Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Potty Training??
I bought Sam a potty chair from a garage sale last summer and put it away because he was obviously too young. He saw one of his older friends using it one day and has been sitting on it once in a while for no reason at all. He won't let me take his diaper off - he just sits on it like it's one of his chairs. Now, he has started using it as a table. He actually carries it around and I caught him putting his bowl of snacks in it. Now, rest assured, it has been cleaned thoroughly so I wasn't too concerned about germs. I do think this is an indication that he just isn't ready for potty training just yet :)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Olympic Torch Run
Lots of excitement in Strathmore today as the Olympic Torch made it's way through town. Sam and I were able to be there and while I'm sure he doesn't care one bit - it was very exciting for me!
All the schools came and we were lucky enough to spot Michael - who, by the way, refused to wear his Hockey Canada hoodie and instead chose his Russia T-shirt and Ovechkin jersey. Traitor.
What's an Olympic event without a little corporate sponsorship?
I have no idea what this next "float" was but it had something to do with the Olympics, I'm sure.
Paul arrived just in time to take Sam from my aching arms and see the torch come.
What's that in the distance? Is it a bird?
It's the Olympic Torch!! Yay!
And that's it. It was exciting to be there and see it up close. I kind of wish I had applied to be a torchbearer. They only run 300 to 400 metres before handing it off. I'm sure I could do that. With practice. ;)
Sam is all ready and waiting...so excited... why are we here again?
All the schools came and we were lucky enough to spot Michael - who, by the way, refused to wear his Hockey Canada hoodie and instead chose his Russia T-shirt and Ovechkin jersey. Traitor.
What's an Olympic event without a little corporate sponsorship?
I have no idea what this next "float" was but it had something to do with the Olympics, I'm sure.
Paul arrived just in time to take Sam from my aching arms and see the torch come.
What's that in the distance? Is it a bird?
Is it a plane?
It's the Olympic Torch!! Yay!
And that's it. It was exciting to be there and see it up close. I kind of wish I had applied to be a torchbearer. They only run 300 to 400 metres before handing it off. I'm sure I could do that. With practice. ;)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Another weekend come and gone...
Another weekend of hockey has come and gone - only about 4 or 5 more to go. Sarah and Michael played on Saturday - Sarah at home and Michael in Claresholm. They both lost unfortunately :( Sarah is so fun to watch - she improves every time she hits the ice. These pictures were taken in October by one of the moms on the team:
Sarah is number 7, obviously :) I love watching her play but there is sure a different level of intensity between her games and Michael's. I tend to be a little more vocal at Michael's games (with a touch of dancing in the bleachers thrown in for good measure LOL) while I will sit and giggle when Sarah's team plays for the most part. It's still plainly for fun at her age with a huge learning curve - we have higher expectations of Michael. He has really improved this year as well. Perhaps the foot and a half he grew over the summer helped but he's skating well, and hitting and shooting and scoring. Maybe I'm a little biased...
Contrary to what Emily thinks, life is not ALL about hockey in our house. It's only about 90% hockey from October to March :)
Sarah is number 7, obviously :) I love watching her play but there is sure a different level of intensity between her games and Michael's. I tend to be a little more vocal at Michael's games (with a touch of dancing in the bleachers thrown in for good measure LOL) while I will sit and giggle when Sarah's team plays for the most part. It's still plainly for fun at her age with a huge learning curve - we have higher expectations of Michael. He has really improved this year as well. Perhaps the foot and a half he grew over the summer helped but he's skating well, and hitting and shooting and scoring. Maybe I'm a little biased...
Contrary to what Emily thinks, life is not ALL about hockey in our house. It's only about 90% hockey from October to March :)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
I am still alive :)
I didn't quite make it to one year since I posted but I sure tried :)
My goodness - where to start? Life has sped along at breakneck speed and I feel like I'm hanging on for dear life most days. Two kids in hockey, 1 kid working part-time, 1 kid still in diapers who is a master of destruction. Makes me tired just thinking about it.
We've had a tough year to be honest. Paul was laid off from CP for a period of time last summer - just long enough to make life difficult still. He is back with CP (has been for awhile) so we're grateful for that. He is also working for a friend of ours who has a firewood business so when Paul isn't at CP, he's delivering firewood to all over Calgary and area. It has helped to somewhat make ends meet and it's getting busier at CP so we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm also babysitting a little girl who is about 6 months younger than Sam. Her mom is a teacher so I get teacher's days off which is really convenient! Sam is fine with her being here as long as she doesn't touch his stuff or come near me. It's a work in progress. Anyway, every little bit helps but I think I would watch her even if we didn't need the money. She's a little sweetheart.
This time of struggle for us has given me plenty of opportunity to realize what's important in our lives. Money might be tight but we have a roof - which is big enough for all of us! - over our heads, we have clothes to wear, we have food in our cupboards, we have the blessing of family and friends around us. I have to say that I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me and helps me even if I don't notice right away that He has. I will admit I have murmured against Him from time to time and wondered why we have to endure all these things but then I will go to church and hear lessons of love and forgiveness and I will be uplifted once more to be able to carry on. I am so glad He loves me in spite of my MANY weaknesses and never gives up on me. It helps me not to give on myself.
Okay - off the soapbox now. :) I'll update you on the kids.
We had a pretty quiet summer even though I finally got my driver's license! I was hoping to do some day trips with the kids but with Paul being laid off, I worked at Kim's kitchen for the summer so the time and money just weren't there for those things. We were able to go into Calgary a couple of times (woohoo) but I hope we will have a more adventurous summer this year. I'm so itching for a road trip!
Strathmore, Kinsmen Park, July 2009
Emily started work at Walmart at the end August. She did apply in mid-July but someone was on holidays and nothing happened until the end of August. So much for a summer job :) Anyway, she is doing great and trying hard to learn time and money management. It can be a struggle some days but she's a trooper and we won't let her give up because we are mean parents and we don't really love her. Well, that's what she thinks (says out loud) sometimes anyways :) We won't let her give up because we love her. Anyway, she's working towards a trip to Kenya in July. She is going with a group from school and they are going with an organization called Me to We (http://www.metowe.com/). This is a tremendous opportunity for her to go somewhere and make a difference (they will be doing humanitarian work) and gain a little perspective. It has been a long haul already to save the money and prepare but we will see it through even if it kills us. :P
Michael is in his seventh year of hockey and loving every minute of it. He is reffing this year as well which has been great since it allows him to be on the ice more and he's getting paid! I can't believe he goes to midget next year! If he decides not to try-out for a AA or AAA team, he will be done hockey in 3 years - at least we'll be done paying for it :) I think he should try-out to prove to himself what he's capable of but ultimately it's his decision. Of course, I could be a little biased, too. He also finished all the requirements to receive his Chief Scout Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Scout%27s_Award_%28Scouts_Canada%29). The scouting program is an integral of our church's (www.lds.org) young men's program. Michael has had the chance to go camping in the winter and make his own shelters and sleep in snow caves. He even when to the Southern Alberta Jamboree in July. He was a patrol leader and was a part of the decision making process for the boy's activities. It was great fun for him and I had the privilege (?) of driving 6 12/13 year old boys to Pincher Creek and back. I may never do that again.
Sarah had a big birthday in May - she turned 8 and was baptized into our church. She had a big party on the Saturday which was bigger than I imagined it wold be. Isn't it normal to invite more people than you think will come because, invariably (hopefully) someone won't make it, right? Everyone came! 13 kids at this party! Needless to say, the 9th birthday will be much quieter. Perhaps 2 friends and a movie. Yes, that sounds lovely. Enough about what I want, back to Sarah. So she was baptized which was a really special treat in that she was the first of our children to be baptized by Paul. He did a terrific job and it was very heartwarming. Michael and Emily both gave talks and did terrific jobs. They are a really good example to Sarah (most days). She has started in her second year of hockey and is really enjoying. She's on a really good team - by that I mean that she is learning alot and having fun. No pressure - just fun. The way it should be. She is also in her second year with the Strathmore Children's Choir (http://smorechildrenschoir.weebly.com/) which has doubled in size from last year as well as starting piano lessons right before Christmas. Yikes. No wonder we have no money. Anyway, she is really enjoying and doing a fantastic job. She even was part of the Christmas recital even though she had only had 3 lessons and she did wonderfully. Besides all that, she's a terrific big sister to Sam.
Helping with dishes, December 2009
On to Sam who is really Dennis the Menace incognito. This kid is into everything. I'm sure more than any other kid on the planet! He will be 2 in April which I just can't believe! I'm planning to have him in his big boy bed in the next couple of months and out of my room. Yes, he still sleeps in my room but it works for us. Everyone sleeps at night which is what nighttime is for, in my opinion :) Anyway, he's really a great kid - makes us laugh all the time. It's really fun to see the other kids' excitement at his growth and development. So big boy bed then potty training. Big year for the little guy. He had a bit of drama in December when he had minor surgery - bilateral orchidopexy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchidopexy). We were in and out of the hospital by noon - the only "exciting" part was the drive home in the blizzard. My introduction to winter driving. I only cried a little and we made it home so that's all I'm gonna say about that!
That's all I can think of at the moment. I think I've pretty much caught you up as best as I could.
My goodness - where to start? Life has sped along at breakneck speed and I feel like I'm hanging on for dear life most days. Two kids in hockey, 1 kid working part-time, 1 kid still in diapers who is a master of destruction. Makes me tired just thinking about it.
We've had a tough year to be honest. Paul was laid off from CP for a period of time last summer - just long enough to make life difficult still. He is back with CP (has been for awhile) so we're grateful for that. He is also working for a friend of ours who has a firewood business so when Paul isn't at CP, he's delivering firewood to all over Calgary and area. It has helped to somewhat make ends meet and it's getting busier at CP so we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm also babysitting a little girl who is about 6 months younger than Sam. Her mom is a teacher so I get teacher's days off which is really convenient! Sam is fine with her being here as long as she doesn't touch his stuff or come near me. It's a work in progress. Anyway, every little bit helps but I think I would watch her even if we didn't need the money. She's a little sweetheart.
This time of struggle for us has given me plenty of opportunity to realize what's important in our lives. Money might be tight but we have a roof - which is big enough for all of us! - over our heads, we have clothes to wear, we have food in our cupboards, we have the blessing of family and friends around us. I have to say that I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me and helps me even if I don't notice right away that He has. I will admit I have murmured against Him from time to time and wondered why we have to endure all these things but then I will go to church and hear lessons of love and forgiveness and I will be uplifted once more to be able to carry on. I am so glad He loves me in spite of my MANY weaknesses and never gives up on me. It helps me not to give on myself.
Okay - off the soapbox now. :) I'll update you on the kids.
We had a pretty quiet summer even though I finally got my driver's license! I was hoping to do some day trips with the kids but with Paul being laid off, I worked at Kim's kitchen for the summer so the time and money just weren't there for those things. We were able to go into Calgary a couple of times (woohoo) but I hope we will have a more adventurous summer this year. I'm so itching for a road trip!
Strathmore, Kinsmen Park, July 2009Emily started work at Walmart at the end August. She did apply in mid-July but someone was on holidays and nothing happened until the end of August. So much for a summer job :) Anyway, she is doing great and trying hard to learn time and money management. It can be a struggle some days but she's a trooper and we won't let her give up because we are mean parents and we don't really love her. Well, that's what she thinks (says out loud) sometimes anyways :) We won't let her give up because we love her. Anyway, she's working towards a trip to Kenya in July. She is going with a group from school and they are going with an organization called Me to We (http://www.metowe.com/). This is a tremendous opportunity for her to go somewhere and make a difference (they will be doing humanitarian work) and gain a little perspective. It has been a long haul already to save the money and prepare but we will see it through even if it kills us. :P
Michael is in his seventh year of hockey and loving every minute of it. He is reffing this year as well which has been great since it allows him to be on the ice more and he's getting paid! I can't believe he goes to midget next year! If he decides not to try-out for a AA or AAA team, he will be done hockey in 3 years - at least we'll be done paying for it :) I think he should try-out to prove to himself what he's capable of but ultimately it's his decision. Of course, I could be a little biased, too. He also finished all the requirements to receive his Chief Scout Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Scout%27s_Award_%28Scouts_Canada%29). The scouting program is an integral of our church's (www.lds.org) young men's program. Michael has had the chance to go camping in the winter and make his own shelters and sleep in snow caves. He even when to the Southern Alberta Jamboree in July. He was a patrol leader and was a part of the decision making process for the boy's activities. It was great fun for him and I had the privilege (?) of driving 6 12/13 year old boys to Pincher Creek and back. I may never do that again.
Sarah had a big birthday in May - she turned 8 and was baptized into our church. She had a big party on the Saturday which was bigger than I imagined it wold be. Isn't it normal to invite more people than you think will come because, invariably (hopefully) someone won't make it, right? Everyone came! 13 kids at this party! Needless to say, the 9th birthday will be much quieter. Perhaps 2 friends and a movie. Yes, that sounds lovely. Enough about what I want, back to Sarah. So she was baptized which was a really special treat in that she was the first of our children to be baptized by Paul. He did a terrific job and it was very heartwarming. Michael and Emily both gave talks and did terrific jobs. They are a really good example to Sarah (most days). She has started in her second year of hockey and is really enjoying. She's on a really good team - by that I mean that she is learning alot and having fun. No pressure - just fun. The way it should be. She is also in her second year with the Strathmore Children's Choir (http://smorechildrenschoir.weebly.com/) which has doubled in size from last year as well as starting piano lessons right before Christmas. Yikes. No wonder we have no money. Anyway, she is really enjoying and doing a fantastic job. She even was part of the Christmas recital even though she had only had 3 lessons and she did wonderfully. Besides all that, she's a terrific big sister to Sam.
Helping with dishes, December 2009That's all I can think of at the moment. I think I've pretty much caught you up as best as I could.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Family Day, etc.
It's been awhile since I posted. I don't know if anyone is even reading this silly blog but I'll keep blogging away and hope for the best :P
We went to Lethbridge at the end of January for a hockey tournament (what else?) with the entire family - yep, all six of us on a road trip and in the same hotel room. I'm sure your first reaction is one of pity. Why the heck would we do that to ourselves? Well, it turned out really great. We had a lot of fun and the boys lost, tied, won and lost their games. They were pretty competitive - no blowouts - so it was fun. My voice was hoarse by Sunday. We discovered that Sam has developed a love for the Zamboni and he rings our bell when it's on the ice. We'll have to work on timing for him and the bell.
February brought Valentine's Day and Family Day. Valentine's Day was pretty low key. I don't need love once a year but every day - don't we all? Paul and I might go out this week but I wouldn't hold your breath. Family Day was much more fun. Here are the pics to prove it:
We went to the annual Family Day breakfast at the civic center. It costs about $5 for everyone over 12 but you get a ton of food and free entertainment - it's a good start for our Family Day. Sarah always gets her face painted and a balloon. Traditions are good :)
After the breakfast we came home for lunch and then started playing in the snow. Our little angel by the angel she made...
Work begins on the snow fort... (yes, that's me helping out - someone had to take these pictures!)
Michael starting on his entrance...
Michael and Sarah met on the inside...
The view from inside....
Cute as a button :)
This is what happens when you try to wash the face paint off with out the help of a face cloth or soap. Very scary.... :)
That's it for now.
We went to Lethbridge at the end of January for a hockey tournament (what else?) with the entire family - yep, all six of us on a road trip and in the same hotel room. I'm sure your first reaction is one of pity. Why the heck would we do that to ourselves? Well, it turned out really great. We had a lot of fun and the boys lost, tied, won and lost their games. They were pretty competitive - no blowouts - so it was fun. My voice was hoarse by Sunday. We discovered that Sam has developed a love for the Zamboni and he rings our bell when it's on the ice. We'll have to work on timing for him and the bell.
February brought Valentine's Day and Family Day. Valentine's Day was pretty low key. I don't need love once a year but every day - don't we all? Paul and I might go out this week but I wouldn't hold your breath. Family Day was much more fun. Here are the pics to prove it:
We went to the annual Family Day breakfast at the civic center. It costs about $5 for everyone over 12 but you get a ton of food and free entertainment - it's a good start for our Family Day. Sarah always gets her face painted and a balloon. Traditions are good :)
After the breakfast we came home for lunch and then started playing in the snow. Our little angel by the angel she made...
Work begins on the snow fort... (yes, that's me helping out - someone had to take these pictures!)
Michael starting on his entrance...
Michael and Sarah met on the inside...
The view from inside....
Cute as a button :)
This is what happens when you try to wash the face paint off with out the help of a face cloth or soap. Very scary.... :)That's it for now.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Bring and Brag Fair
Tonight we went to S1's school for the annual "Bring and Brag Fair" - sort of like an extreme version of show and tell.
S1 showed off some of her favorite artwork from home and school (kindergarten to now.)
The little blurb that she wrote up for her display is as follows:
When I was in kindergarten we started art. I soon became very good. When I was in grade one, at Christmastime we made a Santa. Mrs. Ries said mine was the best. When I started drawing for fun, it was Christmas time in grade two. On Christmas day, the first present I opened was a doodle book, from my aunt. I also got a 130 piece art set from my Grandma to make more wonderful works of art!
It was a fun time with lots of interesting displays from very fancy to very simple. There were no prizes except for a random draw for the participants for a gift card so there was no pressure to have an elaborate display. The best part - we were there for an hour including set up and take down. Yay :)
Mother of the Year - that's me...
I am a cruel, unfeeling mother. Just ask my kids. Especially when I'm trying to get S2 to go to sleep on his own. I am not the queen of consistency and therefore I pay the price but I'm working on it. I put S2 down for a nap this morning. He was falling asleep in my arms but as soon as I put him down, he woke up crying. So I let him cry. Checked on him a couple of times and then he was quiet. I knew he was asleep so I waited a couple of minutes longer to make sure he was REALLY asleep. This is what I found:
Luckily the rails are close enough that his head won't fit through. Yoy. I did lay him down properly in the crib and now he's screaming again.
I think our main problem is that Paul and I have fits of nostalgia. We know S2 is our last baby and sometimes we just want to cuddle him. Then there are the times when we just want some peace and quiet without kids (hardy har har) so why can't he just go lay down like the rest of them? Probably when we're old and grey we'll have this parenting thing figured out (hardy har har again).
Guess I better go check on him so he doesn't feel abandoned. I don't want to be cruel and unfeeling.
Luckily the rails are close enough that his head won't fit through. Yoy. I did lay him down properly in the crib and now he's screaming again.
I think our main problem is that Paul and I have fits of nostalgia. We know S2 is our last baby and sometimes we just want to cuddle him. Then there are the times when we just want some peace and quiet without kids (hardy har har) so why can't he just go lay down like the rest of them? Probably when we're old and grey we'll have this parenting thing figured out (hardy har har again).
Guess I better go check on him so he doesn't feel abandoned. I don't want to be cruel and unfeeling.
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