Saturday is a Special Day

I am taking a quick break before tackling another messy portion of my house. I worked full-time last week, and needless to say, the maid did not make it! I have started helping out at the school in the office while the regular secretary is on sick leave. I wasn't sure if I should do it when I was first asked, for many reasons, but mostly because Josh loves having me around on my days off. But, it was an opportunity to get my foot in the door and one that I couldn't pass up. So, I now work 3 days at the Village office and 2 days at the school. I must say that I was exhausted by last night. With Jason not being home in the evenings, it doesn't seem like my day slows down at all once I get home. I suppose I will find a groove and figure out how to keep my house in better shape then it ended up in this week. I am hoping that Social Services doesn't drop by for a home visit anytime today!

Jason took the kids into Lethbridge to buy and sharpen skates for school next week. I really should get back to cleaning, but I wanted to share what Josh told me this week. Apparently, he has been thinking of starting a band! He has picked out some friends to be in said band, and has decided on what instruments they will all play. He told me that he was "thinkin'" about a name, and finally came up with one. He has decided on "What-To-Do" as his band name. Yesterday he told me that he was also thinking that "Watcha Doin' " would be a good name too! I love that boy.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

I am a list maker. I love lists. I love to write them in my best handwriting on cute paper that I like to buy in abundance. I probably use more time writing my lists than I do accomplishing the items on my lists, but that is beside the point. It helps me clear my mind and focus. Jason makes fun of my lists, and he especially likes to mock the titles that I choose. No good list goes without a good title, underlined twice. I think that he could use a good list now and again.

The following is my "Things to get done before Christmas" list.

1. Deliver our neighbor "homemade hot cocoa" gifts.
2. Deliver cheese balls and crackers to co-workers
3. Take the family to the live Nativity in Lethbridge
4. Plan Christmas 'Eve food, Christmas morning, and Christmas Day dinner (may require another list)
5. Address and send Christmas Cards so that they arrive in 2009
6. Finish buying and wrapping presents
7. Listen to Christmas music at every possible moment
8. Do laundry!!!
9. Clean the house, and then clean it again, and again, and again
10.Take the children sledding
11. Bake Gingerbread men and decorate with the children
12. Try to get up on the roof to plug in the extension cord to the Christmas lights that fell out ...or convince Jason that this isn't as dangerous as it sounds, and see if he will do it
13. Pick up the homemade chocolates we ordered
14. Drink many cans of Diet Coke while trying to stay awake
15. Pick up my "happy pills" at the pharmacy to ensure that the whole family gets to enjoy a Merry Christmas

Well, that is the first of many lists that I will be writing this week. I love this time of year. Some years I feel like doing more than others, but I have learned not to be hard on myself and to only do what I can do. I love that all of my children are together this Christmas and that Scott has arrived safely home from College. I love that he woke Katie up from her nap yesterday to teach her Chinese...and that she didn't kill him. I love that Josh insists on "Family Game Night" and then has a meltdown everytime it doesn't go his way. And I love knowing that my children love this season as much as I do.

Merry Christmas to all!

November Recap

I absolutely cannot believe that it is almost December! I'm glad that we decided to decorate early this year because it seems that the Christmas Season is over before we realize it. We decorated the trees (one up and one down) two weeks ago and ended the evening watching "Elf". We all love that movie! I have been listening to Josh Groban's Christmas CD, which I love, and I picked up Hilary Weeks CD on the weekend. I noticed my co-worker giving me a sideways glance when he noticed that I was playing Christmas music at my desk today. Scrooge!

We had our Young Women in Excellence last night and I thought it was great. I really love my young women and I love seeing the good things that they are doing in their lives. I'm excited for next years theme. It's from Joshua 1:9- “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”. I want all of the girls to memorize this amazing scripture. I need to be reminded to be strong and of good courage!

We just got all of our family pictures back and I love, love, love them. We haven't ever had family pictures taken before, which I think is appalling. I have lots of photos of the kids together, but none with Jason and I. So, I'm glad I pushed through my fear of seeing myself in photo-form and had Shanna Bikman take our pictures. I love to sit in the chair in my living room and look at the beautiful family I have been blessed with. I am a lucky gal!
I really should be cleaning my house so that I can leave this week with a clean conscience. My friend Charlene and I are heading to Great Falls on Thursday for "Black Friday". I haven't attended this day of shopping madness before, so I am hoping that we make it through unscathed. Hopefully Charlene won't trample anyone and we won't get arrested. Wish me luck!

Say What?

I haven't blogged in forever, and I really do have so much to write about. This summer has been busy and full of adventure. However, I will save those tales for another time. Today I must blog about Joshua's hair and the silly comments that it encourages.

We are used to the "Oh my gosh, it is so curly!"...but it is what often comes after that that causes me to pause. "Is that natural?" Okay...he is 4 years old. Who perms their 4 year old's hair? If there are people out there doing that, they need to stop!! And then, when I respond that yes, it is natural, they ask "Even the colour?" Again...who is bleaching their 4 year old boy's hair?????

I used to think that only older ladies asked me this, but it has come out of the mouths of old and young.

Yesterday I was at the school for Josh's pre-school orientation when Gracie's teacher approached and "oooed" and "awwed" over his hair. Then...came a question I hadn't heard before.

"Is it real?"

I must stop here.

Yuv At First Sight

My conversation with Joshua while tucking him into bed tonight:

Josh: Mommy, can you sing me a "yuyyaby"?
Me: Joshy, I would love to sing you a "yuyyaby".
Josh: Why did you say it "yike" that?
Me: I said it just like you did.
Josh: No you didn't! You said "YUYYABY", not "YUYYABY".
Me: Oh, so you want me to sing you a LULLABY?
Josh: YES!

Josh: Mommy?
Me: What Josh?
Josh: I "Yuv" You.
Me: I "Yuv" you too, Josh.

Does it get any better than this? I don't think so.

Mother's Day 2009

This year I shared Mother's Day with Gracie...she celebrated her 10th birthday yesterday. We were in Helena, Montana because Jason was doing some business there, so we were able to spend the whole weekend together. (except for Scott who was in Florida for his friend Kelsey's prom) This picture is as we were leaving the hotel. It shows the top of Josh's head beautifully! It was a fantastic weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day. I am so grateful for my children and the people that they are becoming. As we drove home I thought about the mothers that I have in my life. My own mother who I miss terribly and who I love with all my heart. And, my mother in law who has blessed my family, has loved my children and filled a void in my life that I didn't think could ever be filled after my mom died. I am thankful for the women who show me how to be a better mother and who help me find joy in the journey. I am blessed!!

An "Office" Romance

I love the TV show "The Office". When I can't sleep at night, I pop in a disc and watch until my eyes won't stay open, and then I listen until I drift off to sleep. I remember the first time I stumbled across the "George Foreman Grill" episode and watched and laughed at these crazy people. I have watched it every week since. I have said that I don't know how to relate to people that don't "get" the show. I am dumbfounded by those who cannot giggle at the thought of Jan dancing to Hunter's music or Andy running for Rabies. (I just giggled at the thought of it)
Anyhow, what made me think of my love of "The Office" was a conversation I overheard between Josh (my 4 year old) and the 3 neighborhood children (aged 1, 4 and 5)

Josh: Michael tackled Jim.
4 Year old: what?
Josh: When Jim and Pam were getting married, Michael was so happy.
5 Year old: Huh?
Josh: (waving his arms and laughing) Michael ran and tackled Jim.
1 Year old: (stares blankly)

I was so amused at the lack of interest that his friends had in Josh's story. He didn't take it personally. Perhaps he understands those who don't like "The Office" better than I do!!