LAW ABIDING

The confusion of the words judge not least ye be judged ring in my ears. The thought of the awesome responsibility that is given to us all as citizens in this wonderful country of Canada definitely has caused me to ponder what I am teaching my children and question myself as to what I have not yet taught them.
For the passed 8 days (Nov. 13Th excluding Sat and Sun) until the 21st I have had the responsibility of sitting on a jury. This is definitely something that I will never forget. In the beginning I must admit I was excited to see how these types of things work and having never even been in a court room before I must say that I was a little nervous too. The realization of the seriousness of being a juror hit when the judge addressed us and read us our responsibilities as a juror and what we were and weren't allowed to do. Of course it was like a Doctor and patient. Confidentiality is top! No discussing (not even between jurors)about the case to ANYONE. The only time that we as jurors were permitted to talk about the case was when we were finally excused to begin deliberations. If we didn't come together with a decision we would be sequestered for the night in a nearby hotel until morning. Now think for a moment... 12 people with minds of their own all required to come together (or not) on the fate of the accused. I had never really thought about just how involved that would be, how not only mentally but emotionally involved one is when pondering the evidence and eliminating (if) any reasonable doubt. Is it not human nature to doubt? Well I did spend one night away from my family fulfilling my civil duty as a citizen and I must say that all though I am content with the outcome I truly hope that I don't have to do this again in the near future. I think that all the other people throughout this county can take their turn. Don't get me wrong I did have a wonderful time and the other 11 people I served with were totally amazing human beings and that in itself is reason enough for me to do my duty once again.

Halloween Fun

Happy Halloween to all. Yes this is a very scary picture of the family.... myself and husband in tights and ladies black underwear(Something I would have thought would ever happened) let alone me actually publishing it here on my blog for all to see. Hey we had fun and it was all his idea so I thought I should be a good sport. I love how my sweet daughter McKalyn has muscles too?! Hope this is the only time I see her look this buff!! I think I would've felt more comfortable in her costume with the extra padding to cover me up.
So I know that this blog thing is supposed to be a way of updating people on events and life in our home but obviously I am lucky to get something once a month to update everyone. I am going to try harder though. Especially now that I have beamed up to the 21st century (thanks to my little sis) and can add photos. I think the photos will give me more reason to post more often...after all I have about 500 photos now just waiting in the wings to be used through the wonderful world of technology.
Well I'm a woman of few words so this is me signing off for today. BUT I'll be back with more pictures and a few words as my creative juices are beginning to be unleashed once again.

P.S.

Random thought for this posting: I Love the end piece of the loaf of bread, lightly toasted with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon at night before bed every once in a while.(Especially in the winter)

Our Cozy Nest

So we, Dennis, Cindy, Tanner, McKalyn and Sarah are now in a temporary home until things with the newly constructed home are done. Well it'll actually be nice when things are even started!!! We are closely living in 738 square feet. I envision the pioneers and the homes they lived in with 8 children and think I'm pretty close to that now probably. I must say that I am so grateful for the knowledge the gospel brings.... we're not given more than we can handle and that we never walk alone. I know it's going to be a huge challenge but it's only for a moment in time.
Tanner and McKalyn are adjusting well to school. They actually have 2nd cousins at the school (Tanner has Simon right in his class) and they are spending time together. Sarah still thinks she should be allowed to go to school too but she is enjoying having mommy and daddy time without the other two also. Oh to be the youngest.
As far as the boxes being unpacked....they aren't! We have started to get pricing for the house to get a realistic outlook on this adventure. And for the most part ALL of my children are still alive and well and I have not signed myself in to the psych ward YET!!! Things are great!

Back to School

I remember the first days back to school after summer holidays like it was yesterday. Nervous, and excited all in one. For Tanner and McKalyn they have good reason to be nervous as they will be in a completely new school. They've only just yesterday been in to the school to see if they were even eligible to register.....with the house not completed it's a gray area. Thankfully they have been allowed to attend and I won't have to home school them. I refuse to have them transferred 3 times in one school year that's just too much for kids that age or any age.
Sarah on the other hand is very happy to see them going back because that means less fighting for mommy time. She did think though that maybe she should be going to school with the older two......Next year!!! Then what will I do????? Oh the possibilities!!!!!!!!!!
I really can't believe how quickly they are growing Tanner reaching that ripe old age of accountability and Sarah starting school in a year.....HOW'D THAT HAPPEN????? I truly feel like I've somehow missed all the past 6 years....or more that it's just jetted by like a speed racer trying to break the world record for being faster than the speed of sound or light or whatever it is! Time is definitely of the essence and I really need to take hold and make the best of it.
It's never too late to do the right thing and spend more time enjoying those you love. Even if that means changing yourself.

Summer to Remember

We are on the verge of a new adventure. The adventure of building our own home. Things are starting off quite slowly but as the saying goes ...... slow and steady wins the race, we've owned the land for 2 months now and haven't yet really got any further. It has been a learning experience because we are truly trying to do as much of it on our own and trying to cut costs so that we will be able to afford to stay in the house once it's completed. Now we still are in the process of trying to sell our present abode and once that occurs we will be moving into a modestly humble one floor(no basement), 2 bedroom home... yes I know we do have 3 children under the age of 7, but it's only for a small amount of time. Now some may say that we are crazy but I like to think that I love my family and we'll be just fine even. Or maybe you'll be visiting me in the psychiatric hospital 6 months from now. Whatever the case may be we are happy and finding joy in the thing we do together as a family and that's what I think is important!