Life Is Just so DAILY!!!

20th Anniversary

2009-09-16T10:20:00.004-04:00

20 years ago today, I said "I DO" to David. We were so young. So inexperienced in life. So naiive. Now 20 years later, we're older, carrying lots of life experience and no longer naiive. But I wouldn't change a thing. I would say "I DO" all over again. We are partners. A team. Best friends.

I love you David. More today than I did 20 years ago. I thank God for you. I pray that the next 20 years are as great an adventure! Happy Anniversary Lovey!

Wonderful Week-end

2009-07-20T10:38:00.024-04:00

Went to the lake on the week-end until Saturday night. Katie has a cold and wasn't feeling that great and wanted to be in her own bed. Went to bed early on Saturday and she felt better on Sunday. So we went and had a family picnic at the shore in Whitby and then went for a walk. On our way home, we were crossing the 401 and realized that a crowd was gathering for the procession of a soldier that had died recently. So we parked and joined the group of people to honour this fallen soldier. It was a very moving experience to be able to show his family that Canadians care about our soldiers and a great experience for the kids. A stop at Marble Slab on our way home and all in all, a very good day and a great week-end.

Oh What A Night!

2009-07-09T09:40:00.003-04:00

Shouldn't have bragged to my mom about the extra sleep I've been getting. Last night ended that:

9:15 - Headed to bed
10:00 - Finally in bed (this whole IV makes the process of getting ready for bed a bigger ordeal)
10:30 - Asleep
12:10 - Katie crying beside the bed - stomach in terrible pain
1:45 - She's finally asleep on the bathroom floor. Stomach flu at its finest!
4:00 - Antibiotics are supposed to start in my IV. Alarm goes off that there's a blockage. Fiddle with the cord. Everything works. Back to sleep.
4:01 - Alarm again. Fiddle with the cord - everything works, back to sleep!
4:02 - etc.
4:15 - Back to sleep.
6:45 - Morning alarm!

Shorter night than I intended. Worried about Katie - who wants the stomach flu in the summer?! YUCK! She's up today and feeling better but very tired. Home from VBS missing out. Hopefully getting better.

IV supposed to be done tomorrow morning. Have to be re-assessed today and HALLELUJAH... I was able to get into my own doctor at lunch time to have that done. I'm very, very, very happy to be able to avoid the ER! Leg still has colour but the nurse says she thinks it's doing well and they may keep me on IV for awhile longer or put me on oral antibiotics. What a fun trip! (not really.)

The Pills Didn't Cut it!

2009-07-04T16:35:00.003-04:00

7 days of meds and the infection wasn't cleared up in my leg. So went to emerg. to have it checked. Was there for nearly 4 hours and they put me on IV. Apparently I have small veins - and after the nurse got it in, she said "well... that was a shot in the dark - I guess I can tell you now!!" HA! Got home at 8:00 or so and then had to go back in for the 2:30 dose in the middle of the night. The frustrating part: You have to line up again. Go through triage, then registration, then to the nurse's station for re-assessment and then back to the waiting room to line up. Fortunately, the nurse at 2:30 was very pleasant and he took me right in and we were home again by 3:10 or so. Couldn't sleep of course. And then back at 9;30 to line up for the next dose. Was there til 12:00 or so - they were more busy that time. This time they allowed David to come in with me. Poor guy - he hates hospitals. They arranged home care and told us to pray that the nurse would be able to get to my place in time or we'd be doing another night of IV at the hospital. Meds arrived at 6 pm and nurse at 7:30 and the pump wouldn't work. Had to wait for another pump to be delivered and she was finally able to leave around 8:30. Sleep came last night but I was scared to move. The IV pump was charging on the left side of the bed. IV is in my right hand. Left leg elevated to help the infection. I was in one position for the night. I did sleep - so that was good. Leg looks less red today and less swelling. IV site is still good. 7 days of this! Kids and David have been great. Poor David has to help me do everything. The "in sickness and in health" part of our vows are coming to play! He's been great. I'm looking forward to a week away when this is all done. I am praying the infection is stopped this time.

That's all that's new here! Thanks for checking in !

Getting Older and Not Wiser~~

2009-06-27T13:18:00.002-04:00

I had a birthday this week. It was a wonderful day. I had to work but had lots of calls and emails and facebook messages that day and even delivery of flowers to work. We went out for supper to Mongolian Grill (YUM) and then some friends dropped by the house for a visit and then I went out to the movies with some girlfriends. A very busy and full day! Got to bed around 12:45 or so and woke up at 2 with a very high fever and felt AWFUL! Slept for 10 minutes at a time all night. Terrible night. Fever broke in the morning but came back during the day. Every inch of my body hurt. The roots of my hair hurt - very painful headache etc etc. At around 5:00 I saw a red patch on the back of my left leg. I have had cellulitis (Blood infection) before and my brother Paul has had them a number of times. We're prone to these I guess. I had a crack in my heel last week that I stupidly did not look after and I believe that is how the infection got in. Went to the clinic right away and got some antibiotics. Red is still spreading up my leg - now at my knee. Antibiotics should kick in soon (praying so) and it will hopefully stop the spread. Feeling a bit better today - not so much fever and the head ache is gone HALLELUJAH!!! Poor Jacob called his dad on his cell phone last night when we were at the doctors office and asked if what I had was fatal! Poor kid. Hopefully it's not fatal - just another example of my stupidity. I MUST look after my feet!!! I'm afraid a summer of socks and shoes is in my future!!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:12:00.006-04:00

Spent the day with Mom and Dad today. The kids and David had responsibilities at church today, so it was a quiet and enjoyable road trip for me today! I rarely get a chance to visit with my parents alone and I had a great time with them today.

My brother posted an eloquent tribute to my dad here and I'm not nearly as good at writing as he is, but just wanted to share how much I love my dad (and mom too!)today!

I was the only girl child in our family and it has been suggested that I have my father wrapped around my little pinkie! I am pleading the 5th! My dad has always been my hero. He has always been a fixer! And no matter what problems come our way, Dad has a solution! And when we make mistakes, he doesn't jump in with judgement but with love and understanding and a way to make things work!

In the past few years, Dad has taken more responsibilities on at home. He has always been a help to Mom that I can remember AND he was the ONLY father in my grade 13 sociology class that vaccuumed!!! He was ever so thrilled that I shared his secret at school! Dad was always great at cleaning but not too skilled in the creation department of the kitchen! His two specialties our whole lives were Grilled Cheese and Cream of Tomato Soup. About a year ago, he completely freaked me out. We were visiting and he pulled out a loaf of home-made bread and the following words came out of his mouth: "I was disappointed with this loaf - I think I put too much salt in." (Sputter, sputter/gasp!!!) Dad learned to bake bread and has helped Mom immensely in the kitchen. To celebrate his advances in this department, we all purchased a few things for Father's Day:

My dad is a hard worker - he's still working and looks forward to it most days! He is a straight shooter - he doesn't bother mincing words - but he's kind in the process!

He is devoted to Mom and has set a very high example to follow. He loves the Lord and has spent many, many hours teaching God's Word in discipleship programs.

Dad, Thank you for loving me and caring for me and not just being a father, but a dad and my friend.

I love you!
Happy Father's Day!

Such a faithful blogger!

2009-06-16T23:05:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it's been 2 months since I blogged! I do have ideas that I think might be worth writing down but I seem to forget about it by the time I sit at the computer.

To aid in my desire to write more.... I've changed my background. Want to change my name too but that will have to wait for awhile. Baby steps!

Much has happened in the past few months! I'll post a couple of pics to help tell the story!

Doctors Appointments

2009-04-02T09:38:00.002-04:00

Due to all the physical ailments that we have endured this winter, I thought it would be a good idea to get my husband in for his annual check up! Since I usually have to wait a bit to get in, I called today expecting to book a June appointment. Today is April 2nd. We're booked for September 2nd! HOW RIDICULOUS IS THAT. Then the receptionist told me that if David has medication that he is taking and needs to have it renewed, to be sure to call a MONTH before he's out of medication to see if they can get him in to renew it!?!?!?!

I called my daughter's GP to see if I could get her in for a check up and a concern that we had. She was booking for April 22nd - which is better than September. But I decided to call her pediatrician instead and see if we could get in there. We're booked for Monday!!! That's the kind of service I like!

Prayers Needed

2009-04-01T07:25:00.003-04:00

Would appreciate prayers for my dad! He has been very sick over the course of the week-end and I suggested an over the counter medication for colds that he took and has had quite a severe reaction to it. He got progressively worse yesterday and my mom and brothers decided to call an ambulance last evening. He was admitted to the hospital last night. They are still waiting for test results. They do know there has been a reaction (he's quite red from head to toe), but they are also checking for some heart things and pneumonia. I am at home and wishing I was there.

Would appreciate your prayers for our family. It has been an interesting few months... I'm wondering when I am going to be admitted to a psychiatric facility!!!

Laugh for Today!

2009-03-31T10:29:00.001-04:00

Seeing God in the Every Day Moments

2009-03-25T23:13:00.004-04:00

I confess that I'm not always looking for God in the moments of my day. I read a devotional recently that encouraged us to do that. Today that happened for me and it was a very special moment for Katie and I !

Katie is back at school with a cold and feeling rotten. Today was my first day back to work and so she has to take the bus home. The buses are full at the end of the school day and she used to walk about 1 km back to get on the bus before it arrived at the school, ensuring a seat for the ride home. She isn't feeling well enough to walk all that way with her heavy bags, so she called me today at work and wondered if she could get Gramma to come and pick her up. Not wanting to trouble Gramma, I told her that she would have to ride the bus and to wait outside the school and just tough it out and stand up for the ride home. It's packed and hot and she was not happy to get my answer. I got off the phone and prayed. I asked God to provide her with a seat today and not allow her to feel sicker on the way home.

She called 12 minutes later and said she was almost home. I asked how her ride had been and she said, "It was the craziest thing... there wasn't anyone on the bus today!" (goosebumps). She started to tell me all the reasons why she thought that had occurred and I interrupted her to tell her that I already knew. I PRAYED AND GOD ANSWERED!!!! YAY GOD!!!

The Sagas continue!

2009-03-25T23:00:00.003-04:00

Well... I hoped that the next time I typed an update, I could say that life had settled down. Not so, I'm afraid. There are moments that I just have to laugh because it's soooo insane.

Last week:

Sunday - hubby sick - head to Belleville alone with the kids for a few days of holiday with my folks.

Tuesday - back to have K's surgery on her toe. Hubby took her because it's usually a better experience with him...he doesn't let her mope around or whine about the pain. He is very practical and I thought it was best that he go. He did. Called after it was over and they were just waiting for the xrays. What he failed to tell me was that he still wasn't feeling great. He had been up since 4:30 that morning and hadn't eaten a thing all day long! His stomach was queasy... the room was hot... there was blood.... wait for it.... Katie called me 5 minutes later, crying, to say that Daddy had collapsed and fainted. Could I come and get them? I rushed over - shaking - my neighbour accompanied me to bring our car back - and he was fine (so he said!). He didn't remember anything. He was a terrible colour when I got there and sweating profusely! They didn't know where he had hit (head/back/arm/shoulder) but there was a lovely hole in the wall. He said he was fine. But I woke him every hour that night to make sure he didn't have a concussion. More years off my life!

Wednesday - my brother arrives to stay overnight - his daughter was with us all week.

Thursday - a friend and her kids were coming to stay because she desperately needed a friend and some time away. She was in the middle of some really tough stuff and I wanted to just let her come and veg at our house. Offered for her to spend the night. Then I called my brother to make sure he was leaving! haha! When he was late for supper, I called again and realized that he was sick ... very sick. He had put his back out but he was fevered when I called - the same type of presentation that he gets with his cellulitis outbreaks. Ate supper - got kids to bed - listened and offered care to my friend - put my brother to bed and when at 9:30, it was evident that he was getting sicker, we headed to emerg. We were there til 3:30 am and he did indeed have another outbreak of cellulitis. I had been giving him pain pills (illegal contraband from the U.S.of A - Aleve) Got home and got in bed and my friend's son arrived (sleepwalking) in our room 2 levels up! Got him in bed again and took quite awhile to get to sleep! Up for work 3 hours later!

Friday - Everyone had returned to their own homes and I was a zombie.

Week-end= RECOVERY!!

Monday - kids back to school. Monday night. Kids sick. Katie has ANOTHER cold. I have put her to bed early all week and sent her to school anyway. No fever has developed... so that is a good thing.

I hate to even record all this - I just keep wondering why this is all happening? But someday I will want to come back and hopefully laugh at all of this! I'm sure we'll remember the winter of 09 very well.

Thanks for checking in!

I'm alive....barely!

2009-03-18T13:59:00.003-04:00

I am still alive. I haven't been able to update this blog because of so much going on in our life and frankly, I was barely sane. It would have been depressing diatribes about circumstances. I am called by God to live my life abundantly and I haven't been in that space lately. My father in law was hospitalized in December and just recently died on March 6th. Just typing that makes me cry. We had 3 months of daily hospital visits by David's mom and David was there often. My mom's lung collapsed in December - 5 days after my fil. Different hospitals. Different cities. SAME ANXIETY! Mom was released on Christmas Day - and what a precious gift that was. Her lung has stayed inflated ever since and we are so grateful to the Lord! Our daughter, who I had blogged about previously, continued to be sick. She missed 27 days of classes and was excused from her final exams in January. I visited an iridologist and was able to get some help with building up her immunity. She has also had surgery (minor) on her toe this week and is currently recovering from that. She woke today with a sore throat again and once again I am on my knees asking the Lord to PLEASE keep her from getting further infections. So much stress. Which can make me hard to live with, I fear. This Psalm (42) encouraged me during the nights when I couldn't sleep. My favourite part: Hope in God... for I shall YET praise Him! Better days are coming! I will look back on this time and see God's hand and hopefully know why this all happened. In the meantime, I'm learning to cling to the One who loves me and is upholding me.

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me
For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the
house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God

Round 4 of antibiotics

2008-12-09T23:39:00.003-05:00

Katie got sick again this week. She was almost better. Feeling great on Friday and then we did a few things on the week-end (youth banquet, helping to lead the kids program at church) and bam... sick again! Doctor put her on antibiotics again to prevent bacterial infection. She also has a toe nail that is ingrown on two sides (very painful) and I had them cut out today too! Poor kid! She is very weak and coughing again. Doctor says her immune system cannot fight anything off right now. She is going to bed at 7:30 and still is tired when she exerts too much energy! She is off school again this week and while that worries me, we've decided it's best for her to stay home and rest and get better ALL THE WAY and then head back. Her teachers have all been wonderful, so that makes a HUGE difference.

It's musical week here. The one that rolls around every year and I wonder what in the world I was thinking to get involved!!! David is doing sound and is at the church every night this week. We've also had lots of snow, so that means up early to clear a path to our car and then up to his folks house to clear their driveway in time for the home care worker that visits on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Today he cleared his mom's neighbour's driveway too because she is going through cancer treatments right now and has people picking her up every day and they couldn't get in the driveway this morning. Then... he went to work!!! So I'm praying that he stays healthy too! I'm singing in the choir and helping a flag team on one of the songs. This has meant extra rehearsals and rushing to find costuming, not finding what I want and rushing to the fabric store, rushing to the seamstress to have the costumes made and there have been ROADBLOCKS at EVERY SINGLE TURN! I can't believe how many there have been! My friend Carolyn has been a HUGE help in getting all the things together! It's just a crazy time. Add a sick kid to the mix and the mommy syndrome kicks in and I do not want to be away from her! We'll see what happens. There are 4 presentations this week-end - Fri/Sat/Sun aft and Sun evening. Dress rehearsal is Thursday. So I try to plan it so that laundry is done and meals are planned, if not prepared! However, it rarely works out that I get that all done! And here I am, cathartically blogging out my anxieties at 11:45 pm!!! Must fly to bed!

Thanks for checking in! Prayers are MUCH appreciated!

Please Pray for Delaney Osmond

2008-12-07T21:54:00.004-05:00

The daughter of my brother's best friend was diagnosed with leukemia yesterday morning. She is 5 years old and is best friends with my nephew! We have met this sweet little girl on many occasions and she is a sweetie! They diagnosed her yesterday morning and she was sent to a cancer centre in Kingston Hospital but was airlifted tonight to Ottawa because her levels were not stabilized. We are praying for Delaney and her mom and dad (Steve & Lisa) and her little brother Dav. Please pray. There is a facebook group that is started called Prayer for Delaney. You can get updates there. Thanks for checking in and please pray!

15 years ago today....

2008-11-26T00:20:00.008-05:00

I was in the hospital waiting for the arrival of a very early baby! Katie was born on November 26, 1993 at 32 weeks! She weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces. She had surgery when she was 4 days old and came home 2 months later! She was a fighter from the beginning - for which we were very thankful - some days NOW... we wish she'd back down a bit! haha!

She captured our hearts from the moment we laid eyes on her! She has brought us so much joy and laughter!

Katie,
Daddy and I want to wish you a Happy Birthday! We love you and are so proud of what a wonderful, sweet girl you are! We hope this is a FANTASTIC year for you! And guess what... only 365 more days til you get your drivers license! AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Happy Birthday honey!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Today

2008-11-24T22:36:00.004-05:00

5:55 - Up to go to the gym (tired and disoriented)

6:08 - finally ready (husband, who's been up since 5:40 waiting patiently in the van)

6:13 - walking into the gym, we meet a retired couple leaving (gym opens at 6! Seriously? Finished walking ALREADY!?)

7:05 - leave for home

8:05 - drive daughter to school - TRIP # 1

8:17 - arrive home from driving daughter to school

8:17 - daughter already on the phone with son - forgot math book at home

8:30 - rush son off to school so I can take daughter her math book before my appt.

8:45 - drop math book off at school. (TRIP # 2) Daughter informs me that I need to pick her up a half hour later at lunch (leaving only a half hour) because she has to write a make up quiz that she missed while she was sick.

8:50 - Kiss daughter goodbye.

9:10 - Arrive at eye appointment. Get the drops and look stoned and can't see. Put on disposable sunglass wrap thing on my face to shield the eyes from the sun.

10:15 - Drop off son's ripped in half coat at the seamstresses house

10:20 - Receive text from daughter - please get small Christmas tree out for her to pick up at lunch for her photo shoot in photography class.

10:30 - Stop for meeting at church to discuss Christmas musical

11:00 - arrive home - dig through basement storage crawl space for Christmas 'stuff'

11:20 - leave for TRIP # 3 to the school to drop off the photo shoot stuff and pick up daugther for lunch.

ANYONE TIRED YET?!

11:40 - Arrive home to feed daughter. Son already home for lunch.

11:41 - Prepare non-healthy meal and ask daughter to inhale it.

11:50- Leave for school - TRIP # 4 to drop daughter off while yelling at my son that I'll be right back and don't go anywhere!

12:05 - Arrive home again. Kiss son good-bye and send him back to school.

12:40 - Leave for FIL's house to stay with him while MIL goes to photo shoot at the school with daughter.

3:20 - Leave FIL's house in a tear as son will be home in 5 minutes. Stop on way to pick up treats for piano students.

3:40 - Arrive home to start cleaning house for piano students coming in less than an hour.

3:47 - Daugher calls - she's ready to be picked up!!!!!! TRIP # 5

4:02 - Arrive home. Vacuum and clean like crazy. Light candles to make it smell good!?

4:30 - Pretend to be relaxed as I sit to teach for 4 hours!

8:30 - Walk like a zombie to couch and watch tv for 30 minutes.

9:00 - Work at getting charming children motivated to go to bed!

9:30 - Visit with a friend on the phone about aforementioned Christmas musical ideas.

10:30 - Off the phone (oops! a bit longer conversation than I planned!)

10:32- Look at the house and think about more cleaning - blog instead!

11:00 - Head to bed with anticipation of a less nutsy day tomorrow!

Good night!

Discoveries

2008-11-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

If you let your husband go to the gym alone for two weeks, he becomes Edward Scissor Legs!

Your white socks actually turn white if you forget to take the white load out of the washer for about 3 days in a row and you keep re-washing with soap and javex!!!

Either I lost 35 pounds since yesterday or I finally BROKE my scales! sigh.

I've discovered that taking the time to lay down with my kids at bed time, not only makes the process of going to sleep much easier, it rewards me with sweet memories and lots of good cuddles (and in the red haired wonder's case, a lot of information previously unrevealed!)

1 Step Forward..... 2 Steps Back

2008-11-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

Katie woke up and felt AWFUL again today! So she had a bath, drank a bit of a smoothie that I filled with stuff she needs, and went to Math class. I'll pick her up after Math and we'll proceed with the graduated entry back to school. She was in tears this morning about it and I assume that some of that is anxiety over the whole process of catching up but I'm NOT pushing her and having her regress! The problem is that I'm going back to work tomorrow. I WISH WISH WISH that I could stay at home! I hate being away from my kids when they are sick. Just about rips my heart in half.

On the mend

2008-11-17T22:28:00.003-05:00

Katie went back to school today after being off for 2 weeks with pneumonia. She's not 100% back to normal yet, but on her way. Today was a rough day for her.
1. She realized how MUCH work she missed and how hard it is going to be to catch up... she has 1 test tomorrow on work she hasn't even seen yet, one on Thursday in Math on work that she doesn't understand yet!
2. She realized how weak she still was - her legs hurt, she coughed alot and people made fun of her, she grew very tired, very quickly.
3. She realized that her real friends knew why she was off - the others didn't even miss her! Someone told her today that they thought she had died! ha!

I picked her up for lunch to give her a break and she rushed home to have a bath before she went back. She was late returning... not because she wasn't ready... because I was still typing one of her reports that was due!

A trip to the chiropractor, a rest after school, soup again for supper and snuggly jammies helped her relax tonight. She did some homework and we'll plug away at it but I'll be protecting her from getting more sick, that's for sure!

Even though the last few weeks have been stressful, I've enjoyed the time at home with Katie. We spent a few nights together in her twin bed (note to self... TIME FOR A NEW MATTRESS FOR HER!), we've giggled about silly movies that we've watched, we've cried together when she hasn't felt good, we've snuggled, we've talked and very simply... we reconnected. That was a very good thing.

November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T22:34:00.002-05:00

Remembrance Day!

I wasn't able to get out to a memorial today but am remembering the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. May we NEVER forget.

Haven't posted much lately. Biggest news is that Katie has pneumonia after a week of fevers and 3 doctors visits that were less than impressive!!! We took her to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto to get a proper diagnosis and pneumonia it is. She has been a very sick little girl and is improving very slowly, but improving none the less. I would rather be sick any day than to watch my kids suffer. She ate some soup today and had a sleep during the day so hopefully she will continue to improve. Doctor says it will be a few weeks before she is back to herself. Poor kid. These two weeks have taken years off my life!

Jacob sounds like he has a cold starting - and I may have over-reacted a BIT by having him take 6000 mg of Vitamin C~! Ok... it wasn't that much!

I do have pictures to post and lots of ideas for blogs.. but no energy or enthusiasm to do so. Hopefully next week will be better!

Thanks for checking in!

Ode to a Friend

2008-10-16T09:50:00.003-04:00

It's 9:20 and I've just spent a harrowing 2 hours working with the red haired wonder on a writing assignment for school. It was not unlike having your fingernails removed without anesthetic! There are piles of laundry to be done, which I have been TRYING to do while I drag more detail and longer sentences from the boy. Groceries MUST be purchased or my family will starve. I'm ready to cry as I head to the grocery store at this hour. I just want to go to bed! I call my friend Catherine and ask if she's interested in a grocery store trip. This wonderful girl, who honestly JUST RETURNED from said grocery store, said, "SURE"! So off we went, me venting about my yucky evening and she listening and offering encouragement and laughter. Thank you Catherine, for lifting my spirits last night and bringing laughter and fun to my evening. It gave me energy to get more done when I got home at 10:30! Was up til 1:00am getting laundry, fridge cleaning and tidying done.

Everyone needs such a friend in their life! Big hugs to you Catherine!

Thanksgiving

2008-10-14T22:37:00.006-04:00

Every year we head to the cottage for a family Thanksgiving dinner and a huge walk to somehow pretend that a few kilometres will aid in the digestion of a full and utter destruction of a table full of food... but memories all the same and a lot of laughter and fun. We walked the family ranch this time - I don't know how many kilometres we hiked, I only know that I felt the turkey by about 10 minutes in! We had the most beautiful weather this year. It was the warmest we have had in years. Warmer than Labour Day week-end and I have a friend in the US who experienced snowfall this week-end! That's just WRONG!!!

Here are a few pics of our week-end!

Edward Scissor Legs and other Gym Sightings

2008-10-03T21:31:00.003-04:00

Well, we're back to the gym - for two weeks now. No visible signs of improvement but I'm still going! I absolutely HATE getting out of bed at 5:55 but I feel better when I get home! Plus I get alot more accomplished in the mornings when I've been at the gym.

On our first day back, David decided to walk the track with me. He lasted two rounds and apparently my incessant chatter (aka a few sentences) scared him off! I was mid sentence and I turned to look at him to see what his response was and he was ducking back into the gym to go to the bikes! NICE! He hadn't been gone long when I caught up with the lady I once dubbed 'nice lady'. She walked with me for the rest of the morning and in 30 minutes I learned EVERYTHING there is to know about her ENTIRE family. She has 4 married children,2 boys and 2 girls One is in Ottawa, one in Indiana, one in Texas and one in Courtice.Learned about what each of the children does for a living and how well the grandchildren eat their vegetables nice lady, now known as Betty Babbles, doesn't care much for her daughter-in-law in Courtice and her ability to feed and bring up her children let's just say that Indiana daughter is loving her new job as a horse whisperer one of the Ottawa grandsons is studying for his PHD and the other one for his Masters, both in the Sciences. Anyway, you get the picture! LOTS of information fired like bullets at warp speed! My brain was tired when I left the gym!

Today I was slowly climbing onto the elliptical and was still quite groggy. Something was flashing in my peripheral and I turned to look and lo and behold, Edward Scissor Legs was on the elliptical behind me! The man had to be 60 if he was a day and he was running at full tilt on the elliptical. I was going to attempt his speed, but was afraid my thighs would rub together and start a fire!

Back to Routine......NOT

2008-09-15T07:21:00.001-04:00

Well, after a summer of cottage eating and a very busy schedule, our exercise routine had all but disappeared. Feeling sluggish and gross, we decided with a friend to start back at the gym today. We were actually looking forward to it... which is bizarre... and got up at 6 this morning and were on our way up the street when we met our friend! We finally are ready to go back to the gym and THEY ARE CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS FOR 1 WEEK!!!!!

This is my life!

September

2008-09-09T01:02:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since my last post! Have thought about really brilliant things to post about but by the time I have time to sit down and type it, I've forgotten!!!

We had a week of holidays in August. We spent the first half of the week with my family and welcomed the newest member: Faith Ann Elizabeth Mackay!

What a beauty! Katie and I had the privilege of staying with Isaac and Eva for a couple of nights while Daddy stayed in the hospital with Mommy. We had a blast and it was a really special time!

We spent the last half of the week at the cottage. It was really quiet. I read a few books and we boated and tubed and walked and rested. It was a nice finish to the summer.

School started for Jake on Tuesday. Grade 6! He found the transition pretty hard this year. It was a rough week but we saw his faith grow this week and while I would never choose to have him go through hard stuff, I was so blessed to see how He clung to God through the process.

Katie started school on Wednesday. Grade 10! Her first semester consists of all her bird courses! ha! So we're in process of having some changes made. She was put into a more advanced dance class than she should have been but she is really enjoying it. She is doing moves all over the house! A bad end to the week was the stomach flu that she came down with on Friday night! It was a very SHORT night and my bed looked pretty excellent on Saturday night! We're still getting over it today!

Soccer is finished for Katie but Jake is advancing to the semi finals on Wednesday.

I started teaching piano again today. 7 students again this year.

We agreed to give Katie the year off piano and I will work with her on her theory exam and hopefully by next year, she will want to continue with piano again. She has been fiddling around at the piano in the last few weeks, learning some Jonas Brothers songs!

We're getting back into our school year routines. It's been hard to accept. I LOVE SUMMER!

David and I will be celebrating our 19th anniversary in 10 days. Can't believe how time has flown! We are hoping to get away for an overnight! We call these weekends, the "OH YEAH, I DO LOVE YOU" week-ends!!!

Thanks for checking in!

Piano Lessons

2008-08-14T23:16:00.002-04:00

My daughter has been taking piano lessons for a number of years. She just completed her grade 5 piano exam in June. She seemed to love piano lessons at the beginning. I was thrilled that she was enjoying it. We decided that we would have someone else teach her because I assumed she would work harder for someone else. Turns out that it's only me that feels the pressure! ha! She no longer enjoys the lessons. In fact, there are tears before most lessons. She doesn't practice and thus feels afraid to attend her lesson. I offer to sit with her. I approach these practice times the same way I did when I was a student. I want to work hard for short periods of time and see improvement. I drill her. She hates drills. I talk about phrasing and dynamics. She explains how I am all wrong based on what her teacher said. So it's usually a fight and she prefers that I don't 'help' her at all. She did a rush job of her exam at the end and pulled off Honours with a 77%. I was proud of her. She was preparing high school exams at the same time and was feeling a great deal of pressure.

The time has come for her to decide if she is continuing. I NEVER would have thought that it would ever be an option for her to decide. I expected that I would push her through lessons - no matter what she thought. But it's a huge fight. A lot of money too! She wants the year off, she has explained. But I know that in most cases, people don't return to lessons after time off. Other things will fill her time.

I am grateful that my mom kept me going through piano. I took it through college as well. All the way through. Do I wish that I had worked harder? Yes! But I'm grateful that I kept going. Will she regret quitting? Is this my pipe dream or hers?

Anyone have experience with this? I asked her to pray about it and we'd talk again in a week. I don't want her to have regrets when she's older.

sigh.

The Olympics

2008-08-12T18:48:00.004-04:00

I love to watch the Olympics! But I've come to discover that I prefer to watch them with the sound muted! I CANNOT STAND to listen to the commentators blather on about what the athlete is thinking/feeling/going through! It drives me snaky! My eyes are going to roll so far back in my head that I won't be able to get them back! Really! COME ON! The CBC needs to do some interviews with these commentators BEFORE they are allowed to speak on national television. It's ridiculous!

So far the swimming/diving commentators seem to be the worst.

"Oh Bob, that was a HUGE error! Oh yes. He probably knows that he blew it. There go his chances for a gold"

"Yes, Joyce... that was a significant splash - which tells us that he wasn't able to get his hands in close to his body soon enough. What a disappointment ...."

"Here's dive # 3 for the Cuban team..... Oh so many errors but they are the favourites so I'm sure the judges will overlook some of those errors!"

REALLY JOYCE????? The judges can be swayed by public opinion and clapping volumes???? Oh please. I can't stand it. But I keep watching and the mute button stays on!

Summer Memories 2008 (so far!)

2008-08-09T10:04:00.001-04:00

It Finally Happened

2008-08-09T09:43:00.003-04:00

When I was growing up, I was teased by my brothers a lot! One of the 'fun' memories I have is when I would go to the hairdresser and I'd arrive home and my brother(s) would ask if they had been closed!

I went to my hairdresser yesterday for my pre-arranged appointment... and let's just say it wasn't before it was time either! When I walked in, my hairdresser wasn't there and the guys that work on either side of her were looking at me funny! Turns out, she was on holidays. No record of my appointment. I had arranged it with the owner and he still didn't know what was going on. NICE! So another few days of this ugly mop and yes, Paul and Bruce, they were closed!

Where Did He Come From?

2008-07-17T08:18:00.003-04:00

I had a conversation with my 11 year old son the other night that astounded me! Boys are so different from girls. There's no drama. No imagined offences. No catty feelings. What you see is what you get.

I have been noticing a trend at his soccer games. One of the other defence players has begun to 'boss' Jake around.
"Move up, JC"
"Watch your position, JC"
"Pass the ball, JC"

It seems to be constant when they are on together. I had the opportunity to attend practice the other night and the same boy was 'coaching' Jake through the practice too.

On the ride home, he began talking about the practice. He said something about this boy. I mentioned that I'd noticed that he seems to constantly be coaching Jake throughout the game and asked him if it bothered him.

His response:

"No - 'A' has been playing defence for a long time and knows more about it than I do. I know he is trying to help me play better."

WOW! I have a lot to learn from my 11 year old!

High School Report Card Fiasco!

2008-07-09T22:52:00.002-04:00

Well... we're no longer in Kansas Toto! It became clear to us last week that we were no longer in elementary school! Katie went in to her high school to pick up her report card and they refused it to her because they said she was a) missing a library book, b) hadn't handed in her English novel and c) she owed money for missing music! She left the school in tears and her dad called me from the parking lot and I was ever so cranky about it! Let's go back a few months....

Katie played with her school band in Toronto one day. She accidentally left her music folder at the high school in Toronto. She informed her music teacher right away. To our knowledge, he did not call the school to retrieve it. In our opinion and based on a lot of aggravations we've had with this teacher during the year, we have dubbed him the absent minded professor! In May, I wrote to him via email and asked if I could try to contact the school and get the music - I even offered to drive in to pick it up. He never responded to that part of my email. In the meantime, she has played in 2 more concerts and had to share music with a fellow sax player. She reminded the teacher a number of times about the missing music. Still nothing. Last week of school and teacher announces that Katie is missing music ... DUH! So she reminds him AGAIN that she left it at the festival and he says, 'Oh yeah, that's right... you won't have to pay for it."

A week later, a message is left on our machine at home from the music teacher. "Katie is missing music and will need to bring it to the school or pay for her music". I was a little aggravated....so I called this teacher the next day and reminded him that the music was at a school in Toronto. His response: "How can that be since the music is in the choir room?!" I was a bit shocked and he put me on hold to check... then he came back on the line and said, "Oh.. sorry.. it was a different Katie." Oh my stars!!!!! Then he explains that he isn't going to charge her for the photocopies (ARE THEY EVEN LEGAL???) but that she would owe for the missing books. There were 4 and each one cost $10. I asked about the deposit on the mouthpiece that we gave in September even though we never used a school instrument. "Oh yeah" he states, "That was $5. so cost is now $35.00". I decided that this would be a good lesson for Katie to learn. She was responsible for the music and she did leave it. So I asked her to pay the money to me and I would send her with a cheque to the school the next day.

The next day, she takes a bus to the school and I made her make sure she delivered the cheque directly to the teacher. 'DO NOT LEAVE IT WITH ANYONE ELSE,' I said. So she went to the office and had the teacher paged. He arrived and she met him in the hall and gave him the cheque. Everything was fine.

With that teacher.....

She had also had repeated requests for a library book to be returned to the library. She had worked in the library one day during class time, and had taken a book off the shelf. The librarian was keeping track and wrote names and book titles down. Katie didn't need to take the book out of the library so returned it to the shelf. Librarian didn't know and didn't take her name off the list. Katie had been back at least twice to the librarian to SHOW him where the book was... right there on the shelf.

So on this particular day, she also went to the library to clear the overdue notice. ....because the librarian had also called our home!!!! Katie, once again, showed the book to the librarian... RIGHT THERE ON THE SHELF... and he said everything was fine.

So on report card day, office doesn't have updated notices from these teachers and refuses the report card to Katie and tells her that the teachers are done school and will be around again in the fall and she can clear it up then. HOW POSITIVELY charming!!! Her English novel had to be turned in before they could write the exam. So it was in the English office as well!!!!!

I got on the phone... all during work hours... and spoke to one of the secretaries. She passed me on to someone else when I explained that in no uncertain terms, Katie WOULD be receiving her report card that day because we had looked after our mistakes and we were NOT waiting for the teachers to make their updates in the fall. Who's going to remember? If Mr. Music and Mr. Library can't remember what happened 2 days ago, how will they remember anything in 2 months?????

So...the secretary explained the 'protocol' to me and I explained that I would be pleased to speak to whoever was able to override the protocol.
She:That would be the vice principal.
Me: Fine, thank you. I'll speak to the Vice Principal.
She: Oh he's not here right now. I'm not sure when he'll be back in.
Me: (through gritted teeth). Please leave a message to have him call me and please express how unhappy I am with the way that this has been handled.

Bear in mind that the school only allows report cards to be picked up between 10am and 2pm. No teachers are available to work through problems like this. And the person in charge, the vice principal, is not in the building!?!?!? COME ON!

The secretary did mention that the music teacher had come into the office for interviews of students for the music program and she would check with him to see if he remembered Katie giving him a cheque. (This is a quote... to give the impression that Katie is lying!) She also suggested that she could call the librarian to see if he knows anything about the book.

I left it til 12:30 and then I called again and asked for the Vice Principal directly. He was in but when I got transferred, I got put through to the same girl again. Good news, she says! The vice principal has agreed to withdraw the restrictions on the report card. Music teacher did verify that he received a cheque -( almost a week earlier!!!!! WHERE IS THE CHEQUE??? one might ask!!! ) and Katie would have to clear it up with the librarian and the English teacher in the fall.

So I sent David in with Katie to pick it up. No one would bully her when her dad is there!

David was so mad about the whole thing that he wrote to the Director of the Board of Education. We did receive a call from the Superintendent a couple of days later to ensure that the report card was picked up. She spoke to David and agreed that if we turn in money to the teachers, we have to receive a receipt. If we pay a deposit for something, we need a receipt. If there is a discrepency, teachers should be there to help get the matter settled and the report card should NOT be held in any circumstances! The superintendent advised that they really aren't supposed to hold the report cards. But many schools do! She was sending a mass email to her principals across the board to 'review' the protocol!!!

The most funny part of this whole story... our absent minded professor(music teacher)... is leaving the school to be at the Board of Education .... wait for it............................

in an ADMINISTRATIVE role/capacity! GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!!

Good News

2008-07-09T12:09:00.002-04:00

Yesterday had MANY answers to prayer!

My mom went ALL day without her oxygen! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! She has seen a new lung specialist and he has changed some of her puffers and the way in which she takes them and she has seen improvement already ... in one week! She even went out yesterday to Walmart. Since her store is a Supercentre, it was a big, huge excursion! YAY MOM! YAY GOD!

My mother-in-law received notice that she will be given more home care time for her husband, my father-in-law. It will account for 3 days of 4 hours each. Some much needed relief for her.

That and I finally got the garage cleaned out. So much was accomplished and much to praise God for.

I have been very absent from my blog lately. Have had many things that should probably have been written down but decided to stay private with my thoughts. And thus more gray hair! haha! Thanks for checking in.

Carol & Dave have left the 80's!

2008-05-27T22:44:00.006-04:00

I've been gone awhile. I'm over the cold, finally! haha! I've been over it awhile. Our life is busy right now. Soccer 4 nights a week, I'm still teaching piano and each of us has a parent that has been ill in the past few month and we needed and wanted to be with them so we were away a bit. Then to make things interesting, we decided to... wait for it....

....

.....

WE GOT RID OF THE FULL MOTION WATERBED!!!!! Who can believe it! The room was a complete and utter disaster. Everything that didn't have a spot landed in our bedroom. Nothing matched. We had never painted the room in 15 years. It's the only one left in the awesome shade called BUILDER BEIGE! The heater began to go in the bed and David's back was driving him crazy. So we made the decision to buy a bed. Then we bought the bedroom set and then we decided to paint. So it snowballed and it meant cleaning out the pig sty and starting over. What a HUGE job. It also means the house in further turmoil. So we (and by we, I mean David) painted on the week-end. It took us all Friday night and most of Saturday to prep the walls and get ready just to prime them! We're pleased with the results! No pictures on the walls yet and the curtains were hung after I took the pictures. But I'm very pleased with the results. The 'before' picture will never be posted online! haha!
Now to find places for the clutter we packed up from the room! Next project is the ensuite bathroom. FUN times! Thanks for checking in.

And still sick

2008-04-20T21:30:00.004-04:00

Haven't been on here because I haven't felt much like writing that title.. 1 month later and we're still sick. Katie has been having fever and headaches on and off for 3 weeks. I thought I was finally clear of the coughing and I started sneezing and having a runny nose yesterday. Today my head feels like it's 8 feet wide and just pounding! Such a gorgeous week-end and I wasn't able to enjoy the outdoors. I slept for 6 hours today and am wondering if I will sleep tonight. There's always drugs to help with that!

We were out twice this week-end - Friday night to a camp fundraiser dinner with friends. Great meal and fun company. We carpooled because of the price of gas right now - $1.20/litre is getting a bit much?!

Saturday night we went back into Toronto with some other friends for a 40th birthday party Murder Mystery Night! Such fun! David and I both got to kill someone during the game. Lots of laughter and silliness! The theme was an 80's Class Reunion - and we were to dress in 80's style. Our characters were rockers that were crashing the party to meet a couple at the party who were in a band that we wanted to emulate! I dressed as Cyndi Lauper/Madonna/Flashdance/Tramp and David was a metallica rocker! We laughed so hard at our costumes!!! I did add more black and purple hair colour to my hair when we arrived at the party together with black nail polish for both David and I! FUN TIMES!! haha! No wonder I'm sick!

A Blog I Read and Recommend

2008-04-02T21:10:00.005-04:00

I was directed to this blog by a friend of mine and have been drawn to it every day! This couple is amazing. Nate is the writer and his wife, Tricia has CF (Cystic Fibrosis). She was preparing to go on the transplant list in the fall when she got pregnant. Their daughter was born 15 weeks early and Tricia is back on the transplant list. Our Katie was premature (only 8 weeks - not 15) and I'm so drawn to stories of preemies and how they are doing. Today, actually now as I write this, she is prepped for surgery for a double lung transplant. Today is Nate's birthday. Anyway, Nate has asked us to pray for their family and I would encourage anyone who reads this to pray for them as well. It's an amazing story of a couple who are clinging to God along the journey and sharing that journey with all of us.

Take a look - I'll bet you'll be hooked too!

Sick again!

2008-04-01T07:52:00.002-04:00

Well we've had quite the winter. A few months ago I actually BRAGGED to someone that we had raced through last winter without being sick. And then it started!!! We've been sick 3 times already this winter. And now 3 of us have what we call the Halse cold. When we travelled away with our friends (the Halse's) to South Carolina, they were just on the road to recovery from a very bad 3 week bronchi cold. They were still coughing and it sounds like a mix between croup and 30 year smokers cough. Well... I got a tickle in my throat on Friday night and started coughing a bit and didn't think much of it. On Saturday, it got a bit more frequent but on Sunday night, it came on full force. Aches and pains, fever, and this awful cough. Feels like your brain is going to explode out of your skull when you cough. FUN TIMES! Katie has the fever and aches all over. Jacob has the cough but no fever. And David is well. Let's hope that continues. I have to go back to work tomorrow though so hopefully it clears up quickly. We spent the week-end in Belleville with my folks and I am praying that we didn't pass anything on to my mom.

We went to see Brent Butt from Corner Gas at a theatre in Belleville on the week-end. More on that later. HILARIOUS!

Thanks for checking in.

Back to routine

2008-03-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

Went back to the gym today.... by myself.... David broke his 4th toe on his right foot while we were away on holiday. Playing soccer on the beach ( I know... you feel really bad for him...!) in his bare feet! We discovered, after we got home and had xrays, that he broke the bone upward instead of across. At the time, he tells me that his toe was facing east, hanging over his baby toe. I saw him limp to the water and bend over and by the time I got there, he had put it back in place! He had alot swelling and bruising. It slowed him a little, but as you can see from the pictures, he still did almost everything!

I bought him a cane that he decorated with stickers from Hilton Head - one has a picture of a pirate and says "Bad to the Bone... Hilton Head Island, SC"! He carried his cane in the back of his jacket when we biked and he kept a bag of ice with him and every time we stopped for awhile, he would sit and ice his foot! He managed to drive home (18 hours straight) but he still can't get his regular shoes on. Dr. took him off work til this Friday and then said he could go back but with restrictions. His employer will not allow him to come back to work until he is 100% so he could be off for another 3 weeks! So I went back to the gym today and he had intended to join me and use the bikes instead but he wasn't moving from his cozy spot in bed, so I went by myself!

The dollies are back! I passed Kojak.. but he wasn't walking at his normal pace. He had slowed to walk with Lovely Lady... he spent the whole morning with her while HIS WIFE walked alone... I wasn't impressed!!!! I thought David could come and join Tall guy with the cane but maybe another morning.

Getting back to routine is hard. I felt EVERY one of the chocolates from Easter this morning together with all the treats I consumed on holidays... was it worth it? Not sure! haha!

We're Back

2008-03-20T00:06:00.003-04:00

Back from a wonderful family holiday in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina! We went with friends and had a wonderful time! David broke one of his toes (it's always fun when you have to step into the ocean and re-set your toe that's dangling in the wrong direction!!) but other than that... it was a wonderful time! Gorgeous place to visit! Here's a couple of pics

New Girl at the Gym

2008-03-05T00:06:00.004-05:00

I forgot to post about the new girl at the gym. The dollies are gone away somewhere and there were only 2 other people on the track with us yesterday. Until.....

Saucy Hazel came along. She is something! She is at least 75! She's got short white curly hair, a big laugh and a big smile, bow legs and the brightest pair of SHINY spandex bicycle shorts I have ever seen! I have no idea what fabric they are made of.. but it looks flammable! I thought about getting myself a pair but the risk of my thighs rubbing together and setting them on fire was too great!

How do I make him Care?

2008-03-04T23:51:00.003-05:00

On Sunday night, as is the usual procedure, we prepare for Monday and start filling the front hallway with backpacks and lunch bags, snow suits, boots, hats, coats - to ease the morning routine the next day. As usual, I made sure that all the homework was completed. Just to be sure, I thought I would check the red haired wonder's backpack. Sure enough. A couple hundred items in there that never made it to the kitchen table for perusal. One special item was a math test with a less than stellar grade on it.

My red haired wonder is a bright boy. The struggle we face at this house is instilling a desire in same boy to work at his school work. He is not like me. He isn't made to compete. He enjoys the journey. Work for an 'A'? Why bother? Is getting a 'B' good enough for him? Oh yeah. What about a 'C'? "Well, I tried my best, Mom" was the response to his test score. I sat him at the kitchen table and made him work through all the questions that he got wrong. I looked at the questions and I couldn't help him! For Pete's sake, he got the answers right, he just doesn't bother to explain how he got it. So his sister came down and helped him.

I fed them supper in the middle of all this math chaos and was washing dishes at the counter, feeling more exasperated by the moment by his laissez-faire attitude. So I begin to express my thoughts and I quickly accelerated in my lecture and could feel myself getting very worked up! (still no reaction coming from the table - guess I was looking for him to turn to me and tell me he LOVED math and would seek extra help every lunch hour this week!) I expounded on the path that a 10 year old boy starts on in grade 5 when he accepts a 'C' on a test as an ok grade. This eventually leads to him not being accepted into a post secondary education institution and (I'm at hyper speed momentum now)... he will probably end up working at McDonald's for the REST OF HIS NATURAL LIFE ON MINIMUM WAGE AND WHO CAN SUPPORT A FAMILY ON THAT?!?!?!!?!?!?

Reply from the table: "I've always wanted to work at Harvey's".

My head exploded.

Kojak has a wife

2008-03-02T17:21:00.002-05:00

Kojak was back to the gym last week with his wife... and no, she can't keep up to him either. He sped by us twice in half an hour on Friday. And it's not money in his pockets... it's keys. ALOT of keys. Hmmmm.. I wonder what they are for.

Dollies weren't there on Thursday or Friday. Wonder what's happened.

Suspenders isn't back - he might have had to have his shorts surgically removed! And again... I'm not saying any more.

There's another couple that I haven't named yet... by the time David and I get on the track (6:15 or so), they are wrapping it up. They are putting on their coats and heading out. Probably trying to get home before the traffic! HAHAHA!!!

There's also a janitor that's working on the main floor when we arrive every morning. He is usually sitting at a table near the entrance. He slowly works his way down the complex cleaning the floors. He stops to sit and rest at every table along the way. I think he's just finishing a night shift and is tired. David seems to think he's a city employee with lots of breaks! hahaha!

Loud Lloyd is in Florida by now. Not much news being bellowed on the track.

I'll keep you posted!

Slugging Our Way Through

2008-03-02T17:04:00.002-05:00

This past week has been a blur! I am so tired and ready for a break. We leave on holiday this week and I can't wait. House is a complete disaster and yet, here I sit on the computer playing around. Mindless games to help me with my avoidance and procrastination issues. David's dad is doing pretty well after his surgery. We were up to see him on Friday night and yesterday afternoon. Spent the afternoon with them. Took Mom to the mall to get out and David stayed with his dad. Got Jacob's hair cut and returned some 'disaster' swim suits to Sears. The suits aren't really the disaster.. it's the body I was trying to fit into it?!!@!*(@!*_

Katie's social events are keeping us hopping! She had a party on Friday night and we drove 2 of her friends - slow going in a freezing rain and snow storm - weird weather. Then she had to be at the church on Saturday morning to help look after some kids while their parents cleaned the nursery. Got home from that, inhaled lunch, ran up to in-laws to spend afternoon, then home at 5 or so and she had to be at party # 2 at 6pm and got home at 10:30! Fortunately her dad was still awake (unusual) and he went to pick her up! She had a great time at all the events and the issues with some of the 'shunning' seems to be better. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Spent the evening on the phone with my friend who was planning her worship service for her church today. Working through chord changes and key changes and song fits and transitions, etc. Still no laundry done and house is still a disaster! Sigh.

I decided last night that I was staying home from church today. I hadn't been at choir rehearsal on Tuesday - didn't really know the piece that well for today and I am tired... did I mention that? Jacob's fever turned into a croupy cough and restless nights so I thought he should have a down day - rest rest rest. Went to bed with the plan of getting up and making muffins for breakfast, and then getting at the laundry and the mess. Got up at 8 and kissed Jacob good morning when I came downstairs and guess what.... PINK EYE!!!!!!!!!!!!! David had been at church at 7:00 - he came home to pick Katie up at 9:00 and I put a scarf over my bed head, threw a long coat on over my pajamas and drove them to church so I could have the van to take Jake to the dr. Came home from dropping them and praying that no one recognized me in the church parking lot, made the muffins, showered, took Jake to the clinic and got through amazingly quickly (new clinic - so nice!) and then off to get prescription filled. Had to wait for 40 minutes so picked up some groceries in the same store and came home. Emptied the van of groceries and ALL the other junk that has accumulated in there for the past 3 months and rushed back to pick up David and Katie. So far, my day of rest has turned out to be rather frantic! Driving to church to pick them up, I glance at my friends house as I'm driving by - when I turn back to the road, a GMC Jimmy is backing up at full speed heading right for me. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Scared myself a little. Slowed down and thanked the Lord for his angels and drove on to the church to pick up the fam. Took a friend of Katie's home first and then home to start lunch and unpack the groceries. PHEW!!! It's now 1:30.

Cleaned up lunch and cleaned out and washed the fridge. for fun, of course. Then became a vegetable in front of the computer. Must get going and get something accomplished today. David's already back at church for the evening service. Maybe next week will bring a day of rest on Sunday.

Migrations

2008-02-27T23:51:00.003-05:00

Mom: How are you feeling now?

Son: My migration is gone

Mom: Did you mean 'migraine'

Son: Yes-what is a migration?

Mom: When the birds fly south

Son: excessive giggling!

The lightest moment of the past few days! Son is feeling better! Hallelujah! Headaches are gone and fever is down and he's able to eat today. Kept him home anyway to help him gain his strength. There's no point in sending him back to the germ pit (School) until his immunity is able to fight again!

A very uneventful birthday for my poor husband today! Not even cake. We gave him a couple of small gifts today but he is waiting to spend his money on our holiday. He worked like crazy today to finish early so he could come home and I could go into work. He worked 8-1, I worked Worked 2-7 tonight and will probably work on Friday to catch up. He had to cook his own supper and there wasn't even any cake. Wished him a happy birthday again tonight when I got home - and he had forgotten it was his birthday. Ouch. His dad had surgery today so he went to be with him as soon as I got home. We've been like 2 ships passing in the night lately and I hate that!
His dad came through the surgery very well and for that we are thankful! We pray that the recovery is quick!

Thanks for stopping by.

Sick again

2008-02-26T08:57:00.002-05:00

Jacob got up at 12:10 again last night. Fever was 103.6 and he was dizzy, had sharp pain in the front of his head. I, of course, didn't have ONE DROP of Tylenol or Advil - even adult dosage. Totally out. So I woke David up and he sat with Jacob while I hurried out to Walmart at 12:30. The place was buzzing! Couldn't believe it. Saw some kids shopping (teenagers!!!) and couldn't believe they were out at that time of night! Came home and administered the drugs and at 3:00 am, he began to throw up. He was crying because of the pain in his head. I immediately went straight to aneurysm and was in great shape during the night. Finally got some sleep between 4:30 and 7 while I slept on the floor in the hallway outside the bathroom. Jacob sleeps on his comforter in the bathroom when he's sick. He's always done that. I didn't like being away from him so I sleep on the floor outside the door. FUN times! Not the best mattress we have! I was supposed to work today. And it's a very busy week at work. So I feel badly and worry that they will be upset that this is the 3rd day I've had off this winter and all because of Jacob being sick. I always make up my time - because I'm only 3 days a week - so I work a different day but I still feel worried about that. So I will go in to work tonight when David gets home and I will get the work done that must be ready for tomorrow.

Girls

2008-02-24T22:32:00.003-05:00

Sorting through a bunch of thoughts tonight. Feeling alot of pain, anger and frustration tonight about girls and how hurtful they can be. My daughter is living through some mean girls situations. And may I say, she is handling it MUCH better than her mom! I have all the pat answers to share with her.

"They're just jealous and that's why they talk about you behind your back and spread lies about you"

"Be sure that you learn NOT to be like them - remember how this feels and NEVER treat someone else like this"

"People like that are NOT your friends - let's find some nice friends for you to spend time with"

etc, etc.

However, even after all the pat answers... it doesn't hurt any less, does it. I'm sure we all remember the girls that were mean to us growing up. Did it hurt? Yes!
Did it shape us? Yes. Do I want to walk up to these girls and tell them I KNOW what they said (and I know because another friend called to tell her!!!- what's with that???? )and just see their reaction? YES!!!!!! Man... feel like it's happened to me. Struggling with what I should do with this. These girls ALL know better. They're supposed to be the nice ones. Sigh.

Things that make a mother's heart stop

2008-02-22T15:52:00.003-05:00

10 year old son: I'm not saying I'm going to drink when I get older
(slight pause while my heart starts beating a little faster) but when I grow up, I want to be a bartender.

Oy vey!

Walking with the Seniors!

2008-02-15T21:22:00.002-05:00

David and I are back to walking in the early morning. We just joined our local fitness centre and they have a walking track among other things and we head up there most mornings at 6 am to get a walk in. We have only been going for a couple of weeks but see the same people there every morning! It's David and I and a group of seniors. They isn't one there under at the age of 65, I don't think! And really... what's sooo pressing that these people need to be there at 6 when the gym opens. They have the WHOOOOOOLE day ahead of them! Pace yourselves! Well anyway... I've begun to nickname these people because I find some of them fairly amusing!

Loud Lloyd - who talks in a booming voice that can be heard ALL the way around the track and downstairs when you come in! And by the way, he and his wife are heading to Florida on the 27th OR the 28th and she refuses to stay for the whole winter!

The Dollies - a pair of ladies who are at least 70 in these trendy little workout pants and long t-shirts - one has bouncy curly hair who walks on her tiptoes and always looks like she's about to topple over and the other wears a visor and walks about 3 steps behind bouncy. Consequently, they can't hear one another when they're talking so they're always yelling, "Pardon?"

Heart attack guy - who is on the bikes in the gym every time we pass - always looks one breath away from a heart attack. His facial expressions are agonizing.

Kojak - short, skinny billiard ball bald guy who walks faster than anyone I've EVER met ... who also carries at least $10. in loonies in his pocket that jingle really loud - you always know when he's about to pass you!

Cane guy - a sweet older gentleman who is really really tall and carries his pedometer with him. He goes around at a very conservative but steady pace.

Lovely lady - a very petite, sweet lady, who wears a turtleneck and jeans to walk around the track. It's at least 150 degrees in that track. It's insane and she bombs around the track, smiling and talking to everyone.

FASTWALKER FRED - whowalksasfastashecantogetaroundthetrackinrecordtimenotimetotalkgottafinishthistrackguy.

Today we had a new guy - with shorts and suspenders. The suspenders were a pulled a bit tight and consequently, so were his shorts and that's all I'm going to say about that! I think he's Suspenders Sam.

Anyways.. I enjoy our time together at the gym. David rolls his eyes when I make eye contact and greet everyone around the track!

I don't know what's been going on with us the last couple of days. I've honestly been pushing hard... I have to basically speed walk to keep up with David's strolls anyway.. but lately we've been passed by Fastwalker Fred, Kojak and Lovely Lady. Just yesterday, the Dollies were catching up and I can't tell you the pressure a 40 year old feels to be taken over on the track by someone MUCH older. David informed me to pick it up or he'd be joining the Dollies!

Happy Valentines Day to my Valentine

2008-02-14T13:34:00.003-05:00

To the man who makes me laugh, hugs me when I cry, who is a great dad, a provider and care giver for his family, who cooks AND cleans: I LOVE YOU!!! Happy Valentines Day, David!

The TV

2008-02-13T21:36:00.003-05:00

(**warning... this blog is all over the map!)
Well. Since I wasn't blogging in the last part of 2007, some of you (haha - assuming that there are more than 3 of you that read this) wouldn't know that after a year of research on my husband's part, saving of all birthday and Christmas money, we bought a 50 inch plasma tv for our basement. The kids had been waiting patiently and were so excited~! I was excited to move all their game 'stuff' downstairs and get my family room back to a room that stays tidy for more than 3 minutes! Well... we ordered it after Christmas and it arrived on January 11th. Take note of that date... it's very important. We have been enjoying the tv - movies are great! I was even a little embarrassed to tell people how big it was... seemed ridiculous! But when we put it in the basement, it didn't seem that big!
Last night I rushed home from work because Katie was to be back to school by 5:00 for a trip with her band into the city for a competition. Ontario wide competition. It took me nearly 20 minutes longer to get home from work and the roads were slick and covered in snow. And it was still snowing really hard. I got her to the school and was hoping that they had cancelled the trip because I wasn't too keen on the idea of a school bus load of kids heading out in the storm. The teacher assured me that they would go slowly and be very careful and besides... he couldn't get his money back if they didn't attend (Insert your own thoughts here... mine are not to be typed for others to see!) So I left her at the school and started to pray. I came home to grab my choir books and go to choir and my husband informed me that the new tv wasn't working. Nothing happened when you pressed the button. He was fairly upset. Quite upset. So I was over on the couch trying to calm him down and was expressing my concern about the bus trip. Then we started talking about what we needed to do to get the tv fixed. Well the warranty at the store where we purchased it was good for 30 days. Let's count back. February 12 back to January 11. Hmmm 32 days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don't purchase the extended warranties because I feel that they are a money grab. The startings of a lovely evening!

Went to choir. Stayed late for an extra band rehearsal and home at 9:30 for supper! Katie arrived home at 12:00 and was exhausted. As I was waiting for the bus to arrive in the parking lot, I turned on the CD and this song began to play

For all that You've done I will thank You,
For all that You're going to do,
For all that You've promised and all that You are,
Is all that has carried me through.
Jesus, I thank You.

I thank You, thank You, Lord. (2X)
(And) I thank You, thank You, Lord. (2X)
Thank You for loving and setting me free,
Thank You for giving Your life just for me,
How I thank You, Jesus I thank You,
gratefully thank You,
Thank You.

It was so appropriate. I'd been praying the bus home and was so grateful that God had looked after them.

Back to the tv saga... David had decided that since we were past our 30 days, our only recourse was to talk to the manufacturer and he called them last night only to realize that he was speaking to a rep from the US and we needed to speak to a Canadian rep. They, of course, were closed until 9:00 am this morning. He had meetings today in Toronto so I was left in charge of getting something done.

I decided to call the store and start there. And I decided to start with sugar! Then move to the vinegar if necessary! I spoke with the manager and after some discussion with another manager, they decided to let us return the tv to them. As soon as possible. So I rushed home after work to get the tv ready to transport. Had the box in the garage and was ever so grateful that David hadn't torn it down like I'd asked him to repeatedly! Went to get the receipt. Not there! Of course it wasn't. Had the packing slip, ALL the other papers... but no receipt. Called the store and they assured me they could pull it up.

Got a neighbour to help us get the tv in the van and I sat in the back to hold it all the way there. Got to the service department and they could only do an exchange because I didn't have my receipt. That was fine. We wanted the same tv. Oh. that's right. They don't have any of those models in stock anymore. ANYWHERE in Ontario. There is one in Toronto at a store but they don't share with other stores. Because.
Looked and hummed and hawed for over an hour. David wasn't ready to spend another $1000. to go up a model and we didn't particularly want to go down either. I tried talking them into giving us our second choice WITH the 4 year warranty for no charge/straight exchange. No go. So we finally got an in store credit for the full amount (because they couldn't give us our cash back because we didn't have a receipt... although they had a copy in front of them that they printed off but still!) BROTHER! And we have a raincheck if they get any more of those tv's in to the store in the next 30 days.

In the meantime. There's no tv in the basement. But as we drove home tonight, we decided that it's only a tv. We already have 2 in the house. Are we disappointed? Yes. Is it the end of the world? NO!

Now it's 10:20 and I'm off to bake some treats for Jacob's class for tomorrow. Last year I was fancy and feeling threatened by some of the stay at home mom's so I went overboard...
this year it will be frosted brownies! Will I be licking the leftover batter? OH YEAH!!!!

Priorities & Saying No!

2008-02-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

Working through priorities in my life and knowing when to say no and learning not to feel guilty. Last week I had 4 opportunities for ministry in the next few months. Extra responsibilities that would add alot of stress to my life. I do enjoy some of these things but never the preparation. Some of these things involved me being away from home for a few days without the family, some involved alot of extra rehearsal, all of them involved stress. I'm finding that at the ripe age of 41, I cannot cope as easily anymore with a crazy schedule. When I'm stressed, my family suffers. I've just come away (1 week ago) from a ladies meeting. I only had to plan and lead 2 packages of music. Doesn't sound like much. But I had extra rehearsals - 2 with the singers, one with the band, gathering of ideas for a game/skit and then gathering of props and costuming, etc etc. The day of the event went very well but I felt afterward that I had run a marathon. There were so many little details that needed to be worked out. It's really quite crazy. So I've just finished that when I was presented with 4 other opportunities to pray about. I prayed about it. Had no peace. Talked to my mom after quite a few days of mulling these things over. She reminded me of the priorities in life.

GOD.

FAMILY.

OTHER.

I tend to take church responsibilities and bunch them into the God category. If I say no to ministry, am I saying no to God? Sometimes I feel like that. And I feel guilty. So I say yes... for the wrong reasons! After much soul searching and discussion (to death as I'm sure my husband feels), I said NO to every single opportunity. All great things. All too much for me. I made a commitment this year that my involvement in ministry would be the choir. That is all I am planning to do. I MUST remind myself of that!!!

I was feeling pretty good about my new ability to say no. Maybe even pretty confident! And then today came. I had 4 emails and a phone call inviting me to be involved in 4 more ministry opportunities! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I'm still saying "NO" and I'm NOT going to feel guilty about it!!!

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

My cutie patootie nephew! #8

2008-02-11T22:21:00.001-05:00

Saw my nephew play hockey this week-end! What a cutie! He's such a jock! Enjoyed his game so much and spending time with him at the evening Junior A Hockey game. So fun!

This was after his goal. He skates down the ice with his stick in the air! He's too cute!

Coffee

2008-02-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

Well... last week I was whining about the loss of my coffee machine. We wanted to invest in a good one so decided to take some time (choke/gasp/wheeze) to investigate (even though we knew what we wanted/Tim Horton's machine) and to save for it. We are taking a holiday in a few weeks and I'm saving as much as I can before that!! So I saw this single cup coffee thing on sale for 50% off and decided to try it. My friend swears by it. She says it's much richer than brewed coffee as all the oils are in the coffee. I thought I would give it a go. So I attempted to make my first cup.. I actually had to study the instructions. It was ok.. but there's no warmer. So after the coffee cools down, it's cold. So you should only make one cup at a time.

Went to visit my parents this week-end and was extolling them with tales of another friend's Tim Horton's coffee maker. It's always hot, it takes 3 minutes tops to make a full pot of coffee - and on and on I went.

When hubby was leaving to come on Saturday (he left a day ahead of me), my parents presented him with his birthday present that had been in the closet all week-end!!!!

TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my soul! The coffee is good!!!! And HOT! And FAST!!! THANK YOU MOM & DAD!!!!

We are still figuring out how to make the coffee in this thing. The measurements on the glass carafe are in mls. The instructions state cups and the cup size they are referring to is not an 8oz cup, it's a 5 oz cup. So there's been some working out of the measurements. I think we've finally figured out that you have to have 1 scoop for every cup of coffee. So I have a real measuring cup (8oz cup) beside the machine. If I make 3 cups of coffee which is ??? ml, I use 3 scoops. The machine says that you MUST make at least 4 cups (5oz cups =20oz) MY HEAD HURTS...!!! My favourite is Decaf Sumatra from Starbucks. It's SOOOOO good. I grind the beans right before I make a pot of coffee! It's so yummy and no aftertaste! However, I pay $15/lb. Which is ridiculous, I know. At the rate that I'm attempting pots of coffee, I've spent $15. already this week! haha! So we're rationing the good stuff... David bought some Nabob today. choke/gasp/wheeze! No... I'm just kidding. It was pretty good too. It was hot and fast! Who cares! haha!

I'm back

2008-02-03T14:34:00.001-05:00

I doubt that anyone is checking this blog anymore, which is actually FINE with me. I have felt the need to get back on here and start writing out some of the things I've been pondering.

I decided today that my blog needs a new name. It gives the impression that every day is such a struggle. I chose that name originally when I bought a journal with the same name and the poor girl on the outside looked so frazzled. I think I must have felt that way , that particular day, and it spoke to me! haha~! So, if there are readers, I'm taking suggestions.

Not much has changed since the fall. Still working, a little bit addicted to mindjolt games on facebook, busy household, laundry, and more laundry.

I think I have the winter blues. Can't wait for the spring! Have been thinking alot lately about personality types and how God made us with such unique personalities and really struggling with how my personality fits in with His plan. I would view myself as a realist. Sometimes, this translates to others as negativity. I am always hurt when people say that I am negative. I don't want to be a negative person. If I suggest an opposing opinion to the majority, am I negative? I think a lot. I think for myself. I am independent. I don't accept something just because it's been said. I need to prove it for myself. I need to research it and understand it before I express an opinion. I just don't jump on the band wagon and shout and cheer because the leader told me to. I ask where the wagon is going and dwell on whether I actually want to go where it's going, or if I'm better off waiting. I've never been accused of being a 'yes' person. More often, I'm viewed as being negative and stubborn. Faith is very hard for me. To step out without research and follow... is very hard for me. I eventually get there. It just might have taken a lot longer. Am I not living the joyful life. Would life be even more abundant if I blindly trusted and stepped out without knowing all the why's are wherefores??? Hmmmmm

We had a great day yesterday at our church. We had Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries come to share with a ladies day meeting. Such an amazing testimony of obeying God when it seemed CRAZY and how God looked after everything!!!

I'm such a Martha (in the Martha vs Mary debate). I always feel that Martha gets a bum rap in sermons. She is always criticized for her attitude. There she is working while Mary is sitting and enjoying! Jesus said to Martha, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Wow! Can't really argue Martha's point there! Mary had the right attitude. Leaving the worries and details behind and just sitting and enjoying Jesus. I've never been a relaxed person. EVER. Even on holidays... it takes quite alot of time to relax. I can even grow resentful of the Mary's in my life. I used to think that if the Martha's didn't do the work, what would the Mary's do? They wouldn't probably get worked up about it?! That's for sure! Can there be a balance? Can a Martha/task oriented perfectionist learn to relax and let go of the details and let God actually do what He promised? To look after the stuff? Oh me of little faith!!!

Sad news at our house this week: my coffee machine isn't working. And I only drink decaf anyway... but I still like it. I'm still addicted. So I've been making a lot of trips through Starbucks. sigh.

Just my thoughts on a winter afternoon!

18 years!

2007-09-16T14:47:00.000-04:00

Today is David's and my 18th anniversary. I can't believe it! We were just kids! What a great journey we're on! We've learned alot about each other along the way! We have shared both laughter and tears but we've grown to love each other more! I am so thankful for a husband who loves me and supports me NO MATTER WHAT! I know that David prays for me and seeks God in every decision we make. I love that my husband is my best friend. I love you David.

Obsessive Compulsive Lottery

2007-07-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

For those of you out there who, like me, enjoy dead-heading petunias... here was my lottery

TONIGHT'S HAUL!

I need therapy!!!

Happy Canada Day - 4 days late!

2007-07-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

We spent the week-end at the lake - relaxing! What a concept! Was sooooo tired! I have now finished my job at the church, piano lessons are over, Katie's grad and grad party are finished and we only have soccer to contend with this summer! YAY!!! I read a book at the lake and slept and slept and slept! I was soooo lazy... but I tried not to feel guilty. We went for a long walk each night through the provincial park - it was so pretty! We had a campfire - basically to keep warm.. it was 42 degrees on Sunday morning when my mother in law got up at 6 am! YIKES!!!! It did warm up a bit but not alot! That didn't stop the kids from jumping into the water and tubing all afternoon!
Visited with family that we have't seen since last summer. It was fun! We'll be spending our holidays there this year as well and I'm looking forward to it.

Here's a few pics.

HELP! Need game ideas

2007-06-27T09:03:00.000-04:00

Have 15-20 Grade 8 grads coming to our place tomorrow night. Need some proven game ideas. Suggestions. I'm stressed about impressing 13 years olds! AHHHHHHHHHHHH

Grade 8 Grad!

2007-06-25T22:54:00.001-04:00

A big day in our household today. Katie graduated from Grade 8! On to the exciting life at high school. It didn't hit me until we were in the auditorium and she was processing in. Couldn't believe it! I remember the day we put her on the bus for the first time and how we drove directly behind the bus the entire way to school and watched her get off and waited until we saw her enter the school. I can still feel the same feelings in my tummy! AHHHH. And now she's passed another marker in life! WOW! Time really does fly! We had a great day together. We had manicures and pedicures together and then home for lunch and off to get her hair and make-up done! These events are BIG around here! She looked beautiful and we are so proud of her!! Here's some pics

Before and After

2007-06-21T22:15:00.001-04:00

$5000. and 2.5 years later....this is what happened!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my dad! We weren't able to be together today to celebrate but did a flying trip home last night after Katie's soccer tournament to have supper with my parents and my brothers and their families.

Of the three of us siblings, I am the one most like my dad! We all comment on that often!!! Sometimes I am more tender, like Mom, but more times than not I am a straight shooter like my dad. Especially in the business world. My dad hired me to work in his office when I was in high school. I learned how to do the books and to deal with customers. My dad taught me what it meant to offer customer service. He had high standards but I've never forgotten the lessons he taught me. My dad worked very hard to start a business from the ground up when we changed provinces and moved to Ontario. The office was attached to the house and he worked alot!!! One of my favourite memories though, took place on the first day of school for us kids at the new school in Corbyville. It was hard. Scary. Overwhelming. When we got home, off the bus and up the long walk to the house, Dad took the rest of the afternoon off to spend with us. He had never done that before - to my recollection - and he played games with us and made us feel safe and secure.

Dad taught me to drive. I recall the night before my driving test, he took me out to practice one more time and after miserably failing at parallel parking, I informed him that I would not be taking the driving test! He informed me in no uncertain terms that I would so be taking the test and to deal with it!!!!

Dad encouraged me to get licensed in the insurance field - which I did. And then I worked for him every summer during college.

Before Dad got the toll free line at the office, I was given his calling card number and pin! I used it all through college and only about 5 years into my marriage! haha! Last night at supper, Paul asked me what it was and I couldn't remember... but he did!!!!!!!!!!

Dad switched to manual 5 speed vehicles when I was in college. He, Mom and Bruce came to visit Paul and I one week-end and I wanted to try to drive it. I was too scared to try the main streets - so mistakenly took the side streets where there were stop signs every fifty feet. I lurched that car so bad that day that my mom and two brothers who were in the backseat were just about wetting their pants, they were laughing so hard. Dad was trying to hide it but he wasn't too successful at it! When I got home from school that summer, he put me in his car and told me to go driving alone until I had learned to drive the stick shift and not to come back until I had been successful. He often tells me that he was getting quite worried about me by the time I finally returned! Apparently it took a long time!

When I finished school, Dad took me out to get my first car. I wasn't in any rush to buy a car - but he LOVES to shop for cars - and in his mind, it was time! BOY did I love that car! A Navy Volkswagen Golf Hatch Back - 5 speed! What fun! Still remember it fondly!

Today, I celebrate my dad who is my friend. He listens, advises, helps, encourages, teaches, supports and unconditionally loves me and my family. I love you Dad! Wish I could have been with you today but enjoyed our time together last night! Happy Father's Day!

Leaving Home

2007-06-06T21:36:00.001-04:00

As mentioned in a previous post, we had another family of robins on our deck this year. We enjoy watching the whole process every year - even with bird poop all over the deck.

A couple of weeks ago (I'm way behind in blogging) we came home from church and checked on the deck to see what was going on - because the "babies" were getting massive - too big for the nest, I thought. Just as we came out on the deck, baby # 2 (#1 was already gone from the nest) was perching on the privacy screen of the deck and after MUCH chirpy encouragement from Mom - flew into the neighbour's house and plopped onto their awning! It was cute. We watched for a long time and eventually he flew off. Then we turned our attention to baby # 3 - who was sitting up in the nest and after all the excitement settled down, dropped back deep into the nest as if to say, "FINALLY, they're gone and I got the place to myself!" We watched all afternoon and evening and no way was he leaving. I say 'he' because I married one just like him. And to top it all off - Mama kept feeding him. As I said, I married one just like him!

The next morning I went out to watch and Mama came over with a nice juicy worm dangling out of her mouth. Junior opens wide and Mama flies off with the worm still firmly in her beak! Junior didn't move! Not too hungry, I guess! Mama could chirp loudly with a worm in her mouth too! Dad tried some encouragement but nothin' doin'~! Junior was comfy. Not long after, Mama came back, sans worm, and flew into the nest and to my amusement, started tearing the thing apart! It wasn't long before Junior started moving! A good lesson for us humans - the kids won't move out.. tear the house down!!!

Junior took his sweet time moving and hopped for about a half hour through my garden - spent the afternoon on my front lawn and is hopefully moved out on his own by now! Here's a few pics!

Dare to be Different

2007-06-05T13:38:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to my mom! We got to spend Friday night and Saturday together. My mom is an example to me of what I want to someday become. She is selfless, sweet, kind, giving, generous, hospitable, creative and Godly. I know that she prays for me and my family. I know that she will always listen when I call. She's quick to listen and slow to advise. She's disciplined. She endures much with no complaint. She loves freely. She shares my wacky sense of humour! She is my friend. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day to David's mom too! We got to spend this afternoon with Mom and Dad Churchill. Mom has accepted me into her family with open arms. She loves and supports us in so many ways! She has looked after our kids so much and now that they've grown a bit, she's the orthodontist appointment driver and our first call when one of the kids wakes up sick and we have to be at work. She has taught our kids so much too. She spends time with our kids and has great conversations with them. She is loving and kind and generous. She drops everything for us when we call her. We love you Mom!

Today we celebrate the amazing gift that God has given to us in our mom's! Happy Mother's Day! We are thankful to God for both of you!

Busy Life - I'm still alive

2007-05-11T00:23:00.000-04:00

I have become a facebook junkie! Oh my word!!! It's bad, people! But I've caught up with some old friends which has been really great!

This Sunday will be my 5th week at the church. Only 5 more. I've really enjoyed planning the worship again. What a creative outlet for my worship. I was so afraid to do it again but have enjoyed the teams that I've worked with, and just the fun of singing again! I even wrote a song. We sang it for 2 weeks in a row and I never told anyone. While we grew up, my parents exposed us to many different kinds of music... one particular concert, (twangy country group), the lady singer introduced one of their pieces by saying that God had given her the song while she was dusting her piano. (must be said with a twangy country accent). It was an interesting song and from that day forward, whenever my brother and I heard a bad song, we would say, "sounds like they wrote it themselves while they were dusting their piano!!! So I never told anyone about my song for fear it sounded like it wrote it myself while I was dusting my piano!!! HAHA WOW!!! It's been really busy though~ Man... can't believe what I get packed into a week. Usually something doesn't get done... like the laundry, or the dishes, or beds made. But there's always another day.

At church this week-end, we're doing a bit of a celebration of Mother's by having a slide show. I asked Mom's to send in their pics of themselves and their kids and we've put it together (We meaning Christa in the church office) with music and it's going to be special I think. I also have a couple of kids reciting a poem about Mom's. It's a surprise for their mom!

Next week-end we're at a conference for their opening week-end of summer ministry. My brother Paul and a pile of other friends are coming with us. Good times! Great memories!

Soccer has started. 3 nights a week at the field. Katie is also on the school soccer team - with a couple of games a week and a couple of practices too. She's also pushing for a yearbook at school - the school doesn't do one every year. So because she's pushing for it, she's on the committee to help. There doesn't seem to be a teacher in charge.. just alot of teachers 'willing to help'. So I keep after her to get a schedule together to help her get this done. Alot of work, but it will be rewarding. She's also going to a Music Arts Camp for 9 days at the beginning of June. Had the parent meeting last week and it looks fantastic. She's so excited! She is signed up for Musical Theatre as her major and they are performing High School Musical. She signed up for a lead role audition but changed her mind when she saw the level of competition. It scared me!!! Pretty serious students. This camp is for Grades 7-12 and it's pretty intense! I'm thrilled that she is able to go.

Jacob had Track and Field today. I left for work this morning .. and the only morning that I haven't reminded him to put on sunscreen... guess what? He didn't put it on.. and today was track and field! He was pretty red tonight! But ... he came away with 4 ribbons. He placed 1st in the 150m run! He was pretty stoked about that! He's glad to be back at soccer. He needed new cletes again.. and shin guards... and once again, he chose RED!!! You can pick his feet out across the field anyway! Jacob's birthday next week and David has soccer to coach that night. So my friend C. and I are hosting 7 boys... actually... we're taking them to see Shrek the 3rd and then out for pizza! Ought to be fun!!!

Our back yard and parts of the front yard have a new weed this year... some plant that pops up all over the lawn.. red leaves.. looks like maple leaves. They are everywhere... what is that???

We have a big job ahead of us... digging up the side lawn and regrading it... and then resodding it. Happy times! Grading has never been right since the house was built and a few years ago the neighbours built a pool and the trucks went in to their year between our houses. They regraded at the time... but we still had water pooling near the window wells. So the temporary trench that was dug last fall works great... but it's not all that pretty. So that's the next job.

Every week-end is booked from now to July. It's insanity.

Heading to see my mom this week-end. David can't come because he has symphony. Can't be with her on Mother's Day because I'm working but we're having the family get together (without my hubby) on Saturday.

We once again, have a robin's nest on our back deck! It's exciting to see it every year! Mama gets quite saucy with me when I"m hanging the laundry out! I go out every morning and say hi but she still doesn't want to be friends.

I love spring!

Thanks to my friend Tim!!

2007-04-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

Tim is helping to re-design my blog... He's put up a new header and it will change randomly!!! Too cool! So smart! Thanks Tim. The cheque is in the mail!

No Name Brands

2007-04-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

There's just some No Name things that should NEVER be purchased !

No name ketchup

No name soda crackers

No name choco chips

There are more... but I'd love to hear your responses - and stories if there are any!

I'm stable again!

2007-04-22T22:50:00.000-04:00

I thought I should update my blog in case people were worried about the state of my mental health. I've been slightly more stable in the past 72 hours! haha! AND....
this week-end, I bought...

... a new hairdryer (it doesn't spark! It dries hair quickly! It's amazing!!!!)

...coldair mister for Jacob's croup (can I just say that at 9 years of age - this croup thing is getting old - most people outgrow it at 2! And it never gets any less worrisome! I have the routine down now though. raise the mattress, open the window, throw on the mister, cover the warm air vent, cover the boy and shut the door!)

...a new state of the art kettle (who knew you had to actually investigate options to purchase a new kettle - most annoying)

...and a new iron. The thing steams like a professional. I can empty the water dispenser with 4 shots of steam. David ironed his shirt this morning for church and I was already dressed but realized I had wrinkles in my sweater... he steamed me after I was dressed! Most excellent!

I have listed the purchases in the order of their importance in our house. Shallow, but true.

In other news:
- I found J's house key - 1 down, 1 to go.
- Teacher note is a whole other blog! It's funny, but I can't admit it. I'm trying to be a serious parent.
- Services got planned and executed
- Getting caught up at work
- House is getting there - best solution: invite a friend over to watch Amazing Race and see how quickly you can clean up!!
- Laundry is started!
- Exchanged the winter coats with spring coats. Packed up all the winter gear - scarves, hats, mitts.
- Symphony is done
- Babysitting is finished and the bank account is much healthier.
- Proctoring is done - and no cheaters. Great exam and a great class of kids
- Went to see Wizard of Oz at the high school that Katie will attend. It was very well done! Knew 5 kids that were involved. It was a fun date night for Jacob and I.

BAD NEWS:
- Taxes aren't done yet! What? I have 7 days!
- Still haven't been to the gym
- Gardens are still gross
- so are the bathrooms

But anyway... we made it through the week! PHEW!!! THANK YOU LORD!

Anyway... back to me, haha... I'm better. Had a great day at church today and once again am amazed at the great things that God does to put the day together! We sang "It's all about you, Jesus - and all this is for You... for Your glory and Your praise... it's not about me... as if You should do things my way... You alone are God and I surrender to your ways!" Great song. Great message. May it be my heart cry!

Overwhelmed

2007-04-19T08:23:00.000-04:00

Feeling very overwhelmed this week. I KNEW on Monday that it was a busy week- lots of extras packed in - but knowing doesn't really matter does it. I realize that with my current schedule, I CANNOT add ANYTHING extra!!! This week I had my normal schedule of 3 days of work, piano teaching, and planning the worship at church. However, I also have proctoring at the university, 2 sessions of Kiwanis festival - helping as secretary. Which doesn't seem like much... but added to all of this is
- laundry is overflowing
- house is a mess
- my bathrooms are dirty and disgusting
- can't get to the gym because I'm too busy
- chiropractor appointments
- hair appointments
- library books are due and since my overdue fines from the last year are responsible for the newest wing of the library, and my budget is tight, I am making a concerted effort to have my books in on time
- a note in J's agenda from the teacher (NEVER A GOOD THING)
- bought garlic bread for supper - put it in oven - got it out to eat with supper and it was moldy. Had another rush trip back to grocery store
- Low Gas light went on this morning
- I'm behind at work
- Evening service isn't ready for this week-end yet.
- Kids have BOTH lost their keys to the house!!?!?!?!
- Daughter is on a full day to early evening field trip - she can't find her camera - digital - expensive one that we bought for her because she takes it to school and then leaves it places.
- Honestly struggling with what kind of parent I am that my kids don't clean up after themselves - and they lose everything
- Can't get to see my mom who is not feeling well - cause MY schedule is too insane.
- Katie is babysitting twice this week-end - which I agreed to - but it keeps me at home - so can't go to Belleville.
- Dear husband (DH) has Symphony rehearsals (2) and performance (1) all week-end - so he won't be home.
- My gardening needs to be done DESPERATELY.
- my taxes aren't ready for the tax preparer yet
- my kettle is broken
- my iron is broken
- my blow dryer keeps sparking every 10 seconds or so. Takes me much longer to dry my hair that way... it stops and cools down and starts again
- etc etc.

And that's not all! I promised myself and my mother that I wouldn't be overwhelmed by my schedule if I decided to add to it. I tried. Truly I did.

So I'm clinging to the following verse from Psalm 61

1 Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

AND I'm popping Evening Primrose Oil! Thanks for checking in. I bet you're sorry! ha!

I'm still alive!

2007-04-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

I have become a facebook junkie! Someone introduced me to facebook and I'm on there all the time! YIKES!!!

Started at church on Sunday. Had my first day of leading worship and I think it went pretty well. I haven't got any hate mail or death threats yet anyway! Busy planning week 2 today.

Helped at the Kiwanas festival yesterday. Was the secretary for the adjudicator for the intermediate piano competitions. It was fun! She said such great stuff to the kids and things that I have said to my students!!! Made me feel validated! I'm so needy!

Jacob was in bed last night but not going to sleep. I was in the room putting laundry away and hanging about because he still likes people around while he's going to sleep. I had to repeatedly remind him to close his eyes and stop talking. At one point I said, Close your eyes, Jacob. Then a few seconds later. Close your eyes, you can do it. He pipes up, "and we can help, Home Depot!" Somebody watches too much tv. He's like his uncles that way!

Shop Til You Drop

2007-04-12T12:30:00.000-04:00

Mom and Dad were on a shopping trip with my aunt and uncle in Watertown NY this week. They were to come home yesterday afternoon. They had stopped for lunch and on the way into the restaurant, Mom fell. She couldn't weight bear on her left leg and was in a great deal of pain. Dad got her comfortable in the car and drove back to Canada! He took her straight to Kingston General where it was determined, after MANY hours, that she had broken her pelvis. They cannot do anything for her but help her to manage the pain with medication. It will take 6 weeks of resting to help it heal. We are so grateful that it wasn't her hip, as she would have had to have surgery and that would be a great risk for her health.

David, Bruce and I went down to the hospital last night but by the time we got there, they had released Mom to go home. We got her home, unpacked, fed and settled and then came home. She had a rough night - she will be sleeping in the Lazy Boy because she can get out of it easier than the bed. She feels great as long as she doesn't move! ha!

Last night as we were leaving, she said, "Well that was a true shop til you drop holiday!" She still has her sense of humour!

Thank you to our friends who were praying! We appreciate your prayers so much!

Happy Easter

2007-04-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

Haven't been blogging much! I still read lots of other ones! Just don't write much about my life! Happy Easter! We had a wonderful day! I love being in church on Easter Sunday morning! What a beautiful celebration we had! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

The kids and I spend Friday and Saturday in Belleville with Mom and Dad. The kids went to a Belleville Bulls game with Dad and Bruce. They were playing Oshawa (our home team!) They were under strict instruction from Grampa to cheer for Belleville if they wanted a ride back to his house!! To continue my tradition of only going to hockey games to see who I know, Katie saw two friends from Oshawa that had travelled to the game in Belleville!

On Saturday morning, we rushed to the mall at 8:30 for the Easter Egg Hunt. There were to be 10,000 eggs hidden! Katie and Jake were at the front of the line and took off to scout for eggs. The eggs were not really hidden... piled in piles of 10 or so on the outside of the stores. Alot of big kids were scooping the whole pile! So there were lots of little ones that didn't find any eggs. Very upsetting for some of them. Katie and Jacob had about 60 eggs each and bless their hearts, went around and re-hid them or gave them to kids that didn't have any. I told Jacob how proud I was of him and he said, "I didn't want to do it, she made me!" Still proud! haha!

Had Easter supper with Mom and Dad and Bruce and family. They came dressed to watch the game after supper!
I imagine the shirts are now at the cleaners being stored for another year! I tried to call Bruce after the game on Saturday night to see how he was feeling but he wouldn't pick up the phone!!

Had church at home on Sunday and then off to the Churchill side of the family for our Easter celebration. Good food and too much of it!

Then back to church last night for the musical. It was very well done.

Today begins the new schedule for our life for the next 10 weeks. I am starting at the church today! Looking forward to it and being panicked by it all at the same time! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Would appreciate your prayers!

Wet Pants

2007-03-30T10:06:00.000-04:00

Note to self: When rolling up the rim, make sure to check for any remaining coffee in the cup!

New Furniture

2007-03-30T07:14:00.000-04:00

It's here! D,C,K & J would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newest member of our family! Sectional Churchill arrived on Thursday, March 29 weighing in at 300 lbs and is 600 inches long! Beautiful soft brown skin! Also provides loving hugs on each end with matching recliners!

Life

2007-03-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

Nothing much new to report. Some pics of some recent fun

We were at a wedding and these were our table mates. I was the last to arrive at the picture opportunity location and there was very little room for my very large seat and thus the falling off the bench approach to the picture! Fun times.

David and I after a few hours at the table with above noted fun table mates! We sure did laugh alot at the table.

We headed to London with my brother Paul and his kids for a few days at the Lamplighter Inn. It has a great pool and waterslide and arcade. This is our second trip to this hotel and the kids loved it again this year! I realized after we got home that Paul took all the good pics - I only had 2!!! It really was a great holiday, really! I borrowed some pics from his site.

Then home to work for a few days while David relaxed with the kids. Then off to Belleville to see the folks and spend a very relaxing and lazy week-end with Mom and Dad. The boys went to a breakfast with the Belleville Bulls and got to have their picture taken with the real Stanley Cup. Since the party took place on St. Patrick's Day, they provided all the right gear to help the gang celebrate!

A 9 year old's version of time

2007-03-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

Time isn't a reality to my son. He has no concept of it. We've bought him watches. He has a pile of them in his room. Some days he wears all 5! Still no help with the time issue. He lives in his own dimension! But since I live by the clock, I , of course, want to instill this awareness in him.

Last week he was at his friend's house 2 doors up the street. I asked him to be home at 3:30. So at 3:40, I called. Spoke to friend's mom and she said that she would send him home.

He called right back...probably right after friend's mom asked him to go home. Could he stay just a little longer... they were just in the middle of something that he was teaching his friend to do on their video game. Some negotiation took place and I agreed to 10 more minutes. The conversation went something like this:

Mom: "J, what time is it?"
J: "3:40"
Mom: "What time do you have to be home?"
J: "3:50"
Mom: "Yes - 3:50. Do you understand - only 10 more minutes. If you don't come home on time this time, you'll be in trouble. Do you understand? T-r-o-u-b-l-e."
J: "Yes - I'll be home at 3:50"
Mom: "OK bye"

At 4:10 I called over. Friend's mom very apologetic - was doing something and forgot to tell J his time was up. She would send him right away - please don't be mad at him she says... it's my fault.

At 4:15, J saunters into the house. I looked at him - with that Momisgoingtokillyou look - and he says "what?"

And the conversation went something like this:

Mom: What was the last thing I said to you when I talked to you on the phone???

LONG PAUSE

J: Bye?

We're still working on the time issue! *sigh*

Happy Birthday to my baby brother, Bruce

2007-03-09T23:12:00.000-05:00

Today, my baby brother turns 36! I can remember when he was a baby - I do believe I thought I was his mother. He was such a cute baby!

But he grew up! haha!

Bruce has always been a sports fan! For as long as I can remember. During the winter, it was hockey - he was always playing hockey in our front field on a frozen patch of ditch, and in the spring and summer, it was baseball - playing every waking moment in the side yard or back field! I remember both he and Paul practicing with me because it wasn't a good idea to have me play if I was going to embarrass them!!
I remember once when I was batting with that metallic blue aluminum bat... I swung wide and poor Bruce was standing a little too close - beaned him in the forehead... after a rushed trip to the hospital and many stitches later, he recovered, but I was a wreck! Goes to show you - baseball is a hazardous sport!

Bruce was always wearing sports jerseys as well. Out in public. Where people could see him. But then he got smart about fashion.

These were pre-Tanya day! Actually, in all truth, he did outgrow this awkward stage and became quite the snazzy dresser and his style has only improved with age!

Bruce's best friend growing up was Conrad. They were always together. So much so, that I almost think of Conrad as another little brother.

Bruce is a very smart guy! He now runs the family insurance business! He started in the business shortly after he graduated from college and has worked really hard to build the business. I think he's incredible. He's organized, brilliant, disciplined, funny, creative and sensitive (in the most manly sense of the word!)

He's married to a great girl and has a family of his own now but he'll always be my little brother! Happy Birthday Bruce! Hope it's a great one! Much love from your sister.

I'VE GOT NOTHIN'!

2007-03-06T22:33:00.000-05:00

No exciting words here. Have nothing to write. Lots of life happening but nothing that makes me run to the computer to tell the world about it!

Babysat some puppies today for a friend who was attending her dad's funeral out of town. Cute puppies. Almost makes you want to think about having another one of your own... except Katie was wheezy after 30 minutes with the pups! Shitzu pups too - supposed to be good for allergies! Not so! So that answered that.

Have been back at the gym again. With a vengeance. Those shortbread cookies at Christmas were definitely NOT worth the agony I'm going through now. Decided to try a step class. Have gone twice now....a week apart... can't get out of chairs without moaning. But I do feel a difference! Already... so I'll keep at it and keep away from the sweets.

Singing at a wedding this week-end! Then dinner and a dance! FUN TIMES!!! I'm the world's worst dancer! I just walk to the beat! But it's fun to try! My friend Richard always takes me on a pity dance! I step on his feet and he laughs it off! David and I dance - but there's not alot of moving around! We sway to the music! hahahaha! Can't wait for a fun night out. The bride and her family are total PARTY people! Should be a great time!

Back to work tomorrow. Heading out with the family for a few days away on March Break! Meeting my brother Paul and his kids and looking forward to a great time! He's paying for the whole trip! (I wonder if he reads my blog....smile)

Katie and 3 other girls from her class made a pitch tonight at the Parent Council of the school for our committee to help them plan and print a yearbook. Our school does not print a yearbook every year. It's a bummer. I loved having my books from every year growing up. So hopefully this yearbook will fly.

See... boring information. Nothing too exciting! Hope all is well with blogland. Watch for another entry in a month! haha!

Baby Steps

2007-02-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

On Monday, Jacob had a pizza pocket for lunch. As is a natural occurrence, he dribbled pizza on the table and it ran down the plastic covering for the table and almost dripped off the edge to the floor.
Here's the great part! WITHOUT PROMPTING, HE WENT AND GOT A CLOTH AND WIPED IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A HUGE accomplishment at our house! I was and am VERY happy!

On Tuesday, he came home at lunch and announced that he had been doing paper mache at school all morning! I had already noticed that actually...... by the globs of white stuff all over the sides of his navy blue pants - where he wiped his hands! Baby steps!

Decisions

2007-02-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally made my decision about those ministry opportunities! Yesterday, I agreed to plan and lead the worship at my home church for April, May and June. Our worship pastor is taking a sabbatical until August and asked me to sub in. I agreed to do it until June 24 but then I need to be home at least a couple days a week for the kids this summer. It was a hard decision to make. My life is already full! Yes, I have 2 days a week available, but I do need to look after my house every now and then!! HA! We prayed much and I asked my prayer warrior friends to pray too and on the week-end we decided to go ahead and take a giant leap of faith that God would be our strength during this time and that He would help me remain calm while in the process. Bottom line is that I LOVE to do this! I am committed to staying calm and not losing it! I'm stocking up on Evening Primrose Oil to 'help' that committment! I used to work at the church on staff in the music department. When I left, I knew that God wanted me to go. But it was hard and I didn't know what I was going to do. I didn't know who I was apart from the job. It was a difficult time. I went through a very dark period for me. A lot of emotion and questioning! Little faith. At the time, I had seen a card at a Christian book store and I liked it so much that I bought it for myself and put it in my Bible.

It reads: Each of us has a unique song within us - a tune no one else can play - a melody composed by God for all to enjoy.

Inside it reads: Play on.

To me at the time, it was my invitation to keep at it. To still sing. To still play. And even though I felt replaced at Calvary - I had gifts that God gave to me and I had value because of them. It was an encouragement to me and I have kept it in my Bible ever since. This week-end I was looking at the card again and suddenly realized that there was a verse on the left side of the card that I had never seen. It was from Zephaniah 3: 16-17

"Don't be afraid.
Dear Zion,
don't despair.
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs.

WOW! The words - He'll calm you with His love right there in front of me - thaI had my answer.

So that's the big news in our house this week!

Had so many other ideas for blogs but never seem to get to the computer to type them and then *poof* they're gone! HAHA!

I'll leave you with a couple of pics of our life lately! Thanks for checking in!

Whining

2007-02-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

- My toe is still hurting where I stabbed it last week - it's not infected that we can see but it is still very tender

- I have zits on my face - not one mind you... a little village of them. Let's refresh... I'm 40! No more need for zits

- I have laundry piled high and higher and have ABSOLUTELY no desire to do it!

- I feel fat and have no desire to exercise

- I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! That's a problem.

- I have a friend coming for lunch tomorrow and I don't know what I am serving her. Any ideas? Fun ladies lunch ideas?

- Only 2 more projects due this week?!!?

- David is home sick from work - he's laying around - so I kind of feel like laying around. Although - cleaned the main level of the house today and took Katie to piano and went and bought all the Valentine's Day treats for piano students and picked up groceries for supper, and bought candies for katies' class for her to hand out while she's doing her book talk today so that they will listen when she talks... she bribes them every time! So I didn't actually sit around today... but I feel like I want to.

WHINING SESSION IS NOW OVER!

Went to a parenting seminar on the week-end with David. It was great. But then it got me thinking about whether I should be adding anything more to my plate at this time. During the morning break, a lady that had left a message for me at home (I didn't know her) wants me to teach piano to her daughter. So I added her to the only spot I have left on Monday's. So now I'm up to 7 students. Why am I adding things and not dropping things.

AND I WONDER WHY I HAVE ZITS????????????????????????????????

Hope everyone else's Monday is a pleasure! Just like mine!!!

Basketball Blues

2007-02-09T09:16:00.000-05:00

Poor girls... Played 5 games and lost 5 games. Last night's 2 games were great basketball. Exciting the entire 24 minutes! We lost 7-6 and 7-5. For the first game, the coach only played the 1st string. The A team. Katie wasn't part of that selection and was quite crushed. That lesson is not a fun one! The 'it's an honour to be part of the team' speech wasn't much help either.

On the decision front
- I've said no to the musical at church at Easter.
- I've said no to the week at a camp
- I did NOT apply to for the choir director job

- I said YES to the week-end at a camp to lead worship. Full team is in place!

- I am still deciding on the 16 hour a week job from April to August. I did tell them that I could NOT do the summer or the long week-end in May. So it would be 10 weeks of crazy schedules. Soccer begins in May - 3 nights a week at the field. (I usually just go to games - not the practice) It would mean that the kids would have to take on more responsibility at home so that I am not insane. Currently, I do all the laundry, the cleaning (which doesn't get done enough), the kitchen cleaning. David does the cooking most of the time which is great! But we'd need to have our menu's picked and each of the kids would have chores that would HAVE to be done! Thoughts? Ideas? Things that have worked for you?

Go ahead... ask me

2007-02-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

.... anything about Genocide in Darfur, most western region of Sudan, Africa. I can tell you stuff! I am now quite well read on the subject. Katie has a paper due on Friday! Last night I was moaning about the fact that I'm finished school. I already did it. I don't like being in school again! I looked at David and batted my eyelashes and suggested he could do this particular paper with Katie. He looked at me and said, "Sorry, I have more seniority!" DOH! Foiled again! We laughed hard though. Not only does she have this paper due, but then she has a book report due on Monday. Then she has a current events project due on Tuesday. Then she has another paper due on Thursday. Oh yeah... and basketball practices 4 x a week and a tournament this week (3 nights so far this week) and play offs next week! I did say that I was thrilled for her to be part of the team, didn't I? She has scored some great baskets and is learning alot! We ARE proud and I'm HAPPY to be running the roads!!!

I am a bit accident prone where my feet are concerned. I have previously been hospitalized for cuts in my feet because I'm not that good at looking after them! I get cuts and then I put a bandaid on them and continue working in the garden. I shower. That gets them clean enough, doesn't it??? My doctor suggested that I should get regular pedicures, but that seems indulgent, so I don't! Sure enough, this week, another foot episode. Monday was busy. Had basketball til 5:20. Taught piano from 5:30 til 7:30. Had to be at a church bridal shower for 7:30! Was rushing upstairs to get changed and ran into my bathroom. Sort of slipped and went further into the bathroom than I intended. Felt a VERY sharp pain. Lifted my foot to see what I'd done when I saw my nail scissors sticking out of my big toe! I didn't see that they had dropped off the counter and were on the floor underneath the counter and the both blades went deep into my toe. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
And then I did what anyone would do. I called for my daughter to bring up the bandaids. I pulled the scissors out, put a piece of toilet paper on the cut to stem the bloodflow and I put on about 3 miniscule bandaids because that's all I had (?!?!?!!?) and went to the bridal shower. I told my sister-in-law about it at the shower and she asked if I soaked it. Soak it? No?! I guess I should. So I came home and soaked it and but antibiotic cream on it (illegally purchased in the US) and put on more miniscule bandaids because I forgot to stop at Shoppers Drug Mart on the way home, and went to bed. My mother, protector of my health, gave me what for the next morning. Told me to soak my foot AGAIN and coat it with stuff! So here I am again. Hoping for no infection!

Went to the pharmacist on Sunday to ask about help for Seasonal Affective Disorder. I have a friend who, I am convinced, suffers from this and I wanted to get her some vitamins to help her get started to feel a bit better. Was just looking for some advise. Now, this is not a new disorder. It is very common with people. And she said, "I've never heard of it" I can't clearly relay the tone to you in this entry but it was condescending and ignorant. I just raised one eyebrow and looked at her and said "You haven't heard of it?" (in exactly the same tone!) I suggested that she look it up in her books and then I pointed at them. She did and guess what??????????????? It was in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She offered no help and was quite rude in the way she talked to me about it. I expect that she was embarrassed about not knowing about it but nevertheless... she was rude. If I was the one that was suffering from SAD at the time that I went to the pharmacist, imagine how she would have made me feel?!?!?! She's supposed to be a 'professional'! Made me mad!!! This particular store is fairly new. It replaced an older store and is a brand new facility. A few months ago another Shoppers opened up about 2 blocks east of them (closer to me) and I thought that was ridiculous! I had vowed to never shop in the newest one because I felt it was cheeky to put another Shoppers so close to an existing one. I am now over that feeling and will be shopping at the new one instead! Almost did my Christian Canadian duty and sent a letter! MAN!

I believe that there is grocery store lineup etiquette. I practice it. I will not crowd the customer in front of me... even if it means that I won't be fully unloaded onto the belt when it's my turn. I keep my cart way back from them. I allow them privacy when they punching in their pin number. When they are gone, I move ahead with my cart. Because I practice this fine art, I EXPECT THE SAME FROM EVERYONE ELSE! I don't appreciate my ankles being skinned by the wheels of the cart behind me. I don't appreciate having someone else's milk being shoved onto the belt and squishing my bread that I left last in my order! I don't like you being so close that your arm knocks my purse off my shoulder every 5 seconds. BACK OFF!!!! And I mean that in the most loving sense! Bubbles of space... are important. They must be taught. Jacob has been diagnosed with no concept of personal space. We're in therapy for it and we're trying to help him learn. It's a major pet peeve of mine!!!

David and I celebrated our 17th anniversary in September and are still trying to find a week-end that we can go away and celebrate it! haha! Maybe March - no, that won't work - spring break. April - Easter. May - soccer starts and that's that! Maybe next year! ha~

At the parent council meeting at my school tonight. No big blow ups! I did keep my reputation intact by questioning all spending!!

SURVIVOR FIJI begins tomorrow! Can't wait! Had a nacho night planned with my friend Catherine and now Katie has a basketball game! Will have to tape it. I can't believe I'm still watching that show but I'm hooked! Also eagerly anticipating the new Amazing Race. Someday, I'll be on that show but not with David! We'd never make it! (our marriage, I mean!)

God's Will & Other Mysteries!

2007-01-30T07:53:00.000-05:00

It was just a few days ago (ok ok...weeks ago - bad blogger that I am) that I wrote about my schedule and how I wasn't coping!

THEN......

I was approached with an offer for part time work in a ministry position that I love! It would be for 4 months and 16 hours a week.

THEN.....

I was approached and asked to audition for a part in the Easter musical at church

THEN.....

I was approached and asked to come to the camp that we travel to each year to lead worship for a week-end

THEN.....

I was approached to come to another camp with a pastor to lead worship for a week in August.

THEN.....

I was approached to apply for another part time music position as a director for four outstanding youth choirs in a community about 45 minutes from here.

NOW I ASK YOU......

Why is the Lord sending all these opportunities my way? My dad is sure it's the devil, actually! Trying to tempt me away from keeping my priorities straight.
ALL OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES are something that I would LOVE to do.

But I'm struggling with knowing what God wants me to do. My thoughts in random order:

- Is this a test? Did God send these opportunites to see if I would be obedient and keep my family as a priority below God but ABOVE church ministry?

- Logically - accepting any of these opportunities is ridiculous! I am already crazy busy. BUT... does God want me to accept them?

- Family counsel has said NO to the part time options. Ok for the week-end opportunities.

- If God wants me to do these, won't He provide the strength and help I need to accomplish this? Won't He change the minds of the people who don't think it's a good idea?

- Yesterday we did the annual re-assessment of our finances - bad time of year - after Christmas - after finishing the basement! So the money from these opportunities would be MOST helpful. Did God send them because He knew that we needed the financial help?

- I could buy a couch for my basement with that money!!!!!! WOO HOO! (Until then, visit and bring your own seating!)

- When I know God's will - won't I have peace about saying yes or no?

- NEON SIGNS WORK BEST FOR ME!

Thoughts?

Happy Birthday Big Brother

2007-01-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today is my (MUCH OLDER)brother Paul's birthday!! Paul and I have been friends for as long as I can remember! I think he's very funny! He makes me laugh at the silliest things!! Paul has got the biggest heart around! He will drive 100 km out of his way to help someone in need! He's kind and supportive and loving. My kids love it when he drops in. He usually times it to happen right before bed time. He comes in and gets the kids absolutely wired and Katie is lying on the floor laughing til she can't breathe and then he heads out! David allows these chaotic visits as long as a large box of raisin butter tarts from Butter Tarts'n More in Little Britain are left on the table! haha! We have had the opportunity to sing together again in the last year or so and while I'm not a convert to Southern Gospel, I do enjoy singing 'some' of his songs.
He is a devoted friend and would do anything for a friend. He is an encourager even when his heart is heavy! Our families can vacation together and we can make it to day 3 without wanting to kill each other! (Big feat!)
He is an amazing Dad! He loves his kids like crazy! His laugh is contagious and he makes friends with EVERYONE!!!
Paul has had quite a life journey so far. He has weathered so many storms but He is still swimming and clinging to God and looking ahead to what God has in store for Him!
Happy Birthday Paul! You are loved and I forgive you for not coming to my house for supper!

January and Coping Long One

2007-01-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I haven't been too faithful at blogging! Life has been busy. I was working full time for the 1st two weeks back after Christmas and I have realized that with my maturity (ha!) I am not able to cope with as many things in my life! I've become what I used to mock! I found teaching piano 1 night a week, being part of the parent committee at school, helping with homework, projects, piano practice, guitar practice, laundry, house cleaning, organizing the newly finished basement and going through old boxes to see what is actually going to go back to the basement, paying bills and doing banking, looking for lost clothing at the lost and found, attending basketball games to cheer like a maniac, planning and rehearsing two worship sessions for a ladies retreat, driving back and forth to youth activities and clubs > all added to working FULL time, I wasn't able to cope all that well!!! I find it hard to swallow that I cannot cope! I'm, in fact, mortified! I used to be able to do so much but I'm tired now when supper is over! haha! I don't have energy to do much! Laundry does NOT inspire me! However the cry of 'I don't have any clean underwear' does jump me into action! I was given the day off today for which I am very grateful! And here I sit blogging instead of a million other things that need to be done! I'll get there!

I've had so many ideas rattle through my brain about blogging... just haven't had the time to sit and write it down!

We had a lovely Christmas - 2 in fact! One with David's family and one with mine. They were spread apart by 5 days so we had alot of time to just relax which was great! We spent 5 days with Mom and Dad and I'm sure they were happy for the quiet by the time the house emptied! I've included a few pics in a collage. My brother suggested I use Picasa for blogging my pics. I'm trying!

Katie finally made the basketball team! She has tried out for Volleyball and Basketball EVERY year since grade 4 and has never made it before! I would have stopped trying after the 1st year but she faithfully went out! She does not carry the gene that allows for giving up! She was crushed every time she was denied the opportunity to be a part of the teams but she picked herself up and went out again! She is enjoying it so much and had quite a few shots on net at her first game on Tuesday. They did lose but they didn't care! The experience was great and the teamwork was exciting! We were very proud of her!

Jacob continues to live life in a very easygoing manner. This manner is also reflected in his approach to his homework! Got a note home last week from his art teacher advising that the project that was due BEFORE Christmas had not yet been handed in! She said that Jacob thought it was at home! If we back up a bit... to say, December 15 and onward... I kept seeing this poster about healthy eating on the table. I asked Jacob if he needed to do anything with that? He didn't think so (insert reflective questioning tone). I wondered.. so put it with other school notes and waited. A few days later, I asked again... still a negative answer. Moved it over the Christmas holidays to his room. Asked again. Still no. During the massive clean out of Jacob's lair in January, I asked again and he said, "NO MOM.. I don't need it" So I did what any good mother would do.... I recycled it! And then a week later... the NOTE! We re-did the poster that night and I sent it with a note the next day. Jacob has had MUCH time this week to reflect on the art of communication and organization! I thought by the removal of XBox, Play Station, Computer and TV that it would not happen again! Last night I was checking the agenda and there's a note for the TV log to be handed in today. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?????????????????? (That was due last week and we completed it.) WHY IS IT IN THE AGENDA??????????????
Redhaired wonder's reply: "Not sure.... couldn't find it when the teacher asked for it." Somehow it got lost between me putting it in his agenda and him arriving at school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, because I was off today - thank You Lord, I accompanied the read haired wonder to school and looked through his desk... brought home an armload of things not required to be at school and we put 6 books away in the class library and lo and behold... there was the sheet in his desk. I told him to come with me to talk to his teacher about it and he advised that it wasn't his teacher, it was the other one... the art teacher... the SAME ONE who sent the note home last week! Are you feeling my pain yet? Oh well! Jacob's laid back approach to life will hopefully keep him from having a heart attack when he's 40! His wife on the other hand may need MUCH PRAYER!!!!

David carries a pager for work and if I need him to call, I page the phone number where I am and he calls. I also can leave a voice message or a text message. Yesterday his mom called as his dad had been at the hospital for tests and the doctors thought she should have help at home when she got him home because he was quite groggy and he had had a bit of a reaction to the anesthetic. She called me at work and wondered if I could page David and she'd call me back to confirm. I wasn't aware that the test was taking place yesterday and she sounded a bit rattled - so I was quick to send a page with my work number. No response - which usually means he's driving. So I texted him the following message: Your mom needs you to be at her house at 11 to help with your dad. Call me.
I thought that would get him to call... I thought by stating a time to be at her house that he would not think it was an emergency.
A few years ago I paged David and put 911 before the phone number which of course, means it's an emergency or in my mind at the time... call me fast! He was on the 401 at the time and pulled over, jumped a fence and ran to a pole and called me. I was looking for my keys. He JUST ABOUT KILLED ME!!!! So needless to say, I don't use 911 anymore when I page him because it's not necessary. Neither was it necessary yesterday. If he wasn't available... I would go. However... my page did not reflect that non=emergency state to him. He was in Cobourg at the time of the call. Probably about 40 minutes away on the highway. He was home in 15 minutes and the work van was smoking by the time he got home! In a very controlled tone, it was suggested that I really work on my page wording. I still have so much to learn!

Why is it that when we book things way ahead of time, it always ends up in a week when everything extra comes along and you are way too short on time, rest, patience and energy! I am leading the worship at a ladies conference at our church tomorrow. I agreed to this in September. Did I plan ahead? NO! Did time get away from me? YES! I was working full time this week, Katie had basketball, a project and a meeting for high school, I have had 2 rehearsals with the girls, and I in my 'creativity'/WARPED SENSE OF REALITY decided that we should do a mini skit for the handing out of the door prizes. We are doing our rendition of Deal or No Deal. Which means more work to add the logo to the PowerPoint... actually finding it first and then finding the theme music? Is there any???? The girls are coming out dressed in old gawdy bridesmaid dresses that don't fit with briefcases covered in aluminum foil. It should be funny... but you know... I always get carried away! And then I fall apart! WHEN AM I GOING TO LEARN! In preparation for this week-end, I prayed over the songs I was choosing from... asking God to choose for me! So that the music would be what He wants the women to sing! I can re-think myself to death though and worry and stress over whether they are the right pieces. Will people be able to worship with what I've chosen? All these silly questions reflect my lack of faith at how God is bigger than me and if He did indeed choose the pieces, He will work it out! I want to give my gifts back to the Lord. Don't feel as though I am doing that enough. I used to work at the church. So was using my gifts in service and as a vocation. But when I stopped working at the church - I felt like I wasn't giving enough back. It's a real struggle for me. I live with alot of guilt in my life! It can be awful. All that to say, when I do say 'yes' to working in ministry, like this week-end, I get awfully stressed and I'm hard to live with. Is it therefore a good idea for me to be doing it if I can't relax? If my family suffers while I'm 'serving the Lord' - that is not a good thing. These are the thoughts rolling through my mind. A very long post - and I'm sure I've lost some of you way back! But it's good to write it down and get it out of my head!

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to you all.... I imagine I don't have any readers left since I've been away so long! In upcoming posts....'My personal bubble of space' and more!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends! We had a great day! David and I were wakened by the alarm clock this morning! We had to wake Jacob up! We opened our stockings and then Gramma and Poppa Churchill and my friend Catherine came over for breakfast! We had eggs, bacon, sausage, real hash browns and toast, juice and coffee! YUM! Then we opened our presents and began to get ready for the next celebration! Off to David's sisters place for the family get together! More food again!! 17 of us sat to eat and enjoy such yummy food! Then we walked over to our church and used the back drop as a setting for family photos. Chris and Chrissy were missing as they were heading off to her family celebration! Then back to the house for.. you guessed it.. more food! I think I gained about 10 pounds today! Off to the gym tomorrow!

Here's my attempt at an album page! David and I decided to try a family shot yesterday beside our tree! It should be easy... one would think! Taking a shot of 4 mature people who love one another and want to preserve a memory of a loving family time! IT TOOK FOREVER!!! After much time and little satisfaction, I believe the words "sit up straight and smile like we love each other" were expressed! Nothing like making SPECIAL family memories!

Merry Christmas from our very real household to you and yours! May's God's gift of love be very real to you today and throughout the coming year!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2006-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday! I was not able to be with her today and I was disappointed! Birthdays were always a big thing in our home when we were growing up! Mom made each celebration very special! My mom is a very special woman! She is kind and loving and very giving. She never draws attention to herself but finds ways to be of service to others! She has the most amazing gift of hospitality. Her home is always tidy and everyone is welcome to drop by! She can make a meal in minutes from stuff she finds in the fridge! I did not inherit that gift... so I married someone who loves to cook! (that wasn't the only reason!!)
Mom never complains about how she is feeling. Whenever we ask how she is, she's 'fine!' and then she changes the subject! I can't remember how many times I've called to apologize to her for all the terrible things I did while I was growing up! She just always laughs and says she believes in answered prayer!!! It's all coming back to me through my children! JUSTICE!!!
Mom has been an example to me of a loving, Godly, caring, kind and patient woman. I love you Mom and hope to someday have just a portion of the qualities that you have!
Happy Birthday!

Busy times!

2006-12-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Haven't been blogging lately. Changed my layout and lost everything I had customized and now I've changed back but still need to put all my links back in, etc. WHAT A PAIN.. but from what I hear - Beta is worse!

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Basement is finished. Carpet is in - painting is done but we need to paint again after we patched the spots that were nicked when the carpet was being moved in! I am very pleased with it and hate to put anything of our old stuff back in - more purging necessary.

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Had the musical at church last week-end. I wasn't in the choir, so only sang one piece with the group that I sing with. Came after it started - sang - went home! Good times!!! Had friends over for supper on Saturday and then went to the musical together. They are old friends and we have been endeavouring to get together once every few months and it has been great to re-connect. We usually spend alot of time laughing while we're together. They were especially AGHAST that I didn't have any Christmas decorations up yet. We have been very busy and our tree is buried in the garage abyss and I don't care all that much about Christmas decorations and they were very vocal about my Ebenezer qualities!!!! They have vowed to come up next November and decorate for me! The pictures they sent were a little Chevy Chase-ish!!

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Have been working at the University for the final exams again - proctoring the exams. Always interesting. When it's a quiet exam, I mentally work through my Christmas list and things I have yet to do! You have to do something for 3 hours!!!

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David and I spent today at the stores finishing up our shopping! It's amazing that we are able to get out alone - the kids stayed home with a friend and a pile of movies and had a great time! I felt bad about leaving them and they were quite keen to have us go!!!! Shopping is hard on David! 5 minutes in a mall and he has a head-ache! The alternative of staying home with 3 kids that were hyper on sugar and movies was not an option to him, I guess!

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Nothing much else is new! Just busy every night! CRAZINESS! I'm done shopping for the most part now - so I can dig through the garage and see if I can find the paper! Making cookies this afternoon for the bake sale at the school this week!
And cleaning up the house that was left to the children today!! FUN TIMES!!!

Dave Barry isms!!! Good laugh!

2006-12-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

Borrowed from another blogger!

FIFTEEN THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN
By Dave Barry

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

5. You should not confuse your career with your life.

6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

7. Never lick a steak knife.

8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

14 Your friends love you anyway.

15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

We have a teenager in our house!

2006-11-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

Well, Katie turned the magical

For her birthday, we travelled to Buffalo on Friday morning to spend Friday and Saturday shopping like crazy with all the other bargain hunters at the after Thanksgiving sales in the US. What a blast we had. We took our friends Janet and Victoria - we left at 5 am and got to bed at 11:00 that night! The stores were crazy busy but we had a great time!

We got home on Saturday night and we were ready for bed! We went to church on Sunday and out for lunch with the whole Churchill gang because it was Poppa's birthday too!

We had a cake together at home last night to celebrate one more time!
Can't believe it's been 13 years since these pictures!

What a long way she has come! Yesterday while we were stopped at David's parent's place, we saw a man walking down the street and it turned out to be Dr. Ein, Katie's surgeon when she was 4 days old. He has retired from Sick Kids Hospital and is living in Oshawa of all places and he walked by her on her birthday! We ran and talked to him and had a really nice little reunion! He was an amazing doctor! He saved her life in our opinion and was soooo good to her and to us. We were and are very grateful.

A fabulous week-end of shopping, laughing and fun! We love you Katie! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Blogger Lay Out

2006-11-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

See my pics in the blog below. WHY does Blogger screw up the layout all the time? So frustrating? Any ideas? Advice???

I'm also wondering how to change my complete lay out now? I just chose one of the templates available when I signed on and I'm tired of it... how do I change it? HELP?

He's Still Living!

2006-11-12T16:13:00.000-05:00

We're still working on the project and having so much fun!!!!!

David is doing his best to be supportive

MOTHER LOSES COOL OVER BOOK REPORT!!!

2006-11-11T17:58:00.000-05:00

Jacob had a book report due this past Thursday. He knew about if for over 2 weeks. When it first came home, I asked him to start it and I didn't specify that he would have to do a rough copy. That is standard fare for Katie and I assumed that he knew. He didn't. I looked over at what he was doing and he was writing the report in pen. No big deal you say? Well.. it was because for this report, he was given a booklet to fill in and you only get one shot in that booklet, so pencil is best!!!! Or pen.... after the rough draft!!!!!!!!!!!!! The deadline came closer and I asked him if he was working on it... I have been very busy in the past 3 weeks prior to this report being due. I was out or unavailable for at least 4 nights a week during those 3 weeks. This does NOT help 'happy go lucky boy' get his report completed. Three nights before it was due, I asked him where his report was. He thought it was in his room. Jacob's room is currently a DISASTER. Well currently might not be the best word.... CONSISTENTLY a disaster is a better choice! While we finished the basement, we moved all the kids toys that we had previously stored in the basement, up in to their rooms for temporary storage. Katie didn't want a mess in her room, so she asked Jacob if he would keep everything in his room and she bartered for this deal by agreeing to make his bed for a month. He agreed to this and one side of his room is now filled to the ceiling with Rubbermaid Storage boxes and other miscellaneous toys. And I don't think she has made the bed once yet. Adding the boxes to the chaos in Jacob's room has not helped his inability to keep things tidy!!! Now there's less room to spread out the junk!!! If I was brave, I'd post a pic of his room... but I'm not and I won't. So when he said the report was in his room... I was worried!!!! Two nights before it was due, I asked again and he spent some time looking but couldn't find it. I sent an email to his teacher asking for another booklet. The night before it was due, I asked him to show me his work. He still couldn't find the booklet! QUELLE SHOCK!!!! AND..... his teacher hadn't sent another copy for him and she hadn't responded to my email! PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I started looking, and ranting and raving, muttering and yelling, and dictating the new rules for this house while I'm charging around the house sorting through every nook and cranny! Found the book on Wednesday night at 6:00 - I left to go to a meeting at 6:30 and expressed to him quite clearly that he was to finish his rough draft before I got home at 8:00. My meeting went late and I didn't arrive home til nearly 9:00. He was in bed. The rough draft was complete. He would have to get up early to do the good copy. I leave for work at 7:30, so I woke him at 6:45 to get started. At 7:15, I was reminded by my dear husband that Jacob had volleyball practice at 7:45! OH BOY!!!! So I went downstairs to check on the progress... and to try to speed things up and informed him that he wouldn't be attending practice until the good copy was completed. I then wrote a note to the volleyball teacher advising her that he would either be missing practice or would be late! And then with all the charm and love I could muster, I kissed my 'happy go lucky boy' good-bye and went to work to have a nervous breakdown! I got to work and opened my email and got a response from his teacher that it was no big deal... she hadn't opened her email until late so she would send a copy home with him on Thursday and he could hand it in on Monday. I emailed her back that we had found the booklet but we had rushed to get it completed and I would take her up on her offer to complete it in the new booklet. I get home from work on Thursday night and Jacob has the booklet... (good news) and he's got a head-ache and stomach pain and he's lying on the bathroom floor (bad news!) . So we did not get ANYTHING accomplished on Thursday. On Friday night, I was a vegetable - and I don't do homework on Friday nights. Today we went to the Remembrance Day Memorial Parade and Program, then to do some shopping, home for a late lunch (2:00) and then we got started on the book report (3:00) I left for an hour to pick up his sister at the mall and when I came back, somehow he had ketchup and mustard on the backside of the booklet and only one page completed and he was playing XBOX!!! Note to readers: Ketchup and mustard CAN be washed off paper!!!!!
So after another reaction, I read his rough draft and realized that Jacob had not understood what predict means. In his booklet, he is to read a chapter and predict what is going to happen in the next chapter and why he believes that way. Instead he just wrote what actually happened in each chapter. So I asked him to get his book and we'd review it and do the predictions again. Imagine my surprise when he informed me that he DID NOT BRING THE BOOK HOME!!!!!!!!!! After my initial reaction, and I'll let you imagine what it was!!!, I thought it would be no problem, I'd go buy one at Coles or Chapters. It is now 5:00. I call Chapters and they close at 6:00. Do they have a copy? No. She can access the Coles directory and the other two stores in Ajax and Pickering and guess what... they don't have any either!!!! So I pull up the library records online. There are 2 copies of that book available - one each at 2 different branches. Now it's 5:18 and I call the branches and they both closed at 5:00 pm and neither of them is open tomorrow. Then I start calling used book stores and I found one at 5:30 that actually had this book in stock!!! I DROVE THERE ON TWO WHEELS!!!! The purchase cost me $2.12 and it was the BEST money I've spent all week. We're home now and I'm sitting down to start the book report with Jacob. Please pray for this boy's safety while he spends the next 30 hours with me doing this book report! And thank you for the therapy!!!

Blogging - Long Boring Post!

2006-11-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

Haven't blogged much lately! My brothers have both made comments. Now that Bruce has his internet at home, he's blogging all the time like Paul! I'm still reading blogs.... but haven't felt I have anything witty or interesting to write about! So here I go with uninteresting and non-witty information on our life!

This week I nearly blew a gasket at my kids school at the parent council meeting when the administration advised us that studies show that punishment doesn't work and that bullying is just a behaviour we need to teach our students not to do by 'talking it out'. RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have a rodent in our house again - this one was brought in with my begrudging permission. Pie is one of the hamsters in Jacob's class and woo hoo, he won the lottery to bring her home for the week-end. The other hamster is Cutie! I did make an effort and touch the thing - with one finger and then a vigorous extended washing of the hands with javex!

Katie had a sleepover on Friday night. They had a great time - fashion shows, makeup, music, movies, popcorn, chips, pop, laughing! Now we're paying for it! She's exhausted and sick... coughing, blowing her nose, and generally FUN to be around! ha!

Random thought: Having company stresses me out! I want to have the PERFECTLY clean house - magazine picture quality - and most times, our house is VERY lived in! I get just as insane about kid coming over as I do a 'martha stewart!'. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME????? I'm never happier than when my kitchen is clean! How sad is that?!

Here's a couple of pics of Halloween! Jacob was a pirate and Katie went as a contemporary princess? I didn't get a shot of her because she tore out of the house with her friend so early that I missed the opportunity!

The basement is finished - construction anyway and now we are painting - and by we, I mean David! haha! He's particular and careful - I'm not....so early in our marriage, we realized that if we want to continue to be married, painting will be his job! So far he has done the ceiling and we've done some trim and one coat on all the doors. This week we hope to do the doors again and finish the trim by Friday - then we can paint the walls next week.

Thought I had settled on the carpet issue - got the price this week - and now I needv to compare shop!!! $4650. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I may need to change my choice... I didn't think that I had picked a high end carpet!?@!? Went to look at more lights on Saturday and the lady wants to come to the house to do a consult - another $100. David put his foot down on that one!!! Decorating and picking stuff is so NOT my thing!!!! I'm going to try to put a couple of before and after shots of the basement so far - sorry I've been so long reporting... as if anyone reads this blog and cares! ha!

Had a lovely family dinner with David's family today. Had some visiting family from Newfoundland there and we haven't seen them since Katie was a baby. This is the first trip they have made off the rock since 1960 something! David's cousin's wife had never left the island before this trip! Their grandchild lives up here though, so that's a big draw.

I'm off to clean up the mess from the week-end and am looking so forward to the PILES of laundry waiting for me! I hardly know where to start!! Am going to publish this post and the pictures are not the way that I like them laid out but I've been trying to post this blog for 2 days... so forgive the layout please!

Stolen Camera

2006-11-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Someone stole my camera and when I printed the pics, I discovered the culprit!

Thanksgiving

2006-10-11T21:28:00.001-04:00

Had our family feast at the cottage again -this year on Saturday afternoon! Didn't eat early enough to have time to get our annual walk/marathon in, but managed to have a small trek past the family farm. Would have gone further except the reigning 'bull' wasn't about to let us pass through the field! Actually stomped his feet, threw his head around and came at us! It's more amusing now than it was then! Unfortunately, my batteries were dead and I didn't get a shot of the bull - but did have enough juice left to get family shots! A most enjoyable afternoon!

Halloween or Sunday Best

2006-10-11T21:24:00.000-04:00

Was 'helping' my daughter with her Power Point Project called "Unique and Proud". It was a picture show of her life with specific details required. In the process of going through pictures, I came across this beauty... wasn't sure if we were dressed for Halloween or wearing our Sunday best. Found a note written on the back that we were dressed for "Old Fashioned Sunday" at Sawyerville Baptist Church! Too funny!

One day at a time

2006-09-27T19:33:00.000-04:00

Life has been very busy for us lately! Something scheduled EVERY evening and lots and lots of deadlines. Cross country races for both kids, clubs at the church, piano and guitar lessons, etc etc! Tonight was a race after school, School BBQ and then Meet the Teacher Night. We're home early and so excited to have nothing but laundry to do until bedtime! haha! We had a family wedding on Saturday and David's nephew Chris married his sweetheart, Chrissy! It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun.

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My mom isn't feeling well either and I'm anxious to be with her and help where I can but haven't been able to get there and it upsets me!

David and I are attending a worship conference this week-end in Toronto and had decided to make a week-end of it and the kids were booked in with Gramma when we realized that he has another commitment for sound this week-end so we will be doing the conference on Friday, driving home for the rehearsal for his event and going back up on Saturday and then rushing home Saturday night for the event. NOT the romantic week-end I had planned!!!

We are having the basement finished in October and the contractor was to start next Monday. So I had planned that once the wedding was out of the way, we could take this whole week and clean out the basement of the house - I've done some trips to Goodwill but there was LOTS more stuff to go through. Well.... the contractor called to advise that he was starting today instead!!!! So for the past two nights, we have worked like crazy! We had two very dear friends, Darren and Janet, come over and help us! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I'd still be down there if it wasn't for you guys! So the basement is started, the garage is full, my bedroom is stacked high with boxes. I woke up in the night last night and jumped, thinking that someone was in my room... and it was just a pile of boxes!!!! SLEEP DEPRIVED!!! So I'll keep you posted on the daily progress of the basement! We are so excited! Can't wait to have it done! Day one: the family room and the storage rooms are framed in. It's actually possible for me to visualize! We're very excited! Couldn't get the pics on today but will post them tomorrow.

Ping Pong - Intense Style

2006-09-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

I remember watching the kids at school play ping-pong. We had alot of exchange students from China who could beat the pants off of anyone! However, they were never this intense!