Quiet Moments

So I sit in my house with all my kids home and husband as well and yet not a peep to be heard....(no they are not drugged) Thank heavens for bribery... no hockey game tonight if you don't nap (yes Dennis that includes you)!!! Friends have invited us to join them in the BOX so it's a free night out! This is a first and I just hope he doesn't regret inviting us all!!! Especially because they will all be well rested and ready to party!
That being said I've had a moment to just hear myself think and ponder on the events of the past few weeks. It's always such a hectic time in December and it seems hard to take a moment for ones self to even just take a breath. I know for me I'm always thinking what can I do for ???? or what can I make and hand out to friends and neighbours to show the spirit of Christmas. On a personal note I've really been feeling like I need a project or that there's something just waiting for me to discover that I should be doing. So far anything that I have done just haven't filled that! So I'll wait, and I'll pray that I will know it when it comes my way. I have been released from my calling as primary chorister (which was my all time favorite calling EVER) ... still a little sad about that. My kids are all in school, Sarah still only part time. So here I am pondering my next move. I don't feel that it's a job outside of the home that is needed?! I'd love to be able to be an adopted aunt to little ones who's mothers maybe just need an hour or two of their own quiet moments.
Next month is January and the start of a new year! How completely great is that. I know that I will be busy with the girls figure skating club as I have agreed to be the skating mom for a group and will be sewing costumes for whom ever needs them. So I know that will be helpful for those who don't sew or know anyone who sews. I'm actually looking forward to that and to the end results of seeing the girls on the ice in the Carnival in March. They have both done so well for the first year.


When I stop and think of just how many blessings have been given to us this year I can hardly comprehend it. Through out the struggles of unemployment and odd jobs...to the property and getting things organized in order for it to be sold I know that I cannot deny the fact that Heavenly Father was watching out for us and as we did our part he has carried us through and we have been okay...actually more than okay and that is awesome. I cannot deny the fact that there is a God and that his son came to earth to show us the way to return to him IF WE CHOOSE TO. And that is what really makes me think when I have a quiet moment to myself.

Pity Party!!!

Ok so here it is.... or maybe isn't. I so don't like the fact that I'm about to say poor me because my sister Mishel certainly has more reason to be throwing this party. But in my last post I informed all(3) of my readers about my lovely incounter with the floor!!! I don't recommend it. Since the "incident" I have struggled! Meds/no meds...some meds/physio? I have been so confused and so unsure as to what I should be doing. So then I think to myself well, mind over matter, lets try and do some of the normal things a mom does with some modification. As I continue to learn about the oppoasite sex I've realized they seem so much more like children(sorry if this offends anyone) but because I've been up and trying to do things, you know just trying to keep our home some what "normal" it's like he thinks there is nothing wrong. I guess though too in all fairness I haven't told him about the pain that comes and goes but that's because of comments that have already been made about me "milking this one for all it's worth." So poor me! I just think really that it's all come on at a big fat sad time... Not only do I fall on my head, but I get released (but not officially yet?confusing) from my all time favorite calling ever and my sister loses her baby. SIDE NOTE: I was just informed my daughter has no clothes for school tomorrow! Thanks honey... I better get one that?! Or hello honey but the machine is downstairs and you know how it works too!!!! AAAHHHH! Sorry moment of weakness!

Truly I do know how blessed I am!!! My sister in law stopped by to see the christmas tree...(still not up) it's usually up the 25th of November because I love Christmas so much! I have really found it hard to get into the spirit! I have a few decorations up and the lights are up outside so obviouosly this year things are going a little bit different. Change is good and sometimes nessesary for that is how we see things in a different light and appreciate the things we have failed to see before. Any how it was nice though she and her hubby ended up coming with us to figure skating because we were just on our way out the door and that was a lot of fun! Santa made an appearance and the girls were just thrilled!

Well, I want to wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas and hope that your holidays are filled with Love, Laughter and Food ( you know all that great stuff that relatives make that we all look forward to each year!) God bless. And thank you all for coming to the party!(I've been sitting to long and need to get up!). Love you all!

911

So I guess I now know what it's like to be a passenger in an ambulance. Considering the fact that I was conscious and not dying I'd say the experience is one I'll remember.
So you ask why was I there? Plan and simple ... it was Saturday morning and the whole family was casually getting up and going for the day. We had eaten breakfast and Tanner decided he wanted his new CD on "Justin Beiber" ...we were dancin' and having a great time! Then someone (it may have even been me) had the fun idea of lets do fun dance moves like flipping over someones back! McKalyn had attempted it with Daddy but wasn't quite big enough to push herself over and ended up just going sideways. So I thought okay I'll show you what it looks like!!! Needless to say my form was poor and sock feet on a hardwood floor is probably not the best combo! Dennis' feet slipped and I slid off his back onto my neck and than he feel on me as well. PAIN yes there was a "little".
I felt so bad as I lay face down on the floor. I could tell Dennis really wasn't too sure what he should do but he snapped out of it and called 911. The kids were upset and I had to reassure them all would be well. The paramedics came and did their thing (Dennis trying to help and them just saying politely we've got it). Poor guy.
After a dozen or so x-rays they removed the neck brace (man that felt good) and the Doc. determined there were no fractures. Prescribed 3 different meds, had the nurse give me a shot of morphine&gravol as well as a muscle relaxer(I think). Any how I felt great...well I got home a fell asleep. Woke up long enough to eat dinner(Dennis cooked a roast!!!!) and then back to sleep I went. Dennis then woke me up around 9pm I think so I could take the meds. and then back to sleep I went.
The amazing thing is that things could have been so much worse. I truly am lucky that some minor muscle pain is all I have...I'm not stuck in a wheelchair or cast of any kind. I truly am blessed to know that Heavenly Father keeps his promises to us when we keep ours. A Christmas Miracle...I really do believe!

Tis the season

Just wanted to be the first to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

With Christmas soon to arrive and everyone rushing here and there it must just be the reason that this time of year so many people get sick. Yes we've had our fair share and are presently fighting the battle with virus' and such. I can see why people who are already down can go even deeper down if illness is placed on them. I am so blessed to have the knowledge and faith that helps get me through those tough times. One might say is it not enough that your husband has been out of work for 2 months and Christmas is coming what are you going to do now that your family is sick as well? Well seriously how easy would be to play the poor me card and invite all to my pity party. Don't get me wrong I've always been one for a party but if I was going to throw a party it'd be a ... THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE party and we rock the house all night long (or at least until the medication kicked in and I feel asleep)!
So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that I've really been looking at this past year and seeing how totally blessed my family and I are. We have not had to worry about food(thanks to storage) or shelter, we've not had to worry about bills (thanks to investments and odd jobs), we been able to sacrifice a little and make do and be ever so greatful for ALL that we do have. We've been blessed with extended family expanding and seeing and hearing the joy that these new little angels are to them in their lives and to me that's worth more than anything. Too often people just concentrate on all the negative things in life and forget about all of the millions of wonderful in life that have some their way...they just never took the time to stop and enjoy it when it presented itself.
I am looking forward to my side of the families Christmas this year becuase it will be at my home were I will welcome all of my family to enjoy time singing, dancing, playing, laughing, eating and most importantly just plain old spending time together getting to know one another. I just wish that all my sisters and their families were able to be here.
My heart goes out to all my family where ever you are, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and may God Bless you all for who you are and what you do!

Your Patience Is Apprectiated

So to all three of my followers I'd like to say thank you! Thank you for randomly checking to see if I've done anything new! Well if you check this week and read this then hopefully you'll be happy to know that I'm working on getting set to fill in the blanks that you've been requesting! Like pictures of my kitchen! (I just have to do a good cleaning) and the swing set in the back yard, powder room (even though we've never gotten a toilet to match the countertop, and maybe even some other things! So merci!......but don't be to upset if it takes some time(more than just a week).

Pioneer Days

Tanner so looks like he was a real pioneer student! Well okay so maybe he's not dirty enough and his hair is too neat! I must say though that I'm sure glad that I wasn't a teacher then....scratch, scratch, scratch on those slate boards was enough to send me screaming out of the one room school house like there was a fire! To top that off they then use quill pens...pretty much the same sound.






Yes everyone here it is the wonderful world of pioneers. I know you'd like it better then than now. Who wants plumbing and electricity? Fridges and gas stoves? Warm showers are for -----???!!! Wimps I know we all could do it if we had to. I must admit I really enjoyed being in a dress and having an apron. I was able to smother anything or one I wanted to.... no but really those aprons could hold a lot of stuff and I felt like a lady!

Staright From the Heart

So here's the thing. I go to my parents home for the Victoria Day weekend to help my father out. He's finally building his dream garage... well his garage none the less. I have to say that the weekend went great we really didn't do any construction until the Monday so for me that was nice because.... Saturday I actually was able to go out with my sister and shop! That's right no kids, no hubby ... well I had no money either but I had my sister and I helped her find some fabulous stuff!!! We left at about 10:30am and didn't get back home until about 3:45pm. We did call and check on mom to see that the three kids were behaving and she was still alive and not tied to anything...twice there was no answer??!! So, then when we got home mom was gone and so were the kids. She had left a note...gone for a walk down to the greenhouses down by the Falls and then we'll go to Dufferin Islands, I have the stroller too. First thought was okay the kids must have been bouncing off the walls...bored and mom couldn't take it anymore. They left at 2:30pm and didn't return until 5pm. Now I know what you're thinking well if you were home before her why didn't you go meet up with her. We did drive around trying to find her, in fact we spent half hour looking for her to no avail. But when she got home it was just as suspected and so she walked them to use up all that energy they had....only to tire herself out. Ooh how I love my mom and the sacrifices she makes to enjoy her family.

Now if I'd stop rambling the real reason for the post is that after the weekend was over and we had only been driving 5 minutes Tanner pipes up and says "I wish we didn't have to leave. I wish we could stay there forever. Everyone is just so nice." At first I thought "I know, I know." But then as true and sincere as the words he spoke, heart felt tears were falling from his eyes and he said "It was just so nice. Everyone talked so nicely to one another and there was no yelling and fighting. People were helping other people to feel happy. Why isn't it like that everywhere?" Man, if that didn't make me stop and put things into perspective! I felt like such a tool. Why do I yell so much? Why don't I say more nice things to them more often. If in just three days he noticed that much of a difference than what is he used to seeing, at school and at home! YIKES!!! Yes then my tears were flowing I could totally feel his sorrow and pain. I'm so thankful for the knowledge of the atonement and the fact that nobody is perfect! I know that I'm trying but I also know there's always room to do more and to do better. That's the test and I'm thankful for that opportunity to grow and learn. All we need is love, love. All we need is love!!

I love you all and hope that you know I'd do whatever I could to help in anyway!

All you have to do is ask! (Haven't I see that somewhere before???) Keep smiling.

Inexpensive Update- Waiting!!!!

So here it is! I know it's not completed BUT it's a work in progress and as the Romans once said. "Rome wasn't built in day!"

First I must let you know that there's a story behind this powder room redo! Since moving into this home there has been constant construction it seems. We took possession of the home and didn't move in right away because the kitchen was BADLY in need of updating and just plain function was needed. Long story short we were 4 1/2 months with no kitchen! The kitchen still remains incomplete now and it's been almost 1 year in our home. On top of that we had to smash the cement patio up to dig the foundation and repair water leaks in the basement (that was done in October right before we got the first snow)....I'll have to do pictures of that lovely mess another time...We had no closet doors on the front entry closet until March of this year and only one bedroom has closet doors on the closet!

So being the woman that I am. Be that as it may for good or bad! I decided that I was going to do the powder room because I wanted at least one room in this house to be completed and I didn't have to have help with any of it. Dennis agreed.... until I started doing it! I removed the old shiny, flowery blue, silver and pink wallpaper and then............. Dennis decides he's going to help. Well I really hadn't planed on replacing the vanity.... painting it would've been alright. It did need a new counter top it was chipped and falling apart. BLAH blah blah! As it stands we had to wait to get a bone sink/counter top piece if we wanted it to match the toilet for about a month and a half OR have it special ordered...still have at least 2 weeks to wait....or go with the in stock white ones and then replace the toilet so it's white also!! Well we got the white and now have to wait....until our property sale closes the end of JUNE to get the white toilet so it matches. Of course I would've taken a picture of the lovely mismatched bathroom as it sits right now but I decided NO. I'll take pic's of the completed project including the roman shades that I'm making for the window and let you sit in suspense for the blog containing the finished project. (Hopefully I can remember how I did the pic's again for that entry!) I think my next project will be the gardens etc. outside or the laundry room...I think it's safe to say both of those will not be enticing project to my wonderfully helpful husband and if by chance he surprises me!

Time for a change

So I know by now that my blog is boring. No pictures to entertain you and keep the masses coming back for more. No fab. links to wonderful sights to help you in your life's mission or latest endeavors, no jokes, no tips, no unbelievable things, no new baby, no new house, no grand gesture of a helping hand. So why did you come and read my blog?

SIMPLE you needed a change from the norm. All those other bloggers with fab. pics. and videos, fancy backgrounds and over the top exciting lives. You wanted to feel less....more relaxed and like you have all the time in the world with no pressure of being better than the others. No pressure of keeping up with the Joneses. I'm so happy I could bring you the inner peace that you are missing just trying to "keep up". Change is good. SLOW down and take a breath ....it's important that you remember to breathe and take a moment for yourself.

The past week, this is just what I've done. I was able to go and visit my parents with just the kids (it was spring break and Dennis had to work). Mom took me to this book sale...fill a box for $29.95... we fit 60 books into the box and one of the books, that I pick up, I've been reading. It's a wonderful book that has really got me thinking.It's helped me to readjust some of the things I thought and really put things back into perspective. The book is call Woman First family always , by Kathryn Sansone. She appeared on the Oprah show. She's the mother of 10 children and it's an amazing read. Simple to read! Put it this way I started it on Monday and only have about 50 pages left... we were away from Monday to Wednesday @ a hotel and I just couldn't put the book down, instead of swimming I'd read...than swim to spend time with the rest of the family. The one night I even took it in to the bathroom because the kids and Dennis were asleep and I didn't want to turn on a lamp and wake them up! Crazy I know but I have just enjoyed this book. I really don't read much so when I do I love it to captivate me and inspire me like this one did. It's a must read I swear ... she is so inspiring and wonderful I can't wait to get back on the horse and get things right. I think I've just been to laid back and worried about stupid stuff that I really don't have control over that I've forgotten what I can control and where that can take me. CHANGE IS GOOD! Look out world Cindy is back!

Ground Hog Day

So I hear that it's Groundhog Day!! Shout for joy and break out some bubbly (apple cider) because winter is here for another 6 weeks! Only 6 more weeks of freezing our toes, 6 more weeks of shovelling snow, 6 more weeks of hats, boots and mitts, 6 more weeks of colds coughs and zits? (it rhymes...). Now on to the sun and the spring like fresh air. We wait and we wonder if cream eggs will be there? With spring comes Easter and camping and things. That everyone loves once the green grass does spring. I know in our hearts we love the seasons all four even if we must hauler PLEASE SHUT THAT DOOR! I know that before long we will chill in the pool and sip lemonade from the stand by the school. So enjoy what you can while the snow is still here because soon it'll be gone until later this year!
HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY EVERYONE!

Using Your Heart

As the mother of three and wishing physically I could have more I can see the hand of the Lord working. Though my wants are for more children I have been feeling the need to be doing "something more". I've had to ask myself, "What is it that is needed of me"?

Children have always been a passion of mine even before I had my own and now I understand that I can do more than I am. If I can truly fulfill motherhood to the best of my abilities and even push myself beyond what I feel I can, leaning on my Father in Heaven for guidance and support I can accomplish SO much more!!! I've always known this or at least thought I knew it . Maybe I've known it but now I've actually FELT this in my own life. It's easy to get discouraged by what seems to be in others lives, but how do we embrace our own lives? That's what really counts. How we help those around us even when we may feel they don't need it or want it is also very important.

For me I know that fear always comes to mind anytime I try something out of my comfort zone. That's only the natural man! I've been discovering how I can reach past that man and let my heart be the first in line. It's a BIG change! It's a change that I want to continue to work on. I've seen the difference it allows me to make in the lives of my children and others that I talk to or have contact with. I really feel that if more people would work from their hearts instead of their heads this world could be so much more. When will we wake up and really feel instead of just do? I'm trying! It's not easy but I know it's worth every tear that falls.

So life is fun. Since the last update!!!!(I know it's truly funny and pathetic that it's only 2x's a year)....Hey I have a life filled with running and doing and cleaning and sleeping and exercising and driving and eating and dreaming and waiting and writing and drawing and , and, and,,,,,, you get the picture. As a mother and wife I try to take the time to help those in my life become empowered people. That takes time!!! I also realize that I too need time to myself to reflect, rejuvinate, and figure out my next move. It truly is a balancing act that I like to keep even.....otherwise?????????????????????

I have to thank all those in my life (you know who you are....probably anyone who reads this) for the encouragement that you are to me. Sometimes it's just that knowledge that you care is all it takes for my day to be brightened and my load lighter. I guess that's what life is truly about. People helping people.

My house is beginning to look more like a home (the last postings pictures were kind of empty and cold). My kitchen ,although not 100% done, is really my new favorite spot in the house. Maybe it's just because I bought blinds for the window finally and I LOVE them! They just set everything off just right and it's a warmer feeling....like a big hug every time I walk in to the kitchen....I LOVE IT!!!!! Yah ... ... pictures might be a while! I have started to hang pictures and shelves and things around the house too and that seems to be helping to give life to the skeleton that has been haunting me the past 8 months. I really cannot believe that it's coming up on a year since we started this renovation project. All in all though life is good and I have enjoyed (for the most part) the work that this home has required and still does require....I need to feel like I've accomplished something or, for me, life isn't balanced. This is something that I have discovered for myself this past year.

I hope and pray for all that this year is full of blessings and miracles that you are able to identify and show gratitude for. God is good and is always there with open arms to hold you when you need him...all you have to do is ask. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Go for the positive!!!

RANDOM THOUGHT
What is the purpose of our belly buttons once we are born?