this weekend. I hopped on a plane yesterday (thanks to my wonderful hubby who told me he and the kids would survive quite nicely for a few days without me) and have flown to Calgary to meet my Julia, aka, L, with whom I have been a pen pal for months now. And this weekend we met. Since being picked up at the airport yesterday evening, I have been whisked off to Banff for two nights of complete relaxation. It is a lovely clear and crips day here, and we are neslted in a beautiful little town in the middle of the mountains. I am in heaven. The only improvement would be to have the hubby and kids here too. Next time.

We spent the morning having breakfast across the street from our lovely hotel, and then we visited nearly every quaint little shop on the main street. I have fallen in love with the Christmas shop here, bought several little treasures there for our Christmas tree, and drooled over several other items.

In an hour or so, we are going to go horseback riding in the mountains. I plan for it to be more successful than the last time I rode in the mountains, when the first horse of the day decided to go running after a deer and nearly lost its saddle (and me with it), and the second horse tripped over his own feet and fell with me under him. I have been riding several time since then, but this will be my chance to redeem myself on a mountain ride.

After that it's off to Banff springs for tea, and tomorrow they are taking me to Lake Louise. What have I done to deserve to be this spoiled, I wonder?

Amongst all the sight seeing, we are taking and laughing and taking pictures and L is chatting with complete strangers and we are generally getting to know each other. Any worries I had of not knowing what to talk about have been washed away. It's more a matter of not having enough time to talk about it all. Ah well, that's what letters are for.

Time to go and finish my latte... mmmmm

Blogging is not facebook

2010-10-15T08:18:00.002-05:00

Thought I should blog today. It's been a few days, and I said I was going to start blogging again, so here I am. I always try to do what I say I will do, no matter how small. Dependable people in this world are too few and far between, so I want to be one of those rare folks. I mean, who knows? There might be some pathetic soul out there who, for reasons beyond my comprehension, is just waiting for Bee's blog to make their day. I doubt such a person exists, but if you do, a special hello to you. How are ya? Hope you're enjoying a coffee while reading this, because the blog certainly isn't going to wake you up this morning.

It has occurred to me that every time I blog, I check the next several days to see if there were any comments (No, I am not fishing for comments here- just a statement). I rarely get any. Now I said in my last post that I was blogging for myself and my new BFF, L. So if that's true, why do I care about comments... then it occurred to me. I expect blogging to be like facebook. On facebook you post a status, sometime pretty mundane, but always tried to be done in a witty way. Because, although no one will admit it, it's a bit of a continual contest. Successful posts get a lot of comments, encite a large chain of "likes" and silly comments, that sometimes morph into a conversation all their own. I don't know why this is- it just is. So when a blog fails to get comments, we somehow think it wasn't good enough, that no ones likes it. I am here to officially say- who cares? I will write whatever drivel I like, because it seems to please some of my closest friends. I really don't know why you care to read my thoughts- to me they are very ordinary and uneventful. Sometimes witty, I grant you, but not enough for a real, authentic LOL (admit it- how many times do you type that to someone, and you're aren't really laughing out loud? That's lying, you know. Except for L- she makes me LOL so many times in a conversation that E has stopped asking what I'm laughing at. I think part of the reason is that most of the time he just doesn't get our silly conversations.)

Don't expect anything profound most days. It's not that I don't have profound thoughts, but I just can't be bothered to put them into words. They just kind of swirl around in my head, and when I have had either enough provocation, or sleep deprivation, they will come out. But usually they just take up space in there. Good thing I'm great at organizing and packing. Too bad I can't have a yard sale of deep and profound thoughts. People who enjoy that sort of thing could get some real bargains and claim them for their own, and I would make a little cash. Spend it on a manicure or something. How's that for non-profound?

And now for the long awaited basement update. Well, probably not, but I'm sure someone out there is mildly interested. Trim is all painted. A couple of the doors need another coat, but after that it's just touchups from where the walls got banged by the carpet guys. W has been in his new room and is enjoying his man-cave immensely. There are hockey and clubhouse posters all over the walls (so much so that I am almost wondering why I bothered painting in there). I have to trim his closet door down to size and paint it, but that's all that's left in there. The den is completely done. The tiling is done in the bathroom, and if I get enough gumption today, I shall grout. Then it's install sink and toilet, finish a wee bit of plumbing, and finish trim in the bathroom. Then all I have to do it get uber-electrician friend to come over and help me finish up the wiring (right now it's all still on one switch and only 1/2 of the plugs work- the 1/2 that the builders installed- mine are all still dead). Once that is done, we will move the TV down there and have a major family movie night and I will go to get my nails done. The kinds on the end of your fingers, not the kinds I have been hammering into things in the basement for the last year.

Alright then. You have your blog. Hope you're happy with it- but don't bother commenting, because frankly my dear... :)

Time

2010-10-01T07:57:00.007-05:00

Last night, while working a midnight shift, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the store I was in had full internet, so I proceeded to check my e-mail. An even more pleasant surprise awatied me when I found that my dear friend, L, was on e-mail too, and so we proceeded to have a lovely chat. It was that chat that inspired me to pick up my blog again and write whatever thoughts I may have. No one may find them interesting, but I will write for me (and you, L- you seem to find all my funny little thoughts interesting!)

Upon bringing up my blog again, I noticed that I haven't posted anything since last November. Wow, that's a long time to be silent. So here we go- it got me thinking about time.

Time is a funny thing. I don't think as a kid I appreciated this at all. And it seems the older I get, the more I am baffled by time. As I sit and look out at my world of sugar maples (which are a very interesting orangey-gold this year), I am mesmerized by the falling leaves. I love this time of year here. Doesn't seem like a year since last fall, and yet so much has happened since then. Time is weird.

Last week, on Sunday, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the life of my dear nephew, who we shall see on the other side. All day long, in the midst of the happy memories and the sad ones, I kept thinking to myself, "Seven years. How can it be SEVEN years?" No matter how I did the math, it was always the same. 7 years. It can't have been that long, and yet it seems like forever at the same time. Time was weird that day, and I didn't like it.

My L wrote me a letter that arrived in my mailbox yesterday. I enjoyed reading the whole thing, but one sentence fairly jumped off the page at me. "A year isn't long for forever friends." Time is weird, but this time I like it. A year seems like such a long time sometimes, but she's right. It's not long at all. Not when you think of forever- now THAT'S a long time. Got me thinking of how much time I will spend with J someday... all this time will seem like the blink of an eye. Hang on to that, B. Happy thought indeed.

The older I get, the faster time goes. Yesterday it was funny. I worked a midnight shift, so I went to work in September, and finished my shift in October. Time is weird.

Well, there you have it. Don't expect them all to be this profound. Tomorrow I'll probably talk about something completely inane.

In lieu of...

2009-11-14T22:45:00.002-05:00

Well, since no one submitted any sort of suggestion for another on of my "list" blogs, I will subject anyone who reads this to the details of my big exam yesterday. Oh wait, I can't. I signed a confidentiality agreement. Apparently the use the same cases over and over again, so we are not allowed to tell anyone what they were. Suffice it to say I think I did well, but I won't know for sure until Jan 11. That is when I can call for the results, not a day sooner. Apparently it takes 8 weeks to mark a multiple choice test and figure out how I did on my patient interviews. Sigh.

However, I had a lovely 10 1/2 hour sleep in the hotel last night (aaahhh), and on the ride home today, it officially clicked in that I am DONE. I mentally checked it off my list while driving home, and was thinking of what I have to do next. Then I thought, "Oh wait! I don't have to do ANYTHING next- I'm DONE!" It was a lovely moment.

So, me being me, I came home and started to draw up plans for my basement reno. I plan to go to the store on Monday and buy stuff to frame walls and make a bathroom. I have enough tiles left over from the house construction for the whole bathroom, so for that room I just have to buy lights and fixtures. I can hardly wait to get at it. I think once it's done, I will move the TV back into the basement and have the upstairs living room as I originally wanted it. A place to sit and read, talk etc, but no big huge TV in the middle of it. Hubby may overrule me, we shall have to see.

I am also planning on decorating for Christmas next week. It is tradition to do it the day after my birthday, but this year I have to work that day, so I will fit it in when I can. Maybe when I get home from buying sink and toilet. Or at 11 pm... I am a single mom all next week, so I can do it when I like. Speaking of 11 pm, that's what it is now, and I'm tired. Time for bed.

Friday the 13th

2009-11-12T20:29:00.002-05:00

How ironic is that. Of all the days in the whole entire year, all 365 of them, how many are actually Friday the 13th. Even the least superstitious among us know that it is believed to be a day of bad luck. Now, I don't believe in luck, good or bad, yet I find it highly amusing that the most stressful part of this little journey that I am now on would fall on that particular day.

Tomorrow, Friday the 13th, I am leaving at 5:30 am, and driving to the big city of TO to write an exam. From 12:15 - 6 pm I will be doing a variety of things, from presenting and defending my learning portfolio, to doing multiple choice tests, to (GULP) simulated patient interviews. That is the part where I walk into a room and meet with a "patient" (a paid actor who is pretending to be a patient) and have the kind of interaction with them that I would have with any patient at work. Sounds easy enough. It's even open book. But the thing that is nagging at me is the fact that I will be being timed. And watched. There will be a third person in the room. A person with a clipboard and pencil. And I know that every time they write something down, I will be wondering what it was. Was it a good point? A bad point? Did I miss something crucial? Would my advice just have killed a real person? OK, so maybe I'm taking it a bit far, but it is stressful. I take comfort in the fact that in the real world, at work the other day, myself and the other pharmacist on duty caught a doctor's mistake that would have killed an 8 year old girl had it gone unchecked. The girl and her parents will never know about it, as the mistake was corrected before they came for their prescription, but we done good.

I did this kind of thing in university. It was easier then. First of all, it hadn't been 13 years since I'd written any kind of test. Secondly, my knowledge was all fresh. Thirdly, the material I was tested on had just been covered in a course. I knew what to study, I knew where to focus my efforts. I have been studying all week knowing darn well that I will never be able to cover everything a pharmacist needs to know. They can throw anything they want at me. It may be a drug that I have never seen in my life. It may be an AIDS patient. Anyone who knows anything about medicine knows that their meds are the most complicated ones out there. And we so rarely see them. But they could throw that at me.

I will be so glad when this is over. It is step three in an 8 week process that I am almost done. The internship is over- got the official call from the college that it's done and all my assignments have been approved. Haven't heard back about the jurisprudence exam yet. Would have been nice to know that it was a pass going in to this exam, but this just means I'll have two things to wait for and bite my nails over for a few weeks. The Lord is going to teach me patience one way or another, I fear.

It ain't over till it's over...

2009-11-07T18:15:00.002-05:00

Well, today was it. The last shift of my internship. Lovely day- busy enough to go fast. Free pizza and pop in the lunch room. And now I'm DONE. As I imagined, it went way quicker than I ever thought possible. The children got fed, laundry got done, my house is still standing, and we are all still sane (or as sane as we were before all this started). I am actually going to buy my own groceries on Monday. E will be glad, I think he's tired of the grocery shopping. I have a week off now to study, and then it's the part time work I've been waiting for. 15-20 hours a week will be perfect. I can work it in two days each week and be here for my family the other 5 days. Speaking of which...

While I was working today, W was playing his first game of the year in nets. Helped his team to a 6-4 victory, and is now one of the two undefeated teams in the whole league of Atom B hockey. He was very excited about it- even called me at work.

J is under the weather today. Woke up with a fever and a cough. Seems to be feeling a tad better tonight, but is still fighting something. Glad he has Monday off school- will give him a few days to rest up.

K had her H1N1 vaccine today- our doctor got a stash of them, and considering her weird immunity, or lack thereof to Canadian bugs, I thought it best to give her the shot. Don't think I'll get the boys done, though. So far so good.

Off to have a date with my hubby to celebrate- bought a little bottle of Chianti and some lovely cheese on the way home. Mmmmm, brie.

Looking back

2009-11-04T22:44:00.002-05:00

I know what you`re thinking. Two posts in one day. Someone has abducted B`s blog and taken it over. She barely blogs twice in a month, let alone in a night. But I decided to go back to the beginning and read through my blog. Not sure if I`ve ever done that before, not right from the beginning.

It was lovely. I remembered how loved I am. I realized that I can be quite witty at times. I was glad, after last night`s post, to see that I didn`t do TOO much complaining. I need to do more posts of lists of things. They are funny.

So please comment with your suggestions of lists. Questions the kids ask in a 5 minute period have been done. Things I need to record so I don`t have to repeat them all the time have been done. Things I will NOT miss about the trailer has been done (and as a follow-up, no, I don`t miss any of those things, or any other things about it for that matter).

And as a disclaimer, stupid suggestions will be ignored. There, now you know it`s really me blogging twice in one day.

H1N1 Pandemic

2009-11-04T20:31:00.004-05:00

Thought that might get your attention. I`m actually not going to say anything about H1N1 today, except that I got my vaccine today and can still walk forwards and turn left. Phew.

Tomorrow I work the third last shift of my internshipness-thingy. It`s been a really fast 8 weeks, and I`ve quite surprised myself with how much I have stayed on top of things, what with crazy kid schedules, crazy hubby work schedule, and throwing an after party for rock-star diva sister. I know full well that the reason I have stayed on top of things so well is only because of awesome hubby, super-mom and uberfriend. Hubby has been doing laundry, running kids to and from things, cooking meals, and even doing K`s hair (and quite a good job of it!). Super-mom was here for a week and cooked and cleaned and chauffered kids around while I worked extra hours. Uberfriend was instrumental in the after-party preparations. She was indeed the brains behind the operation.

Spent my day off cleaning- the kitchen. It took me all morning to get that one room organized. Included such tasks as sorting through the pile of papers, fliers, school work and lost and possibly not paid invoices (e-mails have been sent to the respective employers asking if E was paid for those shifts), cleaning out the fish tank that has not actually housed any fish for weeks. Bummer how you have to remember to feed them every day. The snails aren`t nearly so demanding. Good thing the boys have been in charge of feeding the other pets. But the kitchen looks goooood tonight. Except for the dirty walls and gross cupboard doors and baseboards. Good thing my b-day present is a full house cleaning. W, I apologize for all the work you have ahead of you.

And now I have three shifts left. All internship assignments are oh-so-close to being completed to the college`s satisfaction, and on Friday the 13th I will do a mental gymnastics sort of exam to prove my worth as an actual pharmacist. After up to 8 weeks of humming and hawing, the gurus at the college will tell me if it`s all been worth it and I will have a license to fill, or if I have entirely wasted my fall. I am hoping for the former. Haven`t heard back about the jurisprudence exam yet, but I`m feeling good about it.

And I don`t even have the bubonic plague... I mean, H1N1 yet.

Not that I'm complaining

2009-11-03T22:39:00.003-05:00

I had a really good day. Busy enough at work that it went quickly. Short-staffed but not nutso. A really funny phone call from our resident hypochonidriac that made me laugh all afternoon. Apparently the H1N1 vaccine can paralyze you so that you can only walk backwards. (ppfffftt!) Hard to maintain a professional decorum in the face of that one. Maybe that's what happened to Zoolander. Got the H1N1 vaccine and now can no longer turn left.

But even with all the comic relief of the day, I find myself frustrated with people in general. I wish they would all get over themselves. Seems even some of the nicest ones are wrapped up in their own little worlds. Whatever happened to thinking of other people first? Whatever happened to the common courtesies of please and thank-you? Whatever happened to appreciation for a job well done? These things have not happened to me today, and I am not feeling particularly jilted by anyone, but it's just something I've noticed lately. Maybe I've noticed it as I see the surprise on someone's face when I express appreciation, or am nice to a stranger. But there's not enough of it anymore. I'm sure I'm as guilty of it as the next person when I'm honest with myself.

And what's with the love for complaining? I try very hard not to complain about things, and get frustrated when others do it. If you only knew how good you had it, people. If the thing that they are complaining about is the worst thing that happened to them that day, they are pretty darned lucky! I almost said that to a complete stranger once as he was ripping up a grocery store manager for not having the right kind of coffee cream for sale. I was too chicken. That's my problem- I'm all talk... most days.

Some days I am brave. Some days I call people on it. And when I do they don't quite know what to say to me. But it makes them think, and I like to do that. When we stop and think, quite often (I speak for myself here) we realize it's better just to shut up than to shoot our mouth off. Or if we are going to say anything, instead of complaining to someone, to say "I appreciate you. Thank you."

My birthday is two weeks from today. Everyone is asking me what my plans are. I don't have any. I don't say this to make anyone feel bad for me- I just don't have any. My hubby is going to be away for the week, so I am going to have a nice quiet evening at home. I may have a date with a glass of wine and a chick flick. And some Brie. People almost seem sad for me when I tell them this- I don't understand why. I am happy to be here another year, and I am even more happy to spend the day with my kids (wish my hubby could be home, but someone's gotta bring home the bacon!) and not have to go to work on that particular day. It will be a lovely day for turning 37. Just call me Dennis.

200 and counting.

2009-10-31T21:30:00.003-05:00

So I signed on to post another blog, not really feeling like blogging, but feeling somewhat of an obligation resulting from the heckling I get from my family every time I take an extended leave of absence from blog-land. Then I noticed that this is my 200th post, so I feel the need to say something deep and profound. But mostly I'm wondering what I could blog about that would get made into a movie and make me rich, like the girl in "Julie and Julia". Great movie. Highly recommend it for foodies, girls in general and guys who want to impress girls by not taking them to an action-packed-things-blowing-up movie.

I got nuthin. So instead we have...

Update on the fam. I have five shifts left. 5. FIVE. Cinq. Cinqo. FIIIIIIVE. Then I get a week off, then a lovely 6 hour exam, and then I get to be a pharmacist again. I hope that by then the H1N1 panic has worn off. Seriously people- some of us just have a cold right now. Just because I am coughing and blowing my nose does not mean that I have the bubonic plague and will infect all of you and your loved ones. I was seriously considering pretending to cough up a lung all over every prescription just before I gave it to customers the other day at work, just to see their reaction and perhaps chuckle as they ran screaming out the door. Don't get me wrong, I know that H1N1 is a pretty nasty bug and that it's no fun to have. My dad has it right now and I am praying for his quick recovery. But there is a fine line between educated concern and outright paranoia. Most people are erring on the side of paranoia. But enough of that.

The kidlets all went on their annual extortion run aka trick-or-treating tonight. I headed out the door with Batman, a fairy princess, and Optimus Prime in tow. A good time was had by all, and now hubby and I are wondering what we can sneak out of their loot bags undetected.

W had a good lesson in helping others today. Went to hockey practice for his Atom B team at noon, got home after working VERY hard for an hour (around 1:40 by this time), and listened to a message on the phone from the coach of the Atom A team who just found out that they had no goalie for practice. Wondered if W could come out at 3 pm and help them by taking some shots. W did NOT want to do this. He was tired after a hard practice. He is liking goalie less as the season goes on. He didn't know anyone on this team. Had just settled in to a rousing adventure of Hot Wheels vs Bionicles with J. Had a talk with him about the fact that he had committed to goalie, so he at least had to see the year out in that position. Had a talk with him about helping someone who's in a pinch and how that shows them God's love. Also mentioned what good experience it would be to skate with the A team for a practice. He didn't want to do it, but decided to do the right thing. So we bundled all up, unpacked the player gear from first practice and packed the goalie gear for this practice. Headed back to the rink- I didn't know what to expect. I figured he would be there and take lots of shots but not get a whole lot of attention paid to him- just good experience for him to take some shots from the A team. Turns out these guys were more appreciative of his help than I expected. The coach thanked him several times, and during practice, whenever he wasn't taking shots, there was a goalie coach there who basically gave him a private goalie clinic. It was great. He even learned the basics of butterfly (all you goalies and goalie moms out there know what I'm talking about). He really ended up enjoying himself. Asked me after practice if he could go and thank the coach. I went with him, and the coach asked if he could call W up again sometime as he was so impressed with how hard he worked. W said of course, he'd be happy to help whenever he could. A proud moment for mom.

K saw figure skating for the first time on TV today. I feel that ballet may have gone the way of the dinosaur with her. This is ballet on skates- what could be better! And they get to jump and spin way more. Thus for the rest of the afternoon my living room became an imaginary skating rink for her. All was fine until I had to put a stop to things when she and J decided to mimic the pairs skating they saw- involving lifts and throws. No good could come of that. I was not popular. Ah well, everyone had life and limb intact for the trick-or-treating tonight.

Speaking of which, I think I hear a pack of rockets candy calling my name from the pantry...

5 down, 3 to go.

2009-10-17T20:13:00.002-05:00

I am officially well over half way done the internship. This is shaping up to be the busiest week yet. Full-time work continues, on Thursday is the jurisprudence exam in Toronto, and Friday night is the long-awaited CD release concert for my rock-star sista. Before the internshipness began, I asked for the honor of hosting her very first after party that night, so amidst all else have been making fancy little finger foods for 250 people. Let us not forget to say that I couldn't do this without uber friend's wife, S. She is the queen of party food. She and I have been cooking up a storm and having lots of fun doing it. I am also very excited that B2 has asked me to play keyboards for some of the songs at the concert- yes, another thing in my already busy schedule, but one of the things that I love to do, and so not a stress, but relaxing. It is nice to have a reasonable excuse to sit down at my dusty, neglected piano and practice for the concert.

Mom and Dad arrive on Wednesday, just in time to see W play his first hockey game of the season. He is excited beyond words. So am I for that matter- it's always fun to have them visit, but they haven't seen him play yet, and he is so proud of his hockey, I love to help him show it off. And to know that Grandma and Grampa are here to help with anything and everything they can is so relieving. I am hoping that amidst all of the craziness, we will find time to just relax together. Maybe play a game or two of bridge. (You're going down, Dad!)

Had a dream about the concert last night- it was like a pre-wedding dream. Only 40 people showed, and we still didn't have enough food. The piano was put in the wrong room, so I was in there and couldn't see the rest of the band. We forgot our music, and B2 was trying to tell me which song we were playing next, but she couldn't remember the title. And the crowd was so dull- no response whatsoever. Crazy.
I thought B2 was supposed to be the one having those dreams. Not surprising, though if I think about it. I have found myself becoming very protective of this night of hers. I said to hubby one day "if anyone screws this up for her, they will have me to answer to!" LOL. Like D wouldn't take care of that in a flash.

feeling the heat

2009-09-21T21:19:00.002-05:00

I got stressed today. And it's only the beginning of week 2. Picked up kids at school and found out that the parents meeting tonight was also a dessert social and parents were to bring food. Hmmm.... haven't had time to do much baking lately. Came home to find messages saying that W missed hockey tryouts last night, and that there were additional tryouts tomorrow and Wednesday. Still trying to figure out how to get baked goods to meeting, I quickly e-mail hockey convenor and apologize for missing tryouts, but assure him that W was at the goalie tryouts the previous day- was that ok? And we'll figure out how to get him to tryouts on Tues and Wed even though W has soccer after school on Tues and K has ballet after school on Wed. Oh, and there's one parent available to get them everywhere.

Harvested the veggies that were ripening in the garden, before they got too big and/or went bad, and made a quick supper with improvised ingredients when I discovered my chicken broth in a box in the fridge had turned into some sort of primordial goo, and it's always on the nights when you want them to eat fast that they don't. At least they all finished, veggies and all. Oh, happy day.

Rushed off to pick up babysitter extraordinaire, and arrived back home with her in time to resign myself to the fact that I was not going to be taking baked goods of any variety to the meeting, even store-bought. Surprising OK with that. Did a quick e-mail check and found out that since W is a goalie, he didn't have to be at last night's tryouts after all, and he only needs to go to one of the other sessions this week, not two. Feeling a weight lift off the shoulders, and kids are happy that they'll get a supper at Timmy's between W's soccer and hockey tomorrow. Have a feeling hubby is just as glad to find out that he doesn't have to cook.

It is 10:30 pm and I'm just sitting down to relax for the first time today. Well, kind of. I have a contract in front of me to sign for my pharmacy internship, and I have a schedule of my work hours, trying to figure out when I'm going to go to J's class and tell everyone special things about him, and show them special things from his past when I don't have any because they all burnt in the fire. Think I'll bring all his soccer medals. And the cat. Pets are always a hit with 8 year olds. Maybe I can work in a little presentation to them on medication safety and check off my community presentation that I need for the internship.

This all gets me to thinking. Why am I feeling stressed? For the most part, things are running like a well-oiled machine around here. Hubby is going above and beyond on a daily basis- yesterday while I was at work he tidied- without being asked. Today he actually made a list of things he had to do while I was at work. Yes, a list! And there were things on it I never mentioned- like vacuuming. Unreal. Awesome. I am staying organized, making lunches and packing bags the night before. So why am I stressed? And then I realized, it's because my brain won't stop. Even though other people are wonderfully taking care of things and the kids are run around by and looked after by other people than me some days, my mind is still in everything. Today while I was at work, I was mentally going through the grocery list while hubby got groceries, I am thinking of what he'll have to do tomorrow with running the kids around while I'm at work. There should be a switch to turn that sort of thing off. I know it's in good hands, so I should be able to forget about it. I don't, and now my brain is full of all that and the full-time workload I have. Good thing I only have 6 weeks and 5 days left. Too much of this might drive me crazy, and it's a pretty short drive.

It's hard to be seven

2009-09-19T20:58:00.003-05:00

So yesterday W gets an invitation to a birthday party for a kid in his class. They went to laser quest. J was very disappointed, as this was W's second b-day party at laser quest, and J had yet to go. He came home from school as W headed off to the party with a friend, and I headed straight out to the Richmond fair with he and K, hoping to stay for a short while with K, and then hand him off to hubby so they could stay on for the demolition derby. Only problem was that by the time we got there, it was FREEZING. We turned around and went home, a dejected little J sitting in the back seat. Strike 1. I promised him computer time, and he settled in to play his favorite computer game, only to find it wasn't working. Strike 2. Gave him permission to stay up late with W and watch George of the Jungle. Told him that maybe today we could go to the fair.

Today, I got to sleep in late (because of my stupendously awesome hubby), and as I rolled out of bed, (at 9:30, may I add), stumbled downstairs and poured my morning coffee, uber-friend pulls in to the driveway to help us finish putting the gate around the pool on uber-deck. No Richmond fair (but the gate around the pool turned out great.) Strike 3.

To make matters worse, before W headed out to his goalie tryouts today, he got a call from a friend inviting him for a sleepover tonight. J was crushed. A whole weekend of disappointment and missed-out-on fun.

There was nothing for it- it was time for a date with mom. So, he and I headed out to the Richmond fair. We rode the bumper cars, we went down the huge slide, we wound our way through the fun-house maze, we watched a strong-man demonstration, looked at antique cars, climbed on tractors, ate popcorn and pop for supper, and played carnival games to win stuffed animals and alien-shaped balloons. We basically went on every ride that wouldn't make mom barf. He had a ball and more than made up for the 10 year old fun he missed out on.

Where was K in all of this? Having some much asked for time with daddy. They had running races, wrestled, played disney princess matching games, and she had a bubble bath. Doesn't feel like she missed a thing.

Tomorrow it's back to work- I have to go in for a few hours in the evening and start week 2 of 8. I survived week one quite nicely and am ignoring the clutter and mess that has already accumulated in my house. As long as I stay organized, at least things will get done, and I will keep reminding myself that at the end of this 8 weeks, I will get my birthday present of a whole top-to-bottom house cleaning. Woot.

coming out of retirement

2009-09-11T12:21:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy month since I last blogged. I've been finishing up uber-deck, which is almost done for now. There are a couple of stair railings to finish, and the gate around the pool must be done before the snow flies. I have decided that benches and flower boxes will wait until next summer. Enough construction for one season. What is done thus far has turned out to be even better than I expected. It's a wonderful place to hang out- we have had many suppers and lunches out there, and the kids love the 20 foot running start they can get on their jumps into the pool.

Garden continues to go crazy. I have 23 jars of canned tomatoes in my pantry, one batch each of pickles, relish, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and spaghetti sauce. I have about 20 bags of beans in my freezer, and there are several nice orange pumpkins both on the vine and my kitchen table. Mmmmm.... pumpkin pies.... We have had beans with supper more times than I can count, as well as yummy corn on the cob, mashed potatoes that I grew myself (well, they were whole when they grew- I mashed them after I cooked them), peas and cucumbers. It's definitely been worth the work.

Through all of this busyness, life continues on. The boys are finishing up their first week of school, and all is well there. K LOVES it- that could possibly be the understatement of the year. She was QUITE put out when we dropped the boys off on Thursday and she wasn't allowed to join them- it will be a long 5 sleeps every Wednesday until Monday comes and she can go again. W is in the middle of hockey conditioning, has signed up for the soccer team at school, and announced that he is going to play the trumpet in the school band. Note to self- buy earplugs next time I'm at the pharmacy. J likes his teacher, except for the fact that she won't let them talk in class- imagine the nerve of that. K, as I said is loving every minute of JK, and has an incredible teacher. Makes me feel good to send them off to a place like that.

Things continue to change for me as well. Finished up with contract negotiations for my pharmacy internship today which I will hopefully be able to start on Sunday evening. Eight weeks of full-time work- a relatively short tunnel with a nice bright light at the end of it. My licensing is all being paid for and I am being paid a very nice intern salary in return for about 300 hours of work after I am licensed. Sweet deal. Hubby is being very supportive, even agreeing to cook supper on a weekly basis or whenever needed and taking his daughter to ballet. What a guy.

2009-08-15T20:07:00.002-05:00

Went to work today, and filled dosettes for 9 hours. It was a fun day though- a quiet one at the store, and had some great laughs with L and J while we all worked. Filled 37 dosettes, which translates to a few hundred prescriptions. An new record for me.

Got home to find all the kids and E in the pool having a great time. I guess they spent most of the day there, which was a great idea seeing as the humidex rested around 35 all day. The only reason I was not bitter was because I was in the air conditioning all day long myself. Did however, come home at 6 to find no attempt made at supper. Pancakes were requested by J, and feeling that a very easy item to whip up quickly, I proceeded to make a batch. I thought they tasted funny, but I blamed it on the syrup. Around bedtime, J started complaining of tummy pains (an all too common thing with him), but after some investigating, I concluded he just needed a good fart. His teeny tummy was stretched taut. Poor guy. Later found out that E also thought the pancakes tasted funny, and that is when it hit me. The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of baking powder. I always find that odd, because it should say 1 tablespoon, as they are the same thing. Well, after working 9 hours non-stop, I read tablespoons, not teaspoons, and proceeded to put in three times as much baking powder as I should have. No one but J is in any pain tonight, but that little guy always eats his body weight in pancakes. oops. I am avoiding mommy guilt by reminding myself that I had just gotten home from a 9 hour shift, not expecting to have to make supper, and I meant well. Maybe we should order out next time.

the dance

2009-08-14T18:30:00.002-05:00

So day camps are over. K's last dance camp ended with a little recital today, and true to form she stole the show. Not during the show, though. Oh, she was very cute, as were all the little ballerinas, and did her steps in her little 4-year old way. But when it was over, and the parents clapped nicely as the kids left the stage, she turned around as soon as the stage was empty, ran back on and started a routine all her own. She was spinning and leaping, smiling from ear to ear. The place broke out in huge applause, and then she took a bow. I couldn't decide if I should join in or crawl under my chair. It really was very funny.

a day (or two) in the life

2009-08-11T13:38:00.002-05:00

I am spending a very lazy day today. Have spent most of it on the internet surfing around and ordered new clothes for work in the fall. I have no half decent pharmacist clothes- what better excuse to raid the clearance section at Coldwater Creek. Got some very lovely deals. The kids are watching TV and I have no guilt over them doing that on such a lovely day. Not after yesterday.

This was yesterday:
8:15 am - leave to take W to a friend`s house where he will hitch a ride to B-ball camp. Leave for CHEO with K.
9:30 am - K`s hearing appt at CHEO (she has perfect hearing)
9:50 am- leave CHEO, make stops at IKEA, bank machine (out of service), Wal-Mart, Boston Pizza for lunch, bank machine again (working this time), Canadian Tire.
12:45 pm - drive to Carp for K`s dance camp.
1:25 pm- leave Carp and hightail it to Franktown to pick up W at b-ball camp.
2:00-leave Franktown, drive into Carleton Place Winery for 2:30 with boys to bottle a batch of wine. Let them pick the foil covers for the wine bottles. I have 30 bottles of wine now, each with a different color cap. Most colorful batch I`ve made to date.
3:15 pm- drive to the Beer store to take back empty bottles. Earned $4.75 for my trouble.
3:30 pm- stop off at Timmy`s to spend my $4.75 on an ice-cap, two peach drinks and 3 chocolate timbits, and head to park for 25 minutes of relaxing in the shade watching the boys play.
3:55 pm- drive back out to Carp to pick up K for 4:30, who will then be done dance camp.
4:30 pm- drive back into Carleton Place, and go to McD`s for supper, where the kids start to get slightly cranky. So did I, but we all came out without too much of a scene.
5:30 pm- drive to soccer field to deposit W at soccer practice, then head to grocery store
6 pm- get groceries with J and K
6:45 pm- back to soccer field
7 pm head home
7:05 pm- back to soccer field to get W`s forgotten bag, only to find someone else had picked it up. Hope to retrieve it at tomorrow night`s game.
7:25 pm - HOME, kids into bed.
9 pm- me into bed.

The only similarity today had with yesterday is driving W and K to their respective day camps. Much more enjoyable, although I am pleased with what I accomplished yesterday. Got some good deals on end-of-season specials, got some things I`ve been meaning to pick up for a while. Clocked well over 200 K on the van.

W came out of b-ball camp today with a new shirt on that said `Best Effort Award` with his name on the back. Apparently at the end of yesterday, they said they`d give out an award every morning to the person who made the best effort the day before. W was the first awardee, this morning being given the shirt for yesterday`s effort, which is even better as he earned it without knowing that people were watching them. Watch for pictures on facebook in the next couple of days. I am presently washing said shirt as he plans to wear it to camp every day. Good thing I have to do laundry anyway nearly every day.

Right now the house is nice and quiet. I had forgotten what a difference a toddler makes in the house. It`s weird not to have K here, but I am enjoying the lack of busyness, and the quietness of the conversation. One of the boys commented that this is what it used to be like all the time, and the other quickly agreed, but said that it was weird. I think they prefer life with a sister. That makes me feel good. I will also feel good when I pick up my little princess at 4:30. But for now, I will enjoy my cup of tea without interruption.

same old, same old

2009-08-08T07:34:00.002-05:00

Not much new to blog about, just more of the same. Uber-deck continues along nicely. Uber-friend was not able to come over today to help again, as he is moving today. I suppose that's a reasonable enough excuse not to come. Hubby is over at his place returning the favor of helping out on a Saturday. In his absence, I have been working hard here on the deck. All of the deck boards are down (except for the trap door over the filter, which will be left for uber-friend and rocket scientist b-i-l to figure out). Yesterday I went online and taught myself how to build a railing. You can find tutorials for anything online, I have discovered. Seemed easy enough, so I went out and proceeded to construct four railings. The look great and even appear to be structurally sound. Today I will finish the railings and possibly start the stairs, which are much more complicated. Found a few tutorials for them online, and every one of them refers to stairs as the most complicated aspect of a deck. Ah well, how hard can it be?

Garden continues to thrive. The beans and peas are slowing down, but we still get lots every few days. Now the green peppers are nearing maturity, and I have two lovely sweet huge ones in my fridge. There are many more coming, so I'm glad they can be frozen. I have had to reinforce nearly all of my tomato cages, as the plants are so laden with fruit, they just fall over ripping the cages right out of the ground. Cukes and pumpkins are getting big and lovely, and there are more than enough ears of corn growing to provide a lovely feast some night. It's definitely been worth the work. Think I may try watermelons next year as the onions are not going to be attempted again. I can never grow onions.

One month from today my kids start back in school. Man, the summer has gone fast. I have really enjoyed it, but it will be nice to have routine again, crazy as it will be with me working more. I'll probably be more ready for it then then I am now. Right now, I'm happy for a few more weeks of summer, staying in my housecoat till 10 am if I feel like it, sipping coffee knowing I don't have to go anywhere right away, and not figuring out what to make for supper until after lunch instead of having the whole week's worth of meals planned in advance.

Coffee is done now- time to put in a load of laundry to hang out on my new clothesline. Lovely.

8:43 and all`s quiet

2009-08-01T07:40:00.003-05:00

I can`t believe it- all three of the boys are still asleep. I am sitting here in my housecoat sipping a coffee and my little princess is looking semi-quietly at a princess book on the floor beside me. I love Saturday mornings.

Not all of the day is shaping up to be like this though. Our uber-friend is coming back for the third Saturday in a row to help us in the final stages of uber-deck. The shaping around the pool will happen today, the section where the clothesline will be will happen today, and quite possibly deck boards on the top level. The kids will be able to go in the pool again, and there will be much rejoicing. Lower level is already seeing lots of use in the form of several suppers at the shiny new deck furniture, and K and I enjoyed a bowl of cereal out there this morning. Lovely.

When I`m not working on the deck, seems I`m strolling in the garden. We`ve had beans almost every night for supper and there are several bags of them in the freezer already. Peas are starting to come, and we`ve enjoyed broccoli several nights as well. Peppers, carrots, tomatoes, cukes, pumpkins, onions are all doing very well and promise a good harvest in a few weeks. I think we`ll have enough tomatoes to sink a ship. And the corn- it is now officially taller than me now, and there are half a dozen or so with silks starting on them- it will be the yummiest corn ever. And I think there might be some potatoes growing too- we`ll see about that in the fall. Note to self- use lots of compost every year.

Time to go and get dressed and rouse the biggest of my boys. Uber-friend will be showing up any time and it wouldn`t do to have us still in our jammies and asleep when her arrives, although I do hate to disturb the peaceful place that is our home. Nevermind- by the sounds of things, K has already gone upstaris and done that for me. Wakey, wakey.

the single life

2009-07-20T14:17:00.002-05:00

So I am a single mom this week. This morning the two wee ones went off to DVBS for the morning, and I came home and continued work on uber-deck. I have the box for phase 2 built and attached to the deck that was built on Saturday. All I have to do it cut and screw in the deck boards and phase 2 is done. I built it on the premise that if the deck ever falls down in a heap from poor craftsmanship, or the hurricane of the century, I don't want it to be my fault. The rest of the deck may blow away, but that little 6x7 rectangle will still be standing. Overkill on lagbolts would be an understatement. But I have discovered that it is much more fun to build a deck with friends than by yourself. Probably safer too. Wood is heavy. I escaped relatively unscathed, minus a couple of scrapes, and I only hammered my own finger once. No large pieces of wood fell on me (thanks to my guardian angels, I am sure), and I still have all my appendages even after using the big scary saw several times. Oh, and a note to rookie builders out there- safety glasses are your friend. I am sure they're the only reason I still have both my eyes. Wood pieces flying everywhere.

I have actually tired myself out enough that I am not going to finish the deck today even though there is lots of day left to finish it in. Tomorrow will be fine for that. Time to veg.

The wheels of progress

2009-07-18T19:03:00.004-05:00

What a day- it started with the sound of pouring rain and thunder at 6:30 and E and me wondering if we were going to have anyone come over to help us with uber-deck in this weather. The phone rang 3 times- every conversation was the same. "You guys still building in this rain? Yea? OK, I'm on my way!" What good friends we have. The rain actually let up for a while, and it only downpoured on us a couple of times. Just nice for a cool-off and a break, and then the sun would come out again. Had 4 friends here in the morning for all the hard work of frame-building and leveling, and just after they all had to go at lunch time, another friend showed up and stayed till 6:30 to help with the final securing, laying of the boards, and clean-up. I had not thought we'd get this much done today- I am VERY happy! Phase 1 is complete.

Next week I am on my own- E and W are off to hockey camp for the week, and J and K are in a DVBS every morning. Phase 2 is a very small little rectangle to finish out the lower deck, so I am thinking that I can complete that on my own this week and gear up for a huge-all-day work party for phase 3, the ominous upper deck. I'm a little scared of that one, but if it goes as smoothly as today did (and if we get the same guys back, it will- they were all awesome!) it will be fine. Then phase 4- stairs, railings, benches and flower boxes- I'm not going to think about phase 4 yet. It scares me.

Today made me realize a few things.

One- as I mentioned, we have great friends. I already knew that, but as I was thinking of all the other things they could have been doing with their morning, it made me appreciate them all the more.

Two- there is one thing I don't like about renos. The regular housework must continue. It's very crappy to have to leave deck-building to make lunch and make sure the children are fed and clothed. But alas, that's life.

Three- I like wearing tool belts. They make me feel very useful and handy and they have lots of cool pockets to hold everything you need. Can't believe I went this many years without one.

Four- I may have gone a tad overboard on the deck. We only have phase one done, and it is already bigger than any other deck we have ever had. It's about 200 square feet, and the final product will be about 580 square feet. It's more of a summer home than a deck. But it's too late to turn back now. And I know we will enjoy it immensely when it's done. We live out back in the summer. But for the next half-hour or so, I plan to live in my jacuzzi.

Growing a green thumb

2009-07-15T12:46:00.003-05:00

I never used to be much good at gardening- I needed the kind of plants that you couldn't kill if you tried, and even if they did die, they'd be sure to come up the next year for another try. I seem to have conquered that. For this season anyway. I'm glad I finally decided to break out the container of Miracle Gro that I bought when we still lived in NS and never got around to using. I'm sure that must have something to do with things. Not just my veggie garden either. The fuschia I have in hanging baskets outside are simply covered in flowers. I didn't have high hopes for them as they hardly get any sun where they are, but they have thrived and lend a lovely splash of colour to my front steps.

I have spied many more veggies growing in my garden - got my first glimpse of some baby cucumbers today, and the pumpkins are sprouting flowers. All three kinds of tomatoes are growing, and it should only be a matter of days before we can have our first feast on green beans. It was so nice to weed and water the boxes today feeling the crunch of river rocks under my feet instead of stepping on mud and weeds. There is much sunshine to be had today, and the kids are partaking in the usual sunny day ritual that involves getting wet in the pool and drying off in the trampoline, repeat ad nauseum. I love summer. Espeically when it is accompanied by actual summer weather. Lovely.

The lumber for our deck arrived, now I just have to place an order for sunshine. Yesterday it looked promising, but today the weather network is promising no sun- 20mm of rain. I'm sure you can build a deck in the pouring rain, but I am sure it is much less fun. I set up my patio furniture yesterday, preparing for some instant gratification once the lower level is done- just move the table and chairs from the garage to the deck- only to find out that the table had all the wrong hardware in the box. The company has kindly agreed to send the correct hardware- in 5-10 business days. So much for instant gratification. I plan to put the chairs out anyway with our second hand smaller table instead. I'll take what I can get.

I have also had the foresight to take some "before" pictures of the deck area so we will remember how much better it looks when it's done- didn't think to do that with my weedy garden.

Impatience, thy name is Bee

2009-07-13T08:18:00.002-05:00

OK, so everyone knows I'm not the most patient person in the world. It was only my last post where I said that I would wait until next season to get rocks in my garden paths. They have since been obtained and nicely placed just where I want them. Friday morning I borrowed B2's truck (thanks again B2) and proceeded to bring home two truckloads of river rock. They are heavier than they look. Thank goodness my boys are getting old enough to enlist for manual labour and semi-heavy lifting. They helped me shovel the rocks out of the truck onto a tarp, and then spread them, one wheelbarrowfull at a time where I wanted them. I had to evict several tomato plants growing in my pathways in the process, but I knew they wouldn't have time to grow big enough to bear fruit at this point in the season. There are still a couple in cages in my pathways that I just worked around. It looks fantastic. I am sore. Rocks are heavy. But it's great- all the paths, and between the garden and the house is covered in lovely pretty little river rocks, and I won't have to mow any of it again. There are still some rocks left, so I will just spread them out where they could stand to be a little deeper. I plan to find some very large pots and put them here and there on the large area between the house and the garden to make it look extra pretty. And if anyone has a garden bench they are looking to get rid of, I could also give it a good home there. I love spending time out there.

The deck is going to start taking shape this weekend- it's official. Got the word from town hall today that the permit is ready, and the burly guys who know how to use tools are lined up for this weekend (and a couple who don't know how but are willing to just do as they are told). We have already started placing the support stones, and I am getting very excited about it. The deck furniture in boxes in my garage has been yelling at me to free it and give it a home on our deck. I hope to be able to oblige by the end of next week.

Bought a deep freeze yesterday- I'm going to need space to keep all the wonderful beans that are growing... and pumpkins, and broccoli, etc etc. And applesauce in the fall...mmmmm... It will be delivered tomorrow- between 7 and 5. And so I will sit by the phone all day. Guess I'd better get my errands run today and stick home tomorrow, as I always seem to be the last on their delivery list- I need to be available between 7 and 5, but everyone knows they will show up at 4:55. Glad it's supposed to be nice out tomorrow. Wonder what happens when they call to announce their arrival and I'm outside and don't hear the phone...

Still nagging regarding K's citizenship- you know it's bad when they start ignoring your e-mails. I've gone over my gal's head who is supposed to be helping me with this, so hopefully something will happen soon. If we can't get down south for Christmas, I will be a very bitter woman. BITTER.

And my thoughts continue to be occupied with S&B who are still on their adoption roller coaster. Such exciting news regarding V who may yet become a part of our family, and things progressing along with T. A couple of years ago, I never expected our family to be extended at all this way, let alone by 2 or 3 more!. God is good.

Time to go get groceries. And the building permit. Woohoo.

A prettyish sort of wilderness...

2009-07-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a week because there really hasn't been much to blog about. Compared to my big sister's trekking around the Ukraine adopting a daughter, life here seems fairly dull. Blissfully dull, but nothing to write home, or blog about.

But this morning I went out to pay a visit to my veggie garden and got inspired to write. A simple topic, but one I wanted to put down on "paper". I've decided that maybe there is something to this compost thing after all. Some fresh ground, an entire barrel of my compost, a load of horse manure and a load of chicken manure and my plants are out of control. I've never had a garden like this in my life. I'm starting to see signs of produce everywhere. The beans are covered in little flowers, as are the peppers. The pumpkins, peas and cucumbers are reaching out little tendrils to grasp onto my vertical supports placed there for them. The tomatoes are bursting out of their cages and I counted several small green tomatoes beginning to grow with countless little flowers on the plants promising even more yummy tomatoes. I see a bright canning future in front of me this season. The underground veggies also appear to be doing well from what I can see. Carrots, onions and potatoes (in their greenhousey tire stacks) all look great on the surface, but I will have to exercise patience to see what is going on out of sight. I've already enjoyed a few salads with my lettuce and radishes, and when I peeked into the huge broccoli plants, I could see the beginning of some lovely yummy broccoli starting to form. I can taste it already. And the corn- friggin huge. And typical of most things, the sign of results makes me even more eager to work out there and get the most that I can for my efforts.

I have also concluded that I must have put tomatoes in my compost at one point. In half a dozen spots along the garden path tomato plants have sprung up out of nowhere. The tomatoes that I planted were seedlings, so I know I didn't drop any seeds. I can only assume that they survived the year or so in the compost barrel and have now come to life. After a little debating over what to do with them, I have decided to just grab some extra tomato cages and stake them right in the paths where they are growing and walk around them. I hope they grow quickly enough to produce some tomatoes this fall. It's the ultimate in recycling.

I was going to put some river rocks in the paths this summer, but things have grown so quickly in the boxes and paths as well, that I don't think I'll be able to work around them. Guess it'll be a job for the fall or next spring and until then I'll weed the paths, being careful to avoid any new tomato plants.

Weird thoughts

2009-06-27T18:50:00.002-05:00

So we had a bit of a road trip today- went down to Peterborough for a couple of hours. (all the locals are thinking "a 3 hour drive each way for a 2.5 hour visit?). Our social worker from South Africa was up for a visit and we very much wanted the chance to see her. Besides, I figure that she had to come way farther than we did, and it was a lovely day for a drive. Great to see her again.

But weird. It was the first adoption "thing" we have gone to since getting K. I'm very glad we went, and we met some great people. One family in particular that are also Christians and have 4-year old twins from SA, and we hit it off wonderfully. Too bad they live in Barrie- a little too far for play dates. But we can keep touch online and maybe hook up once in a while.

But it was weird because it brought back to my attention that K is adopted. People who haven't done this probably don't understand, especially considering the marked difference in appearance, but I truly do forget that she wasn't born to us. I don't think I had realized that until I saw all these famililes that look the same as us. It was very obvious to me that their kids were adopted, and I realized once again the life she had before us. Not that I would change a thing- I believe that she was born to be in our family. God knew when her birth mom was pregnant that she would be ours, and honestly, I'm thrilled that he saw fit to spare me another pregnancy and delivery. She was wired to have older brothers and to be ultra-silly with her dad. And to snuggle with me (if you can call the constant squirming and wiggling cuddling). I'm so proud of her already- of all our kids. I know they will do great things. People often tell me how lucky she is (or how blessed)to be in our family. I don't hesitate to tell them that it's the rest of the family who is really blessed by her.

I am....

2009-06-24T14:24:00.002-05:00

a handywoman. Got a new dishwasher delivered today, and installed it myself. And it even works. With no leaks. Go me. Also got the windows fixed today, but a dude came to do that- no more drafty windows this winter. Go him. Also began the opening of the pool today. Yesterday we took off the tarp to find lovely crystal-clear H2O in there- whatever I did to close the pool last fall must have worked! So we topped it up with the hose and carted a sample into the pool place today. A quick vacuum this afternoon and a shock, followed by some algeacide and something else that i can't remember what it's for tomorrow, and then we can swim. The children will be very happy, and so will I since I have to watch them swim. I get to sit in the chair and read books guilt-free as I am ensuring the safety of my children. They are all a little hot and cranky today, but right now they are on the trampoline with the water hose. A pretty good combination except for the occasional row. Early to bed tonight.

The deck plans will come together on Friday night as we have confirmed a dinner date with our architect and his wife. Really just an excuse to get together for dinner, but it works for me. Had a friend who owns a backhoe over today and he says he can get it in to dig all the post-holes for us. That will save us days of work, and it is cause for much rejoicing.

Not a lot to do.

2009-06-23T07:23:00.002-05:00

We are thoroughly enjoying summer vacation so far. Now I just have to get the pool open, and it will be in full force. The water is being pumped off the tarp as we speak. Then it's just fill it up with water again, take some water in to the pool place and dump in what they tell me to.

I'm very pre-occupied today. S&B go to the other side of the world today to get their new daughter, E. I am so excited for them. So nervous for them. It is bringing back so many memories of last year this time, when we were in Africa getting K. Had no idea I'd start such a trend.:) And I'm praying my head off for little V, that she (and her g-ma) will see what a great thing this would be. I still feel like she belongs in her family. Asking God if it's OK for Him to make that happen. I know that this trip may be what does it. At any rate, I am so happy for E- she's got a long road of adjustments ahead of her, but I can only hope that being in our family will make them a little easier for her.

If only I could be sure that we will get to meet her at Christmas. Still waiting on K's citizenship to come through. Have yet another e-mail out to our rep asking her to check on the status, no word back yet. Surprise, surprise. Another thing I plan to continue praying my head off over.

Running some errands today- from picking up the camping supplies we have finally replenished to getting some copies of documents certified in hopes of getting my pharmacy license back. Another long process- one step at a time. This is the first week of my summer scheudule, so I would have normally been at work today- and very bitter about the sunshine. I have decided that my store should be closed on days that it's this nice. It would be good for morale. Noone wants to work when it's nice. There's no problems working when it's cold or wet. I'd be happy to go to work then, but when it's sunny all I can think of is the outside work I could be enjoying. Like my veggie garden. Finally starting to produce. I'll be ready to eat a killer salad from there any day now. Enjoyed a radish at supper last night...mmmm... Tomatoes and peppers are starting to flower, broccoli is the size of a small car, lettuce is growing, and everything else is getting bigger by the day. Beans and peas will be popping up any time. And I would love to see what's going on underground with my potatoes, carrots, and onions. All indications at the surface is that they are doing splendidly. Glad I moved my garden from where it used to be. Seems to be the perfect spot.

The deck should make some more progress this week... having dinner with my "architect" on Friday- they're coming over for dinner, a movie, and deck plans. Not your typical double date, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Coffee is done, as is the early morning video the kids started while I was sleeping in. Time to get them all breakfast and dressed and on with our day. I like summer vacation.

Walkin' on sunshine.

2009-06-17T10:10:00.002-05:00

What a day- gorgeous weather. Got three of my gardens weeded while K rode her bike and jumped on the trampoline. I love this time of year. And I'm laughing that she is cold- little African girlie. Love it- to see her walking around in a sweater while I'm in a t-shirt and capris. She'll be happy when August comes.

Tomorrow is the last day of school, which means that this is my last week of a 2-day work week. Next week I will go down to one longer day and drive in with hubby every Thursday. I'm really looking forward to having an extra day to get stuff done around here. I'm wondering what things will look like if I end up going to a 3-day work week in the fall for my internship. I have basically decided that my house will always be messy and my list never caught up if that happens. (Don't expect any blogs- I will be too busy.) Still waiting on the college to get me all the info I need to pre-register, which is what I have to do (and send them money, of course) before they will even tell me what I need to do to get re-licensed. We'll see if it turns out to be worth it.

Deck plans are coming along very nicely- got a couple of suggestions on design from friends who are very good at that sort of thing... a few built-in flower boxes, and turning the regular benches into storage benches for pool toys etc. Heading to Rona in a few minutes to get an idea of what this project is going to cost us.

Still waiting on K's citizenship- seems to have stalled to the point that I can't even find out what the progress is on it. I'm sure her file is sitting on someone's desk somewhere and they are on vacation for the whole summer. Would be typical of this whole thing. And it has now officially taken twice as long to get her citizenship as it did to adopt her. Any bets on if it will end up being three times as long? Better not be, or heads are going to roll. And yes, I'm all talk. But it makes me feel better.

Veggie garden continues to flourish. Think I've finally found the right spot for it. Everything is growing (even the weeds, but most of the plants are big enough now that the weeds are getting crowded out)- especially the broccoli. They are getting bigger than every plant out there. Mmmmm- fresh broccoli. Beans, corn, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, peas, cukes, pumpkins, radishes, lettuce, onions- they are all growing, and the critters seem to be leaving them alone. Must be close enough to the house even for our bold deer and rabbits.

Time to head into "town".

Living for the weekend.

2009-06-15T07:24:00.003-05:00

Or, in my case, living for the weekend to be over. And it is. We have survived the craziest weekend schedule we've ever had. So many things were happening that I wanted to blog about but didn't have time.

Friday was my little girl's 4th birthday, and 52 weeks since we left for Africa to get here (officially it was one year on Saturday, but we left on a Friday, if that makes sense...). I didn't realize until her birthday came how much I think back on memories of the kids on their birthdays. For the boys, I remember the day they were born and things that have happened since then. Automatically tried to go there with K, and obviously couldn't as much. No memories of her birth or infancy, and I kind of miss that. But it's neat that her birthday falls very close to the time we first saw her, so those memories will have to suffice. It was actually one year ago today that we first laid eyes on her- I still remember the lump I got in my throat and the unexpected tears that came to my eyes when I met her. And on Wednesday she will have been my daughter for one year- it's a big week in the B house.

W had his first overnight class trip, and a good time was had by all. A little too good, I think. He was SO tired the next day- allowed to stay up until 11 watching game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.

J had a soccer tournament on Saturday- they didn't win a game, but he played very well and had a good time. I think he will become quite a good soccer player over the next couple of years, now that he's brave enough to challenge for the ball. He's faster on his feet than any of the kids out there, just a little timid still.

Last night we watched "United 93". The story of the plane that didn't reach it's target on 9/11. Now there's a day I'll never forget. I remember that E called me from work and told me to turn on the TV- the first plane had hit, and I watched in horror as the second plane hit on live TV. I was 6 months pregnant with J, wondering what kind of a world I was bringing this child into. The movie was one that I care not to see again, but I'm glad that I did. It was very well done, and a tribute to the heroics of the men on that plane. It joins the ranks of Schindler's List and the Titanic. Saw them, glad I did, but will not watch them a second time. And I can't believe that a month after the actual event, I climbed on a plane to fly to Calgary, now 7 months pregnant. Nuts.

Today life is back to normal- E is off for the day, which is very nice. Taking the boys to school right now, and I hope to get tons accomplished today- all the little things I should have done over the weekend, but didn't have time. Off to do the never-ending laundry. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Actually, after that movie last night, I'm glad I have all of my family here to do the laundry for. Movies like that change your perspective. That's a good thing.

Change

2009-06-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

Seems the only constant is change. Always changing or updating the calendar, celebrating some birthday or another (in my family, there's at least one every month). Just had W's last week, and this Friday, K turns 4. Bought her a plethera of pink things for her present, and on Wednesday we are taking her in to get her hair braided. Had her in to the salon for a consultation today, and the gal says it is long enough to put in extensions and braid. I think it will look very cute, and just in time for her birthday party! Gonna take 3 hours, so we'll just make a day of it, and go to McDonald's when she's done for a treat for enduring the time in the chair. I will post pics on facebook after we're home. I can't believe it was a year ago next Monday that we first saw her and one week from today she will have been ours for a year. I am ready for some comfortable stability for a while. Don't even have the urge to go anywhere this summer- all the traveling last summer did me in for a while. I am loving home sweet home. Just wish I could get caught up on the weeding...

Not too much else going on today- the usual laundry, yard work, bookkeeping. Too much fun for words. Soccer practice tonight- soccer every night these days. At least we won't get rained on or frozen out this time.

The stars of track and field

2009-06-06T15:07:00.003-05:00

Obscure, yes, but a song title- gotta love google.

So W had a track meet today and it went very well, J and K tagged along as hubby had a golf tournament today. W was signed up for the 50 m sprint, the softball toss (kids version of shotput, I guess) and the standing long-jump. 50m was great- W finished 3rd in his heat and 8th over all. Not bad considering there were over 100 kids in that event. Softball toss wasn't as good- he's got more of a major-league fastball than a long lob. He was a bit disappointed in that one. Standing long jump was good too- first jump was 1.4 m, second was 1.6, and third would have been substantially longer but for a backwards step when he lost his balance. So no ribbon there, but he was still pleased with how he did. I can see him really enjoying track and field- he's got his father's running genes. J was quite disappointed that he was too young to register- I think when he is old enough he will clean up in the running races at these things.

But now we are home with three very tired (and yes, cranky) kids. Hoping hubby gets home soon from his tourney so we can relax together this evening. We were supposed to be going out, but are not able to find a sitter, so we've had to postpone our wine and cheese (ah well, I'm getting lots of whine today anyway!)

There are things I should be doing right now, I am sure. But to find the energy to do them when I am all tired and sunburnt (yes, I once again remembered to sunscreen the kids and forgot myself). We'll see... maybe I'll just put the kids to work.

And the green grass grew all around...

2009-06-05T10:52:00.002-05:00

Mowed the lawn this morning- takes almost 2 hours on the ride-on, but it looks SO nice when it's done. All the weeds are clipped short so it looks like we have grass. Lovely. I do wish we had more grass and fewer weeds, though. Now I just need to muster up the energy to break out the push mower to cut under the apple trees and the weed whacker to do close to the buildings etc. Few are the times when I get all three of those things done in one day, but it sure is nice when I do. I can't finish this job tomorrow as W has a track meet all day. I hope he does well, but am worried that he might, for if he does we may be going to the North American Track meet in Hershey Pennsylvania in August. A bad thing as K doesn't have her citizenship yet and we can't take her out of the country yet.

Only 9 days of school left for the boys after today. It will be interesting to see how they do with so much time on their hands after being in "real" school for the past few months. I think they are looking forward to the break, but we'll have to make sure they get together with their friends over the summer.

Not too much else exciting to blog about. The paperwork for the deck trudges along, and I try to find time to do everything now that the yard and garden work is in full swing. It's so nice out that I want to spend all day inside, but for some reason I still have to do laundry and vacuuming even on sunny days. How unfair is that.

Time to go and fold that pesky laundry. And until I have my deck, I don't even have the joy of hanging it out on the line. Must get going on that too...

Home

2009-06-03T12:16:00.002-05:00

So the boys are home from school today. J woke up with a fever continued from last night and W sounded like Darth Vader. They seem to be better now but still battling the cold which we have all had. We'll call it a mental health day for them. K is not sick but just plain grumpy today. Fun for the whole family.

Went to the town hall today to get a permit application for our deck. I am starting to think it would have been better just to build it and not bother with all this permit nonsense. I cannot believe the paperwork I have to fill out for a silly deck! A drawing of our entire property with all structures, septic, well listed as well as the distances between everything and distances to the property lines- not a big deal on a little city lot, but when you have 30 acres with several structures, you can't just go outside with the measuring tape. We also need to produce a deed for the property, which burned in the fire two years ago. I am sure there will be a lovely fee for getting a new one. Ah well, in a month or two (hopefully) this will all be a faint memory as I sit on my lovely deck enjoying the sunshine while the kids play in the pool.

Am thinking of starting my quilt soon. I bought material for it a couple of weeks ago and have found the same pattern I used for the quilt we had before the fire, which I really liked. Hopefully this one will turn out as nice, and won't take me as long. I could always work on in on my new deck...

Veggie garden is coming along nicely. Most of the plants are growing well, except for one that I originally thought had gotten eaten by a critter, but have since realized got stepped on by the dog as she ran through it. Beast. Ah well, she keeps the deer away, at least she has so far.

Just another day in paradise

2009-06-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

I`m back to song titles for my blog. I was reading some old entries and found a bunch I had titled after songs and found it quite amusing. As it is not old yet, I will venture to do it again.

Pretty normal day around here today, boys to school, K to sitter, parents to work. W still carries the goalie helmet almost everywhere. Thanks to Grandpa naming his GPS `bertha`, W has been inspired to name his helmet. It is now known as Gerry. I`m really not sure if I should be amused or troubled by this. Gerry was a big hit at the b-day party yesterday when 6 boys from W`s class came over for a bonfire and much outdoor fun. It was a great party. Don`t think I`ve ever had a bunch of kids as easy to handle (family excepted) as these boys. I`m glad to know that these are the kids that my W is hanging out with every day.

J had his second soccer game tonight and tied it 4-4. A huge improvement over last week`s slaughter that was suffered at the hands of a Stittsville team. J got an assist and almost scored in a shot on goal. I am glad that the boys have inherited their father`s athletic ability instead of my lack thereof. Ah well, I knit a mean aftgan.

Am still stumped as to what to get K for her birthday. I`m pretty sure that whatever I get, it will end up being some shade of pink or purple, as that seems to be a pre-requisite for all of her possessions. I think I may do a few smaller things instead of one large gift like we usually do for b-days. Saw a pink baseball glove at Wal-mart that she`d love- maybe that and some puzzles or games. We`ll see. Shoes are always a good idea too- she`s outgrown every pair of play shoes she owns. I find myself wondering how much she`ll grow- it`s easier with the boys to picture them as adults- I know their DNA and how they`ve grown their whole lives. With her, I have no genetic family to compare her to- didn`t even have her when she was 2 years old to measure and double it to see about how tall she`ll end up. Just another one of the surprises she`ll bring to our lives, I`m sure.

And on the project front, I installed shutters on the front of the house and am still amazed at the difference they make every time I drive down the lane. I am also designing our soon-to-be-deck, and am very pleased with how things are progressing there. Am planning a trip to town hall tomorrow to see what the codes are etc. Hopefully they won`t be too crazy rigid. With the house building process I have gotten to know the local building inspector pretty well- hopefully he`s still there, as he looked to be about 80 years old when he was here after the house fire.

That`s all for now- W has his second soccer game of the summer tomorrow- hopefully they will do better than they did last week and at least tie- it was a close one last time, we`ll see.

Nighty night.

Some people just get it.

2009-05-30T07:57:00.003-05:00

I love Saturdays, especially now that the boys are in school. We just get to hang out, maybe run a couple of errands, etc. Today is W's year-end hockey party, so a good time will be had by all there, I'm sure. J is very much looking forward to is as we will be playing soccer there- at the hockey party. Strange, now that I think about it.

So I wake up this morning and see W just standing there hugging his birthday present- a brand new shiny goalie helmet with a fierce reptile-lizard thing painted all over it. A 10 year old's dream. He says he thinks it's the best present he's ever gotten. So I was pretty pleased that we were able to get him one for such a great deal. You know the feeling you get when you have found the absolute perfect gift.

Fast forward to later in the morning. We are downstairs, I am catching up on e-mails etc. and the kids are all playing around. W walks up to me and says he made a mistake, that the helmet wasn't the best gift he's ever gotten. I am wondering if he remembered something else better, or if he has suddenly changed his mind and doesn't want to play goal anymore- not sure what's coming. I ask him why this is, and what he could have gotten that's better than the helmet, and he just turns around and looks right as his little sister. She is the best gift he's ever gotten. Wow- that he came up with that on his own. Love that guy. I can almost agree with him- she is ONE of the best gifts I have ever gotten, but she's dead-even with about 3 others in my life.

I'm old.

2009-05-29T15:45:00.003-05:00

My baby is turning 10 in 2 days. Hard to believe I'm old enough to have a 10 year old. Today is the family dinner for him, and I find myself thinking of 10 years ago right now. I was FAT. And really naive. If I knew 10 years ago what my life would be like today I don't know if I'd believe it. So much has happened in the blink of an eye. Scares me to think that our time with him at home with us is probably about half over already. And there's so much left to teach him.

Right now, though he is more interested in getting on hotwheels.com and racing the cars he has designed for the next 30 minutes. Ah, to be a kid again.

another day another dollar

2009-05-26T15:00:00.002-05:00

Went to work today and did my thing. Spent approximately 6 hours putting pills into little cubby holes. When I think of it that way I'm not really sure why I enjoy my job. Maybe it's because I am such a task oriented person. When I arrive at work the counter is empty, and when I leave it is lined full of bags of dossettes waiting to be final-checked by the pharmacist and delivered. Nice to know I'm making someone's day easier by sorting their meds for them (I'd need one too if I was on as many rx's as these people!). I've started a habit of praying for the people while I am filling their dosette- I have never and probably will never see most of them, but I figure God knows them and their needs, so I'll just lift them up to him. If I was on 12-15 different meds, I'd need prayer too.

But the whole time I do this, I listen to the pharmacist on duty, and sometimes I think, "I knew the answers to those questions... why will it take so long for me to get back my license- just give it to me already!". And then there are times when I listen in and think, "I have forgotten so much, I'll never be able to re-learn it all, maybe it's not worth it." Who knows. My dream is to get it back and open up a little store with my hubby- those are my favorite days at work- the ones where I get to work with him. Again, who knows.

Kids are home from school now- time to take off the pharmacist hat and put on the mom hat.

random thoughts again

2009-05-24T17:21:00.001-05:00

So I`ve decided why it is I haven`t blogged in, well... forever. I enjoy it much more when I feel I have something thoughtful to say, and since having three kids, my life has been very busy with the everyday. I am enjoying it immensely, but really can`t think of anything clever to say about it. It`s run here, drive there, do this and that around the house and with the kids (not necessarily in that order...), and I really can`t find how anyone would see that as interesting.

But I hear again and again, `You haven`t been blogging`. People really do seem to want to read about my mundane life. About the fact that I am ordering shutters for the front windows on my house (same red as the front door- SO excited about these!) and that I am planning my deck and a quilt for my bed thanks to an unexpectedly large tax refund.

Guess I should think about writing about my blessings (for there are several, to put it mildly!) and not my errands. Right now I am being blessed with the company of my parents, listening to my mom playing Sorry in the kitchen with Jon and wishing I could hear the conversation between my hubby and dad out on the golf course (highly entertaining, I am sure). I am going to go now and plan the grocery list- a blessing because it involves planning meals with the extended family, one of my favorite things.

I`ll try to blog more often, in between being busy enjoying my blessings.

I'm baaaaack.

2009-05-22T19:25:00.000-05:00

Well here it is. I am blogging again. Are you happy now, dad? Gotta go so I can visit with you.

Back in the country and back online

2008-07-30T14:39:00.003-05:00

The first blog since we've arrived home has been a while in coming. But I'm glad to say that we are finally back online with our new high speed internet provider (and this one actually works- what a concept!). K is settling in very well, is over her terror of the dog and is comfortable enough to fight with her brothers.

The grandparents are visiting right now and are quite taken with her. I believe the feeling is mutual.

Nothing else to blog about today. Just thought I'd let everyone know that we are all still alive and well. Just too busy to type much.

Coming home!

2008-06-30T05:11:00.003-05:00

Well, it's offical- well, 95% official. We should be able to leave to come home tomorrow night. Woohoo! I am not going to totally get my hopes up until I have a printed itinerary in my hands, but our travel agent says we should be able to leave tomorrow night. I just hope that the seats are still available by the time she goes to book it today! We won't know anything for a few hours because of the time difference, for all I know she's still asleep back home. But it is LOOKING GOOD! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! Never thought I'd be so glad to finish a vacation. Just to get home, hopefully before strawberry season is over ( I will be a BITTER WOMAN if I miss out on ALL the strawberries)- I didn't get to make jam last year because we lived in the trailer, and I was really looking forward to many batches this year. To work in my yard, swim in my pool, and play with my dog (who in all likelihood, will terrify K for the first few days- should be interesting) But it will be home sweet home, and before long, she'll feel like it's home too.

I can hardly wait for you all to meet her- she's a great kid- the perfect daughter for us.

Back in action

2008-06-29T09:06:00.002-05:00

Haven't blogged all week, but there's been nothing really noteworthy to blog about. The morning after the safari (Thursday), E woke up with a stomach flu and was in bed all day. I refuse to drive on the wrong side of the road, so didn't get put on the rental insurance, so the kids and I were stuck at the inn all day. That afternoon, the flu hit me, and it hit W in the evening. Sleepless night number one. Next day was my turn in bed all day. That night K got it (very mildly, thank goodness) followed by J for sleepless night number two. Everyone except J was back to normal yesterday, but when that boy gets sick, he does it in style. So he made for sleepless night number 3 last night, and I am a TIRED puppy today. Fortunately he is feeling better today and I had a 2 hour nap. So tomorrow we get to go back to enjoying life a little.

We are free to go home any time- we have all the paperwork we need, so now we are just trying to change our plane tickets. I sure hope we can- not that I am not enjoying my time here, but I miss home. Being sick is bad enough, but when you're sick, you want to be home.

K continues to settle in well- it's all been very natural. I shouldn't be surprised, considering how many people are praying - on both sides of the world. Hopefully she'll be as laid back with the airplane as she has been with everything else (we have lots of gravol in case that isn't true).

Hluhluwe. And I even know how to pronounce it.

2008-06-25T13:46:00.003-05:00

Africa- I finally saw it today. I hadn't felt like I was here until I saw the Africa I've always seen in books. Hluhluwe (pronounced shlushlooie) is a huge game reserve- the second oldest one in Africa and the one that saved the white rhino from extinction. At one time there were 7 left in the world- today there are a few thousand in Hluhluwe alone. We saw zebras, rhinos, impala, nyala, waterbucks, buffalo, vultures, baboons, and kudu. I think that's all. We saw evidence of lions (fresh tracks) and elephants (tracks, and... other evidence....) but didn't have any luck with sightings. But the trip was worth it for the scenery alone. I think I could fall in love with this place if it weren't for the giant bugs. I've only seen a few examples ( a cockroach 1 1/2 inches long that my new friend said was teeny) and a grasshopper that hitched a ride on our safari truck today that was three inches long, easily. The bugs make me long for home.

But the rest of the safari was amazing. I've seen all of these animals before, but there's somthing different when they're not in captivity. I never realized how sullen they look in places like Busch Gardens or the Animal Kingdom. It's great to see them up close there, but seeing them up close in the wild is so much better. There's a certain energy about it that I can't describe. We had white rhinos 5 feet from our vehicle today. The guide said no one ever sees a wild white rhino closer than that. Actually, most of the animals we saw, besides the buffalo came up nearly that close. And from a distance, we saw wilderness that has never been touched by humans. Planes aren't even allowed to fly over it- it's the private hunting ground of the zulu king.

And the kids were great- they had fun spotting the wildlife and thought it very cool that we ate a picnic lunch with zebras and warthogs nearby with a herd of buffalo off in the distance. And no fences in between.

K is really coming along. E is tucking her in bed, and she's saying prayers with him. No crying- this is the first night for that. The boys both get along really well with her- she's very laid back, and a real character. I think she will be the only one of my children who doesn't mind getting up on stage and performing. She's really very funny when she gets going. She had W in stitches in the car on the way home from the park, and was singing songs for everyone on request. Hard to tell what they are in Xhosa other than some melodies we recognized, but it was fun.

Not sure what tomorrow will hold. We may go to the beach in the morning, but it will be a low-key day after our long day today.

The first night

2008-06-20T02:34:00.000-05:00

Last night was our first night with K. It was... interesting. Actually, the night was fine, but it was bedtime that was interesting. She was fine up until she knew she had to go to bed. Then the tears started. Strange for her, she rarely cries, as I suppose in the home she has learned that there's really no point. But last night I know she was confused and scared. She cried in the bed for 45 minutes. She seemed to want me there so I just sat with her. Sometimes I sang to her, sometimes I just sat with her, and the whole time she sobbed. She never would look at me, except for the occasional glance, but she just held my hand. After that, she sat up and held her hands out to me. I picked her up and rocked her, and she stopped crying. After about 10 minutes of that, she got down, climbed up in the bed and laid down again. I asked if she wanted me to go and she said yes, and then for the next 1/2 hour she sang and talked happily to herself, and then she went to sleep. It was almost as if she realized that it wasn't going to change, so she was OK with it. Or maybe she was seeing how long I'd stay with her. I don't know. I do know she must have been terrified- not understanding what's happening, and wondering where her other mom is.

But then she slept all night. Wish I had. I think every time she stirred, I woke up. But I didn't have to worry, she slept very well, and this morning woke up in a very cheerful mood. It's been a great day so far. We're just hanging around the B&B today. E is going to take the boys out for a bit when she is having her nap this afternoon.

Tomorrow is her birthday party, which will be fun. We picked her up some presents yesterday.

The best news I've heard is that we may indeed get to go home early. Our social worker says that our papers may be in order as early as next Friday. I would love to be able to do that. Now that she is ours, I just want to get home and back into our routine. Not that I'm not having a good time, but there's no place like home. Plus I may be just a bit anxious to start showing her off :)

Mom of three

2008-06-18T15:07:00.001-05:00

I'm a day behind on my blogging. Not too much of interest happened yesterday- not even court was that exciting. I was nervous beforehand as I didn't know what to expect, but all that happened was that we signed some papers to make it finally final, and the magistrate met with us and told us everything looked good, and best of luck with our new little girl. Didn't even have to into the courtroom. A little anticlimactic, if you ask me! But she is now legally ours, once everything is couriered up to Pretoria where it's officially put on record that we have adopted K.

Now we wait around for her to get a visa, and then we can take her back home. I would actually love it if it came through quickly and we could go home early. Now that court's over I feel like we're just killing time- three weeks is a long time to be away from home. (And a long time to eat out). But we are making the most of it- spending lots of time with K's host family. Yesterday it was a quick visit there in the morning, and today we picked K up before lunch, took her for the afternoon and then went back and had supper with the family. They are such a great bunch, and we are getting to be good friends. The dad already has W playing on his drum set (he's in their church's band) and is impressed with how quickly W is picking it up. Maybe soundproofing the garage is in the future so W can get himself some drums. Unfortunately SA is a bit far to go every week for drum lessons.

Our day with K was spent having lunch at the mall, buying her a few more things- her own backpack for the plane, etc. It was comical- she gravitated to everything pink. Then we came back to the B&B for a nap (just K, not us). When she woke up, you could tell she wasn't sure where she was, but she warmed up after a while and was her old self. She brightened right up when we got to the host family's home for supper- on familiar turf again and was the evening's entertainment dancing to Phil Collins videos.

Tomorrow we take her for good. She'll be sleeping here on the pull out couch, and I think it will go fine. She has grown up very independent because of the schedule at the home. I'm told if you don't send her to go brush her teeth at bedtime early enough, she'll do it herself. When I put her down for her nap, there was no fussing at all even in the strange place. At the home there was no point in crying if you didn't want to go to bed, and no one was going to have time to cuddle with you. Hopefully she'll learn to enjoy a bit of a cuddle, for my sake if not hers.

This weekend is K's birthday party- a bit late, but this way we were able to participate. We're going to pick her up a present tomorrow morning before we get her. Next week we plan to go on a safari- there is one nearby where we can stay overnight and visit a zulu village, which would be very cool. And then there's the marine park- supposed to be fabulous, and it's half price on weekends, so we'll probably go the next weekend. A day at gateway, the largest mall in the southern hemisphere is in the mix- we'll have to see how it compares to the mall of America- I know it's got a water park, so there's one point for it already.

Time for bed- I'd forgotten how busy life with a three year old is.

A Day at the Braai

2008-06-16T13:37:00.001-05:00

Well, we are enjoying a quiet evening at the B&B after our Braai (BBQ) with the Devine’s, K’s host family. They had some friends over, so the boys had lots of other boys to play with, and we all had a wonderful time. K has gotten very familiar with us already- more than I could have hoped for. She calls me Mama and E Dada, and can say both of the boys’ names. I couldn’t be happier with the way things went. Within minutes of arriving, E was sitting at the picnic table with her having “tea”, and she was playing and laughing with him for quite a while. They coloured, played on the trampoline and just had a lot of fun bonding. Later, all the boys went to the soccer field with E and Mr. Devine, and the moms and K stayed at the house.
This was my time with K- I took pictures of her bouncing on the trampoline, and then she let me jump with her. Then she sat on the trampoline while I jumped and bounced her, and then I sat while she jumped and bounced me. After that, she sat on my lap on the trampoline and we had a great time. She knows more English than I thought and we were able to communicate beautifully. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” to her, and she joined in. Very shortly after that, she put her hands on my lips and told me “too loud” (ie be quiet) and sang it to me in Xhosa (her native language) several times. It brought tears to my eyes!
So needless to say, she is very comfortable with us now, and we are already in love with her! We are going to pay another visit tomorrow morning, and then in the afternoon we go to court to make her legally ours. Our social worker here feels that we will be able to have her with us all the time as soon as Thursday. She is a busy little girl, full of mischief as any good three year old is, but she is good and from what I’ve seen so far, quite obedient.
It’s still hard to believe she will be ours. I’m sure it will sink eventually, but for now I’ll just keep enjoying the ride- it’s been a wild one so far!

Our daughter

2008-06-16T03:10:00.001-05:00

Well, we've seen her. And she's more beautiful than her pictures! I was not sure how she'd react to us, but we got lots of smles out of her, and E even made her giggle. We had a stuffed dog for her, which she loved immediately- drove it around on her bike for the whole time we were visiting. I almost cried when I saw our daughter. Today we have been invited to a BBQ at their house with lots of their friends- they call it a Briaa (or something like that) here. I am overwhelmed- in a very good way. I cannot believe the blessings that God has given us. South Africa is beautiful. We have seen a different side of his creation here, and I can hardly wait to spend the next three weeks exploring it!

The boys are having a great time too. W is so excited that he is actually not letting J get a word in edgewise- the opposite of usual!

Our B&B is beautiful too. We have a great suite, and the owner is an excellent cook. We had a full English Breakfast too, complete with cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, fresh fruit (a lot of which I couldn't identify) and ...mmmmmm....guava juice. It's like grapefruit juice, only it's not sour. It's incredible. I've never seen it at home, but I'm going to look for it when I'm there.

Later this week we will have S's birthday party- probably on Saturday when the lady who runs the orphanage is in town. We'll have to pick her up a present before then. I am going to have so much fun shopping for this little girl.

She is just so precious! Her big brown eyes already have E as putty in her hands. She is a tiny little thing- wears a size 2-3, and will have a few clothes of her own (we're actually going to get some handmedowns from the host family), but BOY am I going to have fun shopping for her!

I will post again tomorrow- I am SO looking forward to spending some more time with her. Our social worker told us she thinks that we will be able to take her on Thursday- until then, there will be lots of visits and playtime. Our court date is tomorrow, and it should just be formalities and paperwork- nothing to worry about, she tells me.

Pussycat, Pussycat, where have you been?

2008-06-15T06:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have been to London, and I have seen the queen. We flew out of Ottawa on Friday night and all got an hour or two of sleep on the plane overnight. When we arrived at Heathrow in the morning, it was an express train to Paddington Station (no bear sightings) and then the "tube" to Picadilly Circus. J was quite disappointed that it wasn't actually a circus. We took a bus tour that was great- they had about 5 or 6 different routes, and you could ride it all day, hop on and off wherever you wanted, and see things along the way. This took up our entire day, as we added a stop at Buckingham Palace (I was very surprised at how unimpressive it was from the road!) and a tour of the Tower of London. There was a Thames River Cruise thrown in there for good measure, and a good time was had by all. The boys were great and found everything very fun and interesting. We had lunch at the Sherlock Holmes pub (those English really know how to do fish and chips!), and we were in luck, because the day we were there was the Queen's Official Birthday. Apparently her birthday is April 21, but she celebrates it the second Saturday in June. Don't ask me why. So instead of the changing of the guard, we got to see the trouping of the colours and saw the queen herself driving down the road. With Phil, of course, and Camilla was there too. Didn't see Chuck though.

We went from there back to the Airport, only to find out our plane left an hour and a half before we thought it did. Not sure how I got that confused, but we had to run (and as always when you're late, it was the last gate down the last hall) and got on while they held the plane for us. Thus began the 10 1/2 hour flight to Johannesburg, where we all tried to sleep for many hours and some of us succeeded better than others. The smaller ones found it much easier to get comfy in those plane chairs than us adults. Then it was to a tight connection to Durban for a short one hour flight, and when we got there, three of our four bags had arrived safely. The one that didn't arrive, however, had all of mine and E's clothing in it, of course. But it has now arrived safely, so I don't have to go out and buy all sorts of new clothes. Oh well.

We are hoping to go and see K this afternoon, but we can't get a rental car until tomorrow. Maybe our social worker will have room in her car for all of us. We'll see. First priority is to get some lunch. I'm starving. More updates to follow.

A weekend of extremes

2008-05-17T18:23:00.002-05:00

As I type this, I am sitting in the Montreal airport, heading home after an overnight trip to PEI. E's sister's mother-in-law passed away, and since E couldn't get off work so quickly I went in his stead. It was a lovely funeral service- one of the kinds where if you had never heard the salvation message before, you sure heard it there. But still funerals are always hard, no matter the circumstances. I had only met this woman once, but I liked her instantly, and although I do not personally grieve her passing very much, I grieve for my family. It is so hard to watch ones you love in pain and know there is nothing much you can do except be there. This lady had been married to her husband for 51 years- they were best friends, and although he knew their parting is only temporary, he misses her terribly. And their one son was so very close to her. Hard.

And through it all, I am supressing tremendous joy. The last time I sat in the Montreal airport- yesterday- I checked my e-mail to find pictures of our new daughter from South Africa! The referral came through in record time- three days after ministry approval. We travel in June! I am already in love with her - her pictures show a happy little girl with a glint of mischief in her eyes- something I am very familiar with in the boys. I think she'll make out very fine with two older brothers. She will be 3 on June 12, so we may be able to celebrate her birthday with her- what a way to start our life together!

Now that the funeral is over, I feel free to revel in the happiness that the Lord has led us to- and in a shorter time period than we ever could have imagined. Glad he didn't decide to test my patience here! There is SO much to do before June- paint and furnish a bedroom, get everything we need for a new child, finish school, figure out what to do with the pets while we're gone, the list goes on. But how can I worry? God has worked everything out so far, I think he'll look after these last minute details.

Friends are Friends Forever and other tacky songs

2008-05-02T18:57:00.002-05:00

I am so blessed. Found out last night that a friend of mine is going to have a shower for me when we know the age of our little girl and any other details so that people can help me get what we need for this little one (which is pretty much everything...) It never occurred to me that I would ever have another shower (aside from the kind I have in the morning while I hope the boys aren't destoying the house...) I was kind of blown away, that someone would think of that.

I am also wondering at this moment what goes through a cat's mind. As I type this, Max is sitting on my lap with his two front paws up on the computer desk looking intently at the screen. I wonder if he thinks the cursor is a bug that he needs to hunt. Hopefully he won't pounce any time soon. He has taken to sitting on my lap whenever it interferes with something I'm doing- writing in my journal, doing crossed-stitch or knitting (and if he's not sitting on my work, he's sitting on the pattern). Oh, and then there's the moths on the outside of the window at night. Hear that Max? They're on the OUTSIDE. It doesn't matter how many times you jump at the window to try to get them, they WILL thwart you every time. Besides, I don't know how many more times my table lamp can get knocked over and survive.

The latest adoption news is that we will probably be travelling in July. Our agent is expecting ministry approval within 1 1/2 weeks or so, and very shortly after that we should get our referral. The orphange from which we will be adopting is a Christian orphanage who only places children with Christian families. How nice is that? And because these kids are just waiting there, the mission has asked the ministry to put a rush on our home study. A process that we thought would take 2 + years has taken only 6-7 months. Gotta be a God thing. I have started to get Kaylah's (Kayla's, Keilah's, Keila's- any other suggestions, anyone?) room ready. The boys are moved into one room and today I started taping the lines to paint pink stripes on top of the red paint. Man, I hope this doesn't look horrible. I probably won't have time to paint it twice. I'm not touching paint to walls until I know without a doubt that it's a girl, so it will be a quick job when the time comes. So much for my relaxing summer before the trip in the fall. I've even had to find adoptive parents for my veggie seedlings I started. No sense planting them only to be gone for 3 weeks of the growing season and coming back to find them all dead. So I have found a good home for them, and I have been promised that I can share in the harvest when the fall. Hopefully my friend has a greener thumb than I do.

Silver linings

2008-04-28T18:03:00.004-05:00

So I look out my bathroom window Saturday morning and I see a clump of yellow things in my woods. I think to myself "those look like daffodils". I sent W out to check on them and they were, indeed about 15-20 daffodils growing in the middle of my woods. No idea how they got there. I figured I never noticed them last year as they were behind what was still burnt rubble. So I head out with my wheelbarrow and shovel, all ready to re-locate the lovely flowers to my front garden where they can be enjoyed. As I started to dig, loving the rich earth in my forest, I realized, it was VERY rich- literally black. Then I noticed it wasn't earth. It was burnt ash. These daffodils had been by the old house. I have no idea how they came to be moved into the woods. No burnt rubble had been put that far back. No plants that had been resuced had been moved into that area. Simply put, God even saw fit to save my daffodils.

Now I know that may sound silly, but I like to think that He knew how much that would make me smile. It's another one of the little blessings that have come out of this.

And I am completely in love with this time of year on our property. I think I missed it last year. We were still settling in to the trailer, and I really didn't appreciate the beauty of the forest while our previous home was in shambles and blocking the view of the woods. I really didn't go in there much last year. Already we're living outdoors every chance we get.

Lots of people have been asking me about the adoption. Things are moving right along. I actually got a call from our agent today, and she said that we need to send in our next chunk of money earlier than she realized. Our file hasn't been approved by the ministy (government) yet, but the head of the mission that we're working with is going away for May and wants to get our file sent off to South Africa before we go. Apparently this is VERY unusal, as it's never sent until after ministry approval is received, but she didn't want any delays while she was gone. Now here's the weird part. My understanding is that as soon as it's approved and sent to South Africa, we can get matched with a child. So if the person at the mission is anticipating that we will receive approval during May, and then all that is lacking is for us to be matched and travel a few weeks later, this may happen even earlier than we had thought- which was already earlier than we had thought at first! So now I wonder if we'll get through the summer before we go to SA. There is a trip out east planned that may be jeopardized... getting ahead of myself again. At least I know we'll be able to go to the wedding- that is not to be comprimised- but here I go again, ruining the family picture that we get done there(every one we have had done has been made out-of-date shortly thereafter by the birth, and now adoption of a child).

For now I'll wait for the phone call, spend time in my garden with my rescued flowers, and dream of life with a little girl.

Remembering

2008-02-22T10:31:00.002-05:00

Today is weird. It was a year ago that our world turned upside down. Yesterday was acutally harder for me, as it was a Thursday last year. Today is just weird. I'm remembering what I was doing last year this time- in my housecoat still in bed at B2's, listing of everything we owned and going through the bags and bags of clothes that people kindly gave us. I still think of their generosity every time I wear one of my hand-me-downs, although I don't know who most of it came from. The last year has been awesome, and I wouldn't trade it (except maybe for some days in the trailer- hee hee). But it was a hard time. It will always be there, I suspect. Some people just get it. A good friends told me yesterday she'd been thinking of me all day. Others don't even remember that it's been a year. Which doesn't bother me- it's not their life, so I realize it doesn't affect them nearly so much. But those who remember without me saying anything. Who know that in some ways I still miss the way things were. Not that I'm ungrateful. We are so blessed, and without the fire, I don't know that we'd be adopting.

The worst of it is the irrational fear lurking that it will happen again. Today. It's not consuming me, but it's there. We have to go out later today, and just as when we went out yesterday, I am quietly wondering if the house will still be here when we get back. Silly, I realize. But it's just knowing that stuff like this can happen when you least expect it. Not that I am not trusting- I know that if anything like that were to happen again, God would provide, but I don't really want to go there again.

I will be glad when today is over. Vacaion comes next week, and we are all looking forward to a break. The last time we went away, we were in our old house, oblivious to what the year would bring. I don't even want to guess at what this year will bring- it'll be great, but I know that my speculation wouldn't even come close to the mark. I'll just hang on and enjoy the ride.

technologically challenged

2008-02-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

So I've posted a new blog- but I inadvertantly did it on E's blogsite. Oopsie. So click the link for "Unfinished" to read my blog. :)

Killing Time

2008-01-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

So I'm at "work" with nothing to do. I guess I just type too fast. My "boss" is in a meeeting and I don't want to disturb her, but I have completed the list I was given this morning. (Acutally I completed it an hour ago and have been poking around ever since.) I'm not going to bother leaving early as I have to pick hubby up after work and then go to the garage to pick up our car. Why is noone on msn when I'm bored at work?

All this time leaves me pondering the big questions of life. What does one renovate when one lives in a brand new house? I am contemplating a tile backsplash in the kitchen. Then there's the basement- what was an easy decision has been complicated by the future plans for a fourth bedroom down there. W is very excited that he'll get to sleep in the basement in a couple of years. We have a makeshift den set up there now with an old couch and a new TV (oh by the way, goaliemom, we got a good deal on a TV!) and a soon to arrive eliptical. The next step is actual walls and a floor. I just don't know where the walls are going any more. And now that we're adopting, we don't have the money to do the whole thing anymore- ah yes, back to life on a budget.

We think- for the twentieth time- that we have made up our minds about which country we're going to pick- we're back to Thailand, and pretty soon it'll be too late to change our minds.

Meeting is done- gotta go

2008-01-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Once again my hubby has brought his work home with him. It's kind of a joke around here, our way of saying that we're getting sick. I guess it's an occupational hazard when you're a pharmacist and come into contact with every bug out there. I'm just thanking my lucky stars it's not the barfing flu. It all started Thursday afternoon when W said he had a headache- he NEVER gets headaches. By that evening he was running a nice little fever and has lost his appetite. Yesterday he was rosy cheeked and hot upon waking and had very little energy all day. It calmed down in the afternoon and then did the usual suppertime spike. Thankfully, he slept all night, but this morning has a fever and headache again.

This morning, hubby woke up and his first words were, "where's the Advil?". So he remains in bed as well with a drink by his side feeling pretty yucky. It's just me and J, and I'm so thankful. If there's anyone in this house that I don't want getting sick, it's J. Not that he's high risk for anything- except drama. When W is sick, he's such a trooper. He just kind of lays around, has lots of naps, and likes to watch TV and play computer. When E is sick he's your typical sick grown man- needs lots of TLC, but as long as I keep him comfy enough up in bed and keep him medicated, he's pretty low maintenance (although I have always wondered why guys get to go to bed when they're sick and moms still do mom stuff). J is a different story- the drama goes to a whole new level when he's sick. It would really be quite funny if it wasn't so annoying. His whole world is ending. He walks around looking as pathetic as he can, just moaning about nothing in particular. I SO hope he doesn't get this flu.

Off to check on the sickies- so much for the family trip to Wal-Mart today.

Movies to never watch.

2008-01-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer- do not read this blog if you don't like to know how movies end.

Perfect storm.

White Squall.

Pay it Forward.

Why, you may be asking, would one want never to watch these critically acclaimed movies? Well, let me tell you- in each of these movies, one or several of the favorite characters DIE.

Perfect storm- based on a true story, so they coudln't really change the ending. Watched it several years ago with hubby, and he thought I knew how the story went. But NOOOO- noone ever told me that NONE of the fishermen returned. I thought at least ONE of them would have lived to tell the tale that became a movie. Nope. They just speculated the entire sequence of events because there was NOONE left to tell them. This ruined the entire movie for me.

White Squall- another seafaring movie. I have learned to avoid them. (Although Master and Commander has restored my faith them in them somewhat). Big storm at sea- not EVERYONE dies this time, but the wife does. This ruined the entire movie for me.

Pay it Forwards- now this was a movie that got a lot of attention. It's been on my list of "Must-see" movies for quite some time now. A friend of mine (with whom I shall have to have a little chat) loaned it to me and didn't feel the need to warn me about the ending. The first hour and 40 minutes were FANTASTIC. LOVED IT. And then, just after I told hubby what a great movie it was and that he must see it, the little boy who started all the good stuff got stabbed! I was SO mad- I now hate the entire movie.

SO if any of you ever want to loan me a movie and it has a sad ending- DON'T. No ifs, ands or buts- just DON'T. Movies are for entertainment. It's OK if they make me cry, but by the end of the movie, they must be happy tears. Don't even get me started on the Shadowlands. If a true story doesn't end happily and with inspiration, they shouldn't make a movie of it. Either that, or on the back of the case where they explain the rating (ie violence, coarse language, etc) they should be required to tell you that people you like won't be there by the end of the movie and that if you hate sad endings you should not watch this movie. There's enough of that crap in life. I don't need to watch it on the screen.

Snow covers a multitude of dirt.

2008-01-09T14:18:00.000-05:00

I love Christmas. But I also love after Christmas. By the time New Year's comes, I want my neat tidy house back, the decorations look more like clutter and I'm always ready to take them down. We are fully back into our routine now, and I love it. I feel so productive and the kids have lots to occupy them with school and all the new toys.

The holidays were great though. Lovely visit with the folks, and lots of new fun things to do. W kicked off the new year with a hockey tournament. His team didn't win any games, but in their first one he scored his team's only goal and got named by the other team as the MVP. He was a pretty proud little guy (and so was I!).

On the adoption front- not too much new. We have decided on India- seems to fit our needs the best. We are just finishing up our homestudy. Just have to get the last few references in from family and friends, and then we can put all the paperwork together and send it off to the government. Then it's hurry up and wait. If things happen quickly we could have our new little girl by next Christmas (what a present!), but more likely it will be well into '09 before we head off to India.

The weather has been so weird the last few days- 9 and 10 degrees in the middle of January. It's been good, as we've lost almost 2 feet of snow around here and you can actually see our driveway again (and drive down it without risking life and limb). But I find myself wanting just a little more snow again. The dog is coming in with muddy feet all the time. Her poop is surfacing everywhere in the back yard- thought I wouldn't have to play "Find the poop" with the kids until spring. And it's just messy and dirty looking out there. As tired as I am of the snow, it is pretty and hides a lot of mud.

Nothin else to say today. Tired and fighting a cold- I'm off to make some chai. MMMMM.....

Christmastime is here...

2007-12-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

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....

2007-12-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-12-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-11-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-11-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-11-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-11-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

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)

2007-11-19T15:49:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

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'

2007-11-10T19:42:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-11-09T07:19:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-07T07:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-31T07:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-26T06:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-25T07:06:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-10-23T21:41:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-20T06:35:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-10-18T18:31:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-20T06:42:00.001-05:00

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

2007-09-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

- 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...

2007-08-20T06:29:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-08-15T06:34:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-13T06:40:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-07T06:48:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-08-06T06:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-04T15:52:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-31T06:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-26T05:55:00.000-05:00

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.