Finding My Way

2012-01-08T20:57:00.000-06:00

Time for some thank you's.......

Thanks to the person who decided to sell small packages of cute thank you cards at the grocery store for $1.00....it helped me finish one thing on my work list of things to do, and it was cheap!
Thanks to winter for finally arriving and bringing us some snow to play in...we waited patiently and were all excited to finally see you!
Thanks to my husband for getting me the Canon Rebel I have been salivating over for so long now...what a HUGE surprise that was!
Thank you to exclamation marks which seem to help me complete many sentences and convey the excitement you would hear if I was speaking to you!
Thanks to my brain for finally figuring out how to check the voice mail on my new phone without having to ask my son for help!
Thanks to shows like Toddlers and Tiaras and Dance Moms for providing so much entertainment and helping me feel like I am a good parent!

Tomorrow we go back to reality....hang on and enjoy the ride!

2012-01-07T16:57:00.000-06:00

January 2012....a new start. I love January. We had a great Chrsitmas and the break has been wonderful. Sleeping in, watching multiple hours of TLC and Slice programs such as Dance Moms and Bubble Wrap Kids (we never have time for those during school and they can be quite addicting and entertaining!), time outside in the snow, way too much tasty food to enjoy, extended turns on the Wii, visits with friends and hours spent wandering the malls and Costco. Besides the flu that hit me and knocked me over for several days, it has been the perfect at-home vacation. I am not ready to go back, but hopefully that will kick in by 8:15 Monday as I am driving out the driveway!

I have set some goals for January that include cleaning out my office, making a committment to the treadmill, 'smashing' my journal on a regular basis and calling my good buddy Stacey whom I miss very much. Maybe a lunch date is in our future...I hope so!

My word for 2012 is JOY. I am planning on seeking the joy around me, acknowledging it, showing gratitude for it and recognizing the positive force it has in my life.

Looking forward to a month of purging and focusing.....

2011-08-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

Summer is winding down and I am running out of energy. Sometimes I think I am running out of 'happy' too. And that worries me until I remember that I am human and full of all different emotions...and that is okay. I don't have to be happy all the time! Today I am feeling re-charged and ready to bring the happy back. We still have more than a week to go until early mornings and making lunches. Until dance schedules and Cadet uniforms. Until homework and tears. Looking at our summer to do list I know we did our best to enjoy the summer. We relaxed, we swam, we gardened, we rode our bikes, we had new adventures and spent time with wonderful friends. We laughed and cried together, we shared and fought...but I wouldn't change a moment.
I will remember the summer of 2011 as the year I watched my children grow up...I don't mean just taller, which they did, but really grow up...becoming confident, mature people who are responsible for themselves and others. Who can make decisions, spend 2 weeks away from home, wear make-up, drive our truck around the yard, sleep over at friend's without being nervous, drive their bikes across the floodway bridge, make cookies and cook eggs. It scares me and excites me. I think I am ready for the next phase, for our changing family.....I hope I can trust myself to guide them. That Murray and I can work together to support them. I look forward to the challenges and rewards along the way.
Today we will have a late breakfast and that is all I know for sure!
Cheers to a wonderful day.....

2011-08-14T13:54:00.000-05:00

Laundry.....
Laundry is one of those things that I have a love-hate relationship with. I love having clean smelling clothes.... the promise of a new day ahead, that anything is possible when you feel good with a favourite, clean shirt. The flip side is the part that I hate...that no matter how hard I try to keep up, the laundry doesn't end...it just keeps coming. Having an empty laundry basket is like a false victory, I don't get to enjoy it because before I know it, something gets dirty and finds it's way into the basket! I do laundry almost every night and I am never caught up. The strange thing is that sometimes I am okay with it, it doesn't bother me that the futon is full of laundry waiting to be folded and put away. I can walk by and happily go on with my day. I can laugh as the kids forge though the mountain looking for their favourite shirt or shorts. But other days....it makes me crazy! Why is that?
I won't post any photos because I don't want to share or necessarily remember the dirty laundry! Today I will try again to get caught up and maybe, even just for a minute, enjoy the empty basket!
Cheers for a wonderful day!

2011-08-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

Okay, so, wow....it is August. I can't believe that we spend so much time waiting for, thinking about and dreaming of summer and then it can come and go so fast. The air is starting to feel cooler, the air conditioner isn't running quite as much and the windows are open. I have done some school supply shopping and Murray is back at work this morning. We are done with our vacation, Tyler's camp and the girls' swimming lessons. Our bathing suits are starting to show their wear from hours in the pool, I finished reading The Help (can't wait to see the movie!), our garden is giving us wonderful fresh peas, beans and tomatoes and the boys got a lot of the garage cleaned up. We have done some baking together, got creative with some beading and watched movies until late in the night. There have been some sleep in lazy mornings and marathon Monopoly games, days at the mall and endless pots of coffee while hanging out at home. Life is good and there is still many adventures to be had. I am so thankful for the break of summer and am looking forward to August giving us time for more bike rides, adventures with friends, hiking and geocaching, maybe Rainbow Stage, being lazy and loving each other.
Cheers to a wonderful day ahead.....

2011-07-22T09:26:00.000-05:00

We have experienced another full week of summer and I am so happy that it doesn't feel like it is going too fast....or slow....just the perfect pace. Days filled with relaxing, swimming, visiting with friends, being creative, bike riding, watching the garden grow, and maybe a bit too much tv watching (but we are watching shows as a family at night when we are relaxing and being lazy so it all seems okay!).
Tyler comes home tonight....I can't wait to see him. I hope he looks back on this experience with good memories and is proud of himself for stepping out of his comfort zone. Today is also Murray's last day of work and then he starts 2 weeks of holidays. It will be so nice for him to have a break and without a whole list of plans he can relax too and enjoy some time at home with the kids.
As I continue to work on gratitude....here are three things from yesterday that I am grateful for:
1. the break in the humidity and being able to open the windows and let the fresh air in
2. sitting by the pool, reading my book, and watching the girls have fun with their friends
3. the pork tenderloin I cooked for supper....yummy! and Grace even licked her plate, which, she informed me means she really liked it!
I am heading off for one more cup of coffee....it is shaping up to be another great day!

2011-07-16T22:53:00.001-05:00

Summer in Selkirk means the Fair and Rodeo comes to town. Yesterday we bummed around the park with Cynthia and her beautiful girls and then headed for some Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream. We were out until 10:30 and after an afternoon of swimming and then the time at the fair the kids were very tired.....made for a smooth bedtime! This morning we headed to the parade...a tradition since I was a kid. Small town and not much to it, but, it was wonderful sitting with my girls and sharing the time with the community. It wasn't quite the same without Tyler but we enjoyed ourselves anyway.
An afternoon and evening by the pool and visiting with Murray's family was a great way to beat the heat...it was to get up to 33'...melting weather. The girls are swimming so good and had such a great time in the pool.
The day is finishing up with big bowls of popcorn, air conditioning and big blankets while watching Wizard of Oz.
Tomorrow is Sunday, but it doesn't really matter because each day in the summer is the same....wonderful!

2011-07-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Tyler,
I am missing you but I am so proud of you. Saying good-bye as you went off on your two week adventure was so hard. We have never been apart for this long. I know you were ready for this, and will grow a lot while you are gone....but, I still miss you!
love,
Mom

2011-07-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

This weekend we are celebrating my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary and it has been so fun seeing family and friends, visiting and getting caught up. We have made new connections and jump-started old ones. I think that as our life moves forward and we meet new people and share new experiences, I am more and more grateful for the old friends and memories that are so easy to enjoy and slide back with. Watching my kids relaxed and having fun with their cousins, feeling comfortable to move around the room and talk to people....laughing and being silly....just having fun, was so wonderful for me. As a parent I want happy kids, I want confident, polite kids... and last night I got a glimpse of them being those people and it made me smile. Tyler in a tie and the girls in dresses....very cool! Having people tell me I have a beautiful family...humbling. Feeling the love of those around me....inspiring. Helena kept saying "There is love in the air" and she was right....it was a great party.
Today we will head out for breakfast...if the rest of us get up in time!....and then spend time in the pool and sharing food and more visiting. It will be a great day and I can't wait....life is good.

2011-07-01T08:29:00.000-05:00

The day I have been waiting for has finally arrived....summer vacation has started!
Happy Birthday Canada and happy slow-down-and-stop-stressing-about-so-many-things-to-do for me.
The kids are still sleeping, I am having a fabulous hot of coffee while sitting down and life is good....really good.
We started our summer list of things to do.
There has not been many fights yet!
We are having family pictures taken this morning....I hope it doesn't rain.
The July calendar makes me happy....
Cheers to a great day!

2011-01-28T23:23:00.000-06:00

Today I did 45 minutes on the treadmill....yeah me!! I discovered a new show that made me laugh out loud. It is Kathy Bates in a show called Harry's Law and it is very good. I did 20 minutes on Wii Fit too...I discovered that I can't do rowing squats...they hurt and they are hard. It felt good to achieve some of my fitness goals. I think I am down 1.5 pounds but it seems to fluctuate so I'm not really sure about that. It does seem like I can run more on the treadmill instead of just walking so I guess that is good!
The weekend is here and so is the snow...lots of it!
Looking forward to sleeping in and enjoying some realxed coffee while I plan my Sunday School lesson.
Planning for calmness.
Hoping for laughter and sharing.

Cheers to being happy and seeing the good around me.

Live Right Now - Challenge - Pledge To Lose 10 Pounds

2011-01-27T21:49:00.000-06:00

Live Right Now - Challenge - Pledge To Lose 10 Pounds

2011-01-05T10:26:00.000-06:00

Ok...so my month of reflecting and journalling each day didn't go so well. I should be used to that by now, making a plan with great intentions only to have reality (in this case sick kids, work, Christmas) get in the way. I made it up to Dec.13, not bad I guess. Truth is when I look back and think about all the things that took up my time in December, the only thing I would change would be the getting sick part...that flu was nasty and taking over my life for 2 weeks in the middle of birthdays and Christmas stuff was really not fair...the rest was my life. Good or bad, that is my life with 3 kids, a husband, 2 sets of parents that aren't getting younger and a career that I want to do really good at. My life is not neat and orderly, it is not nicely decorated or even clean sometimes! But, it is full of love. And I really wouldn't change a thing. Well, if I am really being honest and had a magic wand I guess I would happily say good-bye to the dust that floats around my house and another bathroom would be nice!
My plan for 2011 is to be real and honest....use this blog to tell the truth about my life, focus on gratitude and clean out under my desk. Then when I can sit at the desk I will set some new goals.
Today we will enjoy the last day of our break...tomorrow I will need to set the alarm and get everyone ready to re-enter the real world. We will say good-bye to late nights, movie parties, Scrabble and cards, sleeping in and eating crazy amounts of junk food. Bring on the lunches, homework, bedtimes and driving around to activities.

Cheers to wonderful day!

2010-12-13T15:02:00.000-06:00

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

Make a concrete list of goals based on the 11 things I don't want in my life and enter it in my new planner. From that list generate an action plan and set some specific short term goals.

2010-12-13T14:59:00.001-06:00

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

No, I can't say I have ever felt that way.

2010-12-13T14:57:00.000-06:00

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

1. self-doubt
2. dust
3. flabby arms
4. piles of papers
5. channels we don't watch
6. dandelions on the lawn
7. empty art journal
8. unused basement space
9. potato chips
10. facebook
11. unused garden space

The only way to eliminate these things is to make a plan and stick to it. It will help me clear my mind so I can focus on important things I am grateful for rather that stressing over the silly things on this list.

2010-12-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

It is quite trivial, and a bit materialistic, but, it was a big decision for me. I committed to buying new furniture for our living room. I have never bought furniture like that...never spend that much money on something...but, it was time. We really needed it and it looks great in our home. It is so comfortable, there is room for all of us to sit, and my Mom can get up from sitting on the couch without someone helping her (our old couch had no springs left and it was like sitting on the floor!).
I am happy with the decision and it feels nice to own something I can be proud of.

2010-12-13T14:40:00.000-06:00

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

September long weekend....bonfire...our house with Stacey and Brian and their boys. Very casual, coolers to drink, roasted hot dogs and chips to eat, old jeans and big sweaters. We ran around in the dark playing a version of hide and seek that we couldn't remember the rules to! We talked and laughed and talked some more. It was easy and fun and I didn't want it to end.

2010-12-13T14:35:00.000-06:00

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I always smile and ask people how they are doing. I try to use people's names when I talk to them, make good eye contact, and do my best to send a message that they are important and I care about them. I don't think people generally take the time to make a real connection...I think it is important and easy to do.
I think my smile makes me beautiful...

2010-12-13T14:30:00.000-06:00

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

This one is hard.
I wish I had a quick answer...but nothing is coming to my mind, even as I sit and think.
My main sense of community comes from my family...but I would like to reach out beyond that. Sunday School....church....the girl's dance groups....friends....I guess those are all good examples, but none of it seems deep enough.
In 2011 I hope to find a connection with a group that makes me feel creative and safe to share and explore the learning and growing I want to do with art journalling and expressing myself.

2010-12-13T14:21:00.000-06:00

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

The last thing I made was a quick scrapbook for a dear little boy at Nursery School. I used a very simple coil bound scrapbook from Wal-Mart, some stickers, cardstock and glue. It is a quick peek at the last 3 months of school and it will travel with him as his family moves to a new province.
I would love to get back to scrapbooking and preserve some memories for my own children. This is a perfect example of my exuse of not having enough time being just that, an exuse. I made the time to make this book because it was for work, the family was moving and it was important that I get it done for the deadline I set at work. I made the time.
I need to clear some time for my own family, for our memories, for my sanity. My kids deserve that and so do I.

2010-12-13T14:15:00.000-06:00

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

This past year I feel like I let go of a friendship that I was no longer enjoying...I did not make a consious decision to let go it just seemed to happen gradually. I miss it sometimes...and maybe at some point we will re-connect... I hope so...but for now I seem to have let go.

2010-12-03T21:14:00.000-06:00

December 3 Prompt

Author: Ali Edwards
Prompt: Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).

Without a doubt, the first moment that popped into my head when I read this prompt is the day we spent at Niagra Falls in August. Standing in line to board the Maid of the Mist boat, all of us together, sharing the experience with hundreds of other people. The air was hot but we could feel the coolness from the water as we got closer to the boat. The noises around us were mainly people talking, many different languages, a lot of laughter, some children crying and even some fighting among my kids! I remember being herded into a room and before we knew what was happening they were taking our picture and then pushing us back with the larger group. We were all laughing because we couldn't hear anything they were saying to us and we were so confused...but we kept following the group.
Favourite moments from the day.....laughing as the mist from the falls showered us while on the boat; the bathroom with the foot washer in it; wearing our Maid of the Mist raincoats in the rain as we walked down the street; poor Grace being so scared in the wax museum; Tyler putting his Snap-On hat on the Bart Simpson statue, forgetting it there and having to run back and get it; Murray carrying Grace as we walked along the walkway by the falls.....
As we took in the sites, I was in awe of how grateful my kids were that we were there. It was such a great experience to share together.
Taking the time to remember how I felt that day is a great way to help me focus on how lucky I am and all I have to be grateful for.
Cheers to a great weekend!

2010-12-02T13:27:00.002-06:00

Playing catch-up....again!
I am setting a new goal to help me focus on the uncoming Christmas season. I will not be sucked into the stress and anxiety that often fills my head this time of year. I have signed a contract to focus on writing and remembering the important events and moments for the upcoming month. I want to reflect on the past year, enjoy the magic of December, and anticipate the wonders of 2011 with the help of prompts from Reverb 10...a site I came across today, just when I needed some help to focus.

December 1 One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

Looking back on 2010 the one word I would pick is.....unbalanced....I had planned for balance but never really felt it. I had some great moments and I grew as a Mom and as a Nursery School Teacher, but I constantly felt like I was close to losing it, like I was holding on so tight just to keep it all together. There were moments I was so sad and others that I was so grateful...it just went up and down and never felt okay, or safe.
I hope that when I look back on 2011 I will use the word.....strength....as my descriptive word because that I what I strive for. Strength to believe in myself, strength to make the right choices as a Mother, strength to help my nursery program grow.

December 2 Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)

I don't plan my time well. I stress about all the things I have to do and waste a lot of time because I am not organized enough. I can eliminate this by clearing the clutter off my desk, using my planner to keep better track of tasks and giving myself permission to plan time to write, reflect and remember what is most important.

2010-10-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

BALANCE...I am constantly searching for balance in my world. I am wondering if I sometimes have it, or is it just that some days I am okay with the lack of it? One thing I know for sure is that the last couple of days have been without balance. I have felt like I am one step behind and like I am not doing things right or not doing enough or doing too much of the wrong thing. Like all I can focus on is what is going wrong.
It is exhausting.
Life is full.
Life moves fast.
I set high standards for myself.
I tell my kids to always do their best, I need to tell myself that too. Some days my best is better than other days. That is okay. I will try harder instead of beating myself up.
Tomorrow I will start over.
I will do my best and embrace my blessings.
I am not alone, and I am worth the effort.
Cheers to loving myself and having a wonderful day....

2010-09-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

First day of school 2010.......

We had a great morning getting ready...Tyler worked really hard to be happy and postivie, Abby made sure her outfit matched and everything fit into her LuLuLemon bag, and Grace found room in her bag for her new stuffed friend Splat.

Hello routines.

Hello early mornings.

Hello homework.

Hello swimming, dance and Air Cadets.

Hello lunch kits.

Hello full calendar.

Hello friends.

Hello new things to learn.

Hello new experiences.

Hello to another year of growing and changing.

Cheers to a safe, fun and challenging 10 months!

.....how many days to Christmas break?!?

2010-09-01T23:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it. I went into work today. I picked up my keys and my mail, headed down to the nursery school, and then wandered around my room for about 20 minutes getting re-acquainted with the space and trying to make a plan. There was so much to do I couldn't seem to figure out where to start! Once I got into the groove I was fine, and, even though I didn't think it would be, it was okay to be there. To be away from my kids after 2 months of being together pretty much every minute was okay. The best part was once I got home they were so happy to see me! I guess they haven't had a chance to miss me for awhile b/c I am always there....it felt good to get such a warm greeting!
This evening we went and registered the girls for dance classes which will start later in Sept. I am quite excited for them....I am happy to see how much they are looking forward to doing dance with their friends and I am looking forward to visiting with the other Moms!
I have been going through our pictures from the summer....what a big job! I took a lot of pictures and I am so glad I did. We are not big on purchasing souvenirs...I am trying to de-clutter not re-clutter....you only need so many coffee mugs! I love how each picture brings stories and memories to mind...sometimes we all have different memories from the same photo. I wonder what the kids will remember...what will stand out from our summer adventures when they look at the pictures?
The square on the calender for tomorrow is blank and I am so excited by this! It is likely going to be raining for most of the day so I am hoping to stay home, bake something yummy with my kids, maybe play a game or two and try not to think about the first day of school next week!

Cheers to a great beginning to September......

This rainbow over our root house has to be a good sign!

2010-08-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

Wow...almost a month since my last post! Crazy how fast this summer has gone. It has been a mix of busy and quiet....of excitement and relaxation. Our trip to Toronto was amazing...not without it's tears and fights (considering we spent so much time together in that van I think that is totally understandable!). What an incredible gift to see the province of Ontario with all it's natural beauty. So different from the drive to Edmonton last summer. It is wonderful to see so much untouched nature. Easy to feel small among all the trees and rocks. For me it was hard not to believe is some sort of higher power (for me it is God) when you see that beauty. Those huge trees and amazing lakes. We saw an eagle our first morning out gliding over our van...wow! We caught a glimpse of a bear on the side of the highway and saw a white tailed deer that first morning too. Toronto was a whole other world. I can see how people get swallowed by a city like that. So many people. Traffic that doesn't stop. It was a privilege to experience a world so different from ours but I think I would have a difficult time adjusting to living there. So many opportunities, which is exciting, but I felt small in a different way...not really a comfortable way.
Now we are home and enjoying the quiet end of August. Some of the school supplies have been purchased, our garden is providing carrots and tomatoes, the pumpkins have taken over the garden, and it is almost time to get organized and face September. I haven't gotten to that point where I can say I am ready....I hope to get there in time! For now I will enjoy some more late nights and sleep-in mornings, some time with friends, crafts and baking with the kids, Tyler's rocket launches, and maybe even finish reading the book I started!
I know we will look on the Summer of 2010 with great smiles and fond memories. We packed in a lot of adventures, weathered some storms, laughed and cried together, almost finished our whole summer to do list and had time to remember how lucky we are to have this family and each other. Life is good....cheers to a wonderful August day....

2010-07-28T09:24:00.002-05:00

I wonder......

*why does time have to go so fast

*why I can't remember the little details like I thought I would

*why it is fun making lunch in the summer for 2 months and stressful packing *lunches for 10 months ( it should be the other way around!)

*why I can't seem to like myself in any bathing suit I put on

*why I have to scream on a waterslide no matter how much I try not to

*why I focus on the 10% of the time my kids are fighting and sometimes forget to celebrate the 90% of the time they get along

*why my house feels so cluttered even though I am constantly sorting, re-organizing and purging

*why I can't stop wondering what is going on in the Big Brother house

*why Grace must wiggle her feet and rub the tips of her shoes on the ground (just one rub with each foot) before she starts walking, throws a ball or takes her turn at bowling

*how Tyler can remember so many details about current events and new products that are being invented

*how Abby can fall asleep so fast and sleep so soundly

*why that lady we saw in Gimli would be walking along the pier without any shoes on (the Nursery School teacher in my really wanted to tell her that wasn't a safe choice!)

*how many jugs of iced tea Abby and Grace have made this summer

*how I got so lucky to have such an amazing family

*how Murray can make such great coffee every morning

*why I don't make more time for my friends

*why the grass has to grow so fast

*why I'm not more organized for our trip to Toronto....I need to make some lists!

*how this day will unfold...I can't wait!

Cheers to wonderful and sunny July day!

2010-07-22T08:59:00.000-05:00

Lessons for my kids...

I hope you know how much you are loved and believe that you deserve that love.
I hope you never question that there is a power that is guiding you and you are not alone.
I hope you laugh and love with all your heart.

I hope you question choices when they don't feel right and have the confidence to speak up even when you are the only one...trust your instincts.
I hope you realize that life is not perfect and yucky things will happen, but you have the power to rise above those times, learn from them and move on. You will be stronger and wiser for each experience, even the hard ones.

I hope you surround yourself with people that appreciate and love you. People you can celebrate with, learn from, share experiences, debate topics and trust. It really isn't about the quantity of friends but the quality of those relationships that matters.

Twin Beaches~~August 2009

I hope you know that there is nothing you could ever do to change how much I love you.

Cheers to a great day......

2010-07-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

...one of our lessons for the summer.....give yourself time to be still, to be quiet with your thoughts and dreams, to recognize and celebrate the beauty and bounty around us....

2010-07-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

Last night I stayed up until 2:00 am watching The Family Man. Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni are so great in that movie. When we were in Minneapolis several years ago we had funnelcakes at the mall for the first time...the only reason I knew about funnelcakes was from this movie! When he sings to her at her birthday I cry every time.

Some of my favourite lines.....

Kate: 'How can you look at me like you haven't seen me every day for the last 13 years?' (that always makes me cry!)

Jack: 'Our house is a mess but we like it that way.'

Jack and Kate both have this line at different times in the movie: 'I choose us'.

Often I forget about movies very quickly...I can't remember if I've seen it, who was in it, details about what happened...but this one has stuck with me. I love it. It makes me laugh and cry, and gives me hope. It helps me remember that life isn't about money and things and perfection. It reminds me how much I love my husband and how lucky I am.

I am tired this morning, my house is a mess, but I have three great kids and I wouldn't change things for the world!

Cheers to a great day.....

2010-07-18T10:56:00.000-05:00

One of the themes so far this summer is that I get very little time on the computer! We have been busy with swimming lessons and VBS but have worked to include some time hanging out at home too. I have been struggling to keep work out of my head and really relax and enjoy the summer. It would have been so much nicer if June had been more organized and I was able to complete more of the projects I wanted. There will be so much waiting for me when I go back and it is hard for me not to think about that. Part of me wishes I could just go the school and get some of that stuff done now! I will need to make a specific list for September and have confidence in myself that I can focus and get it all done. No more getting sidetracked by other people's working habits...focus and believe in myself!
Although it is hard to believe but swimming lessons are over for another year. We had a great time at the pool with Cynthia, Kathy and Karen and all their children. My favourite time was the days that the weather cooperated and we were able to stay at the pool until it closed at 8pm...the sun and water were so warm and the kids had so much fun in the water together. It was so relaxing sitting and chatting with my friends and watching the kids without a care in the world except what our next snack would be and how many castles to add to the sand creation.
Today is Sunday....the sun is shining after a day of rain....Grace is having a Webkins party at 3:30 and the day is ours to enjoy.
Cheers......

2010-07-03T23:46:00.000-05:00

~~~The Queen~~~

When I was about 10 years old I was fascinated with the Royal Family. I created scrapbooks with newspaper clippings, magazine stories and anything else I could get a hold of. When Princess Diana died I stayed up all night, with my new baby Tyler in my arms, to watch the funeral. I cried as I watched her boys walking behind the casket.

Today I was thrilled to share space with the Queen of England...what a great afternoon it was. She was in Winnipeg and we headed out to the Forks to catch a glimpse. The best part was that Murray came with us. Crowds are not really his favourite thing...and for him to be a part of this many people on a day when thundershowers were forecast really showed me that he got how important this was to me....and I love him for that.

We had a great time together...enjoyed some smoothies and sat in the sun. The Prime Minister was there too, quite a thrill for Tyler and I. Even though we didn't see them close up, we shared some space with them and shared the experience with a lot of other people and it was cool. Even the walk back to the car in the rain didn't dampen my spirits. It was a great day with my family and I have some cool memories to add to my scrapbook!

2010-07-02T23:40:00.000-05:00

SUMMER IS HERE!!! We made it....no more school, a break from work, no worries about getting up early and making lunches. The last couple of days we have been getting used to being together...smooth sailing some of the time, other times, not so much! There is always that transition period where we see more fighting and complaining about what is and isn't happening around the house. I have to work hard to try not to 'fix' everything...they have to work stuff out on their own and learn to compromise with each other.
Some of the things we have accomplished over the last couple of days are....

getting our passports applications done. the photos were so funny, the paper work took forever but, thankfully, the wait at the office wasn't long.
seeing Toy Story 3 in 3D...wow, what a great movie. all the kids loved it and us Moms cried and laughed....and then cried some more!
bike rides to Mama and Papa's to go swimming
Abby discovered she loves to cook...successfully making cookies, coke floats and grilled cheese sandwiches all by herself!
teacher gifts wrapped and cards made...that is always an adventure!
the van got cleaned...well over-due!
Murray turned 45
our garden looks great and we have been eating lettuce and radishes already...yummy. I even picked a hot pepper today!
we started our summer to do list
fireworks in Selkirk for Canada Day...even Murray came!
many games of Monopoly started, some finished!
a lot of grass cut and weeds pulled

Pictures will be loaded and shared on another day. The Queen is coming to Winnipeg tomorrow and we are hoping to catch a glimpse.
I will take a deep breath and give thanks for my amazing children and wonderful husband. I will remind myself that we are not all perfect, but we love each other and are the journey together...for better or worse. I will thank God for the patience I need and for helping me remember the bigger picture when I need reminding.
Tomorrow will be a great day!

2010-06-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Our weather has been crazy lately...a lot of rain, too much humidity and cooler temperatures than I am used to in June. It has made me feel ...well, sad. I want to be at the pool and sitting on the patio. I don't want to be looking at long grass that is too wet to cut and battling mosquitoes every time I step outside. I don't normally complain about the weather...in Manitoba we put up with a lot of crazy weather...but this is getting to me. I want to be in the garden because this year I actually planted a garden!!!

Only a couple more days of school and then the summer begins! I can't wait. I love to have the kids home and not having too tight of a schedule. I still haven't registered for VBS, I must remember to call tomorrow. Tyler is considering going to a camp for a week with some friends. I think it would be good for him to go although I will miss him like crazy.

I enjoy field trips with my kids. Grace and I had a wonderful day at a Pioneer Village a couple of weeks ago. It is always fun to spend time with other parents, get to know the other kids and chat with the teachers. The best part is all the time I get one-on-one with my child while we ride the bus together.

I like simple celebrations for my kids birthdays. I guess it might be a bit selfish, but I like to celebrate with just the 5 of us, special dinner, cake and presents. We did this for Tyler on the actual day he turned 13 and it was wonderful. We did have a family party and friend sleep-over party too...but at least we got June 3 to ourselves. That is the way I like it!

I often take pictures of me and the kids with my arm stretched out...it seems to be the only way I get in any pictures! I have yet to figure out how to angle my face and the camera so I get a flattering shot...I am either cut out of the picture or I have a double chin...it doesn't seem fair that I can't figure this out! This was the night we went to see Robert Munsch and Grace decided to open her eyes really wide for every picture, I'm not sure why!

Random thoughts.....a bad haircut can totally ruin your day --- I started to send peanut butter in Abby's lunch, they do not have a peanut rule in her classroom but I just didn't send it just in case, she is very happy I changed my policy --- Tyler knows more about computers than I do --- my daises are growing in my garden, they are very pretty --- I miss Murray, he is travelling for work and won't be home until Friday --- I haven't given my Dad his Father's Day gift yet, I feel bad about that --- I wish I could be as organized and efficient in real life as I am in my head --- I hope tomorrow is a good day!

2010-06-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

Life has a way of telling you to slow down when you might need it the most....I was supposed to return to work today to start my clean-up of the nursery school but instead Abby needed to stay home from school with a sore throat and cough so I changed my plans. Truth is I'm not feeling 100% either and welcomed the day to stay home and work on some paper work, clean out some files and make a plan for the week. I still have plenty of time to finish up everything before the end of June.
Our weekend was fun....full of kids, food and even some sun yesterday! Tyler's sleepover party was a great success even though we had to adjust our plans with the rain and chilly weather. The boys had fun running around the yard and exploring and then came in to watch You-Tube videos on the tv (thankfully Tyler can hook up the iPod to the tv rather than all of them trying to fit around the laptop screen!). I so enjoyed watching them laugh at the goofy stuff on the screen.....the things that 13 year old boys laugh at amazes me!! I'm not a big fan of sitting in front of 'screens' all the time, but it was good clean fun that they were all enjoying. They slept inside rather than in the camper, stayed up until 1:30, had pancakes for breakfast and had a bit of time outside in the morning before pick-up time. Tyler was tired once it was over!
Abby and Grace both had friends over on Sunday. Papa came and tried to fix the quad. We had steak, ceaser salad and cheese biscuits for supper. Our dryer is still broken (at least the sun is out to help me dry the clothes!). The kids have 2 more weeks of school. Life is good!
Cheers to a great day.....

2010-06-10T22:30:00.000-05:00

My week off will end tomorrow.....it has gone so fast and makes me worried that summer is going to go just as fast. I will try to live in the moment, soak it all up, and not worry about the time passing. We have a lot of fun stuff planned and our trip to Toronto has everyone quite excited.

I spent most of Monday shopping and cleaning the house. It was nice to spend the morning browsing around different stores without a big, stressful list. I stopped into the nursery school on my way to Winnipeg and I almost cried. I take so much pride in that classroom and in the process of the end of the year clean-up it gets turned upside down and it breaks my heart to see it like that. Next week I will hopefully get some time in there to get it back to normal and begin planning for next year.

Tuesday was spent at home....what a wonderful day! I did a few clean-up jobs and tried to relax. It seems crazy but that is really hard for me! Wednesday I went for groceries and had a wonderful surprise when one of the cashiers offered me a 10% off coupon and it saved me $29! I was so thankful to her....she is the mother of one of my oldest friends and is a wonderful women. That afternoon I had 2 hour long phone conversations with 2 very good friends...those calls really made my day. There is never enough time to make the connections I would like, but those calls made me laugh, cry, brainstorm, listen and vent...it was great, and well overdue!

Today was a fabulous day on a field trip with my little peanut and her grade 2 class....what a treat to spend the day with some great Moms, a wonderful teacher and some amazing kids. My favourite thing from the day that had me shaking my head, was the way the kids would start running, each one following the other with no idea where they were going!

Tomorrow I will do some shopping, pick up Tyler's birthday cake, clean out the camper and get the house ready for the big sleep-over party. I hope it doesn't rain...I hope the boys have fun....I hope I get some sleep...I hope Movie Gallery has Ferris Beuller for me!

Cheers to a great day.....

2010-06-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Love them most when they are least loveable.

I wish I would have read that quote this morning...I wish I would have remembered my amazing children like they normally are, like in these pictures...I wish I would have taken a breath and dug deeper into my parenting tool box before I yelled this morning. Not every parenting moment is perfect...I hope they remember the hugs and kisses good-bye and not the yelling to get ready! I hope they have a good day. And I hope tomorrow morning goes better!

Now...on with the day...

2010-06-03T22:18:00.000-05:00

I am the parent of a teenager....how did that happen? With Tyler turning 13 our family is entering a whole new stage and I am equally excited and freaking out!! I was out shopping today and everyone I ran into and stopped to chat with I told about Tyler turning 13...it was as if I had to keep talking about it so I would believe it. There is so much ahead for Tyler....new choices, new friends, maybe a (gulp...) girlfriend, new adventures. He is such a good kid, I am very thankful for that, and I have confidence he will be able to ride the waves and take the good with the bad.

June has been greeted with cheers from my house. Tyler's birthday means the countdown to the end of school has begun and we are all ready. Tomorrow I finish up our Nursery School program at work and then I am on a flex schedule until wrapping up at the end of June. I will be saying good-bye to a couple of families tomorrow as the children get ready to head off to Kindergarten...there will surely be a few tears shed by me!

I read a great post today by Denise and it was like she knew what I was thinking about this whole blog stuff and facebook. There are several blogs that I like to follow and some I read everyday but I very rarely comment. After reading Denise's words I just had to comment...and she sent me a comment back!! (Thanks Denise, you probably noticed I am quite lonely around here!!) Anyway, the whole idea that we spend so much time to make things seem perfect has really been bugging me. I have deleted many blogs from my favourites list because I found myself feeling bad after reading the entries...like I wasn't worthy or living a grand enough life. Shouldn't sharing be more about being honest than being better than? Don't get me wrong, I don't want to read all about everyone's crap all the time (I have enough of my own to deal with!!) but what I do want is honesty and understanding. I want things to be real, I want to give suggestions and support and recieve the same. I started this blog for myself...a way to journal and keep track somewhat of my life. I think I have kept is a bit of a secret because I was scared it wouldn't measure up...to what I don't really know. I feel like today I have found some motivation to post more and be real...I am excited to see where it leads me.

My tea is done...time to get to bed.
Cheers to a great day tomorrow.....

2010-05-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

Some days things just work out. Today as I walked down the driveway after waving to the kids and watched the bus drive away I felt good...sometimes things just work out. I can celebrate my kids and pat myself on the back for being a good parent. Why isn’t it always like that? I guess life can’t always be perfect. What I need to do is remember these moments when things aren’t quite working as perfectly. Sort of like having some savings for the times when we come up short....we can bank some good feelings for later and use them when we need them.

Part of living with intention is knowing what your goals are and remembering that life is a process....things are not going to be perfect all the time, but as long as we continue to try and not give up, we are succeeding and doing the best we can. I will never be done learning how to be a good parent (which is my main life goal), it is a process that I will continue with as my children grow. I will measure my success by the growth, not by reaching some ‘end’. I will celebrate the good and learn from the bad as each day unfolds.

Today’s to do list includes some stuff for work, registering for swimming lessons, making taco salad for supper, planting a few more flowers, and maybe watching an episode of Parenthood. We are getting close to summer....I can’t wait!

2010-04-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. from the movie Ferrris Bueller's Day Off

We watched that movie last night...and that quote really stuck out for Tyler. He said, "I like that saying".
I love that he gets stuff like that.
I hope all my children believe that it is true.
I want them to enjoy what the world has to offer and to believe that they deserve all the experiences. I hope they reach out and grab what they want, being respectful of others and honest with themselves.
Life won't be perfect, sometimes yucky things happen, but we learn as we go.
I hope they always know that nothing they do will change how I feel about them and they will never be going through the world alone.
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-Murray took down one of the walls in the basement. The space looks so big, very exciting for us to begin to see the potential down there.
-Tyler has been purchasing movies for us to watch on itunes and somehow we have been watching them on the tv. I really have no idea how he does this.
-Last night Grace asked to go to bed. She was so excited to get under her covers...my kids don't usually ask to go to bed!
-Abby was up until 11:30 last night playing Webkins on the laptop in bed....I love being off school!
-Today I am going to cook a turkey and make Easter Bread.
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I am staring my day with coffee in bed. Murray seemed to know exactly the time I woke up and brought me fresh coffee...what a great way to start the day. I am looking outside and see some snow on the ground. I am really ready for Spring but we seem to keep being teased, like we are hopping back and forth over the border between winter and spring! We started some flower and tomato seeds which makes me feel like the warmth is coming...hopefully!
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My mind is full with so many project ideas and work plans. I have to focus on my goal of maintaining balance and enjoying the process of each project. The end will always come whether I stress out or not...might as well go for the 'not' and have fun!
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I can feel that today is going to be a good day.......

2010-04-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

We have been cleaning out the basement, a job that was long overdue.
I can't believe we lived with so much stuff weighting us down. When we bought the farm and moved here, I was pregnant with Tyler, Murray's Grandfather was still living with us in the house, and we quickly discovered that we had not only bought our first home, but had bought 50 years of family belongings too! The basement was full and we just added our stuff to it.
The past 12 years we have talked about cleaning it out, but it always seemed like such a big job...where did we start!!? Other things just seemed more important until now. We have taken so much to the dump and given a lot away. Murray has scrubbed walls and taken apart shelves. There is open space down there and it feels great! I wish we could have moved into an open space like that all those years ago. But, we have it now and it seems like the time is right. We are going to develop the space into a rec room, bedroom, laundry area, bathroom and snack bar. It will be fabulous! We are so excited!

Spring has arrived and we have been spending time outside. That, along with all the cleaning has been great for my soul. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

2010-03-31T08:29:00.001-05:00

Random thoughts.....

I love spending the day bumming with my kids. We have had 2 days of movies, playing outside, going for lunch, wandering around stores, visiting the Art Gallery in Winnipeg, spending time with my parents, talking in the van, and really just enjoying each other.
It surprises me how some people parent. Earlier this week I watched a women hand her baby to a stranger in the doctors office so the mother could go to the bathroom. Really? That was the only thing she could think of? She was only gone for a few minutes but it was defenitely long enough for that women to run with that baby. It is sad that we live in a world where we have to worry about stuff like that, but, the truth is we do and as a mother I cannot imagine handing my baby over so easily like that.
I love the show Parenthood. I think it is my new favourite.
Rainy days when we are just staying home anyway make me happy.
Abby bought a scarf for my Mom yesterday when we were shopping. It was so cute and generous and really made my Mom's day. How great is it to have such polite and generous children?
Grace snuck some chocolate when we went for a walk last night. It melted in her hands because she was trying to hide it from Abby and me. We totally knew what she was doing and laughed as she tried to lick her hands clean.
I don't know how much stamps cost. I have 2 things to mail and I'm not sure if the stamps I have are enough money. I never remember to stop at the post office!
I really have to get a few things done for work this week. I am feeling resentful though because it is Spring Break. I am thinking I should just get them done and over with already. Maybe today....
I am thinking of cancelling our HBO and movie channels. We never watch those channels and our satelite bill is $97 a month. Yikes!

Today is going to be a great day!
Cheers....

2010-03-29T22:09:00.000-05:00

Spring Break has finally arrived. I have been looking forward to this week so much...no work, no lunches to make, no homework to worry about...but, most of all it means time to slow down and enjoy my kids again. I do feel like a drill sargent at times...get dressed, brush your teeth, get your backpack ready, get out to the bus, eat your lunch, do your homework, pick up your laundry, blah, blah, blah....some days feel like a bit of a marathon. It is nice to put that aside for a few days at least and just breath.
Today we took Grace to the doctor because of a cough that doesn't seem to want to go away. We were at the clinic for an hour. The wait was worth it though because she didn't have broncitis and didn't need antibiotics. He gave her some cough medicine to help her sleep and said she should be good in a couple of days. The clinic we went to is in the local mall in my hometown of Selkirk.
When I was growing up we were so excited to get a new mall built on Main Street in Selkirk. It was cool to have so many stores in one place and I remember walking the mall with my parents thinking it was the best place in town! I got my first bank account in that mall; I worked through High School as a waitress in that mall, and through University in a grocery store in that mall; I represented the mall in the local Miss Steeler pagent (to support our local hockey team); and I spent hours hanging out with my friends in that mall. I told Abby and Tyler they could explore the mall while I waited with Grace for the doctor. They were excited because we don't spend a lot of time shopping in Selkirk with the exception of Wal-Mart and Marketplace for groceries and neither of those stores are in 'the mall'. It took them 10 minutes to explore the mall!! My adult eyes now see that the mall is really a long hallway with a few stores....not too much going on! Some of the stores are empty and those that are there didn't have much to offer my kids. They prefer the bigger malls with stores like Apple and Ardenes. With a food court to eat at and some sort of water feature. Their world is different. They will never know my excitement as a child walking through Blaine's Record and Tapes Store or getting my hair cut at Cloud 9 Hair Fashions or having my Mom buy me the brown gouchos at The Met that I wanted so badly or watching my Dad cut meat at Locomart Groceries (or when he took me into the back to see the big meat freezer). They have their own memories. Watching how bored they got so quickly with 'the mall' showed me how much things have changed.
We rounded out our day with a movie (at the fancy theatre in Winnipeg!). Diary of a Wimpy Kid...so funny! I was laughing out loud. Tyler has read all the books and told us all the gross parts so we could look away from the screen! It was a great afternoon.
Life is good....and tomorrow is another day!
Cheers.....

2010-01-30T19:31:00.002-06:00

This month I decided to make my full moon dreamboard using scrapblog.com. I am just starting with digital scrapbooking and it was a great way to play around with elements while focusing on some of my goals. The best part was I completed the project on my laptop sitting at the kitchen table while my kids did homework with me. It was a great way to spend a Saturday night! Thank you Jamie for helping me focus on my goals and begin my journey to the life I dream for myself!

2010-01-28T09:18:00.002-06:00

Lately I am all about setting goals....big and little. I am being honest with myself that I am not as organized as I always thought I was and setting goals, actually writing them down, is helping me. Today is my day at home. No shopping. No vet appointments. No working. So, my goals for today are.....................clean the fish tank......................scrapbook something................put away the laundry......................watch Oprah........................do Wii Fit.....................make something yummy for snack..................okay, ready set go!!!

2010-01-26T17:08:00.002-06:00

Meet Pat. We created 'it' this past weekend when the snow started to fall and the temperature was on the rise...that was before the blizzard hit and the temp went back down, way down. Anyway, the girls and I worked hard to bring the snow-person to life while Tyler shovelled the sidewalk. We couldn't decide if we should make 'it' a girl or boy snow-person, so we decided to call 'it' Pat, could be a boy, could be a girl. My mind wanders back several years to a Saturday Night Live skit that made me laugh like crazy! (If I knew how, I would insert a YouTube clip here, or at least a link, of Pat. Trust me, you would laugh!).

Our big laugh of the day came when Tyler came walking by as we were talking about whether 'it' would be a boy or a girl. He casually started laughing and said "Oh, I could make it a boy!" Too funny....sorry Tyler, we don't need any snow 'pieces' sticking out!!

I think everyone should have an afternoon playing in the snow...it is good for the soul!

2010-01-25T21:48:00.003-06:00

There was an email joke thing that went around a while ago...a story about a husband and wife watching tv in the evening after the kids were asleep. The wife deceides to head to bed and goes on to do about 100 chores on the way...laundry, signing permission slips, packing snacks in the lunch, cleaning up the beading activity from after school, checking a few emails, etc. About an hour and a half pass and as she is folding the last of the laundry, her husband gets up from the couch and announces he is going to bed...and, he does. She finishes her 'chores' and finally goes to bed too!
My life is like that joke....but mine is real!! I can't go to bed unless the kitchen is clean, laundry is done and everything is ready for the next day. I hate starting a new day with a mess left over from the day before. It is like being behind before you even start....yuck!
When Murray is ready for bed, he goes, and is usually asleep within minutes. I love that about him and I wish I could be more like that. He is focused and is not easily distracted by 'stuff' around him. One thing he always does though is get the coffee pot ready for morning brewing....and I love that about him too. I do a million other things to make life flow for this family, but, at 6:45 am his job of providing fresh coffee is definitely the most important!
Gratitude for today....fresh coffee and a wonderful husband to provide it! A clean kitchen....and 24 on the PVR ready to watch. Life is good!

2010-01-20T08:34:00.002-06:00

Wishcasting.....What do you wish for your family?

When I think about making a wish for my family the first thing that comes to my mind is peace. I want them to feel a sense of peace in themselves and in the world around them. I wish that they are able to stay true to who they are and believe in the power of their voice and that they can make a difference. I wish unconditional love, both from others and from themselves. I hope they always try their best and see the good in people and events. There is always a lesson to be learned, and I hope they have an open mind and live a life free of judgement and self-doubt. I wish them time to laugh.

2010-01-14T14:50:00.003-06:00

This week I set a few goals...part of my intention to be organized in 2010. It feels good to make a plan and follow through. One of the goals was to clean out the junk drawer in the kitchen, I quickly laughed and decided I needed to be more specific because there are actually 3 drawers that could be considered junk drawers! I am happy to say that I cleaned all three of them!! I found about 150 twist ties, keys from cars we haven't driven in about 5 years and Murray's SIN card. What a great feeling it was to throw out 3 grocery bags full of junk...gone....out of my kitchen and out of my life.
Spent 2 hours having lunch with my Mom...a lot of laughter and stories shared...it was so much fun. Who knew a local restaurant called Grumpy's, which is attached to a car wash and gas station, would have such great coffee and tasty fish and chips.
Ashes is getting more comfortable on the yard and is venturing out of the barn a bit. The warm weather, which has brought much grief and drips in the house, has been wonderful for the cat as she is able to lay in the sun and explore the other buildings around the yard. Last night when we came home she was up in the loft in the barn watching us from the door. The kids were laughing as they called to her and Ashes was meowing like crazy. I think they are going to enjoy having Ashes around!
Off to make some double chocolate cookies....

2010-01-01T12:19:00.002-06:00

2010 Blue Full Moon Dreamboard

For 2010 I am planning on welcoming into my world......

more laughter

more joy

peace

healthy choices

organization

growth

beauty.

I am planning on a why not attitude and trusting myself and my choices without regret and second guessing.

Cheers to a great start for a new year!

2009-12-28T09:23:00.005-06:00

I am having a hard time believing that Christmas has come and gone. Last night we had one more family dinner and there is still New Year's Eve to celebrate, but, for the most part it is over. And it has been wonderful...I would not have changed a thing. This year we all recieved a special gift, a gift of time at home and enough snow to finally make it feel like Christmas. With the snow blowing and roads slippery we decided to stay on home on Christmas Day and just enjoy the 5 of us together...it was wonderful. The best part was that we still got to celebrate with family on Boxing Day once the weather settled down. Our Christmas dinner was steak, hash browns and ceaser salad...we weren't planning on being home so I hadn't planned a 'real' Christmas meal....eaten in our pjs at 8:00pm. Not what we are used to, but still pretty great.

On Boxing Day we added a cute little cat to our family. The kids are thrilled and I am hoping the novelty won't wear off too soon! They made a home for Ashes in the barn with some blankets on the hay bales. Murray made a ladder so she can climb up the the loft and she already found a couple of places to get in and out of the barn.

The rest of the week will probably go fast too but we still have 6 days to enjoy before we are back to the real world. Today we are going to return and exchange some gifts, enjoy a slow lunch somewhere and replace the door knob and lock on our side door.

For now though I am going to get another cup of coffee and enjoy the slow, quiet pace of the day so far.

2009-12-22T08:54:00.003-06:00

December so far......
The month of December has always snuck up on me and I have greeted it with a mix of excitment and dread. There is so much going on, so many expectations, so much money to spend and decisions to make. At the same time there is magic all around me with Abby's birthday, concerts, colourful lights and, of course, the Christmas joy! This year I was prepared (took the Cut the Crazy out of Christmas class at Big Picture Scrapbooking) and realistic about what I would be able to do, and about what I really wanted to. The result is that December so far has been enjoyable. We have shopped, visited, ate, crafted, wrapped presents, watched festive movies, decorated and just enjoyed being together. I am so happy to see the children`s excitment and feel it with them instead of being stressed.
Today poor Tyler has a dentist appointment....he is getting a tooth pulled...but the rest of the day will be spent making some decorations with Borax, baking buns, watching some TV, playing outside in our little bit of snow and discovering what is next in our Advent Playmobil Calender.
It feels good the feel good.

2009-12-08T21:03:00.003-06:00

Tonight I am thankful for being home in a warm house with my Mrs. Claus' Kitchen Gold Canyon candle burning and the kids now safely tucked into bed. Abby has been sick this week and it has been a challenge to balance work with a sick child and needing to get her to the doctor. Murray's Mom was a great help and cancelled some activities today to be with Abby...I am grateful for that support, but I really hated not being there for her when she was sick. That is the worst part of being back at work. I am so happy that the next two days are my days off and although I had planned to finish my Christmas shopping (and get Abby's birthday present) I will instead spend the day home with Abby....baking, shopping on-line, wrapping and starting on some teacher cards. It will be a great day and it will be nice to be the one taking care of Abby!
The month is going very fast and I am enjoying the excitment building to Christmas and counting down the days left of school. The kids are ready for a break and I look forward to being home with them. Slow days....lots of junk food....Christmas movies....late nights playing Monopoly....time spent enjoying our home and each other.
I can't wait!

2009-12-02T15:41:00.002-06:00

Today I started Christmas shopping! I also found a channel on Bell that plays straight Festive Music and has a beautiful screen of a fireplace...very nice. Right now the song from Charlie Brown Christmas is playing...love it!
Tonight is Tyler and Abby's band concert. They are excited. Tyler will wear his new tuxedo shirt...Abby just found out on Monday (2 days ago) what they are playing!! Should be fun!
Plan for tomorrow includes paying bills, working on work stuff, maybe wrapping some presents and making my food list. I am quite excited to be started already! Oh...I have to order my gift calenders too.
Abby will soon be 10...Grace is loving being 7...Tyler wants a Mac Laptop for Christmas....

2009-11-25T08:28:00.002-06:00

This is what 7 looks like!
I can't believe it has been seven years since I first held her....how does time go so fast?!
The first year was full of tears...most from her, some from me! As the second year began the Grace we now know emerged. A blonde, blue eyed girl full of emotion and a love for life. She does everything 100%, doesn't hold back once she is ready. When she is happy, she is very happy, when she is sad, she is very sad! She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to make to make it happen.
Happy Birthday Grace!
Today I will run some errands, volunteer in Grace's class, take the kids to curling, enjoy a birthday supper and share some ice-cream cake after singing the birthday song. Today I am thankful for healthy children who care about each other, for hot coffee, and for the beauty in the changing of seasons. Today I wish I had been prepared with new winter jackets and boots that fit!

2009-10-08T14:59:00.003-05:00

evolve or end

faith or fear

only forward said tyne
only forward...

this was from http://www.rosie.com/ and it caught my attention. Am I moving forward? Am I evolving? Is it my time now?

Life just seems to happen...too fast sometimes.

I hope I am catching all I am supposed to...I hope I am not missing any opportunities. I hope I am not fearful of something that I need to move me forward. I wish the answers were easier to see.

2009-09-27T21:25:00.002-05:00

My thoughts these days have been filled with appointments, to do lists, calendars, homework, planning, laundry, meal prep and grocery shopping and trying really hard to enjoy each day. Time is still moving too quickly and I long for more moments...more patience...more time.
Tyler, Abby and Grace have settled in to the routine of school. I am so proud of how they have been able to bounce out of summer mode and be on board for early bedtimes, homework and getting up early. They are doing a better job than I have been! We have started nursery school and although we do not have many children this year, we have a really nice group and have gotten off to a good start. Murray is getting ready to write one more exam, and with that he will be done. He has worked so hard and I can't wait for him to have the validation and certification he needs to continue to do the job he does so well.
Fall is my favorite season and I am welcoming some cooler weather and am enjoying the idea of spending more time at home, eating soup and chili, baking and watching movies. Grace is excited about going for walks in the crunchy leaves and so am I! We may venture to the local corn maze next weekend...I think that would be a great fall activity...before they turn it into the Halloween Haunt!
Life is good...time for bed!

2009-08-26T22:34:00.002-05:00

Summer is winding down. Soon I will back at work and the kids will be back at school...back to early bedtimes and early rising...back to routines and homework...back to making lunches and regular grocery shopping...back to activities and full calenders...no more pj days, sandcastles, swimming...no more America's Got Talent...no more checking for peas in the garden and long bike rides out back...no more lazy breakfasts and Polly Pockets spread out in the playroom... I think I will have a hard time saying goodbye to Summer '09. It has been amazing and full and fun. We made the most of our time with a good mix of at home time and vacations, of friends and family. The weather wasn't the best but we still had fun. We managed to get some projects done around the house and did a big road trip for the first time. Yes, it will be hard to say goodbye, but I am going to enjoy the photos and memories.
The last couple of days have been spent at home doing tie-dye, playing outside, making clay creations, watching iCarly and setting up our new homework area in the playroom. My favorite thing is just enjoying our time together. I really have to start planning for work, but I'm just not ready to let go yet...there are still a few days left...a few more sleep-ins, walks outside, sprinklers to run in, projects to finish....
Have a wonderful day!

2009-08-16T23:19:00.004-05:00

First picture with my new camera! I stuck with Canon...this is my 3rd one since going digital...it is a PowerShot A480 and is alot like my old one. I was totally lost without a camera!

Today I barely survived a shopping trip with the kids...we were spending a rainy Sunday getting groceries and other fun stuff for our week at the beach. It started off great until we realized that half of Winnipeg was also spending said rainy Sunday at the same Wal-Mart as us! My patience grew thin as I tried to push the cart around what seemed like hundreds of people...and why do they stack so many boxes and pallets of stuff in the already narrow isles? That drives me crazy! Anyway, we managed to get most of our stuff, we will need to stop in town on our way out of town for a few things, and we even picked up backpacks for Tyler and Grace. This was a huge step for Tyler who doesn't normally allow us to even talk about back to school shopping until after my birthday! I was quite of proud of him for happily picking out one he liked. Too bad Abby didn't find one she liked before they are all picked over.

I feel so lucky to have this one more adventure with the kids before we really have to get organized and I have to get ready to go back to work. The cabin at Twin Beaches is one of our favourite places and we are very blessed to be invited back this year. I will going alone with the kids, this will be a first, and Murray will be joining us in the evenings. It really doesn't matter to me if it is sunny and hot or rainy and cool...we have packed games, cards, crafts stuff, lego and littlest pet shop and we will have a blast!

Off to finish packing....tomorrow will be a great day!

2009-08-15T12:31:00.003-05:00

Today we were greeted by another rainy morning...perfect for a pj day with a big feast of homemade waffles and strawberry sauce and movies playing in the living room. I really do love these days...no pressure to get out the door, just good relaxing time together.
Things going on right now in our life....Big Brother is heating up (I love that show), we are getting ready to head to Twin Beaches for a couple of days (love that place) and the bedroom switch was successfully completed and everyone is happy with their new space (love when things work out like that).
We still have 3 weeks of summer left and we have a big list of things to do...ready, set, go....

2009-08-11T10:26:00.002-05:00

Tuesday morning and Murray has gone back to work...we miss him already! It is hard to believe the two weeks went so fast, but we had a great time and I am really working on focusing on the adventure and not feeling sad that it is over. We were very blessed to be able to travel together and share so much time at home...getting some stuff cleaned up and sorted and moving the bedrooms around. It feels 'lighter' in the house and I am definitely motivated to keep cleaning and finish a few more projects before August is over.

Last night I reminded myself that work can wait, I am on holidays and I shouldn't be spending time and energy worrying about things I need to do for the nursery school. When it is time to go back I will be ready and will get things done then...summer is short enough!

Today we will hopefully get dressed at some point...it is 10:30 and we are still in our pjs!...do some shopping, keep organizing, play in the sprinkler and maybe scrapbook a bit. I am so grateful for our air conditioning as it is finally summer outside and I am loving that Grace is making her own breakfast!

For yesterday

is but a dream

and tomorrow

is only a vision

but today

well lived

makes yesterday

a dream of happiness

and every tomorrow

a vision of hope.

-Sanskrit Proverb

ready, set, go......

2009-08-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

Murray is on holidays and that means I have hot coffee waiting for me each morning....what a great way to start the day! Right now I am listening to the kids laughing while watching Timothy Goes to School, some things never get old! The plan for today includes getting another coat of paint on the bedroom walls, a quick trip to Wal Mart, cleaning out under the playroom table and starting to create our homework space in that room. I am hoping to get a new camera too...I am feeling very lost without one!
The day starts now.....

2009-08-05T08:58:00.004-05:00

We had a fabulous time visiting Jasper...it was hot and the kids were tired but we took in the view and marvelled at how different this country of ours is. We were in awe of how God's hand created such beauty and took some time to realize how lucky we are to be able to see it and experience it. That was the running theme for the whole week...gratitude and appreciation for being able to have a holiday and travel across 3 provinces. To have that time together as a family was very special, we don't get to do that too often and it really was time well spent. I am so glad that we did it. There is always other ways to spend the money... and we are usually very aware of every penny we spend...but the memories we created are worth so much more.

My favorite part of the week was the drive through Saskatchewan and travelling to find Murray's Grandparent's old farm. It was the farm where Murray's Mom grew up and although no one has lived there in many years and it is quite rundown, it was beautiful. The view around the house was amazing...the rolling hills of that province, with the fields all planted, the dots of trees throughout the land and the winding roads were, to me, more beautiful than the mountains. The space welcomed us like a warm hug and quietly spread out it's beauty for us. The mountains were more like a 'hey, look at me, I am big and beautiful' (and they were), but the prairies are more subtle, not so loud, not trying to show off, just quietly there to enjoy.

Murray and I talked about the differences and how it reminded me of different types of people....I am definitely a prairie girl and felt more comfortable with the prairies!

Other highlights of the trip..........the water park at West Edmonton Mall, the rollercoasters at GalaxyLand, watching Grace be so brave on the swings, seeing Tyler's confidence on the pirate ship ride, Abby wearing her movie star sunglasses in the van, watching the kids keep track of their own stuff in their suitcase (much easier to travel now that they are older!), trying to figure out how many times we hit a Tim's drive thru, getting our picture taken with the giant golf ball guy, the crazy variety of emotions that filled that van as we drove, laughing at Grace's funny comments ('let it out Abby' as Abby was coughing!), going on the hunt to find the farm, the looks on the kid's faces as I dragged them through Ikea (I was the only one who enjoyed it I think!) and getting pulled over for speeding on a secondary road in Saskatchewan (thankfully no ticket!).

This week we are sticking close to home for Murray's second week of holidays. We did some very needed yard work yesterday and today we are planning on painting upstairs in the kid's bedrooms. The sky has clouded over again and it looks like another day of rain, I am glad we got the grass all cut yesterday.

Cheers to another great day......

2009-07-31T09:43:00.003-05:00

Summer is moving fast and we are soaking up every last minute of it...the past couple of weeks have been spent camping at Birds Hill with special friends and taking a road trip to Edmonton. Today we are waving goodbye to West Edmonton Mall and heading toward Jasper. I can't wait to show the kids the mountains of Alberta.
Cheers to creating memories and spending time.
Bring on August, July has been great!

2009-07-16T09:26:00.002-05:00

FAITH.....

July is going too fast! I am loving these slow mornings and time with the kids...summer has a way of recharging us and getting us focused on what is really important. I want so badly to keep this focus once things get busy again, remember to slow down and appreciate all this family has to offer each other and the world. It is easy to get lost, busy, stressed, but we must live in the moment and have faith. I love that word....FAITH...... I want to have faith in myself, my children, my husband and have faith that we are guided on our path. One step, one day at time, just have faith....

The weather has been sending us a slow down message too...it has been cold and rainy which has lead to alot of inside days, not the usual beach and park type summer days. We have watched movies, played games, worked in our journals, done some baking....it has been very nice! Unfortunately we still have swimming lessons....it is very cold for the kids...yesterday they did dry land safety stuff and got to sit on the lifeguard chair! The kids were thrilled, too bad I didn't have my camera, they were so excited.

Today we are off to buy some camping gear and start filling up the camper for our week at Bird's Hill. It should be another great day!

Miracles happen every day.

2009-07-13T08:08:00.004-05:00

This morning I am enjoying a cup of green tea and some quiet time on the computer while the kids enjoy a sleep-in. We had a busy week with VBS and swimming lessons last week so today I am loving the fact that I don't have to wake them up early. I am so happy that they had fun at VBS again this year, it is such a great program and it gives them a chance to see some friends and do some neat activities. It gave me a chance to do some grocery shopping, clean up the house and visit with Heather...which was wonderful. I even spent some time on Monday scrapbooking!
This past weekend was busy too with the parade on Saturday...all three kids got to be on a float (well, it was a wagan being pulled by a tractor...but they seemed to have fun!) with alot of other kids from school. It was neat after years watching the parade for all of them to get a chance to be in it and see all the people along the parade route. Sunday we spent the day in Lac du Bonnett visiting with Linda and her girls from Regina. Kathy and I drove up together and we had such a great day...the scenery was beautiful, the weather was amazing and the kids all got along so good...it was pretty much a perfect day!
Today will be filled with....operation clean up the camper van....and getting ready for camping next week. I am hoping that we won't need to buy too much stuff and that once we pull out our boxes and clean the cupboards in the camper we should be good to go. We are all so excited and I am hoping the week goes well without any problems! I am also hoping for no bugs and not too much heat!!
Random things making me happy right now.....Big Brother 11 started...how the kids can get themselves ready and pack the stuff they need for our outings...that the kids are on board for our room switching plans...Murray on holidays in 2 weeks....the rabbits that hop through our yard...that my kids are polite, kind and respectful....
Time to start the day....ready, go!

2009-07-06T20:20:00.003-05:00

Summer is in full swing...lazy days of sleeping in, fresh air, swimming and relaxing. We are loving every minute of it! Today the kids started VBS and swimming lessons, both summer traditions around here. Afternoons spent at the pool in Selkirk with friends are a great way to spend part of the summer. Tyler is in level 5, Abby level 3 and Grace level 2. A crazy thunder storm ended lessons early so Tyler will have to wait until tomorrow to begin but Grace had a great class and Abby enjoyed the 7 minutes she had!
I spent some time scrapbooking today when the kids were at VBS and I loved it! I didn't realize how much I missed it and am looking forward to doing some more as the summer goes on. There are a couple of things I have to get done for work during the summer months, but I don't want it to take up too much of my time...I want to enjoy every minute of this summer.
Soon I will start our list for camping and will need to sort through all the camping gear downstairs...not to mention clean out the camper...yikes, that will be a big job! The kids are so excited to be going to Bird's Hill and I know it will be worth it but it really will be alot of work!
The kids are finding their groove with each other and besides some summer colds and Tyler having strep throat, we are off to a good start. Cheers to long summer days, relaxing by the pool, exploring and adventures...life is good!

2009-06-24T09:42:00.003-05:00

Sometimes we are reminded how lucky we are.
Sometimes we question our choices, but we shouldn't. Sometimes we let other people change the way we think about things, but we shouldn't.
It is important to remember that we are in control of our life and our choices.
Someone else's life is not a reflection of mine, it has nothing to do with me or my choices. It is hard to be with people who look at the world differently. But it is simply about choices.
Being different doesn't make one bad, just different. I love my life, I love where I live, I have a nice home full of love and people who care about me.
This week I was reminded that the road is not easy. I was reminded how much of an impact our words and actions can have on another person. I was reminded how much my children depend on me. I was reminded how important they are to me. I was reminded that I am a good person, a caring person who is trying to do the best possible for my family and myself. I was reminded that no matter how much you wish for something to change, sometimes it doesn't, and that just has to be okay. Not bad, not good, just okay.
Today I will cut some grass, pull some weeds, put away some laundry, do some things for the nursery school, send some e-mails, welcome my children home and get one my step closer to summer. Life is good around here.....ready, set, go!

2009-06-17T08:21:00.003-05:00

We are so close now to summer....Grace counted 8.5 more days! They have several field trips and special events planned so the time is sure to go quick. I am so happy!!
Work is winding down and things are slowly getting done. I have worked hard this last week to focus on positive things and have faith that everything will get done. And it is.
My sister and niece arrive tomorrow for a quick visit. It should be nice to enjoy some visiting time with them. It has been several years since we have seen them. I hope everything goes good!
Today will be filled with some volunteering, errands, cleaning and maybe some more planting outside.
The day started with a discussion about money with Murray. My parents never included me in any money discussions and never really taught me how to save and budget. It is a topic I am not comfortable with. The funny thing is that in my book of daily inspirations the passage today was about money....the quote is.... A father is a fellow who has replaced the currency in his wallet with snapshots of his kids. -author unknown.
Ready...Set....Go!

2009-06-14T18:04:00.002-05:00

Sunday is coming to close...what an amazing weekend it has been.
Productive and relaxing....fun and quiet.
It was just what we needed and just what I wanted. We planted flowers, cut grass, trimmed all around the yard, cleaned a bit in the house and finished some siding on the front of the house...finally...goodbye ugly black paper stuff!!
My new observation this weekend is that life seems to give you exactly what you need when you need it. Our job is to be open to it, and allow the light to shine through. Time spent dwelling on what isn't is time poorly spent. Open your eyes, love what is here, participate and just live.
Looking forward to a great week!

2009-06-13T08:14:00.003-05:00

Life goes fast...time doesn't stop, or even wait, so it is important to stay in the moment and pay attention. I haven't been doing too good with that so it is time for a new plan! Time to stop worrying and start trusting...time to stop waiting and start doing...time to count the blessing and just believe.

Today is Saturday, and it will be a day for sleeping in (check!), drinking a full cup of hot coffee (check!), planting some flowers, making some birthday cards, getting rid of some dust bunnies, saying goodbye to about 4 lbs of paper that has piled on my desk (how does that happen?!) and setting up my plans for our SUMMER 2009 Journal.

The birds have been singing all morning...what a great way to wake up. Last night while Abby, Tyler and I were in my office figuring out how to use iTunes we saw some deer walking through our front yard. There was an adult deer and her baby (foal, fawn?...I'll just call her Bambi!). The adult deer we have seen a couple of times, the poor thing has a hurt front leg and can only walk on 3 legs. This is the first time we have seen the baby, they were walking together and the baby kept waiting for the Mom. It was so sad to think that the Mom might not survive, she was really struggling to walk. At one point they stopped in the front trees, very close to the road (yikes!) and the Mom was snuggling with the little one and licking her head. It was heartbreaking as a mother to see her trying to take care of the little one when she was obviously struggling so much. I hope we see them again and that they are okay. Tyler was quite upset and kept walking away from the window...he is so sensitive.

Grace is calling...she rarely walks downstairs in the morning by herself, she seems to like to have an escort! Abby and Tyler are looking for some breakfast and I must get the garbage out.

Time to start this day......

2009-05-21T08:36:00.004-05:00

The sun is shining today....maybe summer is coming after all.
Abby is going to be starting middle school....crazy!
Grace wants to grow out her bangs...yikes!
Tyler is really ready for summer....grade 6 has not been his favourite year!
Today is going to be a good day....

2009-05-20T10:32:00.002-05:00

Here we are in May, already past the long weekend, looking forward to summer. A lot has happened, it has been a big year, full of new experiences and learning curves. It has not been perfect, but it has been good...not great, but full of laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, excitement and fear. All 5 of us tested our limits, added to the definition of who we are and now look forward to spending summer together, regrouping and remembering what is really important.

My focus for the next month......wrapping up - sharing truth and complements - breathing - organizing - planning - remembering - slowing down.

History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, and if faced
With courage, need not be lived again.
-Maya Angelou

2009-02-10T08:53:00.003-06:00

Another cancelled school day...what a nice surprise! The kids are thrilled and so am I. Time at home in our little corner of the world with no expectations or committments is always my favorite way to spend a day. Plans for the day include Lego, playing school, cleaning and organizing some bedrooms upstairs (badly needed!), playing outside and making cookies. I also need to figure out how and when I am going to get ready for nursery school next week! After three weeks off I feel ready to go back, but I haven't made it in to set up the room.
We have had to adjust our plans for staff appreciation at HTS since the school has been closed for two days now. We are just shifting things around and with everyone working together things just seem to fall into place and work out. I am glad that I am a part of PAC...I have made some new friends and learned alot about the school. Next year I am looking forward to just being a member and letting someone else be chair.
Off to get some coffee and get the Lego started!
Enjoy!

2009-02-05T11:49:00.002-06:00

One of the perks of being a Mom is being the one to make everyone feel better when they are sick. Right now it is Tyler's turn who is home this week with strep throat. Luckily I am on my semester break and am able to be home with him. We have been hanging out in the living room, me on the lap-top and him watching TV. The highlight of our day is watching Star Trek on the space channel and enjoying all of George Shrinks adventures. I am not getting alot of my projects done, but, I don't feel like a moment has been wasted. Hanging out with Tyler...and George....is the best way to spend my time!
Other things making me happy.......new Memory Makers magazine; sun shining in the window; pants that feel a little bit looser than yesterday; remembering to return the movies on time; promise of scrapbooking in the future; hair cut on Saturday; new episode of Medium waiting to be watched; new blades for the Cricut....life is good!

2009-02-04T14:09:00.003-06:00

10 things making me happy right now....
1. being at home
2. going skating as a family
3. birds coming to Grace's birdfeeder
4. memories of Abby's sleep-over
5. Greek salads
6. PAC...working together and everyone doing their part
7. Wii Fit
8. thinking about more space around here
9. homemade treats for after school snack
10. 24

2009-01-17T08:19:00.002-06:00

Good Morning Saturday! Hot coffee, some computer time, cartoons on in the background, three kids still in their pajamas....we are off to a great start!
We picked up a Wii Fit on Thursday...thanks to Stacey stalking the Wal-Mart and finding out when the next shipment was coming in! So far we have all discovered our centre of balance needs work but we are having fun. I am hoping to make some time each day with my `virtual trainer` (who is somewhat creepy because her mouth doesn`t move when she talks!) to help me reach some of wellness goals.
Today we are off to get a new winter jacket for Tyler...his zipper broke yesterday...and fill our fridge with groceries. I plan on working on my journal later and setting my concrete goals for the new year.
Off to make pancakes....bring on the day!

2009-01-15T08:41:00.002-06:00

-cold today, but not cold enough to cancel school
-great day yesterday with everyone home...I felt like a SAHM again and I loved it
-dentist and funeral today so I will have the kids with me for the afternoon at least
-time is going too fast...gotta soak up each moment
-falling behind in my journalling class...so many ideas in my head, not enough time
-hot coffee tastes really good this morning
-we almost missed the bus this morning...the power went off last night and that always throws me off because the time on the stove has be reset and it never seems to get back to the right 'bus time'!
-beds to make, dishes to do, laundry to put away
-feeling blessed to have this home and family
-off to volunteer...
-hello Thursday....I am ready!

2009-01-11T00:56:00.002-06:00

http://www.scrapblog.com/18E10219-1459/30A9EC41-AE95

Finished a quick layout on scrapblog to start off my New Year...I am hoping to figure out how to print it so I can add it to my binder for the Loving Myself class, but for now at least there is a link to it!
Off to bed....sweet dreams!

2009-01-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

Our Saturday is off to a great start....little bit of a sleep-in, hot coffee with carmel-vanilla creamer and some quiet time on the laptop. The kids are all watching some tv and life is good!
I am taking an on-line course with the very talented Ashley Wren, working to inspire myself to 'Love myself in 2009'. She is challenging us to focus on our goals, be accountable and make some real changes in our life. I am up for the challenge!!
This year I am going to work hard to stay focused on my priorities and blessings and really try to find balance and joy. I am going to be gentle with myself..... say goodbye to self-doubt and guilt....embrace confidence....and make room for the positive energy. I am ready to make time for myself. I am ready to exercise again. I am ready to love myself!
I am going to scrapbook my goals and add them to my binder today.
My guiding word for 2009 is going to be GROWTH because I can feel alot of growing coming for me and my family.
Off to enjoy some more coffee and a chat with Murray....cheers to a great weekend!

2008-12-31T09:41:00.003-06:00

2008 is on it's way out....it has been a big year with alot of changes and exciting experiences. We have all grown alot. Life is good and I am thrilled to be welcoming in 2009....I know it is going to be a good year. I am sending out alot of positive energy and I know it will come back to us and bring good things. I am going to focus on what really makes me happy and give the kids a chance to experience things that will bring them growth and happiness.
We are spending the day hanging out, making some snack food and then heading out for a sleigh ride with friends before going back to their house for treats, drinks and laughs to welcome in the new year.
Life is good....bring on 2009!

2008-12-26T23:34:00.002-06:00

Christmas comes and goes so fast....I am so glad that I didn't go overboard or stress over details that really didn't matter. What does matter is that we have had a great week of family time, pjama days, junk food, playing games, outside time and general relaxing and being together. The kids were excited with their presents and loved all the magic of Christmas. It has a been a great holiday and I am looking forward to another week to come.

Today Papa came and made the kids a snow hill so they had a great time playing and sliding down. Grace is now old enough to walk up the hill herself with her sled...quite a relief for me, it gets very tiring carrying her up all the time!...and it was great to see her so excited and having so much fun. We ended the day with a bonfire and more sliding in the dark... it was so much fun to see how excited the kids were to be on the hill in the dark. After everyone had a bath we watched Wall-E and ate popcorn (Grace had 2 bowls!). It was a great night to end off a great day.

Cheers for a great new year!

2008-12-24T18:02:00.004-06:00

Christmas Eve.

A magical day.

A day at home with my three favorite people in the world.

A day of pjamas, snacks, tv, crafts and laughter.

A day of playing in the snow.

A day of anticipating the magic of Christmas.

A day of tracking Santa on Norad.

A day I won't soon forget.

A day where alot became clear and I was reminded of so much.

A day that was almost perfect in our little corner of the world.

Merry Christmas.

2008-12-23T16:37:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful day.....highlights....
-'Potato-Papa's' birthday
-waking up early and wrapping presents before the kids got up
-coffee with french vanilla creamer
-snow falling (big flakes)
-eggs and hash-browns for brunch
-pjamas until 1:30
-Can-Par delivery man with a whole box of books
-candy cane donuts from Tims
-large coffee with one cream from Tims too
-free bottles of water at the Water Shop
-a microwave to warm up my coffee in
-the house glowing from the christmas lights
-only one fight between the kids
-going to Wal-Mart and only needing to go to the photo shop....not having to join the crowd of shoppers in the store!
-seeing how thrilled Tyler was when I let him sit in the front seat in the car
-Abby helping me sort the books
-Grace reading her new 'Hurray Hurray' book in the car while we drove

All my blessings are so clear.....life is good!

2008-12-21T00:03:00.002-06:00

Today was a great day. We spent the morning relaxing at home, trying to get ready to go shopping. The kids were so excited to be on holidays...they actually got along good and played while I cleaned up a bit. We left for Winnipeg shortly before noon, the roads were icy and snowy and I was so grateful to have Murray driving. A stop for Tim's coffee and bagels made the ride feel shorter and we eventually made it to Polo Park. Alot of walking, people watching, change rooms, clothes that didn't fit, a few presents bought, seasame chicken to share and haircuts for the guys made for a fun day. We stopped for snacks at Sobey's and then came home and decorated the Christmas tree. It was a fun night...alot of memories came flooding in with each decoration that came out of the box. I was quiet and loved watching and listening to the kids as they got silly and made up stories about each ornament they placed on the tree. Each one was wearing their Santa hat, Grace was singing and they were all excited to have Pepsi to drink. Good times for sure!

I am planning on starting a 52 projects plan in the new year...I came it across it on a blog. I really want to get back into scrapbooking and would love to incorporate journalling more into my daily routine. I need to find a way to focus and make sense of who and I am what my plan is. I really want to do a better job of keeping track of what is going on around here too. Things are happening very quickly....stuff piles up....the kids grow and change...I don't want any of it to get past me. I want to participate and remember!

I am happy to have 2 weeks off. I hope I can get everything done that I want to. I am grateful for the day we had today. I am looking forward to a day at home tomorrow.

2008-12-07T17:22:00.002-06:00

Life is good as we get closer to Christmas. I am finding things to be very busy and have been editting my 'to-do' list as I go along...not by crossing things off when I am done, but taking them off all together - there simply isn't enough time in the day and I am wanting to focus on what is really important, especially at this time of year. Another thing I am trying to do more regularly is carve out some time for myself. Taking the time to breath and relax whether it is to journal, blog or watch Lipstick Jungle, I need it and I think it helps me re-focus and charge on.

Life is good....no matter what, I am blessed. Again I remind myself that life is not perfect, but it is good. When the kids are fighting over the Lego Advent calender I take a deep breath...and remember...it isn't perfect, but it is good!!

Looking forward to the finale of Amazing Race tonight. Loving the Christmas lights around the house. Enjoying watching my kids get excited about all the celebrations. Longing for more time at home. Hoping for peace around me.

Cheers to a nice quiet evening.

2008-10-19T17:41:00.002-05:00

Fall....my favorite season!

I love the smells, the colors, the change in the weather, no bugs, new routines, the promise of cozy nights and more time at home.

I love how free and relaxed the kids are in these photos...how the worries of school are wiped away just minutes after arriving home.

Life is good!

2008-10-18T17:24:00.002-05:00

I am in such a good place right now...enjoying life and being thankful for each and every experience. I love my job and am so happy that Tyler, Abby and Grace are settling into a routine and getting used to the idea of me working. There doesn't seem to be enough time to see friends, do any scrapbooking, or watch all my favorite shows...but, if that is as bad as it gets, then things are okay!!

We have a good family and each day seems to bring something new. I am going to set some goals to get back to my journal and do more scrapbooking...not to make fancy or pretty pages to show other people...but the scrapbooking that is more important, the kind that tells our story and shares our memories. I have so much to remember...so much to share...I want Tyler, Abby and Grace to never wonder about their childhood, about how much they are loved, about all the experiences they had.

I want them to remember.....................

-how Tyler forgot to tell us that he ran in an won the election for classroom rep on student council

-how Grace cried and refused to get on the bus for a couple of days during the second week of school

-how Abby spent hours planning what she would take for her and her friends to play school with during the cross-country tournament only to find out on the day of the meet they only had about 5 minutes to play

-how on a lazy Saturday morning in September each of them made their own breakfast...Tyler made hard-boiled eggs, Abby made buns with peanut butter and jam, and Grace made toast

-how Abby embraced grade 4 by volunteering to help in the kindergarten room, getting choosen to be a leadership student, signing up for Cross-Country, signing up for intramurals, picking up recycling in the classrooms and volunteering to be a bus buddy for someone she didn't even know.

-how excited Tyler was to go back to Cadets

-how incredibly sad Grace was when she couldn't skate on the first day of CanSkate b/c we didn't have the paper work ready...and how she counted down the days until the next Monday

-how excited they all were when Daddy set up the laptop and video projector so they could watch movies on the big sheet

-how brave they are to use the key and get their snack while they wait for me to come home

-how hard they work when they are helping Papa on the farm...harvesting and grading...never complaining

-how much they love Nannie's meatballs

-how the tree in the front yard came down one morning with a crack and bang while we waited for the bus.

There are so many stories that need to be remembered.

Life is good!!

Cheers to a great weekend!

2008-09-05T23:41:00.002-05:00

I continue to be so amazed at how fast time can go. Summer is over and we are back into the routine of school again. Cadets will start on Monday and I have started work. Things are changing...our 'normal' is changing. For 11 years I have been proud to be a SAHM...loved it, embraced that role and took advantage of every minute with my children. It wasn't always perfect, and maybe I could have made better use of my time sometimes, but I made the most of each day. I will always be grateful for these years. I have great children and they will continue to be the most important part of me and my life. I am thankful too for the opportunity I have at work. To be the Director of the Nursery School where I began my training and, years later watched my children grow and discover new things, is an amazing gift. I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards along the way. Next Friday I will get my first paycheque in 11 years....I can't wait for that!!
Life here in this home...with Murray, Tyler, Abby and Grace is really special. We are so lucky to have each other and even though we don't have alot of 'fancy and expensive', we have alot of love and that is what really matters. At the end of the day we have what is really important.
Cheers to a great weekend!

2008-07-24T09:18:00.003-05:00

Summer is slowly creeping away from us...I am so glad we have been making the most of our time. The days seem so precious this year, the kids are getting older and time is going faster. I have tried to balance our adventures with time at home, time to relax. I think for all of us home is our favorite place to be and we have re-visited old favorites like hot wheels and playdough as well as kept up with the love of Lego and playing school and office. The weather hasn't been that good for long beach days but we have squeezed a few in and had alot of fun.

The best for me has been seeing the kids getting along so well....they have their moments, but, for the most part they have been playing together and showing respect for each other's space.

Swimming lessons were a big success. They all had fun with their friends, enjoyed the pool, and all passed!! Tyler will now be in level 5, Abby in level 3 and Grace in level 2. The best was seeing the improvements in their confidence and skills. Another highlight of the 2 weeks spent in lessons was the army men we picked up at the Dollar Store. The kids had so much fun creating worlds and battles for them in the sand. Watching that play develop with my kids and Zack and Ben was amazing...digging trenches, getting water, creating the forts...everyone had a job and they all seemed to know exactly what was needed.

Tyler is suffering right now with a summer cold...poor guy....we were both up for most of the night b/c he couldn't sleep. It is hard to be a consistently happy Mom when sleep is removed, but we survived and hopefully he will feel better today.

Plans today include seeing the RCMP Musical Ride in Selkirk. One of my favorite summer memories from when I was a kid is going with my parents to Gimli to see the RCMP on their horses doing their thing. I thought it was so beautiful to watch them in their red suits with the big flags all going in the same direction and making all those different patterns. I hope it doesn't rain today and I hope Tyler, Abby and Grace enjoy seeing a bit of Canadian history play out in front of us.

Time to make pancakes and get the day going. I am so grateful for this day and all the possibilities it holds!

2008-07-13T22:49:00.003-05:00

The last week was filled with swimming lessons, visits with friends, strawberry picking, thunder storms, playing in the sand, video/computer games, relaxing, reading and playing outside. On the weekend we enjoyed the parade in Selkirk, a movie and supper with Stacey, Brian, Sam and Jack, a game of Monopoly, and a swim, supper and visit with Murray's family.
All in all it was a fun week...alot of good summer memories were made!
I was reminded that I am not a perfect parent...that emotions sometimes run high and you have to let things take their course. I am learning that I can't control everything and that sometimes people will be disappointed, and that is okay. I always tell my kids that what matters to me most is that they try their best and they learn as they go, they don't have to be perfect or first, just be proud of their accomplishments and do their best. Good advice that I am learning to take too.
Some special memories for me....seeing Grace's smile all through swimming lessons; watching Abby take such good care of Grace and making sure she wasn't scared; watching the kids play with the army men in the sand (very elaborate system they had going); seeing Abby trying to get Tyler and Grace follow the rules during the Monopoly game...she is so much like me!; how they all managed to pull it together and have fun playing the game; time with Tyler on our bike ride and sitting in the middle of the fields talking; the butterfly that sat on my hand for such a long time; and watching the kids play in the pool with their cousins...alot of laughter and fun!
Blessings are all around me.

2008-07-07T09:09:00.002-05:00

Today it is raining and somewhat cool...not good news for 3 kids who start swimming lessons at the local outdoor pool! I am hopeful it will warm up, at least a little bit!
We spent the day yesterday exploring around The Forks in Winnipeg and having lunch at the Sals restaurant on the bridge. While we were looking at the menu we realized that the age range on the kids' menu went to age 10...Tyler was too old for the kids' menu!! Yikes, I wasn't ready for that!! We has a great time and it was fun to enjoy a easy summer day together. The weather was on the cool side, just the way we like for outdoor adventures that don't involve water!
Our plans for strawberry picking will likely have to wait for tomorrow when the rain is supposed to stop. This morning will likely be a lazy day of playing Lego and Bratz and enjoying a couple cups of coffee. Sounds good to me!

2008-07-03T19:13:00.003-05:00

A wonderful thing entered my world this morning http://www.scrapblog.com/ and I can't believe how fun digital scrapbooking is! I can't wait to do more! The funny thing is I was thinking last night that I needed a program that would let me put a whole bunch of pictures together on one image and then get them developed. This way I can put more pictures in my summer journal without taking up so much room. Then this morning I came across this link for scrapblog on Jody's blog and it was exactly what I was looking for...and, it's free!!

We had another great day today...the girls got hair cut's and they look great. Yesterday at Willow Island was dream day. Will post pictures of both later. Right now I am headed outside to enjoy the wonderful summer evening.

2008-07-02T07:48:00.002-05:00

Summer is in full swing and we are enjoying every minute of it! Staying up late and sleeping in, days by the pool, visits with friends, getting silly with cousins, fireworks for Canada Day, a few fights between the kids and alot of laughter and fun.
Yesterday Abby and I picked wildflowers on the trails between our house and Mama and Papa's place...there were so many flowers and tall grasses and Abby really saw the beauty in all of them. Even with the mosquitoes biting us we had a great time enjoying nature's garden and bringing some of it home. We found the most beautiful pink wild roses but decided not to pick them because we wanted them to continue to bloom (and they were 'pokey'!). I think I will go back and take a picture of them.
I am waiting for a Preschool Curriculum book that I ordered from Amazon...can't wait to get started planning for September. There are some changes I want to make in the set-up of the nursery and I need to list all the themes we will be introducing. I am so ready for this challenge...I only hope I can get everyone ready in the morning!
Today we are off to Gimli to spend the day with Heather and her beautiful children. I am looking forward to relaxing, sitting by the lake and getting caught up with Heather.
Cheers to a great day!

2008-06-26T09:12:00.003-05:00

Grace making a waterfall....my current favorite picture!

Shopping went well yesterday. We lucked out with alot of sales and even Tyler managed to have fun...shopping is never one of his favorite things!

I enjoyed having a day with them so much...a day with no schedule...a day to enjoy a slow lunch...a day to laugh together...a day to remember the abundance around us. The kids got along really well and I just sat back and marvelled at how they are growing up so fast. When I return to work in Sept. some things are going to change so I am going to savour ever second of this summer.

Today I am looking forward to a long walk out back, finishing up the teacher thank-you cards/gifts (the kids each painted a little water-color card for their teachers and bus driver) and maybe playing in the sprinkler. Whatever the day brings, life is good.

After reading a post by Jody http://jodyferlaak.blogspot.com/ I am inspired to list some of my favorite things from yesterday....................lunch at Denny's (Rennie's!!); finding the right amount of pens in my purse to make all the kids happy; the nice people in the customer service line at Canadian Tire (the wait was very long); the smell of freshly cut grass; watching Camp Rock for the 20th time with the girls; Tyler dancing in the living room while we watched; playing with Tyler on his new Wii game; listening to Abby laugh like crazy as she played too; Grace's hair after her bath-it smelled so good; clean pjs on clean kids tucked in after a great day; peppermint tea in my favorite mug to end my day.

Wow....I have alot to be thankful for!

2008-06-25T07:35:00.007-05:00

Abby at the Grade 3 Dance Festival....fixing her earring!!

Grace at 6 Pines Farm....Kindergarten field trip. She was so brave on that big horse!!

Tyler at the Annual Inspection with the Cadets.

I guess an update is long overdue! Life just keeps moving along and I really need to find a way to keep track of the details...to not forget any of the special (and the ordinary) moments.

The kids are off school for 2 days and then only have a 1/2 day on Friday. I am so looking forward to the 'lazy days' of summer. I think I will look into VBS again and hopefully we will be able to register for swimming lessons. We don't have any big travelling plans but we will try to do some day trips and I am sure alot of swimming and hanging out. Murray has a business trip to Swan River and the kids and I are tagging along so that will be fun. At least we will get a couple of days in a hotel.

I am going back to work in September. I am surprised by how excited I am!! I have enjoyed being a SAHM so much but the timing is just right and I am looking forward to getting back out in the world...and getting some extra money to pay some bills!! I am going to be working part-time at the high school in the Child Care Nursery School. It will be a challenge setting up a whole new routine...getting myself ready in the morning along side the kids...but I will have 2 days off each week to volunteer and do stuff around here so hopefully it will all work out.

Things that have been going on include......Tyler recieved an award for 'The Cadet who tried the hardest', well deserved and greatly appreciated! Grace is almost done kindergarten, hard to believe the year has gone so fast. Abby has grown so much, she has made some really good friends this year and loved playing volleyball after school.

Today we will be on the hunt for some summer clothes and water shoes. I think we will stop for lunch and make our wish list of adventures for the summer.

I am so grateful for these few moments of quiet before the kids get up...a great way to start the day!

2008-03-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

Life has a way of getting busy...time goes too quickly and I seem to be constantly reminded of how the children are growing so fast. I am so glad we have weekends with a slower pace and quieter flow. We had so much fun playing in the snow on Sunday....sledding, skating and starting a snowman. Weekends when we have time to just hang out together are so great. Spending time with friends on Saturday...laughing and getting caught up on life...is another wonderful way to help me remember how lucky we are and how many blessings we have. We finished the weekend off with supper at Mom and Dad's....barbeque in the winter, yummy!!

Some things I am loving right now: my 'believe' mug from Heather - definitely my favorite mug; helping Abby pick out which earrings to wear; seeing Tyler so excited about his weekend camp with Cadets; and Big Brother (I am somewhat addicited I think!).

The snow is falling....spring seems very far away!

2008-02-11T16:50:00.000-06:00

This weekend we brought the outside in....snow that is. It was too cold to play outside for too long so we carted in buckets of snow and played on the kitchen floor. This a somewhat of a tradition for us when we have our crazy-cold-snaps.

This week we are busy with staff appreciation at the school and Valentine's Day fun.

Hoping to find some time to scrap and getting my resume together....there never seems to be enough time!