Right now, it feels like everything is coming up Kristin around here. I should avoid posting on a bad day, because then another day or two comes along where it's all good. Really good.
-good news arrives
-good conversation with far away family
-good friends to share coffee, lunch, conversation and time with
-a couple of surprises up my sleeves for Christmas (help me not reveal them too early!!)
-getting most of the cake truffles out of the house so I don't eat them!
So many things to be thankful for...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I'm a busy girl!
It's cake truffle time!
Just some of the ingredients needed to whip up the truffle-y goodness.
Warm cake, just read to have fun things added and waiting to be mixed and rolled.
Then dip it all in chocolate and package up...and get it out of the house before I eat too many!!
Just some of the ingredients needed to whip up the truffle-y goodness.
Warm cake, just read to have fun things added and waiting to be mixed and rolled.
Then dip it all in chocolate and package up...and get it out of the house before I eat too many!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
pity party, table of 1
Sigh. You know how sometimes something someone else is doing or achieving looks good, better than what you are doing? I'm having one of those days/weeks/whatevers. Blah. I don't like it, because a) I want to be happy for them, b) I AM happy for them, c) it's not good to be envious and d) I'm not dissatisfied with things here. Still, it's a little difficult to be all "yay me" when I'm not fully feeling it.
To add to the pity party feelings I'm having, I just realized that I bought the wrong hand soap refill. Sure it was a good price, but I forgot just how much I loathe the smell of that refill. 2l of stinky hand soap to go...
To add to the pity party feelings I'm having, I just realized that I bought the wrong hand soap refill. Sure it was a good price, but I forgot just how much I loathe the smell of that refill. 2l of stinky hand soap to go...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cold and colder
It's ridiculously cold outside. Even for Northern Canada in winter ridiculously cold. It was -52 C this morning with the wind chill. That's -61 F for my US readers. Just ponder that for a couple of minutes....
back again? Stupid cold. I remote started the van this morning, and it made the most pathetic whiny noise, like it was completely unimpressed with me calling it to life. I really didn't blame it. We have 3 inches or more of ice on the bottom of our upstairs windows....and the basement windows are frosted over almost completely. There are chilly drafts from our doors, and the windows just seep cold air. Which makes me so happy for a working furnace and good heat that compensates for some air leaks. We don't have a fireplace of any variety, so it's nice to have a warm house from whatever source it comes - a fireplace dvd is a decent replacement to still have the visual of a fire.
Unless the power goes out. Which it did last night. According to the "power line" recording, they didn't know what the problem was, nor when it would be back on. I dug up our tealights and holders, and started lighting them like a mad woman. Both for light, and for some warmth. Then we threw warmer clothes on the kids, and sweaters on the grownups and settled in to enjoy the darkness. Sort of. The kids were all wired up because we were expecting to go to a party, and the excitement of that, plus unanticipated darkness was *so exciting*. I sent them to get some board games and tried to clean up the kitchen in the semi-darkness. Then we read aloud to them, and considered what our sleeping arrangements would look like in an ever colder house.
It was getting chillier in the house by the minute. Thankfully, the power was back within 2 hours. I really think that I take our electricity for granted some days. It's so nice to flip a switch and get light, power, hot water...all at our fingertips. It's so easy to become disconnected with the elements and the world around us until it smacks us in the face. We don't have a fireplace, we can't heat our home without electricity. We can't cook without it (unless we BBQ...which is wintering in the garage, and it's too cold to go out to BBQ anyhow). It's kind of sobering to realize how much we depend "on the grid".
When the power came back on, we headed out to our party, an hour behind our scheduled time. It was nice to be warmed by a glass of wine and good conversation with wonderful friends. It's also good to know who has fireplaces around town...
If you have never been in -40 or colder cold...it's really hard to describe. It's a brain hurting cold. Breathing in just *hurts*. The inside of your nose sticks together when you breathe in, and it's like you get an automatic tension headache from the chill on your face. It's just so, so cold. Your jacket will creak as you move, as though it's about to crack right off your body. It's pretty wild. I can't even fathom NOT having heat in those temperatures. Yet, our ancestors managed. Granted, they had stoves, fire places...but could you imagine not having central heat all day and night? Outhouses in the winter? No performance fabrics like fleece? Heavy winter boots? Brrrrr....
back again? Stupid cold. I remote started the van this morning, and it made the most pathetic whiny noise, like it was completely unimpressed with me calling it to life. I really didn't blame it. We have 3 inches or more of ice on the bottom of our upstairs windows....and the basement windows are frosted over almost completely. There are chilly drafts from our doors, and the windows just seep cold air. Which makes me so happy for a working furnace and good heat that compensates for some air leaks. We don't have a fireplace of any variety, so it's nice to have a warm house from whatever source it comes - a fireplace dvd is a decent replacement to still have the visual of a fire.
Unless the power goes out. Which it did last night. According to the "power line" recording, they didn't know what the problem was, nor when it would be back on. I dug up our tealights and holders, and started lighting them like a mad woman. Both for light, and for some warmth. Then we threw warmer clothes on the kids, and sweaters on the grownups and settled in to enjoy the darkness. Sort of. The kids were all wired up because we were expecting to go to a party, and the excitement of that, plus unanticipated darkness was *so exciting*. I sent them to get some board games and tried to clean up the kitchen in the semi-darkness. Then we read aloud to them, and considered what our sleeping arrangements would look like in an ever colder house.
It was getting chillier in the house by the minute. Thankfully, the power was back within 2 hours. I really think that I take our electricity for granted some days. It's so nice to flip a switch and get light, power, hot water...all at our fingertips. It's so easy to become disconnected with the elements and the world around us until it smacks us in the face. We don't have a fireplace, we can't heat our home without electricity. We can't cook without it (unless we BBQ...which is wintering in the garage, and it's too cold to go out to BBQ anyhow). It's kind of sobering to realize how much we depend "on the grid".
When the power came back on, we headed out to our party, an hour behind our scheduled time. It was nice to be warmed by a glass of wine and good conversation with wonderful friends. It's also good to know who has fireplaces around town...
If you have never been in -40 or colder cold...it's really hard to describe. It's a brain hurting cold. Breathing in just *hurts*. The inside of your nose sticks together when you breathe in, and it's like you get an automatic tension headache from the chill on your face. It's just so, so cold. Your jacket will creak as you move, as though it's about to crack right off your body. It's pretty wild. I can't even fathom NOT having heat in those temperatures. Yet, our ancestors managed. Granted, they had stoves, fire places...but could you imagine not having central heat all day and night? Outhouses in the winter? No performance fabrics like fleece? Heavy winter boots? Brrrrr....
Monday, December 01, 2008
Hello December
Welcome to the dark days of December. The sun rises at 8:20 these days, and sets again at 4pm...and we aren't even at the shortest day yet.
I'm excited about the upcoming Christmas season, if feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the work to be done with different events at hand.
Shockingly, it's really mild here. Today it was 5C in the afternoon. Which sounds nice...but it really isn't. Just enough warmth to melt more snow to turn into ice. It was really strange going out on errands with the girls today and leaving my coat behind.
There are so many things going on in my head, but so little coming out through my fingers. Oh well, I'll be more vocal here again soon :)
I'm excited about the upcoming Christmas season, if feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the work to be done with different events at hand.
Shockingly, it's really mild here. Today it was 5C in the afternoon. Which sounds nice...but it really isn't. Just enough warmth to melt more snow to turn into ice. It was really strange going out on errands with the girls today and leaving my coat behind.
There are so many things going on in my head, but so little coming out through my fingers. Oh well, I'll be more vocal here again soon :)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
no time to breathe
The last few weeks have just flown by. Between art class, kids activities, 2 trips to the city, coffee with friends and a whole lot of nuts, it's been a whirlwind.
I'm tired right now, and hoping to avoid laundry. I've got to catch up on that, plus tidying up the house. However, right now, I'm just taking some quiet down time. We all need that some days. Besides, laundry, dishes and clutter will all be there later, when we're ready to face it.
I'm tired right now, and hoping to avoid laundry. I've got to catch up on that, plus tidying up the house. However, right now, I'm just taking some quiet down time. We all need that some days. Besides, laundry, dishes and clutter will all be there later, when we're ready to face it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Home grown, homemade
There is something completely satisfying in taking I grew in the backyard and transforming it. Like these pumpkins:
Transformed into these delicious muffins.
I love the down to earth-ness of making something tasty from something I managed not to kill in the backyard. To take a hard shelled vegetable, work with it, and make muffins, custard, oatmeal, lattes....all from pumpkin. In some ways, it makes me feel connected to the pioneering roots of western North America. Tilling one's own land, growing one's own food. Putting up preserves for the colder months, baking with the materials at hand.
Then I remember that I can google myself up a recipe any time I want it, and tips for growing vegetables in my regions clay-based soil. I've got central heat, and indoor water. I don't have to build a fire in the morning, and I have kitchen timers so I can walk away from my baking muffins and not worry about burning them. I'm really not that pioneering, but I can imagine it, for just a little while.
The muffins still taste delicious, either way.
Transformed into these delicious muffins.
I love the down to earth-ness of making something tasty from something I managed not to kill in the backyard. To take a hard shelled vegetable, work with it, and make muffins, custard, oatmeal, lattes....all from pumpkin. In some ways, it makes me feel connected to the pioneering roots of western North America. Tilling one's own land, growing one's own food. Putting up preserves for the colder months, baking with the materials at hand.
Then I remember that I can google myself up a recipe any time I want it, and tips for growing vegetables in my regions clay-based soil. I've got central heat, and indoor water. I don't have to build a fire in the morning, and I have kitchen timers so I can walk away from my baking muffins and not worry about burning them. I'm really not that pioneering, but I can imagine it, for just a little while.
The muffins still taste delicious, either way.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Silly time waster...
RULES:
1. Put Your itunes, windows media player etc on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Gone
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
if I had a rocket launcher
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Sweetest Thing
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Smoke
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
My Lover's Gone
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Hey Ya!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Hurray!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Locked Out
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
The 3 R's
WHAT IS 2+2?
I'm Gonna be (500 miles)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BESTIE?
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Don't Panic
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Brand New Love
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Sicily
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Pride (in the name of love)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Forgive them Father
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
In My Place
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Bones
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Buffalo Soldier
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
You Blanks
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Love is Blindness
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Christmas Windows
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Jamming
1. Put Your itunes, windows media player etc on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Gone
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
if I had a rocket launcher
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Sweetest Thing
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Smoke
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
My Lover's Gone
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Hey Ya!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Hurray!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Locked Out
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
The 3 R's
WHAT IS 2+2?
I'm Gonna be (500 miles)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BESTIE?
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Don't Panic
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Brand New Love
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Sicily
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Pride (in the name of love)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Forgive them Father
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
In My Place
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Bones
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Buffalo Soldier
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
You Blanks
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Love is Blindness
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Christmas Windows
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Jamming
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Boo
Somehow, I lost my whole blog template tonight. Boo. Just Boo.
Rebecca made that template for me, like 2 years ago, and I loved it.
Rebecca made that template for me, like 2 years ago, and I loved it.
workout mix
I've joined the gym in town, and am thankful for child friendly policy that allows me to bring my kids. It's working out well as the girls are dropping naps from their agenda, so we hit up the gym most mid-afternoons with sippy cups, granola bars and markers in two - with the occasional dvd to watch. It buys me the time I need to get in a good workout.
I'm working on getting 45 to 60 minutes of cardio a day, plus weight training. I recently created myself a playlist on my ipod for the gym, thanks to the hubby's guidance on how to do that quickly. Today, I decided to splurge a little bit and add a few more songs to the playlist from itunes. I have a couple of songs on there that I wouldn't have picked for myself as basic listening songs. In fact, a couple of those songs on my workout mix might be downright embarrassing.
Anyone else find that they exercise better to songs that aren't typical songs for them to listen to? Spill the beans - what are they? :)
I'm working on getting 45 to 60 minutes of cardio a day, plus weight training. I recently created myself a playlist on my ipod for the gym, thanks to the hubby's guidance on how to do that quickly. Today, I decided to splurge a little bit and add a few more songs to the playlist from itunes. I have a couple of songs on there that I wouldn't have picked for myself as basic listening songs. In fact, a couple of those songs on my workout mix might be downright embarrassing.
Anyone else find that they exercise better to songs that aren't typical songs for them to listen to? Spill the beans - what are they? :)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
oh my gosh!
We are out of coffee. This is not good.
I'm kicking myself, because a friend's husband messaged me on facebook the other day. Said he was in the city, going to Costco, did I need anything. All I could think was "nope, I just bought olive oil". I needed coffee!!!
I'm kicking myself, because a friend's husband messaged me on facebook the other day. Said he was in the city, going to Costco, did I need anything. All I could think was "nope, I just bought olive oil". I needed coffee!!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Do we ever get out of high school?
Some days, it's like high school never ended. I always assumed that once I "grew up", that life would be more grown up. In so many ways, it's not. Sure, we're legal to drink alcohol now and most of my friends have mortgages, or car payments, or kids, or a combination of all three....but some things just don't change.
Peer pressure is still there. It's different than it was back in the day, but it's there. What we drive, what we wear, what accessories we have - that's all the same.
The "mommy peer pressure", now that's another beast altogether. I think it starts during pregnancy. When are you due? Where are you having your baby? Who is your OB/midwife? Then moves into birth - home? hospital? c-section? drugs? As your children grow, you talk about what they are doing, what they aren't doing, how well they are doing things.
It's often not a huge issue. Really, it's something to converse about and share in the parenting journey. But there is always a mom or two who is all about how they fit in that range of what everyone else is doing, or what everyone else's kids are doing. Which can quickly turn into a one-upmanship of "your baby walked at 12 months? Mine walked at 11". Or "your child wrote their name at 4, mine was 3". Or the mom who is all about putting their kids in fancy labels (granted, many good brand clothes simply wear better long term, but it's entirely possible to dress your kids well without being all about the labels - I know you know what I mean) Bah. That's the stuff that is annoying, the stuff that makes you feel like you are back in high school.
Then there is the pressure to do what everyone else's kids are doing. Hockey, skating, music classes, soccer. There is only enough time in the day, there is only enough money to participate in so many things. The activities themselves aren't an issue, it's when you get looked down on, or look down on others for not participating in these things, that's when it's silly.
I'm not saying that I feel this kind of pressure. I think I have some lovely friends who aren't all about stuff and doing (shoutout to the mommy friends!). I do, however, have some aquaintences who brush up against my circles (in more than one province) who are more into the labels, the hip activities, the doing, the "stuff". It's often comical to watch the one-upmanship that happens in those groups of moms, or to have those conversations with moms who are more focused on those things than I choose to be.
Not that I'm totally immune to it either. I wish I was. sigh
See, you may leave high school....but it never leaves you.
Peer pressure is still there. It's different than it was back in the day, but it's there. What we drive, what we wear, what accessories we have - that's all the same.
The "mommy peer pressure", now that's another beast altogether. I think it starts during pregnancy. When are you due? Where are you having your baby? Who is your OB/midwife? Then moves into birth - home? hospital? c-section? drugs? As your children grow, you talk about what they are doing, what they aren't doing, how well they are doing things.
It's often not a huge issue. Really, it's something to converse about and share in the parenting journey. But there is always a mom or two who is all about how they fit in that range of what everyone else is doing, or what everyone else's kids are doing. Which can quickly turn into a one-upmanship of "your baby walked at 12 months? Mine walked at 11". Or "your child wrote their name at 4, mine was 3". Or the mom who is all about putting their kids in fancy labels (granted, many good brand clothes simply wear better long term, but it's entirely possible to dress your kids well without being all about the labels - I know you know what I mean) Bah. That's the stuff that is annoying, the stuff that makes you feel like you are back in high school.
Then there is the pressure to do what everyone else's kids are doing. Hockey, skating, music classes, soccer. There is only enough time in the day, there is only enough money to participate in so many things. The activities themselves aren't an issue, it's when you get looked down on, or look down on others for not participating in these things, that's when it's silly.
I'm not saying that I feel this kind of pressure. I think I have some lovely friends who aren't all about stuff and doing (shoutout to the mommy friends!). I do, however, have some aquaintences who brush up against my circles (in more than one province) who are more into the labels, the hip activities, the doing, the "stuff". It's often comical to watch the one-upmanship that happens in those groups of moms, or to have those conversations with moms who are more focused on those things than I choose to be.
Not that I'm totally immune to it either. I wish I was. sigh
See, you may leave high school....but it never leaves you.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
a little whine with dinner
I've got some sort of head cold/flu thing right now. I'm achy, have been feverish, and am just ill in general. Blah.
In any case, I've had time to sit and ponder over the last couple of days a bit, because I have no energy. This can be both good and bad.
Good: I was really ready for Sunday School this morning. I really like the new book I'm using for curriculum. I'm really glad that we may have picked up a new family with 3 young children.
I really love seeing my kids interact well together. They can be so loving and sweet to each other.
Running a yard sale isn't too hard when you live on my street. Traffic is steady, and it's nice to clear out some junk...I mean treasures.
Less than great: running a yard sale is a bad idea when your husband isn't home. Otherwise, your 4 year old can get stuck on the toilet for an undetermined amount of time waiting for you to come wipe her up. There will be tears.
My kids don't always play well together. There can be tears.
My inlaws (parents in law in particular) have managed to frustrate me yet again. There might be tears.
Seriously though, they are going to Disney with my SIL, BIL and their kids at Christmas. Nice. Yet, they don't even so much as send a card when my middle child turns 4. To use an expression I don't particularly care for, WTF? Wait, make that WTH, I should keep this G-rated. Is it wrong that this bothers me? I mean, they haven't even called us since we got home from vacation, yet they told us that they miss us. Funny way to show it, if you ask me.
In any case, I've had time to sit and ponder over the last couple of days a bit, because I have no energy. This can be both good and bad.
Good: I was really ready for Sunday School this morning. I really like the new book I'm using for curriculum. I'm really glad that we may have picked up a new family with 3 young children.
I really love seeing my kids interact well together. They can be so loving and sweet to each other.
Running a yard sale isn't too hard when you live on my street. Traffic is steady, and it's nice to clear out some junk...I mean treasures.
Less than great: running a yard sale is a bad idea when your husband isn't home. Otherwise, your 4 year old can get stuck on the toilet for an undetermined amount of time waiting for you to come wipe her up. There will be tears.
My kids don't always play well together. There can be tears.
My inlaws (parents in law in particular) have managed to frustrate me yet again. There might be tears.
Seriously though, they are going to Disney with my SIL, BIL and their kids at Christmas. Nice. Yet, they don't even so much as send a card when my middle child turns 4. To use an expression I don't particularly care for, WTF? Wait, make that WTH, I should keep this G-rated. Is it wrong that this bothers me? I mean, they haven't even called us since we got home from vacation, yet they told us that they miss us. Funny way to show it, if you ask me.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
After - lots of pics
This is actually a "during" shot, because it was taken before the backsplash went in. Note, new dishwasher that doesn't have to be rolled across the floor and hooked up to the sink. Also, a hood fan! yay!
New cupboards, new paint, new countertop, new sink, new floor....new layout!
Our new pantry. It's HUGE!
My repurposed pantry, turned computer desk/art supplies storage
The old pantry, too small to hold anything much, now painted and cute!
The new pantry, all organized and stuff
The new backsplash. Not the prettiest pick of tiles, but it's hardly a designer kitchen... it's a well loved and very happy kitchen!
New cupboards, new paint, new countertop, new sink, new floor....new layout!
Our new pantry. It's HUGE!
My repurposed pantry, turned computer desk/art supplies storage
The old pantry, too small to hold anything much, now painted and cute!
The new pantry, all organized and stuff
The new backsplash. Not the prettiest pick of tiles, but it's hardly a designer kitchen... it's a well loved and very happy kitchen!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Kitchen "before" shots
These photos really don't do the awfulness of the kitchen justice. Really. Hard to see the buckling and missing chunks of countertop. Not to mention the big marks on the floor, and the dents in the cupboards. Did you catch the missing cupboard door? Tried to fix that too. Oh, and the sink was leaking and the faucet was loose. These are slightly older shots, as the baby in the corner is almost 3. 48 shades of beige kitchen is no more!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
good/bad
What's good:
kitchen renovation going well, and looking good. I can't wait to post "after" pictures!
What's bad:
the hubby trying to fix the upstairs bathroom sink. We've hit an impasse and have no faucet in there right now. Further proof that I did not marry a man with good handyman skills. Good thing he's cute.
kitchen renovation going well, and looking good. I can't wait to post "after" pictures!
What's bad:
the hubby trying to fix the upstairs bathroom sink. We've hit an impasse and have no faucet in there right now. Further proof that I did not marry a man with good handyman skills. Good thing he's cute.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
on being content
While we were on the West coast, we had the chance to visit with a family we've known for years The husband and R went to school together, and we attended church together. They had two little girls back then, now they have a son and another daughter too. Those little girls are now preteens and look SO grown up. The husband (RR as a nickname) is also an Anglican priest in a small town, in a slightly isolated area, like us.
I really am thankful to be where we are. The more we talked to RR and his wife (JA), the more we could see just how good it is where we live. Our church generally doesn't eat us alive. R hasn't been working under a bishop who likes to intimidate. Our home is in much better shape than it could be. Our kids aren't getting bullied on a daily basis at school, resulting in having to make school changes. We're making friends, good friends even.
Much as I have complained (frequently *blush*) about life here...I really need to be thankful. Not thankful that I am where RR and JA are - that would be missing the point. I'm thankful for all that is good here, and there is a lot of good here. There are many blessings to our little family to be living where we are, in the situation we are in. I am thankful for those blessings, and am ever mindful that things can always change. I'm praying for change for the friends I mentioned, and offering prayers of thanks for what is our life here.
I really am thankful to be where we are. The more we talked to RR and his wife (JA), the more we could see just how good it is where we live. Our church generally doesn't eat us alive. R hasn't been working under a bishop who likes to intimidate. Our home is in much better shape than it could be. Our kids aren't getting bullied on a daily basis at school, resulting in having to make school changes. We're making friends, good friends even.
Much as I have complained (frequently *blush*) about life here...I really need to be thankful. Not thankful that I am where RR and JA are - that would be missing the point. I'm thankful for all that is good here, and there is a lot of good here. There are many blessings to our little family to be living where we are, in the situation we are in. I am thankful for those blessings, and am ever mindful that things can always change. I'm praying for change for the friends I mentioned, and offering prayers of thanks for what is our life here.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
ahhh....
the sweet feeling of returning home. It's nice. The last day of vacation spent wanting the road home to be shorter, the pressure to drive faster to get there sooner, the excitement of wondering what is in the mailbox, what you left in the fridge.
We're back after more than 3 weeks away, and it's nice.
Oh, and the kitchen is mostly reno'ed too!
We're back after more than 3 weeks away, and it's nice.
Oh, and the kitchen is mostly reno'ed too!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
if you can't say anything nice...
why do you have to be competitive? Seriously. If you feel the need to be competitive about whose kid is better, or bigger or whatever, at least pay attention enough to get the names of my kids right.
GAH
GAH
Sunday, August 10, 2008
On Vacation
Yeah, I know, I'm on vacation. Should not be blogging. We're at the BIL and SIL's house, they are at the family cabin. It's a nice place, and a good size for us to visit (as opposed to living in full time). However, I just can't figure out where their stuff is. They seriously have NO stuff. I've never seen such empty kitchen cupboards, closets and clear surfaces. It's kind of mind boggling.
I guess that's what happens when you have
A) two less children, all younger
B) more closets, you know, a linen closet
But still...I'm both awed and disgusted with myself.
I guess that's what happens when you have
A) two less children, all younger
B) more closets, you know, a linen closet
But still...I'm both awed and disgusted with myself.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
leave a message at the beep...
I'm not available right now, and will be mostly off line until Labor Day. Please leave a message, and I'll get back to you when I can.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
now I shall complain
There could be some news on the horizon for me, health-wise. What's frustrating about that potential news is that I *could* have had the right dx a couple of MONTHS ago if the doctor I had seen had not discounted me off the bat for frivolous reasons. "You can't have X because you don't look like it, and your obstetrical history says otherwise". Um, yeah. Maybe if he had *read* the blood work *he* ordered, I could have saved myself a couple of tanks of gas, and a lost day overnighting in the city. Crank, crank.
On a lighter note, for my fellow Jane Austen fans:
The Jane Austen Drinking game, for all the movie adaptations of the books.
On a lighter note, for my fellow Jane Austen fans:
The Jane Austen Drinking game, for all the movie adaptations of the books.
that was a new experience
Yesterday, the hubby officiated at a wedding. This was the first wedding that he "did" that our whole family was able to attend, ceremony and reception.
The ceremony was lovely. Even including the extra entertainment from the couple's 4 year old son waving his grandfather's cane around in the air, and my middle child asking why the Catholic church's stained glass windows look like pizza pepperoni.
After the ceremony, I took the kids home for naps/rest. Just in time to head out to the ceremony, it started POURING rain. Nice. We made it out to the reception without getting too wet. The reception had some elements I've never seen before. I've never seen a gift opening in the middle of the reception, before the dancing. I've also never seen a wedding supper catered by KFC, with only coleslaw as a "veggie". One for the scrapbook. We came home and snacked on snap peas. Although, I'm still feeling a bit queasy from the grease.
The ceremony was lovely. Even including the extra entertainment from the couple's 4 year old son waving his grandfather's cane around in the air, and my middle child asking why the Catholic church's stained glass windows look like pizza pepperoni.
After the ceremony, I took the kids home for naps/rest. Just in time to head out to the ceremony, it started POURING rain. Nice. We made it out to the reception without getting too wet. The reception had some elements I've never seen before. I've never seen a gift opening in the middle of the reception, before the dancing. I've also never seen a wedding supper catered by KFC, with only coleslaw as a "veggie". One for the scrapbook. We came home and snacked on snap peas. Although, I'm still feeling a bit queasy from the grease.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Worst Toothpaste EVER
There is a bit of a debate going on in my home right now regarding toothpaste. Last time we were in the city, I picked up some new toothpaste. It was on clearance at Sobey's. The fact it was on clearance should have been a sign. It's Aquafresh Extreme Clean with PowerWhite. I don't know what PowerWhite is, but it sucked me in. I like the idea of PowerWhitening my teeth. It sounds appealing. PowerWhite. Say it three times, it's fun!
Anyhow, it's orange and white. It's bold, it's big. It tastes like brushing your teeth with a cough drop. A combination of cherry and traditional green mint Halls cough drops to be precise. It's nasty.
I declared it the worst toothpaste ever. The hubby informed me that, although the toothpaste does indeed make him somewhat ill, this wasn't the worst toothpaste I have ever purchased. What? How could there be something worse than this? Apparently, the time I bought a vanilla mint toothpaste in a squeezy bottle, *that* was the worst toothpaste.
I'm pretty sure that he's wrong though. In any case, this will teach me to stray too far from the old favorites. Really though, it's toothpaste, how wrong can you go?
Well, my mom currently does have something purple and fruity in a squeezy bottle at her place. That's pretty wrong too.
Anyhow, it's orange and white. It's bold, it's big. It tastes like brushing your teeth with a cough drop. A combination of cherry and traditional green mint Halls cough drops to be precise. It's nasty.
I declared it the worst toothpaste ever. The hubby informed me that, although the toothpaste does indeed make him somewhat ill, this wasn't the worst toothpaste I have ever purchased. What? How could there be something worse than this? Apparently, the time I bought a vanilla mint toothpaste in a squeezy bottle, *that* was the worst toothpaste.
I'm pretty sure that he's wrong though. In any case, this will teach me to stray too far from the old favorites. Really though, it's toothpaste, how wrong can you go?
Well, my mom currently does have something purple and fruity in a squeezy bottle at her place. That's pretty wrong too.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
It's Sunday morning
...and I'm baking muffins for church. Strawberry banana crunchy muffins to be precise. Church is currently late enough in the morning for me to whip up some snacks for the kids before we go. Technically, we don't "do" Sunday school through the summer, but I'll probably take all the kids out for a snack towards the end of the service. We'll probably have 6 kids there, between age 18 months and 6 years. I would rather stay for the service and let my kids play in the cuddle room at the back if they don't want to sit, but I'm not sure if that will be possible with the other kids there. The combination of the 6 who will be there can get pretty loud pretty quickly.
This is one of the issues in our church - children, and what to do with them. I try to keep my kids well behaved and quiet enough in church. I'm also parenting solo on Sunday mornings, teaching Sunday school, and always outnumbered by my kids. Often, I need to make the judgment call "is what they are doing more disturbing than me stopping them?". My youngest likes to dance to the songs, in the aisle. All three of my kids are very comfortable in church, and have all tried to talk to daddy while he's working more than once. We're working on it. I have to say that church with my oldest is pretty much night and day from when he was 2 to 3.
The problem comes in when us younger moms, those of us with children under age 10, run into the people who make it clear that kids being kids isn't acceptable. To be clear, I don't let my kids run amok in church. Not at all. I do the best I can though, especially in a smaller building where there isn't anywhere to hids. Yes, they are louder in the hall after church, but they aren't terribly loud in church. There are some people in church who do come from the school of "children should be seen and not heard". These people were the exact people I ran up against a few weeks ago, when I had finally had enough. Enough of people trying to parent my children when I am *right there*. Enough of people shushing my kids - and making much more noise than the kids were in the process. Enough of the looks (and if you are a parent, you know what I'm talking about) and eye rolls.
So I said something. Loudly. Publicly. At a women's meeting. There was fallout. There were some tears. There was anger - on all sides. There were meetings to follow up and discuss (with snacks - we are Anglican after all). This was the issue I alluded to recently.
Which is really leading into new understanding. Understanding that our culture isn't what it was. That church is not attended out of duty anymore, but out of passion. That when we spend our time hurting those we worship with, we help push that passion out of them. When we don't make church a safe place for us all, we can't worship together, and grow. Grow in faith, understanding, in numbers. That when we work work work as a church, we can't spend time in worship and in ministry. That when we make children be seen and not heard, more often we end up with children who are neither heard nor seen in church - something that many of the people in our church can attest to, as their own children are not church attenders. That when we are so focused on fund raising that we miss out on bible study, fellowship and growth, we are essentially missing the point. We're a hurting church, who has suffered a lot of loss. Instead of holding each other up, we've done too much hurting each other in our own pain. We've been so focused on meeting budgets that we're too work driven, and not Christ-driven - to sound a bit too "church lingo"ish.
This is being rather well received in our church. Surprisingly so. We have a lot of changes to make, and it's going to take some time. This is not going to happen overnight, but we are recognizing that what we're doing isn't working, now or for the long term. That we won't continue to do anything but maintain unless we truly rethink what we are doing here.
I feel rather bold even typing all this out. Like I'm calling our church out. The thing is, this is very much part of the process. We need to recognize the shortcomings if we are going to work towards fixing them. We need to name the illness instead of just worrying about the symptoms. This is something that the hubby and I have been seeing since we arrived here, but it's taken over 3 years of investment and time for us to be able to fully clarify the issues and to identify them, and to be able to speak the truth of them. I think that for a small, rural church it is WAY too easy to get stuck in the mindset of "meet the budget, and do what we think church should be, because that's how we've always done it". Now we're praying that God can transform us, as a congregation, into the church he desires us to be. That we can be healed of all of our hurts (there have been far too many funerals in our congregation lately) and focus on finding our healing and joy in Him.
This could be an interesting journey.
This is one of the issues in our church - children, and what to do with them. I try to keep my kids well behaved and quiet enough in church. I'm also parenting solo on Sunday mornings, teaching Sunday school, and always outnumbered by my kids. Often, I need to make the judgment call "is what they are doing more disturbing than me stopping them?". My youngest likes to dance to the songs, in the aisle. All three of my kids are very comfortable in church, and have all tried to talk to daddy while he's working more than once. We're working on it. I have to say that church with my oldest is pretty much night and day from when he was 2 to 3.
The problem comes in when us younger moms, those of us with children under age 10, run into the people who make it clear that kids being kids isn't acceptable. To be clear, I don't let my kids run amok in church. Not at all. I do the best I can though, especially in a smaller building where there isn't anywhere to hids. Yes, they are louder in the hall after church, but they aren't terribly loud in church. There are some people in church who do come from the school of "children should be seen and not heard". These people were the exact people I ran up against a few weeks ago, when I had finally had enough. Enough of people trying to parent my children when I am *right there*. Enough of people shushing my kids - and making much more noise than the kids were in the process. Enough of the looks (and if you are a parent, you know what I'm talking about) and eye rolls.
So I said something. Loudly. Publicly. At a women's meeting. There was fallout. There were some tears. There was anger - on all sides. There were meetings to follow up and discuss (with snacks - we are Anglican after all). This was the issue I alluded to recently.
Which is really leading into new understanding. Understanding that our culture isn't what it was. That church is not attended out of duty anymore, but out of passion. That when we spend our time hurting those we worship with, we help push that passion out of them. When we don't make church a safe place for us all, we can't worship together, and grow. Grow in faith, understanding, in numbers. That when we work work work as a church, we can't spend time in worship and in ministry. That when we make children be seen and not heard, more often we end up with children who are neither heard nor seen in church - something that many of the people in our church can attest to, as their own children are not church attenders. That when we are so focused on fund raising that we miss out on bible study, fellowship and growth, we are essentially missing the point. We're a hurting church, who has suffered a lot of loss. Instead of holding each other up, we've done too much hurting each other in our own pain. We've been so focused on meeting budgets that we're too work driven, and not Christ-driven - to sound a bit too "church lingo"ish.
This is being rather well received in our church. Surprisingly so. We have a lot of changes to make, and it's going to take some time. This is not going to happen overnight, but we are recognizing that what we're doing isn't working, now or for the long term. That we won't continue to do anything but maintain unless we truly rethink what we are doing here.
I feel rather bold even typing all this out. Like I'm calling our church out. The thing is, this is very much part of the process. We need to recognize the shortcomings if we are going to work towards fixing them. We need to name the illness instead of just worrying about the symptoms. This is something that the hubby and I have been seeing since we arrived here, but it's taken over 3 years of investment and time for us to be able to fully clarify the issues and to identify them, and to be able to speak the truth of them. I think that for a small, rural church it is WAY too easy to get stuck in the mindset of "meet the budget, and do what we think church should be, because that's how we've always done it". Now we're praying that God can transform us, as a congregation, into the church he desires us to be. That we can be healed of all of our hurts (there have been far too many funerals in our congregation lately) and focus on finding our healing and joy in Him.
This could be an interesting journey.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"I wish the world was flat like the old days...
...Then i could travel just by folding a map
No more airplanes, or speed trains, or freeways
There'd be no distance that could hold us back."*
If only! It's way too far between here and there. Oh, for longer visits. More coffee (or tea, depending). More laughs. More conversation. More funny kid antics.
I guess that's the sign of a good visit, it leaves you wanting more.
A visit from the most wonderful friends, those who understand you best. Kids of matching ages (almost exactly), lives that are similar but different, choices made that compliment each other. It all leads into good conversations on the deck in the morning sun, drinking coffee while the kids play. Board games and more conversation after the kids go to sleep. Fun times. We miss you already. I think we owe you the next visit. Let's line up the day timers.
*The New Year, Death Cab for Cutie
No more airplanes, or speed trains, or freeways
There'd be no distance that could hold us back."*
If only! It's way too far between here and there. Oh, for longer visits. More coffee (or tea, depending). More laughs. More conversation. More funny kid antics.
I guess that's the sign of a good visit, it leaves you wanting more.
A visit from the most wonderful friends, those who understand you best. Kids of matching ages (almost exactly), lives that are similar but different, choices made that compliment each other. It all leads into good conversations on the deck in the morning sun, drinking coffee while the kids play. Board games and more conversation after the kids go to sleep. Fun times. We miss you already. I think we owe you the next visit. Let's line up the day timers.
*The New Year, Death Cab for Cutie
Friday, July 11, 2008
ooh! almost forgot!
My new little friends!! My sweet - and little - salt and pepper shaker set! Aren't they darling? I found them at the bookstore, and had to have them. Not a huge splurge at $4. The pair of them fit in the palm of my hand, but just cheer up the table so much.
away from Vancouver
It has been raining for days now. Well, to be honest, it was clear on Wednesday morning. We've been doing Vacation Bible school at Rob's smaller church this week. Not the best church to do that in while it's raining. The lack of a hall (and running water - running across to the Legion to pee in the rain) makes it a bit harder to work with the kids. Overall, though, it was fun.
I just spent the last 2 hours unpacking all the VBS supplies and getting them put away (or sent back to the church) and cleaning the living room while the kids napped/had quiet time in their room. I was getting ready to head out and weed the garden - a task I am sadly behind on. In my defense, its been darn near impossible to weed in the pouring rain. Rob barely got the lawn mowed the other day before it rained on him. My garden beds are in sad shape right now. I look outside, and it's most probably about to storm again. Again.
This is reminding me of one of the many things that made it easier to walk away from Vancouver 3 years ago. Rain. I don't mind a day of rain here and there. I really don't. It's actually fun. Days and days of rain? Not so much. Not that I love snow and -40 days, because to say otherwise would be a lie. At least when it's cold it's sunny. Even on the shortest days of the year this far North, it's still brighter than Vancouver in a March rainy stretch.
I hate the dark, oppressive sky of rainy days. The month around when we planned our move here was one of the wettest on record in Vancouver, and that really helped us make the decision - and the packing easier too. I think I tend towards a bit of SAD, not something easy to cope with in the dark rainy season that is a Vancouver winter. This last week has had me feeling so low, sleepy, cranky and chilly. I don't really adore the cold and snow for months on end (as I've complained about here)....but there is more sun and bright days. For now, that's making here seem more attractive than there.
I just spent the last 2 hours unpacking all the VBS supplies and getting them put away (or sent back to the church) and cleaning the living room while the kids napped/had quiet time in their room. I was getting ready to head out and weed the garden - a task I am sadly behind on. In my defense, its been darn near impossible to weed in the pouring rain. Rob barely got the lawn mowed the other day before it rained on him. My garden beds are in sad shape right now. I look outside, and it's most probably about to storm again. Again.
This is reminding me of one of the many things that made it easier to walk away from Vancouver 3 years ago. Rain. I don't mind a day of rain here and there. I really don't. It's actually fun. Days and days of rain? Not so much. Not that I love snow and -40 days, because to say otherwise would be a lie. At least when it's cold it's sunny. Even on the shortest days of the year this far North, it's still brighter than Vancouver in a March rainy stretch.
I hate the dark, oppressive sky of rainy days. The month around when we planned our move here was one of the wettest on record in Vancouver, and that really helped us make the decision - and the packing easier too. I think I tend towards a bit of SAD, not something easy to cope with in the dark rainy season that is a Vancouver winter. This last week has had me feeling so low, sleepy, cranky and chilly. I don't really adore the cold and snow for months on end (as I've complained about here)....but there is more sun and bright days. For now, that's making here seem more attractive than there.
Monday, July 07, 2008
after a week away
I'm home again. To sum up the last week or so:
What I'm loving
- kids who smell of outdoors, sun, wind, water and sunscreen
- sunny days at spray parks
- iced cappuccinos from Tim Horton's, chemicals and all
- hearing my children laugh with pure delight
- central air conditioning
- Wall-e
- Yam fries and dip from Avocado (great margaritas too!)
- fresh hair cuts on small children, well worth the slightly higher cost when it includes glitter hair gel
- growing good friendships
- dinner and bookstore dates with the hubby
- A generous husband, who chose to turn his annual birthday cheque from Grandma into a bike for his son
- sangria
- party planning
- fantastic thunderstorms that make you jump
- children all dozy and drifty in the van, after a fun afternoon out
What I'm not loving
- slight sunburns
- forgetting extra diapers during Wall-e
- the garlic aftermath of the yam fries and dip (yet still SO worth it)
- central air that fails to work on the hottest day of the week
- the calories of the Tim Horton's iced caps and sangria
- forgetting to renew van insurance. I'm still covered, but need new stickers. Whoops.
- killing yet another bird while driving on the highway. It was cute and little. Until it was smooshed on the grill of the van. Thankfully the hubby took it off for me when he got home.
What I'm loving
- kids who smell of outdoors, sun, wind, water and sunscreen
- sunny days at spray parks
- iced cappuccinos from Tim Horton's, chemicals and all
- hearing my children laugh with pure delight
- central air conditioning
- Wall-e
- Yam fries and dip from Avocado (great margaritas too!)
- fresh hair cuts on small children, well worth the slightly higher cost when it includes glitter hair gel
- growing good friendships
- dinner and bookstore dates with the hubby
- A generous husband, who chose to turn his annual birthday cheque from Grandma into a bike for his son
- sangria
- party planning
- fantastic thunderstorms that make you jump
- children all dozy and drifty in the van, after a fun afternoon out
What I'm not loving
- slight sunburns
- forgetting extra diapers during Wall-e
- the garlic aftermath of the yam fries and dip (yet still SO worth it)
- central air that fails to work on the hottest day of the week
- the calories of the Tim Horton's iced caps and sangria
- forgetting to renew van insurance. I'm still covered, but need new stickers. Whoops.
- killing yet another bird while driving on the highway. It was cute and little. Until it was smooshed on the grill of the van. Thankfully the hubby took it off for me when he got home.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ever time I drive by abandoned buildings, I wonder about them. Who lived there, what made them leave. I suspect that this house may still be in use of some sort...but when I pass it I just wonder about it's story, it's history.
Also, given it's very close proximity to the lake, I wonder how often it flooded.
Also, given it's very close proximity to the lake, I wonder how often it flooded.
Summer...ahh summer days
I love warm summer days. Especially in the shade, with a cool drink. I also love a good road trip on the perfect sunny day. Like yesterday.
Candice and her girls were actually up in this area (shocking since nobody comes up here). Since she was within a 2 hour drive, we decided to meet up for a picnic and playdate with the kids. It was the perfect day for a drive. Fluffy white clouds, huge blue sky, green everywhere....I must say that living here is really growing on me. It really can be beautiful around here, really.
We "harvested" our first handful of strawberries yesterday from the garden. The grass is so green, the big tree in the yard is giving the patio fabulous shade, the shasta daisies are attempting to take over the back garden bed. Near perfection! I should make some lemonade.
Instead, we're taking off. Heading to my mom's place in the city for a bit. Rob is taking a much needed Study Leave week and we're heading to the land of central air, just in time for what looks like a hot week here. Hoping for a fun week!
Candice and her girls were actually up in this area (shocking since nobody comes up here). Since she was within a 2 hour drive, we decided to meet up for a picnic and playdate with the kids. It was the perfect day for a drive. Fluffy white clouds, huge blue sky, green everywhere....I must say that living here is really growing on me. It really can be beautiful around here, really.
We "harvested" our first handful of strawberries yesterday from the garden. The grass is so green, the big tree in the yard is giving the patio fabulous shade, the shasta daisies are attempting to take over the back garden bed. Near perfection! I should make some lemonade.
Instead, we're taking off. Heading to my mom's place in the city for a bit. Rob is taking a much needed Study Leave week and we're heading to the land of central air, just in time for what looks like a hot week here. Hoping for a fun week!
Monday, June 23, 2008
The last week here has been busy and fun...and occasionally muddy. Both of my daughters ended up rather muddy during my son's last t-ball game. One actually wiped out in the mud - mud from her toes to her shoulders, thankfully missing her hair! I missed his last game while figuring out how to get her home and clean without making the van a muddy mess pit.
We threw a totally impromptu "welcome summer" party on Saturday, including some great margaritas.
There was a big meeting at church on Wednesday night, and I'm hopeful for good to come from it. The following night, the hubby was at another big church-related meeting, and I'm cautiously excited by what the outcome may be.
Yet, while all this goes on, there is sadness. Sadness I cannot even begin to fathom. A woman I know on my mothering board experienced what could be described as the worst case scenario in birth over the last week. My heart just breaks for Amy and her family, and grieves the loss of little River.
Hold your little ones tighter tonight. I know I have.
We threw a totally impromptu "welcome summer" party on Saturday, including some great margaritas.
There was a big meeting at church on Wednesday night, and I'm hopeful for good to come from it. The following night, the hubby was at another big church-related meeting, and I'm cautiously excited by what the outcome may be.
Yet, while all this goes on, there is sadness. Sadness I cannot even begin to fathom. A woman I know on my mothering board experienced what could be described as the worst case scenario in birth over the last week. My heart just breaks for Amy and her family, and grieves the loss of little River.
Hold your little ones tighter tonight. I know I have.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
June
where the heck did May go? Really - have you seen it?
Garden is planted.
Soccer is being played.
T-ball is being played.
Summer wardrobes are in dressers (ha! at least what I have of one. The kids have plenty)
Landscaping to recover from big dig out of '05 is done (yay! after a year of mud, and a year of settle, it's nice to have the front yard be less of an eyesore...aside from the dandelions)
Kids are growing.
Sun is up early, and retires late. It's finally warm and beautiful.
Summer is almost here.
Daughters have discovered show tunes. Mom is tired of My Fair Lady songs.
Mosquitoes are out in packs, I am itchy.
BBQ is in full use.
On a sadder note, please pray for a family from our town. If you haven't seen the post on my other blog, this is the story as I know it so far.
Garden is planted.
Soccer is being played.
T-ball is being played.
Summer wardrobes are in dressers (ha! at least what I have of one. The kids have plenty)
Landscaping to recover from big dig out of '05 is done (yay! after a year of mud, and a year of settle, it's nice to have the front yard be less of an eyesore...aside from the dandelions)
Kids are growing.
Sun is up early, and retires late. It's finally warm and beautiful.
Summer is almost here.
Daughters have discovered show tunes. Mom is tired of My Fair Lady songs.
Mosquitoes are out in packs, I am itchy.
BBQ is in full use.
On a sadder note, please pray for a family from our town. If you haven't seen the post on my other blog, this is the story as I know it so far.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Crap
Today is not a stellar day. Today, I managed to really muck some things up. I'm assured by at least two people (one who was there, one who is married to me) that it's not quite as bad as I think...but I don't fully believe them. This was stupid, headstrong and foolish. I really hope I'm not right about long term damage, because this could be a big, big mess up if I am right.
As it is, I don't feel I have anything to apologize for, but I am embarrassed at how things went down. I really hope that this doesn't brand me as some crazy, impulsive preacher's wife.
blah
As it is, I don't feel I have anything to apologize for, but I am embarrassed at how things went down. I really hope that this doesn't brand me as some crazy, impulsive preacher's wife.
blah
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
hm
There is a phone call I could make, maybe it's a should, maybe not. I'm not sure I want to though.
I've been really bad about phone calls lately. I just realized the other day that I missed calling on a friend's birthday because I wrote down the WRONG MONTH on the calendar. oops. I'm slow to return calls, I'm even slower to initiate calls too. Life is flying by these days, and the pace I'm running at isn't helping.
Back to the phone call though. I'm not really sure what to say. Maybe I just need a nudge or something.
I've been really bad about phone calls lately. I just realized the other day that I missed calling on a friend's birthday because I wrote down the WRONG MONTH on the calendar. oops. I'm slow to return calls, I'm even slower to initiate calls too. Life is flying by these days, and the pace I'm running at isn't helping.
Back to the phone call though. I'm not really sure what to say. Maybe I just need a nudge or something.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
rabid squirrels and suicidal birds
I got home on Sunday from a trip to camp. I was running the Counselor Training weekend (which went very well, I think. At least the evaluation forms the kids filled out indicated they enjoyed it). Rob was busy with work stuff this weekend, so my mom came up with me to be child care. What better way to spend the May long weekend.
Well, did I ever get freaked out. There was a doctor there who asked to share some things with the teens about potential health issues that could arise. You know, things like leeches, ticks, mouse pee, tetanus and rabies. Yes, rabies. Not from bats, mind you, but squirrels and raccoons. I've yet to even see a raccoon since moving away from Vancouver, but I have seen squirrels. Note to self: they may look cute and cuddly, but they are a nasty vermin that could attack at any time. Don't check for foaming at the mouth, just walk away when you see one. You've been warned.
Lucky me had a series of back muscle spasms while I was up at camp - the last time that happened was at Permie training weekend the year oldest kid was a newborn. Fun times...ouch! I'm still hurting from it too, and hoping it feels better soon.
I gave one of the teens a ride home. She lives in our town, and has been affiliated with our church in the past. Really nice girl. We were having a lovely chat about the pros of vegetarian diets, and the evils of commercial farming when we were attacked by the suicidal bird. Ok, perhaps attacked is a strong word. There was a bird, I think it was some kind of duck on the highway. It saw the van, started flapping it's wings and ran right into us. I really did try to avoid hitting it, but it still managed to get itself smoshed under the front wheels of the van. Icky, and somewhat ironic. Thememory of the sound of the bird hitting the van still gives me the shivers.
Well, did I ever get freaked out. There was a doctor there who asked to share some things with the teens about potential health issues that could arise. You know, things like leeches, ticks, mouse pee, tetanus and rabies. Yes, rabies. Not from bats, mind you, but squirrels and raccoons. I've yet to even see a raccoon since moving away from Vancouver, but I have seen squirrels. Note to self: they may look cute and cuddly, but they are a nasty vermin that could attack at any time. Don't check for foaming at the mouth, just walk away when you see one. You've been warned.
Lucky me had a series of back muscle spasms while I was up at camp - the last time that happened was at Permie training weekend the year oldest kid was a newborn. Fun times...ouch! I'm still hurting from it too, and hoping it feels better soon.
I gave one of the teens a ride home. She lives in our town, and has been affiliated with our church in the past. Really nice girl. We were having a lovely chat about the pros of vegetarian diets, and the evils of commercial farming when we were attacked by the suicidal bird. Ok, perhaps attacked is a strong word. There was a bird, I think it was some kind of duck on the highway. It saw the van, started flapping it's wings and ran right into us. I really did try to avoid hitting it, but it still managed to get itself smoshed under the front wheels of the van. Icky, and somewhat ironic. Thememory of the sound of the bird hitting the van still gives me the shivers.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
painted into a corner
We had a basement leak last week. On the boy's birthday eve to be precise. Somewhere between 4 and 6 pm, our sump pump stopped sumping, or pumping, or whatever it does. It was icky, and brought me back very vivid flashbacks to 2005.
Anyhow, it wasn't much water, nothing damaged, all is well. As part of the clean up, we rented a steam cleaner for the downstairs carpets. While we had the cleaner (which was mostly the hubby's idea to do that day, yet I did all the steaming and cleaning - go figure), I thought it might be good to do the couches too.
Never to be one to do something halfway, I steamed and cleaned like mad. I worked my way through our couches, and just kept going.
It was about half way through the basement carpets that I realized that I had just steam cleaned every seat in the house. All of our upholstered dining chairs, all the furniture, everything. Good timing on our part that the church beef supper was the same night, or we would have been picnicking in the (windy) yard.
Some days, my sheer blondness astounds me.
Anyhow, it wasn't much water, nothing damaged, all is well. As part of the clean up, we rented a steam cleaner for the downstairs carpets. While we had the cleaner (which was mostly the hubby's idea to do that day, yet I did all the steaming and cleaning - go figure), I thought it might be good to do the couches too.
Never to be one to do something halfway, I steamed and cleaned like mad. I worked my way through our couches, and just kept going.
It was about half way through the basement carpets that I realized that I had just steam cleaned every seat in the house. All of our upholstered dining chairs, all the furniture, everything. Good timing on our part that the church beef supper was the same night, or we would have been picnicking in the (windy) yard.
Some days, my sheer blondness astounds me.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
she will be the death of me
Middle child is going to do me in. Seriously.
Went to a birthday party at the pool today. All three kids, along with the hubby. We swam and splashed and had fun. Then, the hubby decided to take the boy out to the deeper water for a bit to swim out there. All good. Until middle child got out of the toddler section of the pool. She walked around the deck and *jumped in the other part of the pool*. You know, where it's a meter deep? And she's only a couple of inches taller than a meter. (yes, I'm aware that I'm switching between metric and imperial measurement here) It all happened in slow motion, I had to run through the water, leaving the little one behind, to get DH to pull that girl out of the water. She has no fear, and that's both fun and scary.
The hubby said to me today "you know, we will never have to be telling that child that just because all her friends are bungee jumping doesn't mean she has to. Odds are, she will be the first one off the cliff". It's true.
It was great to see some other moms (and kids too!) I haven't seen in a while. Fun party, once my heart started beating again.
Went to a birthday party at the pool today. All three kids, along with the hubby. We swam and splashed and had fun. Then, the hubby decided to take the boy out to the deeper water for a bit to swim out there. All good. Until middle child got out of the toddler section of the pool. She walked around the deck and *jumped in the other part of the pool*. You know, where it's a meter deep? And she's only a couple of inches taller than a meter. (yes, I'm aware that I'm switching between metric and imperial measurement here) It all happened in slow motion, I had to run through the water, leaving the little one behind, to get DH to pull that girl out of the water. She has no fear, and that's both fun and scary.
The hubby said to me today "you know, we will never have to be telling that child that just because all her friends are bungee jumping doesn't mean she has to. Odds are, she will be the first one off the cliff". It's true.
It was great to see some other moms (and kids too!) I haven't seen in a while. Fun party, once my heart started beating again.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Spring
Spring hovers in the air, inching it's way forward each day. Step by step. Every morning a touch warmer, every day the snow retreating backwards, exposing the muddy earth beneath. There is optimism in Spring, hints at new life. As the ground awakens from it's 6 months of snowy cover, there are new smells in the air. Fresh sounds on the streets. The snowmobiles go into storage, and the motorcycles come out to play. Evenings stretch out longer, mornings begin earlier. The sun rise moves from it's mid-December 9:30 am to a much more pleasant 6:30 arrival.
Spring brings mud. In the van, in the front door, on the boots. The low spot in the yard is right under the swing set, where small children like to jump, splash and sit. Boots fill up with water and sand, splash pants become necessary, snow suits go into hiding for another year. There is optimism in the air as heavy winter gear moves to the basement. As the birds make their return Northward. As we ponder the wondrous idea that we may be seeing the last of Winter, finally.
Hallelujah!
Spring brings mud. In the van, in the front door, on the boots. The low spot in the yard is right under the swing set, where small children like to jump, splash and sit. Boots fill up with water and sand, splash pants become necessary, snow suits go into hiding for another year. There is optimism in the air as heavy winter gear moves to the basement. As the birds make their return Northward. As we ponder the wondrous idea that we may be seeing the last of Winter, finally.
Hallelujah!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
potential problem
My kids have a current favorite author. Mo Willems. His "Pigeon" is one of the funniest characters going. They quote lines from "The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog" at the dinner table. They have turned a small stuffed bunny into their Knuffle Bunny. Trixie is a child they can empathize with. They find Reginald Von HoobieDoobie to be a sad figure, until his eventual redemption. 80% of us even have t-shirts featuring characters (can you guess which ones, and who has them?)
The thing is, Pigeon has a new book out. Released on April 1. I'd love to get my hands on it...however, there is a potential issue here.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.
Guess what?
So does my middle child.
Would I be able to resist? I have always maintained that there will be no dogs in this house until all the children are housebroken (preferably before the house gets broken *wink*) That day will soon be here, and I need a new reason not to get a dog. I like dogs, I just don't want one right now.
The thing is, Pigeon has a new book out. Released on April 1. I'd love to get my hands on it...however, there is a potential issue here.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.
Guess what?
So does my middle child.
Would I be able to resist? I have always maintained that there will be no dogs in this house until all the children are housebroken (preferably before the house gets broken *wink*) That day will soon be here, and I need a new reason not to get a dog. I like dogs, I just don't want one right now.
stoopit gas
Gas prices are just getting so high. Blah.
Dumb Toronto, paying less than us.
I'm now cranky with Toronto.
Like I needed another reason to dislike Toronto.
Besides, their dumb hockey team isn't even grammatically correct. The Maple Leafs. Come ON.
Dumb Toronto, paying less than us.
I'm now cranky with Toronto.
Like I needed another reason to dislike Toronto.
Besides, their dumb hockey team isn't even grammatically correct. The Maple Leafs. Come ON.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Why?
why are kids so loud when you want to talk on the phone?
why does my kitchen get so messy when I'm still "cleaning as I go"?
why do I wake up 20 minutes before my alarm when I really want to milk every precious minute of sleep?
why is it still snowing?
and to throw another couple of questions into the mix
when should I wash my van? it's dirty, but I don't want to wash it to get it all muddy again
what should I do with my hair? it's time for a cut, past time for a cut actually.
why does my kitchen get so messy when I'm still "cleaning as I go"?
why do I wake up 20 minutes before my alarm when I really want to milk every precious minute of sleep?
why is it still snowing?
and to throw another couple of questions into the mix
when should I wash my van? it's dirty, but I don't want to wash it to get it all muddy again
what should I do with my hair? it's time for a cut, past time for a cut actually.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I pay for this?
This is Jesse. The trainer. In his Christmas gift from Melissa and I. You call yourself the Pain Fariy, even once, and you are just asking for a costume.
He's back in my life again. He was out of the country for almost 2 months, but he's back. I'm sore. He was making us do something on Thursday morning that I'm still feeling today. Told me I could do it. Called me a whiner. I was just tempted to whack him on the head with the pair of 12 pound weights.
I didn't. Such restraint.
He's back in my life again. He was out of the country for almost 2 months, but he's back. I'm sore. He was making us do something on Thursday morning that I'm still feeling today. Told me I could do it. Called me a whiner. I was just tempted to whack him on the head with the pair of 12 pound weights.
I didn't. Such restraint.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
pondering
Summer vacation time is still months away, but we're pondering our options.
It sounds as though we are going to have friends from the East out in July. I can't wait for that, haven't seen them in 3 years. Their two younger girls are our Goddaughters, and we've never even met the youngest! Last time we saw them, I was expecting R and not even showing yet.
Camp is an option, depending on dates. Although the week I'd really like to do is probably when we'd be away, if we go.
Perhaps some time at the lake, if the timing lines up. Camping out at the cabin would be so much fun.
Vacation Bible school could happen too.
Our big discussion is about going to Vancouver. I'm kind of torn. I'd love to really get out of town for a while, for more than just going to my moms. I'd love to see some people out West. I'd love to build in a mini-trip to Seattle too, and I know at least two people down there would love to meet up. The kids would love to see all of their cousins again, and there is extended family to visit, and a new cousin to meet (my cousin's second child).
On the other hand, I'll pretty much have to sacrifice my garden if we go. I can plant pumpkins and sunflowers, and maybe peppers and hope for no frost before we get home. Maybe carrots too. NO zucchini, unless we plant and use them up before we go. I do not want to come home to a 100lb zuke. No way. I also like the comfort of home. For as long as we would go out West, it's a long time away. Not to even start in on the price of gas, and how much it would cost to take a family of 5 out to fun places like the Aquarium or Science World.
hmm, so much to think about. any suggestions?
It sounds as though we are going to have friends from the East out in July. I can't wait for that, haven't seen them in 3 years. Their two younger girls are our Goddaughters, and we've never even met the youngest! Last time we saw them, I was expecting R and not even showing yet.
Camp is an option, depending on dates. Although the week I'd really like to do is probably when we'd be away, if we go.
Perhaps some time at the lake, if the timing lines up. Camping out at the cabin would be so much fun.
Vacation Bible school could happen too.
Our big discussion is about going to Vancouver. I'm kind of torn. I'd love to really get out of town for a while, for more than just going to my moms. I'd love to see some people out West. I'd love to build in a mini-trip to Seattle too, and I know at least two people down there would love to meet up. The kids would love to see all of their cousins again, and there is extended family to visit, and a new cousin to meet (my cousin's second child).
On the other hand, I'll pretty much have to sacrifice my garden if we go. I can plant pumpkins and sunflowers, and maybe peppers and hope for no frost before we get home. Maybe carrots too. NO zucchini, unless we plant and use them up before we go. I do not want to come home to a 100lb zuke. No way. I also like the comfort of home. For as long as we would go out West, it's a long time away. Not to even start in on the price of gas, and how much it would cost to take a family of 5 out to fun places like the Aquarium or Science World.
hmm, so much to think about. any suggestions?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
ups and downs
Ups
- new beds for the girls, and picked up in the city by a friend, so no travel involved!
- my mom up to visit here
- my mom taking N back to her place for 2 days, and that N missed us
- days where the temperature hovers around freezing, bringing the sound of dripping water, hinting at spring
- kids able to play outside for a good stretch of time
- getting the girl's room nearly finished
- easy naps for R in the new bed
Downs
- I being upset that it wasn't his turn to go to Nanny's for a couple of days. His tear-filled eyes were heartbreaking
- new beds not quite fitting in the bedroom as anticipated. a 9 x 11 room is tight for two.
- not being able to find a good shelf for the girl's room, anywhere in town
- knowing that Rob will be super busy and out and about this week
- easy naps in the new bed were just a phase until big sister came home - like I didn't see that one coming.
- the handle of one of my pots breaking off. 10 year warranty, this is year 11.5.
- knowing that these warm temperatures are just a tease, and spring is still too far away
- new beds for the girls, and picked up in the city by a friend, so no travel involved!
- my mom up to visit here
- my mom taking N back to her place for 2 days, and that N missed us
- days where the temperature hovers around freezing, bringing the sound of dripping water, hinting at spring
- kids able to play outside for a good stretch of time
- getting the girl's room nearly finished
- easy naps for R in the new bed
Downs
- I being upset that it wasn't his turn to go to Nanny's for a couple of days. His tear-filled eyes were heartbreaking
- new beds not quite fitting in the bedroom as anticipated. a 9 x 11 room is tight for two.
- not being able to find a good shelf for the girl's room, anywhere in town
- knowing that Rob will be super busy and out and about this week
- easy naps in the new bed were just a phase until big sister came home - like I didn't see that one coming.
- the handle of one of my pots breaking off. 10 year warranty, this is year 11.5.
- knowing that these warm temperatures are just a tease, and spring is still too far away
Sunday, February 17, 2008
I'm currently reading this book on modern motherhood. I'm really, really enjoying it. A lot.
So many great thoughts about mommy guilt, stress, expectations, judgment....can't even sum them all up. This book has really generated a lot of thoughts in my head.
I really believe that motherhood is such an important job, yet we receive so little training for it. There are no licenses to apply for, no tests to take, no demerit points handed out, it just happens. Nobody prepares you for how draining it can be, how challenging, how stressful...or how lonely it is.
I've really found the whole mommy thing isolating, overall. Timing is often everything. Rob and I were in a time of transition in many ways when we were pregnant with our first. There were disruptions, moves (even in the same city, but into different neighborhoods), the fact that my only established friend who was also in the "baby zone" at the same time as me moved out of the area. It all compounded. Previous friends weren't on the mommy track at that time with me, and, well, our lives changed a lot after the boy was born. I didn't know how to reach out or ask for help, support and love, and really really could have used some.
Then the whirlwind of the 3 years from the arrival of daughter #1, large move, followed by pregnancy with daughter #2, and the blur of the first year or so with three children. Days I'm in no rush to repeat. At all. Hard days. Torn between wanting to establish myself here, and trying (and mainly failing) to make friends in a new town, and missing what was "home". Yet really failing at being able to maintain things there too. Which isn't fully all my fault either. Some days, I really wonder where I went wrong.
However, I know that I'm doing ok. I'm mostly a pretty good mom. I have it together more often than I don't...I think. (then again, simply by typing that sentence, I've pretty much guaranteed myself a crappy day tomorrow*wink* ) I love my kids, love them so much it hurts sometimes. Want to do the best for them, and be the mom they need and deserve. It's just so hard to cut yourself some "mommy slack" some days. It's just so hard being the mom some days - there is pressure to get it right, to do the right thing, to not mess them up so badly they will spend a fortune on therapy. It's a heavy burden, and we shouldn't try to carry it alone.
So how do you set up a mommy support? I've got a couple of long distance phone call friends, some on-line friends, some who fall into both categories, and I'm working on establishing some real life friendships too. It's just so hard to find the "right" people to feel comfortable and safe enough with to be vulnerable with. So hard.
So many great thoughts about mommy guilt, stress, expectations, judgment....can't even sum them all up. This book has really generated a lot of thoughts in my head.
I really believe that motherhood is such an important job, yet we receive so little training for it. There are no licenses to apply for, no tests to take, no demerit points handed out, it just happens. Nobody prepares you for how draining it can be, how challenging, how stressful...or how lonely it is.
I've really found the whole mommy thing isolating, overall. Timing is often everything. Rob and I were in a time of transition in many ways when we were pregnant with our first. There were disruptions, moves (even in the same city, but into different neighborhoods), the fact that my only established friend who was also in the "baby zone" at the same time as me moved out of the area. It all compounded. Previous friends weren't on the mommy track at that time with me, and, well, our lives changed a lot after the boy was born. I didn't know how to reach out or ask for help, support and love, and really really could have used some.
Then the whirlwind of the 3 years from the arrival of daughter #1, large move, followed by pregnancy with daughter #2, and the blur of the first year or so with three children. Days I'm in no rush to repeat. At all. Hard days. Torn between wanting to establish myself here, and trying (and mainly failing) to make friends in a new town, and missing what was "home". Yet really failing at being able to maintain things there too. Which isn't fully all my fault either. Some days, I really wonder where I went wrong.
However, I know that I'm doing ok. I'm mostly a pretty good mom. I have it together more often than I don't...I think. (then again, simply by typing that sentence, I've pretty much guaranteed myself a crappy day tomorrow*wink* ) I love my kids, love them so much it hurts sometimes. Want to do the best for them, and be the mom they need and deserve. It's just so hard to cut yourself some "mommy slack" some days. It's just so hard being the mom some days - there is pressure to get it right, to do the right thing, to not mess them up so badly they will spend a fortune on therapy. It's a heavy burden, and we shouldn't try to carry it alone.
So how do you set up a mommy support? I've got a couple of long distance phone call friends, some on-line friends, some who fall into both categories, and I'm working on establishing some real life friendships too. It's just so hard to find the "right" people to feel comfortable and safe enough with to be vulnerable with. So hard.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
tagged!
From Emily's blog
The Rules:-
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.
"I was nervous at first but it worked like a dream. I kept my part of the bargain: I stayed out of his way and was very polite to him when I was in his company. Mum asked me, did I like him and I opened my eyes very wide, which is a good thing to do if you're telling something not exactly true, and I said I thought Kent was just find and Mum said I was a good son, a very good son indeed, and her eyes got watery so I took myself off."
From Maeve Binchy's Whitethorn Woods
I tag : Billie, Bonnie, Magan, Monika and Teri
The Rules:-
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.
"I was nervous at first but it worked like a dream. I kept my part of the bargain: I stayed out of his way and was very polite to him when I was in his company. Mum asked me, did I like him and I opened my eyes very wide, which is a good thing to do if you're telling something not exactly true, and I said I thought Kent was just find and Mum said I was a good son, a very good son indeed, and her eyes got watery so I took myself off."
From Maeve Binchy's Whitethorn Woods
I tag : Billie, Bonnie, Magan, Monika and Teri
Thursday, January 24, 2008
in case anyone needs a brush-up on babies
if you need a refresher course on baby care, please check this link out.
you may learn something important.
or you may laugh really hard.
perhaps both.
you may learn something important.
or you may laugh really hard.
perhaps both.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
winter blahs
I am SO over winter right now. It's been so cold lately, and when it was less cold, we were all sick. I haven't had the kids out to play in the yard in forever. Makes me feel like a bad mom.
This is our third winter here, second full one. I'm really glad it's sunny today, because I'm done with the gray and dreary days. Easter is in two months, and there will most probably be snow. Who sings "I'm dreaming of a white Easter"? Nobody, that's who. I can't picture at least two more months of snow, maybe 3, depending on how well it melts.
I understand why people run off to tropical places. My friend Jen was talking the other day about how she wishes she was back in Jamaica...and I almost, for a second, felt sorry for her. Which I told her, and then we laughed. I don't know, is it better to go somewhere south, warm and sunny to come home to winter...or not to go and to never have your system totally shocked by boarding a plane in hot temperatures, and arriving to a deep freeze? Maybe I'll have to try the tropical vacation to compare...
Too bad my husband went into a career that is not known for it's high wages. On the other hand, he made the front page of one of the local weekly papers yesterday. It's a picture of him using my hairdryer to melt the lock of the church door. My hair dryer is almost famous!
This is our third winter here, second full one. I'm really glad it's sunny today, because I'm done with the gray and dreary days. Easter is in two months, and there will most probably be snow. Who sings "I'm dreaming of a white Easter"? Nobody, that's who. I can't picture at least two more months of snow, maybe 3, depending on how well it melts.
I understand why people run off to tropical places. My friend Jen was talking the other day about how she wishes she was back in Jamaica...and I almost, for a second, felt sorry for her. Which I told her, and then we laughed. I don't know, is it better to go somewhere south, warm and sunny to come home to winter...or not to go and to never have your system totally shocked by boarding a plane in hot temperatures, and arriving to a deep freeze? Maybe I'll have to try the tropical vacation to compare...
Too bad my husband went into a career that is not known for it's high wages. On the other hand, he made the front page of one of the local weekly papers yesterday. It's a picture of him using my hairdryer to melt the lock of the church door. My hair dryer is almost famous!
Monday, January 21, 2008
what's in a name?
I was listening to CBC radio yesterday morning while doing the breakfast thing. On the Sunday Edition, there was a conversation about women's names. About taking husbands names, or keeping maiden names. That there has been a large return in the USA to women taking their husbands names at marriage. Something like 90% of women marrying recently will take their husband's name.
I took my husband's name. I liked my maiden name, it was easy to spell, easy to say, and neither too common or unusual. I used it for work purposes, it was part of my identity. I also had no issue with taking Rob's last name. Equally easy to say and spell, if with one more syllable than my maiden name. If our last names together didn't sound so silly, I may have hyphenated, maybe not. I mainly took his name, not just out of tradition, but because I wanted it to be easy for identification of the relationship between us and our future (at that point) children. For us all to have a common last name.
There are women out there who believe that taking your husband's last name is a slap in the face to feminism, yadda, yadda. That women need to step out of the system that keeps them labeled at their husband's property.
I don't buy that. After all, isn't our "unmarried name" just showing that we belong to our father? I smell a bit of irony.
I took my husband's name. I liked my maiden name, it was easy to spell, easy to say, and neither too common or unusual. I used it for work purposes, it was part of my identity. I also had no issue with taking Rob's last name. Equally easy to say and spell, if with one more syllable than my maiden name. If our last names together didn't sound so silly, I may have hyphenated, maybe not. I mainly took his name, not just out of tradition, but because I wanted it to be easy for identification of the relationship between us and our future (at that point) children. For us all to have a common last name.
There are women out there who believe that taking your husband's last name is a slap in the face to feminism, yadda, yadda. That women need to step out of the system that keeps them labeled at their husband's property.
I don't buy that. After all, isn't our "unmarried name" just showing that we belong to our father? I smell a bit of irony.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
very interesting food for thought
on benign neglect of children
I fully think this justifies me drinking coffee and flipping through a magazine in the morning while my kids run up and down the hall playing monster and dress up.
I fully think this justifies me drinking coffee and flipping through a magazine in the morning while my kids run up and down the hall playing monster and dress up.
Monday, January 14, 2008
bummer
I was at my mom's this weekend, got the boy and I looked at by a doc - we're both fine and on the mend. went to church with my mom, and got to sit through an entire service. the kids went to the Sunday school, and did great. I finally got to sit and hear a sermon without handing out sippy cups, keeping a squirmy toddler from swinging on the pew in front of us, or teaching Sunday school. Great, right? no. mom's priest is not a great preacher. He didn't reference the bible lesson at all, and I'm still not quite sure what his point was. Maybe I should get Rob's sermon notes from yesterday instead.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
blah
influenza is a nasty thing. let's just say that 2008 hasn't been a great year so far, courtesy of said illness in this house.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
Just for a New Year's laugh (at me), here's a rundown of my Christmas Eve, after having egg nog bread pudding and wine at J's house.
goodness.
DH left at 6 to make sure our church was ready to go for our 7pm service. I was "hair done, make up on, just not dressed" at that point. The kids were still finishing up supper.
So I get the kids dressed. Ruby is struggling to poop (ongoing issue), so I need to give her a little helper (suppository...nice....). While I'm doing that, my dad phones long distance and is chatty. I'm trying to multi-task, it's all good.
Then Ruby poops. Oh my. that's all I will say about that, except that I accidentally flush the toilet when she wants to do it. whoops.
Then we are just about ready to head out the door. I realize I'm still in my yoga pants and tank top.
I run into my room, throw on my jeans and my nice shirt. Good to go. Remote start the van, take the kids out (and it's *just* below freezing -yay! finally warm!), get them into the van with minimal issue. Except that my pants are feeling funny. I put on the too big jeans. So I run back into the house and grab my belt, and put it on as I'm walking back outside. Then I realize that my belt is too big, so back inside to jab a new belt hole.
We get to church, that's all good. Kids are wound up, lots of fun. They handle the service well - including Ruby actually yelling "baby Jesus" and holding up the baby Jesus from our pageant yesterday when he's talking about her stealing the baby Jesus at the end of yesterday's pageant. Oh ya, that's *during* the sermon.
After the sermon (which we do in near darkness), we light candles and sing Silent Night. Guess whose daughters manage to drip wax on her, from both sides. 
Then, Norah decides she needs to use the washroom. Apparently, I'm not allowed in to help her. UNTIL she's stuck on the toilet and can't reach the paper. After pooping. Did I neglect to mention she had locked the stall door? Guess who got to slither under the stall door.
So now I'm home, all is well. I took the kids driving to look at lights and wind down. Then we got home and all into bed.
Then I got to plunge the toilet (see earlier pooping incident).
Merry Christmas - can only go up from here, right???
goodness.
DH left at 6 to make sure our church was ready to go for our 7pm service. I was "hair done, make up on, just not dressed" at that point. The kids were still finishing up supper.
So I get the kids dressed. Ruby is struggling to poop (ongoing issue), so I need to give her a little helper (suppository...nice....). While I'm doing that, my dad phones long distance and is chatty. I'm trying to multi-task, it's all good.
Then Ruby poops. Oh my. that's all I will say about that, except that I accidentally flush the toilet when she wants to do it. whoops.Then we are just about ready to head out the door. I realize I'm still in my yoga pants and tank top.
I run into my room, throw on my jeans and my nice shirt. Good to go. Remote start the van, take the kids out (and it's *just* below freezing -yay! finally warm!), get them into the van with minimal issue. Except that my pants are feeling funny. I put on the too big jeans. So I run back into the house and grab my belt, and put it on as I'm walking back outside. Then I realize that my belt is too big, so back inside to jab a new belt hole. We get to church, that's all good. Kids are wound up, lots of fun. They handle the service well - including Ruby actually yelling "baby Jesus" and holding up the baby Jesus from our pageant yesterday when he's talking about her stealing the baby Jesus at the end of yesterday's pageant. Oh ya, that's *during* the sermon.
After the sermon (which we do in near darkness), we light candles and sing Silent Night. Guess whose daughters manage to drip wax on her, from both sides. Then, Norah decides she needs to use the washroom. Apparently, I'm not allowed in to help her. UNTIL she's stuck on the toilet and can't reach the paper. After pooping. Did I neglect to mention she had locked the stall door? Guess who got to slither under the stall door.
So now I'm home, all is well. I took the kids driving to look at lights and wind down. Then we got home and all into bed.
Then I got to plunge the toilet
(see earlier pooping incident). Merry Christmas - can only go up from here, right???
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