Loving Father, 

help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we my share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

Robert Louis Stevenson(1850-1894)

O Holy Night

May we not lose sight.

A Mom's Letter To Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.



Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year.

I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your sister," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back.

Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.


Yours Always, MOM

Finding JOY!

It's been quite the journey the last weeks/months. A journey of sadness and pain, upheaval and emotion. A journey we wouldn't have asked for or chosen, but one that was allowed upon us, only to the amount we could handle.
The sadness itself has been more real than I've ever experienced. Not really because any of these situations hit directly to home, but mainly because my husband wallows through the trenches of the pain and sadness daily. He tries not to 'bring it home' with him, but sometimes he has no choice.(this is a later post).
Oh, it may be more than some could handle, and definitely not even close to what you may have gone through, but for us, it was enough. I clearly remember talking to God one evening, and asking if he could just say "ENOUGH".

My lack of posts was a reaction to this "stuff", it's hard to write honestly when you feel sad. Why make others sad? Which is mainly why I would post pics or stories of the babe, because she brings me daily joy. (As they all do.)
God remains faithful to show me the humour around me.

Case in point: (please bear with me, I hope it reads as funny as it was. I will try my best to explain)

Yesterday, when I arrived at work, a co-worker informed me I was to be on my best behaviour. No singing, no dancing around the store, no fun. There was to be a "head honcho" from head office coming to inspect the store/staff. It was meant as a joke, but we all were well behaved. The man came and stayed for a large chunk of the day.

Now, let me explain that I was the cashier. The regular girl had asked for the day off ,and since I will help out whenever I can, I said I would go on cash. This time of year, we aren't very busy, so they day can become quite boring if you are on cash. I bide my time with some paperwork I bring up, but since you are mainly alone, one can tend to daydream.
Because the 'man' was gone, I felt free to be myself again. At which point, I became dangerous.

I had finished with a customer, thanking him and watching him leave, when I believed I was all alone, and the store was empty of customers.
I began perusing my papers, feeling the beat to the radio, tapping my foot, swaying my body, mouthing the lyrics.

I guess I liked the song, because at one point I bellowed (yes! Bellowed)
"WHAT"YA GONNA DOOOOOOOOO!!" using full vibrado, while tipping my body backwards, playing my imaginary guitar, strumming like rock star!

In a split second, I looked around, to find an old man (whom I did not know was standing there) STARING at me with a reply of
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT??" (exactly what he said!)

I did not know how to respond.

I simply started laughing, and did not stop for atleast 5 minutes. Deep-down-belly-jigglin-eyes-full-of-tears-please-help-me-catch-my-breath laughing.

God is so good.

It's Wednesday........

seriously people....

I have exactly 2 minutes..

until I take the one hour a week I ALWAYS (save for last week) set aside for myself.  

To do what you ask?

Watch my VERY FAVOURITE t.v (or, as Isaiah refers to it, t.d) show.

I don't watch t.v. that often.  Oh, depending on the day, the week, the time of year, you might catch the t.v. on while I'm in the house, or you may see me skimming through the channels, but very rarely do I actually SIT DOWN and watch. 

Except for Wednesday nights.

That's tonight.

In one minute, I will sit on the floor, pull up 2 laundry hampers,(to fold the ever present laundry of course!!) and enjoy one full hour of the very best t.v. show ever.  

Can anyone guess what it might be?????

She's at it again..

Yeah, it's true, we're still here.

Shock you?  I know, I know..it's been soooo long..

Well, all I can say is we've been doing.,. umm.. "things".

Aside from the adults & 1 babe being sick forever..(thank GOD! we seem to be getting over it all!), we have been busy busy as usual..

Remember this?  When the babe and I cleaned the "office".  Well, we have started back into the building phase, so I had to move ALLLLL that junk into the "bathroom" so we could have an empty room (aside from this computer) to work in.

The "bathroom" 

ugh...what a mess!

We also did this:

  (our neighbours stopped by to see what we were doing and if I'd gotten over the flu yet--

by the look of my PURE delight and outfit, I'd say I wasn't quite 100% )

This is the "pretty" tree finished.

This is the "kids" tree which is housed downstairs. 

 The presents will eventually go under this tree.  

The children were so excited after putting up the tree (the hot chocolate and Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas CD didn't help!!), that they BEGGED to sleep underneath it.  I obliged.  It should be an interesting 41 days....

That is just a few of the things we have been "upto".  The list is endless, and continues.  Oh how I love this season!!  (seriously..I love it!--hence the trees up already!)  

I find myself remembering all the wonders of being pregnant (and the not-so-wondrous!!) and the last weeks of discomfort, pain, yet great anticipation!!!  I often think of how Mary may have felt.  Such a young girl.  Without a husband.  (a boyfriend who was 'suspected' as the father!) Leaving her home and family.  So many worries I'm sure.

Yet, what JOY there must have been in knowing a small, perfect, baby boy was to arrive soon.  

I can't help but think of this during most of the 'Christmas season'.  

  

My wish for you all is that you enjoy the next 6 weeks.  That you find JOY and PEACE in EVERYTHING that you do (be it shopping, baking, parties..) and that you can be reminded DAILY of the great and wonderful gift we were given so long ago.  

**p.s.  If anyone knows how I am able to draft a post, then change the date another day, could you leave a comment with your email and I'll email you back?  (I have to approve the comments first, so I won't publish your email address.)  I'd love to figure this out so I can do multiple posts on the days I'm off, and post them the days I work**

I love my life...

**snippets of the surroundings in my everyday life**

Just another day in paradise....

Baby got caught white handed!!

And just when I thought she was finished playing.

She left for a moment, only to return.

Then, bunny got a bath...

and so did Aliah..

Check out MckMama's blog to see more hilarious blogs for 'Not Me! Mondays'

I did not fall down the stairs today while carrying the baby.  And if I did fall down the stairs, I would never have thought for a milli second of letting go of the baby so I could land gracefully. After that milli-second, I did not land on my big toe and gimp around for the remainder of the evening. (and quite possibly tomorrow as well!)  That's just too clumsy.  I'm not clumsy.  I'm intensely elegant.

I did not drive to Walmart specifically for printer ink and with a note specifying the EXACT ink I needed to purchase for my printer.  I did not go down the isle and pick out, then purchase that EXACT ink.  I did not arrive home, attempt to install the ink and find out that I had boughten the WRONG ink!!!  I wouldn't do that.  That's plain hairbrained.  I'm very observant.

I did not spend 1/2 an hour, alone/without any children, watching Do.r.a.  And if I HAD watched 20 uninterrupted minutes of that cute little explorer, I absolutely would not belt out my best rendition of 'turn the wheel Eesa'.   Nope, not me.  I don't watch t.v.  And if I did, it surely wouldn't be D.or.a!

I did not tell my son that he could not eat lunch because grandma was making a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.  And if I had denied all of us lunch, I would never have made a trip to the movie store to feed my craving of chips.  If I had happened to make that trip, there is no way, no how, I would have then allowed him to EAT some of those chips before Thanksgiving dinner.  That's just ridiculous.  I don 't eat chips, especially for lunch and before THANKSGIVING supper.  Nor do I let my son eat chips.  That's unhealthy.  We are very healthy.

I absolutely did not get summoned to court this week because of a parking ticket I did not get a few weeks ago.

If I had of gotten that ticket, I would never have shrugged off my husbands efforts to "have it taken care of"..that's not right. Of course I paid for the ticket.  I absolutely would never forget to pay that.  If I had forgetten to pay for the ticket, there is no way that (after the 3rd notice) they would have returned the payment stating there was NO CHEQUE ENCLOSED!!  If any of that happened I would have immediately sent another cheque, so there is no way that I would have gotten it returned AGAIN stating it wasn't enough money therefore I was to show up in court.  That may have happened to someone, but definitely not me.  That is down right irresponsible.  And I just may be the most responsible person you have ever met.  Ever.

Like mother, like daughter...

 

My babe got her 15month vaccinations on Wednesday, and had a 'reaction' from them.   It started out with a high fever and she was very lethargic.  Gradually moved to a rash all over her body, which is thought to be a mild reaction to the chicken pox.  It is believed that 6% of children, that get the vaccine, react this way.  It also means that she may potentially be contagious with chicken pox!!

So...her and I stayed home from church this morning.  I shipped the kids off with grandma and grandpa (as daddy is working), and her and I danced away to the Wiggles.  (she is feeling much better, but still has a rash)  

Once I put the babe for her nap, I decided to pick up, as I've been at work the last 3 days.

Here is what I found 'under' Hannah's bed:

a few bedtime mints, as well as some pumpkin seeds...hmm..

Seems as though she has her mommas blood running thick!!

He's here..

It's been a long time, but I recognized him the moment I saw him.   Actually, I knew he had arrived even before that.  I could smell him.  I could feel him.  I  knew he was close.

I was upset.  Mad almost.

I'm not sure why.  I knew he was bound to come any day now.  But I hadn't been listening, and I had no warning.

He doesn't care.  That's the way he is.  Just shows up.  No matter how I feel, or if I'm ready.

He's always been that way.  Probably always will.

Can you see him?  He's there.   Look. 

Can you see him now?  I know you can.  Do you feel the same way I do?

Oh that's right...Mr. Frost.

Big jerk.  (oh..did I write that?  Oops..sorry.)

**I am currently revamping my views on winter.  I am opting for a more positive approach to the cold, snowy season.  Bear with me as I adjust to this optimism.  Thank you.**

Momma's gonna brag!

I have this really cute kid.  (actually I have 3 really cute kids.)  The one I want to brag about today is the one in the middle.  The only boy.  He just turned 4.  He's a gem of a kid.  Really.  I'm not just saying that.  He listens really well.  (like, when I tell him "when the shows over, turn off the t.v."  he actually turns off the t.v!!)  He's very remorseful.  You know when he's done something wrong because he'll start crying.  And he's truthful to boot--( " why are you crying?"  "because me don't want to get a 'pankin")  He's quiet at times.  He'll play by himself really well. He has more energy than I know what to do with somedays--he wakes up running.  But he goes to bed without any fuss.  He's a bit cautious, but once he's got the hang of it, he's gone like the wind. (case in point--he learned how to ride a two-wheeler when he was 3!!)

Well..he's just started skating lessons.  He has been on skates about 3 times before, (our church has social functions at the arena)  but that's all.  He has had 4 lessons, and they have decided to move him up into the next class--with the 6/7/8 year olds!!!!  He is doing so well.  And he loves it!!!  (not to mention mom is so proud of him!!  can you tell????)

I don't yet have any pics of my babe skating, so you'll have to smile at these ones.

Momma so proud!!

NOT ME! Monday

I found a greatblog with a wonderful carnival that I've decided to play along with...I love it!!  Made me laugh--and I like laughing!! 

The idea behind it, is that although most people would LOVE to have life go PERFECT at all times...it just doesn't happen.  That sucks.  And sometimes it's hard to admit--Especially for someone (like me) who likes order, control, organization. We need to take time out to laugh at life, realize that it's not always (nor will it ever be) perfect, and things happen.

But mostly to learn and live knowing that we are NOT in control.  There is only ONE in control and if we trust Him with our lives, he will make straight the path. 

 Hope you enjoy "NOT ME! Mondays "

I did not spend an hour surfing and reading blogs today.  I did not find this great carnival, decide to join in, nor spend the REST of my day thinking of things that did not happen this week.

I did not make a separate trip to W.a.l.m.a.r.t. tonight to get di.et co.ke.  I do not like di.et co.ke.  Nor do I drink it.  Drinking it would be very unhealthy, which, ofcourse, I am not.

I did not check my facebook account while at work.  Everyone knows that you do not use your employers computer/internet for personal use.  I would never do that.  That's just wrong.

I did not char to DEATH a WHOLE can of marinara sauce.  First off, if I was cooking marinara sauce, it obviously would not be out of a can, and second, if I did burn it that would mean I would have to have been absent from the gas burner, that was on.  And I simply would not do that.  That would be dangerous.  Safety is my first name.

I so did not refrain from showering for two days because I had my hair done.  I don't  like the way she styles it, so I would never leave it for two days so that it would stay just the way she did it.  That's plain dirty.  And vain.  I'm never dirty nor vain.

I did not let my son wear his sisters pink pajamas to bed because he wanted to be a girl.  That's silly.  He's a man's man.  I did, however, teach him, at 4, how to shave and burp--him being a man and all.

I  did not walk my children to school without brushing my teeth, my hair, nor wearing a bra.  That's grosse.  And I wouldn't do that.  Never ever.

I did not let the baby lay in bed 1/2 hour after she woke so I could read a book.  Who does that? Not me.  That's just lazy.  I am never lazy.

 I did not work an 11hr shift, then take the kids to 1 1/2 glorious hours of gymnastics, getting home at 8:30pm, putting 4 extremely happy children to bed early by 9:00pm.  I did not want to watch my favourite show, that did not start at 9:00, nor did I want to eat supper.  I did not want to hang my husband for not leaving piles of dirty clothes on the floor, dishes in the sink, nor mail/school work on the counter.  I did not throw those things ALL into a hamper.  Nor did I humph and frumph around the house angry.  And, when my husband arrived home and slouched in front of the t.v.  (which I was obviously watching because I was not picking up from the day!)  I absolutely DID NOT throw a chocolate bar at him when he spilled the di.et co.ke that I wasn't drinking and looked at me to clean it up.  I would  never throw something. Especially at my husband.  And if I was to throw something, it wouldn't be a chocolate bar. Because I don't eat chocolate and I would never eat it for super at 10:oo at night!  As for the drinking of di.et cok.e?  Come on!  Never.

Finally...a day off!

Whew!  I made it through this week.  Barely.  I was waiting in great anticipation for today to come.  Not only to have a day  off, but because it was a Saturday off (!), a long weekend off(!!), AND, the first of 5 days off(!!!) (**sniff, sniff* if only Mike didn't have to work *sniff*)

I enjoyed each minute of today to the fullest.  Almost.  It was an uneventful, slow,relaxing, WONDERFUL day!

For the little birds who couldn't "believe" I had an overflowing basket of laundry. (which is obsolete now!)  This is what I did today.  

 preface:  We purchased our home new 2 years ago, with an unfinished basement.  It is a work in progress. (as we take the summers off).  The last two rooms that need to be completed are a) the office  b) the bathroom.  We are hoping to have at least one room completed this winter. 

 So.... here is the "outside" of the office...  not so bad.. if the doors are shut.

  

Here is my computer/desk area.  Our plans are to eventually, once the room is complete, purchase a furniture set in dark cherry that has drawers and files, as well as a wall unit.  But that's a long ways away..so for now, this is it!!

AND THIS is what the "closet" has become since I've been back to work!  *GASP* *AHEM* (okay girls, I can hear you all now!)  

This is really the only storage space we have in our  home.  Other than the closets, there is no space allotted to all those "things" we gather. (Old tax returns, pictures, kids drawings, Mike's music equipment, seasonal clothing..you get my drift?)  And our "plan" is to have it accessible enough to wheel the treadmill in there when we aren't using it.  (*cough* *grunt* ooookaaay!)

Well, the babe and I worked on it for a few hours this afternoon, while the other two were outside playing with friends.  This is what we came up with:

Pretty nice eh? 

 And the treadmill fits!!   

Booyah! 

**This my 4 year old tells me is another way to say "oh yeah!"**

So go ahead, feel free to take back all those snide remarks you coughed out earlier in the post. We won't even mention them.

I love my life...

even if it is a bit hectic.  And I say a "bit". 

Let me tell you about last week.

We had a family reunion on the weekend, which the kids and I attended (overnight).  Mike was working.  I was sick.  Mike left early Monday a.m. for work.  He arrived home Wednesday evening a few minutes before midnight.  During his time "away" the kids and I managed to deal with school, skating, gymnastics, papers, etc. I was still sick.

 On Mike's drive home, late Wednesday evening, he was told he was to report to work Thursday 9:00 a.m. (which was supposed to be his day off--meaning the day I worked).  By the time he got home, his shift start time changed to 7:00 a.m. (which sent us SCRAMBLING because that meant we BOTH had to start work at 7, and with no regular babysitter, we were stuck! --THANKS LOREEN!!!)  

Did I mention yet I was sick?

5:30 am Thursday morning we awoke to a pleasant call informing Mike he was to be at work then.  (at which point I think I threw a pillow and told him how much I hated his job.  Which I don't, but at that moment, I did! ) Mike did make it home that night-sick. (now that makes 2 of us!)

Friday I worked till 8, rushed home so Mike could go to hockey.

Saturday I worked till 6, babysat a friends kid as a favour.

Sunday I worked till 5, picked Hannah up from birthday party, and began a wonderful week with a neighbours 6 yr. old boy. (who is staying with us while his parents are away).

So...just like you...I was looking SO SO SO forward to my day off.   

We have had a wonderful day.  I got all the kids up, dressed, fed and ready for school.  Baby and I played before her morning nap, at which time I started this eve's supper (and  began preparing for the rest of the week)and looked after 

THIS: 

(I still have 2 more loads to finish)

And...   FYI

when the one year old is awake, don't kid yourself into just "running downstairs to get some laundry"...because when you come back up, you may find this!

**notice the carpet behind her, I didn't get great pics of how messy it really was!***

(doesn't she look really pleased with herself??)

So, in a really big nutshell, that's what we've been up to.. 

Gotta run, time to get some kids from school!

What have YOU been up to??

Time for a post it seems...

September is here!!!  (and almost over!)  This I know, because of how BUSY life gets.  I know you all know exactly what I am talking about!!  We have had lots of fun stuff going on this month, and I will hopefully get to telling everyone in the next few posts..

Hannah has started grade one.  She has also begun gymnastics. (which she loves not only because it's fun but also because she gets to stay up past her bedtime!  it ends @ 8:00)

She has also altered her appearance a few different ways...here is way #1 and #2

Tooth #1

Tooth #2

And the letter she asked me to write last evening when she was in bed.  "PLEASE mama, just let her know she can have the money, ok?"

A new season....

I'm a bit of a poor sport.  This is not news to me.  Maybe it is because I'm so stubborn.  Possibly has something to do with the control issues I have.  Could be the small amount of "drama" in my life.. (which really isn't much) Whatever the case, if it doesn't go my way, or the way I expected,  I'm a BIT of a baby.  

Sometimes. 

Kind of like now.

First day of school 2008

OH, I KNOW... there are other choices I could have made.  Like homeschooling, or not working. We do have our reasons.  And this is right for us.  

BUT that doesn't mean it's not difficult.

Atleast for me it is. 

(Hannah begins her first year of full day AND every day.  This is brand new to her.  Isaiah starts half days every day.  This is new for him.  Having only one child in the house for 3 hours every day is new to me.)

Enough already mom.  How many pics do you need to take anyways??

It doesn't seem so difficult for baby #1 and #2...  off like a rocket..no looking back. 

I knew it was coming.  I expected it too.  I was fully aware.

That doesn't make it any easier.

This is definitely a new season.  In many ways. (more on that to follow).  

For now, I'm going to wallow a bit more in selfpity and tears.  Tell myself I'll be okay.  That it is ALL good.

And next week I will rejoice in the new found freedom of having time to myself. (when did having one child become freedom and time to oneself??)

Soon, very soon, I will embrace this new season for what it is.  And what God plans on doing in all of us.  Starting with me.