School's Out for Summer...almost

The school year is finally over for the kids, and almost over for me. I have to put in two days this week and then I am free! I cannot wait. I don't think that I've had a summer off since Grade nine. I have so many things planned to do, that I'm afraid it will be September before I know it. I want to clean and organize my house, weed the yard, paint the house, the shutters and the front door, paint three bedrooms in the house and finish all of the little jobs in the house that need finishing. I also want to go camping in Waterton with my kids and go to "Writing-on-Stone". Oh, and then there's the trip to the cabin in three weeks, Settler days and a trip to Denver for Charlotte's wedding in August. I am almost giddy thinking about the fun we are going to have in the next two months. Who knows, I must just decide not to go back to work in the fall!

A Child's Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank thee for today.
Please bless that I will see my brother Scott again.
Please bless that I will be able to do "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes" really fast.
Bless that Gracie will be able to get a bunny and that she will let me play with it on the grass.
Bless that our family will be loved next week.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen"

-Josh's prayer last night...love that boy!

Self-Reliance Test...FAIL!

Tuesday at work I kept hearing my co-workers asking each other if they were "ready for the storm". Storm? We have satellite TV and radio, and I don't really spend much time listening to local news, so this was news to me. It did start to snow in the afternoon, but I was sure (since I have a degree in meteorology...*sarcasm*) that it would melt as quickly as it fell. So, I went home, ran my kids to piano and proceeded to rest from my busy day, putting off grocery shopping for the next day. First the Satellite TV and the internet went out. That was ok...we decided to watch a movie. Then the power went out. Well, that was ok as well since it was bedtime. So, we went to bed. Katie woke me up at 6:30am to a chilly, dark house. Still no power. Hmmm. Maybe the news was correct! Kate plowed her way to the car through thigh high snow and listened to the radio to find out that yes, it was a snow day. This was great news, but the fact that we still had no power was a little concerning to me.

Did our flashlights have batteries that worked? No. Did we have our candles stored where we could find them? No. Was our car filled with gasoline in case we needed to drive somewhere? No. Did we have food to feed our family that didn't require cooking? No. Were we out of cat and dog food, milk, eggs and toilet paper? Yes. Did I suggest that we use the propane stove INSIDE? Yes. (Jason shook his head and informed me that although we would be able to cook food, we might die. Whatever!!) Were our 72 hour kits over 4 years old? Yes. (Mmmm. Beef Jerky.) WERE WE OUT OF DIET COKE??? YES!!!! CRISIS!!

I was starting to get a little panicked. (not just because of the Diet Coke situation) We stayed under the blankets and waited for our heat to turn back on, while we listened to the heavy snow breaking the limbs from our trees. Yikes. Our two big pine trees in the front are now splintered and in need of some repair.

Well, the power came on at about 4pm in the afternoon, just in time to make Gracie, Josh and our neighbor Shelby some hot chocolate to warm their cold little "snow fort making" bodies. I was grateful to have a good book that I could read while I listened to my children complain about being "cut off from the world". (ahem....Kate.) All-in-all, it was a day to remember and a day to test our non-existent preparedness skills. Yes, we have enough wheat to choke a horse in our food storage, but I am now thinking that I should be planning for something more like what we just experienced.

On the bright side, the phones at work were out yesterday and today. I sure did get a lot done!

Do you see the similarity? I've always told Katie that she has my mom's smile and her eyes. Lucky girl!

Mothers

I have been thinking a lot about Mothers lately. A few weeks back a dear friend of my mother passed away suddenly. I was filled with mixed emotions as I watched her family mourn her loss. It is so touching to see the impact that a righteous mother can have on her family, and yet it is so sad knowing how hard the coming years will be for her family. How hard Christmas is, and birthdays, and every holiday that mothers seem to be able to make so special. As I sat next to my dear Dad at the funeral, I couldn't help but think of the 18 years that have passed since my own beautiful mother passed away. It is so hard knowing how those daughters feel, and it made me realize that the pain of losing a mother doesn't ever go away. It changes, but the void is always there. My sister-in-law Denise's mother just passed away last week, and again I found myself wondering how daughters get through the loss of a mother. It just stops your life and you find yourself on your own for the very first time. In one of my self-help books it says this about losing a mother at any age.

"The loss of a mother is one of the most profound events that will occur in a woman's life, and like a loud sound in an empty house, it echoes on and on."

So often I find myself wishing that I could talk to her and ask her for help with my own inadequacies as a mother and a wife. My mom had such a strong testimony of the gospel and she loved the scriptures and the peace that the gospel brought her. I could use some of that strength as I try to teach my children those same truths.

What I have found is that when someone so valuable is taken from us, there are others who step in and fill a small part of the void left. I love my dad and understand and appreciate him so much more than I did before my mom died. I have a wonderful mother-in-law who is a fantastic Grandmother to my children. I just sometimes wish that I could send my little ones over to "Grandma Woods" so that she could instill some of the wisdom that came so easily to her.

I talk about my mom often and love it when I see her in my children. I am so grateful that I had her as my mother on earth for 23 years and that through the Plan of Salvation, she will always be my dear Mother.

Overheard at Josh's 5th Birthday Party

"Come here you Kanye Coffee-Maker" -one of Josh's more random name-calling moments while chasing a friend.

"We used to have a cat, but it started scratching the furniture. Now it lives on a farm." -Logan (Logan's dad shared what happened to his cats last year. They are not on a farm.:) )

"Rock on" -I heard Josh yell this at least 5 times.

"Ellie went to heaven to live with Jesus in the clouds" -one of the boys shared this while watching the movie "Up" in the van.

"My mom says that my dad and I don't have to wash our hands" -one of the boys after using the bathroom.

We had Josh's birthday party today, and all-in-all, it was a success. We took the 6 little boys to see "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3D. I watched it without my glasses because while I was getting settled, Jason stepped on my glasses and snapped the arms off. I tried just holding the lenses to my face, but that proved troublesome and didn't allow for sufficient popcorn eating freedom. So, I'm sporting a bit of a headache now from watching the blurry screen. The movie was fantastic and the boys were so cute! It was a lot of fun.
Jason took the kids to his moms in Raymond, so I may just go lay in bed and watch TV. That sounds so good!!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Last night I was trying to decide what kind of cupcakes to bake for Josh's birthday treat at preschool. I stumbled across Kaleigh's blog (www.kandknelson.blogspot.com) and discovered the most wonderful recipe website! It's www.ourbestbites.com and it is amazing! I can't wait to try all of the recipes.

Anyhow, Josh was watching me peruse this sight and took a fancy to some very bright rainbow cupcakes. I doubted that they would turn out anything like the picture on the website, but I was wrong. They are SO BRIGHT and very delicious. It is a little tedious at first to layer the colors, but once I saw how they were turning out, it became quite fun. The frosting that I made was also incredible. I'm not sure that food is supposed to be these colors, but I think the kids will love them.

Oh, and "Happy Birthday" to my big 5 year old boy! I will post more on that tomorrow.

Good night!

Bada Bing Bada Boom

Josh enjoys watching "Cake Boss" on TLC with the girls and I. A couple of days ago he announced to me that for his birthday he wanted a cake with "fondant" and "ganache"... I must have appeared surprised because he quickly explained that "Ganache is chocolate, mom!" Love that boy!

This week has been one to forget! I am feeling very whiny and very tired of being sick. I woke up with a congested chest about 2 weeks ago, and since that time it has morphed into strep throat and some weird swollen and red-faced ailment. My face felt like it was sun-burned for 2 days and then it became swollen and now it is peeling! WHAT THE HECK?? I usually get sick, take it easy for a day, and then I am back at it. This one has knocked me down and it really sucks! I admit that I am a little vain, and the peeling face isn't something that I am enjoying. I am hoping that I can get rid of this nastiness by the time I have to go back to work on Friday. In the meantime, I am going to try not to complain too much. I also realized today where I get my "compassion" for the sick from. My dad called at 8am to tell me that he was going to Arizona. After he berated me for not picking up the phone yesterday, I tried to explain that the reason I didn't get to the phone was that everyone else was at church and I was medicated and sleeping and trying to get better. He cut me off and said, "Well, we will be back in two weeks, so I'll try to call you then" OK? I love my dad but I believe I was raised to think that being sick was being weak. I have carried the torch of "Non-Compassion" well as I have also had very little tolerance for sickness in others. I do have sympathy for my kids when they are sick, but as Jason can tell, I do expect adults to "suck it up" and get on with things. Well, that's enough psycho-analysis for one morning. I will now get up and clean my house, because I am not weak...I am strong! Oh, that hurt!

What did I do last night?

Last night, while watching "American Idol", I baked, decorated and packed up 6 dozen sugar cookies for Josh's class, baked and packed up 3 dozen banana-coconut muffins, helped Josh address 10 Valentine's for his Pre-school class, put my friend Charlene's birthday present in a bag, and prepared 20 bags for Josh's Pre-school snack. I was on a roll, but today I am exhausted! All things in moderation?? Not so much.

Love is in the Air

Today I am dedicating my blog post to a fairly-new obsession of mine. About 2 months ago I decided to buy an episode of "Modern Family" off of I-tunes to see what the scuttlebutt was about. I figured that anything that Christopher Lloyd was associated with, would be great. From the first 2 minutes I was hooked! I love the characters, the story lines, and I love laughing until I pee my pants. Ok, maybe I don't LOVE that, but I do love to laugh. I have downloaded all of the episodes I can get my hands on, and I have been sharing my love of this show with friends and family. I finally convinced Jason to sit down with me last night and watch the episode "Come Fly with Me". I knew he would love it, and he did. It's great that at the end of a very long day I can sit in bed and watch something that makes me giggle so much.

I should get back to cleaning. This working full-time is taking its' toll on my house and the dust bunnies are taking over. Maybe it's time to get over my issues with hiring a cleaning lady. I might have to bite the bullet! Or, I could just figure out how to get my children to pitch in and help more. Hmm...cleaning lady it is!

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!!

Decisions, Decisions!

Last year when Scott was trying to decide where to go to University, he created a spread sheet to weigh his different options and to show pros and cons. He narrowed his choices down to 3 universities, and after much work and essay writing, he applied to those three. He had thought that one of them was a little out of his league, and so he really figured he would have to choose between two.
Well, he heard back from the three universities and was accepted to all of them! Now he just has to decide where he is going to go!
The two universities that he has narrowed it down to are the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. Both of them are exceptional and each will offer him so many life experiences. We are proud of the way that he has tackled this step in his life and pray that he can make this next tough decision.
Personally, I am leaning towards the College of William and Mary, just because it is 5 miles from an awesome amusement park! :) Actually, I am confident that he will make the choice that will be best for his future and when it comes down to it, I doubt he will be disappointed no matter what decision he makes.
We'll keep you posted!

Happy Birthday Joshua Glen!

Yesterday was Josh's 4th birthday. I cannot believe that my littlest is not a baby anymore. His birthday was a very busy day for all of us, but we managed to get in opening presents, going on a little shopping trip to Lethbridge, cake and ice-cream with family, and he was able to spend time with Grandma B while I went to Young Women's. (He sobbed this morning when he realized Grandma had gone home...how dare she?)

As I was driving to Lethbridge with him yesterday, I was watching him through the rear-view mirror and marveling that this wonderful little creature belongs to me. I often have this sensation when I look at my children. They are truly the greatest blessings and they push me to do better everyday.


I also thought about the journey we took to have Josh. 4 Miscarriages, 5 years of waiting, 280 injections of Fragmin, and 14 hours of labour. I knew that this boy would change our whole family, and he has.

So, this birthday was one of thankfulness for me. I am so thankful that I have 4 healthy children who love Jason and I and who love being a part of our family. They make me look at life differently and challenge me, and make my life whole.

At the end of the day, this picture of Josh about sums up how we all felt.