Sunshine

I just want to start out by saying I really thank God everyday that I'm blessed to see the sunshine.  There's just something about the way it covers everything...no exceptions, how it can peek out from around a dark object to bring a beautiful ray through and illuminate everything in it's path.

We have just had the opportunity to vacation in the sunshine state of Florida for the past two weeks and what a joy it was to see the sunshine daily. Even if there were cloudy days there was always a peek of sunshine at one point or another during the day and it just made me smile. As I thought about the sunshine and how wonderful it is I also thought how wonderful it is when people are like sunshine.  There's always someone that you can think of that is like sunshine....they make you feel warm, bright, happy, and like you just don't want to sleep. For me sunshine gives the feeling of wanting to do things with or for others. I just want to smile when I see that same look in others eyes as they too enjoy the sunshine.

But then there's the gray days....we had those on our travels home.  It stormed, heavy heavy rain and as we got further north it turned to snow. The last morning of of travels we were at breakfast and the gray skies felt heavy. Then I noticed a little ray of sunshine (not really but it made me feel, at first, like it was real). I spotted out the window someone clearing the sidewalk outside...but there was something unusual about him.  I thought to myself "if He does this for a living why does his coat look so tattered?" then He turned around. I realized that this wonderful man was a poor homeless man doing a kind dead for a restaurant so that the pattrons wouldn't slip on all the snow that they themselves had failed to clear themselves. I thought "how nice of Him...I'm sure that they could give him at least a warm cup of soup for His kindness". Of course no sooner had I thought that and looked back out the window only to have the heavy gray skies fall hard. A worker went out, took the shovel from Him and sent Him on His way with nothing.

It's sad to see how the world is forgetting the importance of shining light on all.  When is the world going to remember that we are all God's children and we need to look out for one another?  We were pretty much finished at this point too so we quickly got in the car and drove around the building trying to see which way He went (thinking in snow we could find His tracks) but not a track to be found. I don't know where he went to but I was blessed for that moment. I want to let my sunshine shine and I really am going to try harder to let it shine on everyone and not hide behind the clouds.

Balance

I was recently told that I was admired at how I'm able to jump into things with both feet. After really thinking about that I could see how that could be. I love to be involved, I love being around people and helping out, learning new things and really it comes down to the need to feel needed.

Many times I've been asked "is there anything you can't do?" And of course there's many. There is however one thing that I wished that I could do. And that is making connections with people that have meaning. I know it's because I feel that something will happen to come between myself and that person (sure surprised that I'm married). I live feeling like at any moment my world is going to crash down around me, so if I'm busy with "things" that somehow I'll be happy because those things can still be there even if the people I really care about aren't. I know now that is not the case.

I am aware that in my family there is history of  depression...and yes everyone at some point goes through some form or another of it (whether they'll admit it or not). I haven't ever gone to be tested but  I know what I can do to help me through days that I feel a little low. I tend to find something I like, dive in and then become slightly obsessed with it for a while. Eventually even that doesn't work and I become bored with it so then it's on to something else. Running and excercise have always been a good way for me to keep balance and if I allowed myself to I could become very obsessed with that...I'd look fabulous but I know that too much of a good thing can turn into a not so good thing.  So it's finding the balance in life that allows for all those things one loves with the things one needs.

Now I suppose really I can't say that I haven't been able to make meaningful connections with people, after all I am married and have three wonderful children who come to me with their concerns and we have wonderfull heart to heart conversations.  So what is it that I'm really looking for? Should I even feel like I am missing out on something? Maybe the real need is for me to have a better connection to the one that matters most.   ...have I let there become distance between myself and my Father in Heaven?

Knowing that I am able to connect with my Father in Heaven allows me a comfort that nobody or nothing else ever can and I'm greatful for that knowledge. So I guess when asked the question "is there anything you can't do?" I should be answering no...because I know that with the connection I can have with my Father in Heaven He will help me do whatever righteous desire I have...but only with His help am I able to do so much.  It's not possible on my own, even though it may appear to others that I have done it, they just weren't able to see that I was just the puppet used by the master himself!
So I guess the fact that we all need to find a connection and feel needed comes from the pre existence where we knew more specifically the needs of others and ourselves. We have the desire within us the find it again and possibly become saddened that we've lost it while we are here on earth. But knowing that the lost can be found is the best possible thing I could ever strive to accomplish. So I'll continue to jump in and do what I can to build those connections and make life count because who doesn't what to feel needed?

Hope this puts a little smile on your face....

 

I am not  Mrs. Incredible but I'm trying and want my children to try too!

Sandy ~ There she blows!

So Sandy gave us a little wind, rain and miscellaneous items that flew around in the wind. Thankfully none of it doing any damage to our property, with the exception to the loss of our rain barrel-it was cracked at the bottom and will no longer hold water. I was able to secure the items I was worried about. And those I didn't secure I guess if they were still here when it was all said and done I didn't notice either way, after all stuff can be replaced. So I had a video that I took showing the damage around us but it's not cooperating (it was too big for facebook so maybe it's too big for here too), so you'll just have to make due with some of the pictures I took in the neighborhood.

 

                                        So this one, once removed, did damage to the roof.

                                           
                                            This was one of many fences that were down.

 

                         This one was Lucky...car wasn't damaged and neither was the roof!

The neighbor to our north lost 1/2 of their big Willow tree and part of their olive tree (because the willow landed on it). To the south the neighbors fence that seperates our backyards lost 2 sections. Every once and a while I find their dog in our backyard...just hope he doesn't leave any presents for us!!! Unfortunately it's not a shared fence so we just have to be patient and hope the weather holds out long enough for them to have someone come and fix it for them.

 

So there it is...now we'll wait for the snow and see what fun things I can capture with our next weather system that comes this way.

God bless all those on the Eastern part of the USA who've suffered major losses and those who are helping with the clean up efforts, may you all find comfort, peace and safety as you rebuild.

Summer of 2011 ~ Cousins

Welcome cousins. After a long drive it's good to get out and scooter! I know that they were happy to be out of the van knowing that they wouldn't have to get back in right away.


(Abby, Brayden & Tanner)

Funny how Tanner never wanted a scooter...until after his cousins came...we even sold one in a yard sale because he never even took it out of the box.

So once we all got settled, figured out sleeping arrangements and hugged and all that good, mushy family stuff we made some plans. A day at the beach was underway and the following is an account of that adventure.


So here we are at Mitchell's Bay...I blogged about the "event" that occurred upon our arrival and the slight miscommunication. The picture doesn't give a good idea of the distance that they actually could go out...and did!



The next few pictures are also from our day there!


(Little Joe finding shells)

(Abby)



Next you'll see that boys will be boys!! These two made me laugh so hard and it took me back in time to a day on the beach with Mishel and I and some really cool and smooth wet clay! It was so fun to watch them and see how much fun they were having...it's when instead of it going on their heads and was being flung threw the air to unsuspecting targets that it wasn't as fun to watch anymore.
I do absolutely LOVE this picture of these two...it totally captured the moment!




(Brayden and Tanner)


(Brayden ~ I love the sign behind him...totally not intended)



(Brayden and Tanner ~ I think they were discussing their next move?!)

Now I know Mishel isn't going to like me for this next picture but it was the only one I had of her (sorry sis)



So this was our day at the beach...for whatever reason I didn't get many pictures (could have been the fact that I had to be in the water as lifeguard for a bit and then I was tired). We had a wonderful KFC picnic lunch with all kinds of other snacks that all enjoyed. Even little baby Lauren was in the water for a bit with Mishel. All said and done I think it was a good memory making day!Goal accomplished. Bonus was the kids were tired after their day of fun:)

My Baby is 8!

I knew that this day would come, but I tried to not think about it! It's sad and wonderful all at once and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. So many new things that Sarah is going to expereince. I'm so excited for her but at the same time because of the challenges that she has (and hides very well), I'm nervous for her also.

She is my girl that LOVES life.
LOVES her family.
LOVES church.
LOVES that she's now 8 and preparing for her baptism.
LOVES people (especially babies).
LOVES trying to figure out how things are done.
LOVES to try what others are doing.
LOVES to help.
LOVES to be wild and crazy (which is fun to watch).
LOVES paper.
LOVES creating.
LOVES to dance.
LOVES to sing.
LOVES music.
LOVES to cuddle(still).
LOVES to be outside.
LOVES to go on adventures.
LOVES her relatives.
LOVES talking on the phone.
LOVES school.
LOVES to do things in the kitchen.
Loves letters in the mail.
LOVES things in order/organized.
LOVES washing her hands.

I guess I could say she's my girl who LOVES the most the best! I LOVE her and don't know why I've been so blessed with such an angel! I'm so happy that she is a part of our family. She brings a smile to my face daily and is always so warm and caring to those around her....I LOVE HER!

Coming Soon......

(picture in Drumheller Alberta...summer of 2010)


Believe it or not there will soon be pictures to accompany my blogs (when appropriate)....I am so very excited that one of my wonderful sisters were able to walk me through the steps for my computer to do this as any attempts on my own left me picture less and beyond words. So I truly think that I will be able to do this unaided from here on in and any followers I have (be they few) will now be able to see visually the things I speak of! I'm excited and nervous all at once (I wish not to fail you my faithful followers).

Now that being said don't expect anything too soon as I have over 6000 pictures to organize first and then find the time to tell you about them!

Filling in the Gap

So here we go again....I know, I KNOW it's been a while since updating but that's my life. Where do I start? The last entry was about Dennis and his kidney's, the gardens and summer coming. And now it's fall, kids are back to school and life continues to whiz by with no concern for the fact that I'd like things to SLOW DOWN.
Well, so, summer! The kids all attended some summer camps at the local YMCA. They enjoyed it and I tried to do it so they weren't all gone at once so I could (selfishly)spend some time with them doing something special. Throw into the mix now that Mishel decided to drive out for a visit with her five in August and I'm not sure where that month went! It was great fun having her here and seeing the eight cousins enjoying each others company. We had great fun at the beach (Mitchell's Bay) one day,only one minor problem when we told them they had to stick together...nobody in the water alone...next thing we know we see this group out further than anyone else (including adults). As I attempted to run/swim/yell at them to come in a short moment of panic when I realized the #'s didn't add up to kids in the water and WHERE are the two missing ones? Brief scan of swimmers closer pin pointed the two with greeat relief that I would not have to scan under water looking for bodies! (I think this might have been where Mishel's kids got to see me at my finest moment of calm and love as they all...my kids included...got a minor speach about water safety and using their brians) Or where once again there was miscommunication....telling them all to get in. They all reached the shoreline and waited as I helped drag in the last one (who did have a lifejacket on)until I got there and then clarified that they didn't have to get out but that we had to set boundaries for how far out they were permitted to go. All went well after that! They enjoyed the mud fight they had, the clay application some of them gave themselves and of course collecting shells.
Now in the mix too we were having a deck installed which was supposed to be ready for Tanners Birthday party...well lets just say we were rained out anyhow so I guess having it completted 4 weeks later was okay! NOT. His birthday was still good, he loved that his cousins were here and I have to say so did I.
September brought school, new teachers, and routine! We also started to reno our main bath (the only shower/bath we have) and just as we had that underway we took in a teenage nephew for a week (no wait that turned into two weeks). Poor guy not able to shower daily and having to be taken to a strangers house to shower every other day. It took a bit but now that we're into Oct. things are going pretty well. Now we just have to add into the mix Tanner's hockey practices and games. McKalyn is doing ballet twice a week and LOVES it! Miss Sarah is taking piano lessons and so far says she likes it.
As for the bathroom reno. well it's just about there. We had issues with the plumbing (leaks) and the guy that did the tile missed cutting the hole for the shower head pipe in the right place so we aren't able to attatch the shower head yet (hope he can fix it). They broke too many tiles cutting the ones for the shower so I've had to order more. So there's one missing in the shower that they have to some back and do. Then when we went to install the vanity countertop we opened it to find it was cracked right in half on the one side (it's a marble sink/countertop all in one) SO we had to exchange that...then when we went to install the drain for the sink, the new vanity is taller so we didn't have a long enough piece of pipe! That's okay though because I can see what it will look like once it's done and I love it. Once it's all together I'll attempt to get pictures for you all.
I'm hoping now that I'll be able to find some tile to finally do the kitchen backsplash. I kind of want to try and do it myself and surprise Dennis. Other than that there's painting that I'd like to do to freshen up the house since we haven't done anything to it since we did the work to move in over 3 years ago. Actually the next major project will be the family room...I want that ugly panelling GONE.
So now that I've filled the gap between then and now I hope you're happy to know that I'm still alive and well and looking forward to being able to complete the few tasks still at hand so I have more time to update more often.(with pictures).

Rare? Different ...yep!

Short and sweet! My husband is a "rare" case! This is what the Dr. told him after his latest test. Apparently his problem, (with his kidneys) he's had since birth! hee hee hee...we always knew he was a little different! They aren't going to do surgery due to the fact that it may make things worse and because it doesn't seem to bother him and he's in no pain they're going to leave well enough alone. Not so sure how I feel about that but Dennis doesn't want to go for a second opinion so that's that! Between the two kidneys he has the equivalent of one fully functioning kidney so I guess that'll do.

As for the rest of life...well the veggie garden is 90% planted, flowerbeds 75% done and thoughts of summer fun are there!

So I'll leave you with a random thought: why is it that male and female Blue Jays aren't so easy to tell apart? (We have a nest in our lilac bush)

Something Different about SPRING

Spring has finally arrived and the sun is a welcome friend. I have to say that I love spring and the things that it brings. Flowers, gardening, fresh rain and more outdoor time.

I was able to spend 2 weeks this year in Florida, with my family, in March and I have to admit that it was so uplifting to be able to have warm sunny days everyday we were there. It was just what I needed after such a long winter this year. Before we left I felt so tired and depressed of the constant gray sky and white snow that most mornings I didn't even want to look outside, let alone get out of bed! So with Spring in the air now and what spring means (at least to me), I am thrilled to be out and about. Gardening, walking/running, reorganizing and just plain old getting things done.

Now I'm sure you're wondering why I'm writing such a BORING blog....well truth be told I'm just not that good at telling funny stories or posting fun pictures(gotta take the fun pictures first). So as I see from my followers, my blog is more or less a way for me to just be. I can write whatever and nobody is going to be to excited or disappointed! Does that make it right? Shouldn't I want to make this blog better? Shouldn't I want to do more, be more and contribute more to others? Well spring into action if you can and let me know. I'm up for something new...a CHALLENGE! And maybe this is what it'll be. A fabulous blog about things that others what to know....you ask the question and I'll research and post my findings!

To be honest I think I need a bit of a distraction something else to think about. My husband has been going through some medical testing because they've found that he only has one working kidney right now and they are trying to figure out why. The Dr. would like to see if they can't get the kidney that has shrunken back to working order but aren't sure yet if that is possible....hence the testing. It's also possible that it's a genetic thing and if so they'll be wanting to test the kids. I try not to think about it too much because we are doing what we can and the Doctor has been very good at getting this done quickly. So we just keep praying. Of course this all came as a shock and that's just the way life is. So we do our best and hope for the best and know that it'll all be okay. The sun is shining and we are blessed.

WELCOME SPRING!

My Own Glass House

So I must confess something....(don't worry it's nothing bad). I've always been the kind of person to be spontaneous and not really have a "plan". I'd see something I thought looked like fun and would do it, often starting and maybe not finishing. I'd go places without planning ahead you know kind of just went where the wind blew me. Though I've survived and made out okay this far I've realize the consequence of my past behavior. Yikes!
I catch myself all the time just doing things because...not really because they have a purpose or because it's something I should or need to be doing, but just because. I know this isn't what I should be doing and I see that my kids are following in my footsteps which has me terrified for them. I know we all need to learn from our mistakes and we aren't perfect and because of this knowledge that I have I'm trying harder to not do some of these things. What I do today DOES matter! SHOULD matter! And WILL make a difference! I think if I can keep that in mind life will be so much easier! And of course by easier I mean I'll be challenged daily, every minute and THAT is what I want so I can grow.
Now I'm not saying that I'm never going to be spontaneous or never going to try new things that I think look fun, yummy, cool or beautiful. It just means I'm going to plan better, love & laugh more and think before I do. I'm going to independently think for myself what is right for me and my family.
~I Love Growing Up ~

Purpose

February is the month known for LOVE! (and my birthday). So I just thought I'd share some thoughts..................

I love that in life things come and go. I LOVE that with that we grow...or at least have the opportunity to grow with these things. I LOVE that we ask for help and give help too. Life is such a happy occassion with little bumps(some see as huge) to help us pay closer attention to what we are supposed to.

I LOVE that we all have a purpose...whether realized or not. I LOVE that we are given the chance to try and try and try again until we get it right or realize it's just not THAT important so stop wasting your time. I LOVE that we are never alone. I LOVE that there is always someone looking out for us. I LOVE that music is available everywhere(just stop and listen). I LOVE the sound of siblings playing and talking to each other about what matters to them. I LOVE seeing children walking hand in hand. I LOVE that I know who I am and where I am going. I LOVE that you are who you are and that you're a part of my life.

I LOVE that I can laugh at myself and cry with others. I LOVE that we are all on this journey called LIFE where we can give purpose and meaning to others who may feel they have not got any purpose. Let's help LOVE one another and build each other up and give meaningful purpose to all. After all doesn't it feel nice when you feel YOU HAVE A PURPOSE. Allow yourself to LOVE and BE LOVED.

Blessed

So life goes on....

We've had a crazy year and I can hardly believe that it's coming to a close so soon. Our trip out west, of course, was too short. We have adventures both on the way out and on the way home. Severe storm in South Dakota on the way out and sleeping in a Walmart parking lot, helping some other stranded travels by unloading the car to get to the jumper cables on the way home. Successful memories in the making!
Once home McKalyn wanted every thing "western" and the other two just wanted to return to their cousins soon!
All three kids are enjoying school and their other activities. Tanner has taken a big interest in gymnastics and is working hard at that. Sarah tried dance for a bit but is now doning some gymnastics too like Tanner and McKalyn. ( No skating this year for the girls...I can't totally say I'm happy but I sure won't miss the carnival sewing!)
Dennis is working, working, working and I am doing what I can where there's a need. It's been an interesting year. Of course with all three kids in school full time that has brought to the table a completely new chapter in my life that I'm still trying to adjust to.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Yee Haw

So as some of you may know....I grow up in Alberta until I was 12 and a half! I have always loved going back and visiting with family and friends and this year will be no exception.

As we plan to be there for July 1st fun, I can hardly believe that it's so close to our departure date! I feel like a kid at Christmas. I can hardly wait to leave, drive, and arrive in the west! (wondering about the drive home though).

My hope is that my sisters kids and my kids get along well or it could be a disaster!!! They have only been around each other once before at my youngest sisters wedding three years ago(I think that's right). I look forward to going to some of the places we would visit as kids ourselves and let my children experience the beauty of the country they are a part of and the wonderful things that God has created for us to love , appreciate and care for. I hope that we can create a beautiful memory for each of the children to remember for years to come.

I've been working at getting the house in order so that while we are gone I don't have to think about all that is waiting at home to be done when I get back too. I'm not so sure though that I should have planted a vegetable garden???? The weeds may be something to behold when we return. Well, whatever will be will be and that's all there is to it. Like I said at the beginning of the year...simplify! And so it was simple to plant and it will be simple to weed. Simple to see dead plants...flowers...houseplants...boxes of stuff without a home! It all takes time and so I will continue to use the time I have to get a little done each week! (Notice I didn't commit to a daily act?).

So I guess the lesson for today is if you fall off that horse you've been trying to break.....just holler shout Yee Haw and get back on!!!!

Ode to Me ~ self

It's a cloudy day...soon to be a rainy day and I thought I should fill all my followers in on my thoughts.

So my thought is that I've put away the going back to school idea. I've decided that I need to be doing the best I can and ALL I can with my children no matter how old they are and no matter what others think I should be doing instead of JUST being a stay at home mom. Though the challanges never cease I find that a blessing. As the children grow and learn and change that forces me to do the same. I have the opportunity to think about things differently 3 times (my kids are all individuals!) and it's a good challange for me. Not only do they learn new things through this process but so do I.
It has been nothing short of a miracle that I have the people in my life that I need in my life. Each and every person has a different outlook and opinion and I appreciated all of them and learn from each one. I sometimes think how much different I would be had these people not been around? What would I do differently than I do now? It's truly been a blessing in more ways than I could ever begin to count.
I've been able to see more clearly the plan that my Father in Heaven has put in place and I am so greatful that I have been able to follow some of it ~ of course I want to improve to the point that I can say ALL of it but in time that will come and I just need to keep that in perspective! I know that if we focus more on the positive things in life, the things we can do than life is so much more filled with joy and happiness. Who cares what others can do so well and you can't...who cares if others think a certain way....what's more important than the way we treat others is the way we treat/think of ourselves. I think the way we think about and treat ourselves is how we think and treat others.
So I've decided that I'm just going to work at being the best person I can be, teach my children what I can, learn new things myself and just be who I am and not who I think others want me to be. AND I want anyone reading this to do the same.... you are all awesome just the way you are and you can do things that others can't and need from someone who can! Keep smiling and don't keep those smiles for yourself ~ pass them on.

Adding to the family!

So we've done it again! Four more little feet running around our home! Little ones are always so much fun...so much work...so much more cleaning to be done...and yet so warm and cuddly that none of the other stuff matters!

It's now been about 3 weeks and we are all getting into some what of a routine and familiarity about this new situation. Some mornings come too early. Sarah will lay in bed saying "be quiet, be quiet, be quiet!" ....I think she'll become a great mom??!! For me it's like I don't even need an alarm any more and even the kids are getting up and wanting to help or play! It's just bringing the family together and it's been so nice to see the willingness they have to want to help.

I know for my husband though this all came as a HUGE unexpected surprise and I've got to say that he is really trying to do what he can...it's just hard when he's only home on weekends so he's not familiar with the routine and the changes that occur so quickly while he's away. I kind of feel sorry for the guy.

So I guess you are all wondering about "Name"? Well our precious little Shi-Poo is called Lucky! Yes that's right we are once again dog owners! For a whole week the kids were able to talked to Daddy on the phone and not tell him we got a dog! I never thought they'd be able to do it. Sarah though nearly broke, well kind of did but thankfully Daddy didn't hear her! We picked him up and then took Daddy out for dinner before going home. Just at the end of dinner she said "Daddy we got a doggie!"...I was just glad Tanner and McKalyn were talking to him and didn't hear her.

I had left the puppy in his crate and all his toys were put away so there was no evidence (except for a bag of doggie treats that I left on the table....not sure how my husband didn't notice them) when we walked in the house. Anyhow, the kids got in the house first and I told them don't say anything just go play the Wii! I knew eventually Lucky would whimper and want out so I just stood by my husband while he talked about his week and what he wanted to do on the weekend. It took a few minutes and a couple of whimpers for him to notice. He just turned around slowly with this look in his eyes and a half a smirk on his face...."you didn't?"... "I did!" I said with an unsure smile and Sarah just ran to the crate and pulled him out to show daddy! I think she was the most excited about keeping the secret. All she said to Daddy was but Daddy I really wanted a dog and you said after Easter! (So it was a little before Easter, close enough!)
Though I do wish the addition was more of the human kind, I do think that it's good for kids to see the work and care that is needed in caring for living things. There are so many things in life that are so terrible and I just want to provide my children with as many positive things as possible!

Now I just have to figure out what to do about the dog when I'm away in the summer visiting my sister and her family! (Kind of didn't think that through).

In A Nut Shell

The sense of things settling down came and went. With Dennis now driving for a different company that requires him to be on the road I find myself to be a married/ single parent. He worked for this company when McKalyn was just a baby and I'm not so sure that it's been any easier just because the children are older. His first "trip" out sent him to Florida, Tennesse, Ohio and a few other places that I don't recall. He left on the 21st of January and arrived back to the house the 30th. Boy oh boy ...the kids did NOT like that.
The challanges of me trying to maintain the balance of sanity, patience, happiness and overall well being I must say is hard. I know I told him that I'd supprot his decision to do this but does it mean I have to like it??? NO, would be the correct answer, but I do have to figure out how to make it work.
So I have purchased him a calendar that he is to record things in to help me with the bookkeeping and which I too have put a few things in there for him to remember...important dates that he needs to be home for. This way he is able to inform his work that he is unavailable...so we'll see if it works.
Next has been the thought of me going back to school. I guess I've always had a love for children and teaching them...they just excite me so much. I love watching their little faces when they realize they understand the concept being introduced. It truly is a miracle to watch them learn. I think that there's just no time to waste and there's always more that can be done...it's just finding those things that are THE MOST IMPORTANT. Almost ten years since the begins of caring for my own chldren and I could only hope that I can touch other children in need too. So with a prayer and some questions I will move forward with this possibilty of going back to school. Let's get crackin'!!!

So here it is...a New Year!!! Just thought I'd update you and let you know that I am definitely doing much better. In fact so much so that I've been doing some drywall work for Dennis' Aunt. The mudding is now done and my shoulder/neck haven't even been overly sore. I am recovering!!! Now I guess this means that I'll need to get to work on my laundry room reno.. Dennis has the closet (4x8)up and drywalled so maybe I should mud it now too! I can hardly wait for it to be complete, though I'm sure what I am envisioning is not going to become the total reality but it's nice to dream! Actually over time I'm sure I can do it. Kids are settling back into routine and Dennis is trying to figure out this new job he's started...things are slow so he's still home more than working and that frustrates him. Poor guy!
Well I'm going to keep this short and hopefully be able to do more posts this year. My plan is to simplify, organize and just let it go if I feel overwhelmed. "Life is climb" (thanks Hannah Montana aka...Mylie Cyrus). And as you all know I seem to be one who takes on the challenges! (no offense Dennis!!! LOL)
God bless you all.

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!