Various stories... (22)

Since we left the park yesterday, I have heard the same question pretty much every hour and no answer seems to satisfy. "Why Caden sad that I leave?" That event has really made an impression on Kellen. (I've finally told him he's not allowed to ask me again. I have no more creative answers to give.)

Kellen got to go on a hospital tour this week with his preschool. They got to bandage up their animals and be doctors. His teachers said he had quite the detailed long stories about how kitty got hurt. He told me today that soon kitty can take off his bandages, but not yet.

Ian had to drive the garbage truck this morning. I took the kids for a walk before church and we saw Daddy driving several times, which was very exciting. When we had lunch with Ian, Kellen said out of nowhere "Daddy, you are the best Daddy in the whole world!"

"Why?"

"Cause you make the town nice! You pick up the garbage!"

(You can't imagine the pride Kellen exudes as he announces this.)

Ian just shook his head. "Thanks, buddy. Glad someone understands thats an important job."

Ahh, it was cute and funny. Wish I had that on video, it was pretty priceless.

Beautiful Day (21)

My search for a housecleaner seems to have ended. Her first day is next Thursday. I'm hoping it works out.

We went to Regina and had a picnic at the park with friends we have missed. Thanks Craig & Leah, Crystal, and the whole Mooney gang. We really enjoyed it. I loved watching Kellen and Caden play together and thought it was very cute when Caden was crying when Kellen had to go. The comfort hug was pretty sweet. A funny moment that my knee keeps reminding me about...Jen and I took Kellen and Caden down to the lake. They were throwing bread in for the ducks and we kept reminding them not to get so close to the edge. I saw Kellen wind up and give a good throw (I had walked away to get the camera) and then watched as he started flailing his arms trying to get his balance with his toes over the edge. I'm not sure what really happened then or even how far away I was at the time. I saw him go over. Next thing I knew I was pulling him back up onto the edge. I managed to grab him before he hit the water (well, one shoe got wet). I had slid on my knee on the concrete as I dove for him. I'm glad we both didn't go in together. I was shaky trying to take pictures after.

We also got some good shopping done. We picked out dining room chairs at Jysk, but Ian will have to go back with the truck sometime to get them. I imagine he will do that soon since he is so excited about the table he made. It is beautiful, and I think we picked out chairs that will be really nice with it. Probably pictures of that soon and of the park time.

It was a beautiful day. Hope yours was too.

Summer Fun (20)

This book got the better of me. I stopped at Starbucks/Chapters on my way home the other night just to wake up. I couldn't resist this book. I'm getting so excited for all the fun we are going to have while I'm off this summer. There are so many great ideas in here. Oh, July, come quickly!

Never Give Up (19)

I'm not a quitter. I won't take a break, Jenn.

I also did not give up trying to find Lightening shoes for kellen, that "flash up" in his size. We've been trying for ~2 months! He could hardly keep his hand off other boys Lightening shoes and begs for them regularly. Walmart didn't have his size. Payless had them for $38 - ridiculous! So, I lied to him and said they didn't have any. I shopped around Swift Current today thinking how fun it would be to bring them home for him tonight. Nope, but still, I didn't give up. I stopped at Payless in Moosejaw and the same $38 ones were there. Since there were 40% off signs around, I took them to the till and ask if they might perhaps be on sale also. She checked and said "sorry, but I think there might be a different pair up on top. Yes, there is, but just one pair. It's a 10 1/2! But, I don't know if they light up. Oh, they do! And, they are $10." They rang up as $9 at the till. I did a happy dance. I think she thought I was a little crazy as I gushed about how happy I was and what a great surprise it was going to be. Sometimes the little things make me super happy. Kellen was super excited. I thought he was going to wear them to bed tonight, but we managed to find a space for them right beside his bed.

I had a good trip and successful workshop, but am super tired. It's good to be home.

Gone (18)

I'm out of here. On to Swift Current. With a cup of coffee. See you back here tomorrow.

Trivial (17)

I have started and restarted the post for tonight. I don't have anything of interest. This forced blogging late at night is starting to take its toll on what little creativity I have.

In trivial news at our house:

• I talked to the sitter about summer vacation plans. I'm taking most of July off. I can hardly wait.
• Ian put Lanelle to bed all on his own and she was good!
• The floor got washed tonight.
• Took the kids to gym night.
• ...I must be exhausted because I can't even come up with trivial news.
• Did I mention I have most of July off? That's actually not so trivial. I can hardly wait. I've been making plans all evening. Beach day, beach day, beach day....

Dreaming (16)

Don't seem to have my own thoughts tonight.

And if tonight my soul may find her peace
in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,
and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower
then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.
~D.H. Lawrence

Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.
~JoJo Jensen, Dirt Farmer Wisdom, 2002

The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep.
~E. Joseph Cossman

I'm not asleep... but that doesn't mean I'm awake. ~Author Unknown

Leisure time is that five or six hours when you sleep at night. ~George Allen

The feeling of sleepiness when you are not in bed, and can't get there, is the meanest feeling in the world. ~Edgar Watson Howe

Assortment of thoughts I remember having today (15)

A cup of coffee is such a great way to start the day.
Making muffins and pasta sauce before church makes me feel like super woman.
It's always good to have an hour to sit and think with no kids interrupting.
I am thankful for people who recognize the value of this for mothers.
Life is really about people isn't it?
Doesn't help to get stressed about what has to be done, just start tackling.
Kids say the funniest things.
The week will always be good if there are homemade muffins.
Singing Tommy Thumb loudly together makes for the best supper.
Kids who miss their naps are miserable.
A clean bathroom is beautiful.
Rain is refreshing.
Knowing my seeds are being watered makes me happy.
Don't think too far ahead, deal with today's demands and enjoy it.
I should really forget about the vacuuming and write those cards I've been planning on sending for months.

A beach afternoon! (14)

We did plant the garden this morning, mostly fun. Next year I think I should do it all alone though. It wasn't quite the therapeutic time I remember it to be in past years. Lanelle was yelling at me if I wasn't blowing bubbles for her.

When I was putting Kellen in bed for his nap, he asked if we could go to Katepwa Beach. He has been asking for awhile now. I have found it very interesting that he remembers from last summer. The weather was too nice to say no today. So we took our picnic supper and had a great time playing and relaxing together.

She didn't want the cucumbers I sliced. She wanted the whole thing!

(13)

Looking forward to planting my garden tomorrow. That's all I'm thinking about as I sit down here at the moment. Well, that's all I'm trying to think about. It was a long week and I'm not even going to explain why I don't want to think about next week. I'll probably lose this bet next week. But for now, I'll just look forward to the wonderful weekend I'm going to have - it's garden planting weekend!

Time Wise (12)

Several weeks ago, I said hi to a wise lady. We said, it's been a long time. How are things, she asked. I said, good, you know, this and that going on. Wish I had more time. She has many children who are becoming adults (thus she is wise). She stopped and looked me in the eye - you do have enough time. Yeah, but, I work full time and spend my evenings with my kids and then there is no time for me and other things. But, (maintaining the intense eye contact) you do have enough time to get done what you need to for that day, she said. Okay, I said, and went away thinking and wanting to believe. I've thought about it lots.

Today, I was thinking about someone who always needs something and more money. Then they will be happy and content. Oh, I thought, they'll never get to contentedness because there is always something else and always someone who has more. That seems pretty obvious to me.

Then, I thought, could money and time be the same here? Would I really be content if I had more time? What if I learned to be happy with the time I had and what I did with my time? For a moment, I felt myself really content. I'm sure there is much truth in that thought. I truly can choose to be happy and quit judging myself or my day mostly on what I did or did not do. I could accept my life situation and enjoy life more, if i never felt the need to say - I wish I had more time.

But, when I got home after 8pm from work tonight and saw the dishes and the mess, I forgot about my ah-ha moment. I didn't have enough time with my kids and I don't have enough time to even get myself ready for another day. I'd like to be time wise. I'm feeling for it and hoping to get the the mysterious place I'm believing in.

Remembering (11)

It's a busy week and somehow doesn't feel like its a short week at all. So it was nice to remember the relaxing we did on the long weekend. It was Lanelle's first time in the hot tub and she LOVED it. We had the Koops' over, Sheena had her guitar, we used the fire pit for the first time, my first bulgar salad of the season...it was a great evening for many reasons. I didn't get pictures of the bbq but I got a few of the early hot tub party, before some teenage girls took their turn (now that was really fun to see and listen too!) Lanelle will never be that grown up, nuh-uh.

I thought I'd relax for a few minutes, before I give in for the night, and make this incredible sounding ginger tea that I had seen on one of my favorite food blogs (or so I thought). I've wasted time searching and I'm running out of evening. Forget the fancy ginger tea, I guess. Good night.

i love paint. (10)

It's amazing what paint can do to a room. I love being in here now. It was cute how much Kellen and Lanelle played on the rug when we reopened the door on Monday. They surprised me how excited they were about it. Lanelle was touching the wall and jabbering away.

I wish I knew how to take better pictures of a room, because I don't think this does it justice. I guess anything is way better than the old wallpaper and paint.

Remember the before?

No Balance Tonight (9)

I'd take Jenn's prompt and tell you about Kellen's take on balance. But, I can't think clearly. I had a good hour sleep on Kellen's bed already. Ian woke me up and just when I crawled into my own bed, I somehow had a thought. THE STUPID BLOG BET! So, just so I wouldn't lose, I dragged myself down here. We didn't say posts had to be about anything, right? This is technically a post, albeit very skimpy.

Cloth Diapers (8)

I decided to use your question, Vicki, for this post. A great overview on cloth diapering can be found here. That (parentingbynature.com) is also where I've ordered most of my stuff from, but there are more stores that carry them now - Groovy Mama in Regina, Cravings in Saskatoon... I'll share what I've learned, but its only what I've tried and I know there are lots more options out there and more to learn. Just lately, I have learned a lot from Leslie at the Groovy Mama in Regina. #1: I learned that I should use a better detergent that is recommended to not leave residue on the diapers. They are definatley more absorbant since I switched and no more rashes from sensitive skin Lanelle.



There are all-in-one diapers, but I've never tried them, so I can't really comment. They are a little more expensive. I like a system with a separate diaper and cover. The covers are not like the plastic pants I remember when I was a kid. They are quite breathable. I find that 6 easily gets me through 2 days. I have used Bummis Whisper Wraps, because they had good reviews and I have not been disappointed.



The diapers I have used - basic prefolds, birdseye weave square diapers that I had to fold, Kooshies, and Bamboozles. The birdseye ones were only for newborns and annoying to fold. I have loved the prefolds more now that I use with a snappy instead of pins. I have also learned to arrange them better so they aren't as bulky. Leslie said she usually tries to direct customers to them. They are reasonably priced and really absorbant, easy to wash and take care of. The Kooshies I used were second hand and I found them not to be very absorbant. Now that I know that detergent residue can cause that, maybe it wasn't the diaper, but how they were washed. They had velcro closures which were quick to get on but often end up tangled in the wash. I love the Bamboozles because they are so soft and a little less bulky than the prefolds. They have snaps and are quicker to get on. (Although, I heard one mom say she doesn't like them becuase the snaps take too long to line up and prefers velcro for speed). Also, they can be snapped tightly enough for little babies, so you wouldn't need to buy 2 different sizes (although, I heard they are pretty bulky on a newborn. Most diapers require that you purchase 2 sizes.

I always get asked about dealing with the messes. You can put a flushable liner in to catch the worst. There are also little "showers" available that somehow attach to your toliet so you can quickly rinse them off (I've never talked to anyone who has one and don't know much about them).

I do also cheat and use a disposable at night, shame on me. I have found it requires a mid-night change, which I would do, but the resulting wakefulness and the extra time to settle in again is something I can't handle.

I've also had people say its not more enviromentally friendly or cost effective because of the laundry. I don't believe it at all. Yeah, 3 extra loads a week are comparable to the pile of disposables!?

It's late and I'm tired, so thats where I'll leave my quick summary. Vicki, if you are interested I'd be happy to talk about it more with you! I think cloth diapering is easy and great! I think I'm becoming a stronger advocate for it lately. Oh, I didn't mention the biggest drawback - the bulkiness of them doesn't always work with some of the cutest pants (ie. most jeans). But, I cheat sometimes when we are out for awhile and use a disposable so I can put them in the cute jeans.

Hmmm... (7)

I'm only here so I don't lose. I'm not feeling particularly inspired. It's only 9pm and I am so ready for bed. But, I'm going to fold some more laundry and I'm still trying to convince myself that I should clean the upstairs floor. I'm envisioning how beautiful it would look as the sunshines in on it tomorrow morning. Ian is busy painting the second coat in Lanelle's room. No help on the color from anyone, hmm. I was very disappointed. I hope I like what I've chosen. No stripes, in case anyone was concerned I'd ask for that again.

Hmm...what else?

Oh, Lanelle really communicated with me! Not just points, grunts, and less preferred methods. She was standing, pointing and grunting at the fridge (it gets better) and I asked her what she wanted. "Berries." Perfectly understood by me. I love that moment. Realizing that soon understanding this little person is going to get easier, because she can actually speak English! "You want blueberries?", I asked. She didn't say her yes, but the head nodding, ear to ear grin, and jumping up and down let me know how excited she was to have said what she wanted.

Kellen is excited about playing soccer tomorrow. He's not old enough to play organized. But, some moms decided that we should get our 3 yr olds together to kick the ball around. I didn't think he'd really know what it was about or care. But he was super excited. When I put him to bed tonight, he asked what shirt he would wear for soccer. So, we looked in his drawer. I was thinking, how does he know you should have a special shirt for soccer. We found a soccer jersey and I explained thats what should be worn. "Is it like Franklin's?" he asked. Hmmm... That's why he was excited about playing soccer. He loves Franklin and has seen the Franklin Plays Soccer episode and read that book. I'm often amazed at how much Franklin has taught him.

Hmmm... there I came up with 2 stories. Better get to the laundry now.

Quiet, Crafting Day (6)

I'm enjoying a quiet day at home. Even though I decided not to go on my retreat today, I decided to have my own day at home. I'm only have a few guilty feelings about keeping my day off work and still taking the kids to the sitters. There is laundry and cleaning to do, but I'm hiding out in my fun room. This is the project I did this morning already (its not my original idea - I saw it on etsy.)

It's my inspiration for redocorating Lanelle's room. Take a look below at Lanelle's room as it is. Horrible car racing wallpaper which is falling down. I've decided it's getting a new look this weekend. Maybe that will keep Ian busy and feeling productive. Definately not going camping this weekend in the snow!

Keeping in mind the above wall hangings, got any paint color suggestions for me? How about 3 walls the same, 1 wall different?

Wild Night (5)

I'm just squeaking in here tonight after getting back from Regina a few minutes ago. Ian's had the need lately to feel spontaneous, I think. So, when he arranged for Andrea to watch the kids so we could go to Red Lobster to use the gift certificates that have been sitting on my dresser tempting him since January - what could I say but yes. Funny how crazy it seemed to go. Kids are so back to their regular energetic selves today though. They had SO much fun with Auntie Andrea. I'm sure we will hear lots about her the next few days. While driving home, Ian started talking about going away this weekend, since I cancelled my scrapbooking retreat out of concern for the kids. I guess the night out didn't satisfy the bug he's got. Maybe I'll reinstate my plans. Not sure what the weekend holds for us spontaneous people. But, I am still so stuffed full of shrimp and scallops that I can't wait to roll into bed for now. We'll see where I blog from tomorrow. Night.

Inventory (4)

Rocking Lanelle before laying her down tonight, I found myself taking inventory on my feelings.

Thankful that Lanelle is feeling better. Happy to see Kellen recovering tonight from the fever/flu that hit him in the middle of the night. Hopeful that the slightly nauseous feeling in my stomach is not a sign of whats to come. Wishing for a good sleep tonight, but frustrated because I know there's no way it will happen. Excited about the garden day tomorrow and handing out tomato plants. (I'd better not get sick now!) Thankful that Ian is close to home and able to take a sick day for kids too. It was super nice to not have to take another day off work. Happy about the student I have working with me this week, she has been so helpful on the busy/crazy week. Excited to plant a garden soon. Disappointed that I don't think I'll go for the scrapbooking retreat this weekend. Frustrated that my knee really hurts lately, and my little race is this weekend. Thankful that even with some frustrations, I find more joy in kisses from my beautiful kids and other sweet things that keep me smiling and content.

Biking for Safety (3)

This is how you bike for safety. Push your bike with your helmet on your head.

Ian bought this great little bike at the dump for $5, and put new pedals and training wheels on it. Kellen was SO excited about his "black bike". I was watching from the window when Ian set him on it. I watched him roll down the driveway, panic as it sped up, fall of the side and the bike crashed on top of him. I'm pretty sure my first thought was not about him being hurt, but about how long it would be until he would get on it again.

Ian lowered the seat to a better height for Kellen and found him a helmet. Of course, he refused to get on it again. He would not listen to us - "No, no, this is how you do it for safety!", he told us as he pushed his bike around the bay.

But, after watching the kids ride at the bike park this weekend, he wanted to go home and get his bike. I told him he couldn't ride it anyhow, but he told me he could. And he did. I can't believe how good he is on it now. I've been enjoying going for walks with him the last few nights because its actually a good pace!

Camping

We've been looking for a good deal on a tent. We were still using Ian's old tent and there was barely enough room for the 4 of us to lay down. Plus, the zipper was broken. We had to just unzip the bottom along the ground and then crawl through the little slot. Also, I think we are going to be making a trip to BC this summer and it would be fun to camp. So when Ian saw in the Canadian Tire flyer, a cheaper 7-man tent on 50% off, he ran into Regina to get it. We set it up today with so much excitement from Kellen, who kept asking if it was really our tent. Now, Ian and Kellen are sleeping out there, even though I said it was way too cold. I don't think they'll make it through the night. But, I have the house to myself this evening. It is so beautifully quiet, I'm just relaxing. However, I am still going to start a project I've been wanting to work on. I will just leave you with this wonderful face that appeared when I turned my back on a bowl of yogurt for a minute.

Delay

Did you think the contest was over before it hardly began? It's just been delayed. Jenn facebooked me to say she was trying and all her pictures had apparently disappeared and her computer was not working properly. I thought, yeah right, nice excuse. But when she called later pretty much crying that her computer had crashed, I had to be nice. I guess she's not just making excuses since mom told me she dropped it off for her in Moose jaw. That would be quite the elaborate tale just for an excuse. So, I have delayed so she can catch up. It was kind of nice anyhow, since I was in Saskatoon most of this week. It was a great conference and I loved the time I got to spend with good friends.

One Thing (2)

This poor little pumpkin sat on our counter after being picked last fall for many, many months. I'm sure it was hoping to be used for a good purpose and hoping its life wouldn't be wasted. As some darkened spots started appearing, I'm sure it feared the worst. I had grand ideas for the pumpkin when I first set it on my counter, but it became one of "those things." The things that hang over my head.

So, early last Sunday morning, overcome by the need to feel in control of my life. I grabbed a knife and started chopping. I mashed it with my newfound energy I gained. Then I made pumpkin loaf and "Deceptively Delicious" oatmeal for breakfast. I had a great day and that turned into a great week all because of the mashed pumpkin on my stove. More things got checked off my list than most weeks.

Made me think that I should have one of "those things" on my list for every Sunday, to start my week off. Here it is, almost the end of the day, but my "thing" hasn't been accomplished. My whole weekend has been kind of sidetracked. And, really, I'm glad it was. The airshow at Moose Jaw was great and time with family was valued. So, maybe next weekend I'll get my one thing done.

Lanelle's Hat (1)

I crocheted this hat last week, while I was laying around suffering with a cold. I tried so hard to get a real good picture of her in it. However, she quickly realized it was quite a fun game to make it difficult for mom. She actually does like is. She even choose it over another hat, when I held up two and gave her the choice (of course, she had no idea how happy that made me). It stayed on her in the Chariot while I ran a couple evenings last week. I said yes (I think way back in Jan.) to being on a team to run the Echo Road Race the May long weeknd. I won't try to say I've been training, but I've been running a bit now. Its only 5 km. I haven't worried that I wouldn't be able to complete it, but I was worried that it would be very uncomfortable.

I am also not worried about completing another challenge. Good luck to Jenn on this little blogging challenge. I'll be stopping by here everyday for the next ... what did we say Jenn? Next 30 days?